Launch your Shopify store the right way — from domain setup to Facebook Pixel & Ads. Here’s your ultimate store launch checklist.

If you’re launching an e-commerce brand, this Shopify store launch checklist is your blueprint for success. In one guide you’ll get every technical setup, SEO best practice, and Facebook Ads configuration required to launch a professional Shopify store and start driving profitable traffic. Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes, ensure flawless tracking, and get your first sales fast.

Quick At-a-Glance Checklist (copyable)

Use this short checklist as a launch day cheat sheet. Below it you’ll find detailed steps, copy templates, image specs, tracking code, and optimization tips.

Full Step-by-Step Shopify Store Launch Checklist

1. Buy domain & choose brand-safe URL

• Choose a memorable domain (prefer .com or country TLD like .in for India).

• Enable WHOIS privacy and set up email forwarding (info@yourdomain.com).

• Configure DNS (A/CNAME) and enable Shopify SSL.

2. Create Shopify account & plan

• Start with a trial; once QA is complete, choose the plan matching your monthly revenue projection.

• Set store currency, timezone, and staff accounts (with 2FA).

3. Add payment gateways & financials

• Enable Shopify Payments, Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay (India), or local options (UPI).

• Add payout/billing details; run one test transaction.

4. Build essential pages (SEO-ready)

• Home, Shop, Collections, Product, About, Contact, Blog, FAQ, Shipping, Returns, Privacy.

• Add meta titles & meta descriptions for each page using target keywords (example: Premium Leather Wallets | Brand — Free Shipping).

5. Theme, UX & mobile optimization

• Pick a fast, mobile-first theme.

• Remove unused apps & scripts; compress images (WebP recommended).

• Set site structure: clear header, footer with policy links, persistent search.

6. Product setup (conversion & SEO)

• High-resolution images (800–2000 px), use WebP where possible.

• SEO title: Include primary keyword + brand (e.g., Tan Leather Wallet — Brand Name).

• Write benefits-focused descriptions with bullets, specs, and FAQs.

• Add SKUs, weight (for shipping), stock, and variants.

7. Shipping, taxes & legal

• Configure shipping zones and methods (flat rate, free threshold, carrier-calculated).

• Add tax rules per jurisdiction; enable digital invoice emails.

8. Store analytics & security

• Install Google Analytics 4 + link to Google Search Console.

• Add Meta Pixel and verify events. Use server-side CAPI for reliability.

• Enable SSL and enforce HTTPS. Use 2FA for store admin.

9. Pre-launch QA

• Test checkout flow on desktop & mobile.

• Test payment methods, tax, shipping, and confirmation emails.

• Test abandoned cart recovery and order fulfilment (label printing).

Facebook Ads & Catalog Setup (so your first campaign converts)

1. Facebook Business Manager & Page

• Create Business Manager, verify domain, assign admins.

• Create a Facebook Page and connect it to Business Manager.

2. Ad account & billing

• Create ad account with correct currency & timezone. Add verified payment method.

3. Meta Pixel + Conversions API

• Install Pixel via Shopify Facebook Channel or Google Tag Manager.

• Implement CAPI (Shopify + Partner integration); ensure server events: Purchase, InitiateCheckout, AddToCart, PageView.

4. Product Catalog & Dataset

• Sync your Shopify catalog to Facebook (Products > Sell on Facebook).

• Create product sets (Featured, Bestsellers, New Arrivals) for dynamic ads.

5. Audience setup

• Create retargeting audiences: 7–30 day visitors, 14 day add-to-cart, 180 day purchasers.

• Create lookalikes from purchasers (1%/2%).

• Broad interest audiences for prospecting.

6. Campaign structure & budget

• Campaign objective: Conversions (purchase). Use CBO or manual for control.

• Start small (₹500–2,000 daily), test creatives for 7–14 days.

• KPI targets: CPA target vs. expected LTV & AOV.

7. Creative best practices

• Hook in first 3 seconds. Use lifestyle images + product closeups.

• Formats: Single image (1:1), feed vertical (4:5), stories & reels (9:16).

• Ad copy formula: Hook — Benefit — Offer — CTA (Shop Now). Include price or discount for clarity.

Ready-to-use Ad Copy Examples

Primary text (short):
“Handcrafted leather wallets — built to last. Get 10% off your first purchase. Shop now.”

Headline:
“Premium Leather Wallets — 10% Off”

URL (with UTM):
https://yourstore.com/product/tan-wallet?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=launch_july

SEO & On-Page Optimization (critical for organic traffic)

• Use this target phrase on page: Shopify store launch checklist (in H1, intro, 3–6x in body naturally).

• Add structured data (Article + FAQ schema). I’ve included JSON-LD below.

• Optimize images with alt text that includes long-tail keywords (e.g., Shopify store launch checklist — theme setup screenshot).

• Internal linking: link to /services, /about, /contact, and relevant blog posts (SEO basics, product photography).

Content Upgrade (Lead Magnet to drive signups)

Free downloadable PDF: Shopify-Launch-Checklist-Juxta360.pdf — include an email capture modal.
Copy for CTA: “Get the printable Shopify Store Launch Checklist (PDF) — free download.”

Social & Promotion Snippets (copy/paste ready)

LinkedIn Post:
“Launching a Shopify store? Don’t miss our complete Shopify store launch checklist — everything from domain to Facebook Ads & Pixel. Launch faster, sell sooner. [link] #Shopify #ecommerce #Juxta360”

Twitter/X:
“Shopify launch made simple 🚀 Free checklist + Facebook Ads guide → [link] #ecommerce #Shopify”

Instagram Caption:
“Launching a store? We made the ultimate Shopify launch checklist — checkout, SEO, pixel, ads & more. Link in bio. #shopify #ecommerce #smallbusiness”

Technical & CRO Recommendations (must-do)

1. Speed: Use WebP, compress images, enable lazy-load, and use CDN. Aim <2.5s LCP.

2. Mobile: Prioritize mobile UX; 70–80% traffic likely mobile.

3. Canonicalization & Robots: Set canonical tags, submit sitemap.xml to Search Console.

4. Accessibility: Alt text, keyboard navigation, color contrast >=4.5:1.

5. Tracking: GA4 + Meta Pixel + Server-side CAPI + UTM scheme.

6. Security: HTTPS and admin 2FA.

Promotion & Backlink Strategy (30/60/90 day plan)

• Week 1: Publish blog + share on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and email blast to subscribers with PDF opt-in.

• Week 2: Outreach to 20 industry bloggers & Shopify consultants for backlinks (offer useful guest content).

• Week 3–6: Collaborate with 3 micro-influencers to try product & share launch checklist.

• Month 2–3: Run a small Content Ads campaign (LinkedIn/FB) to the blog to build early traffic & links.

KPIs to Track

• Organic traffic to blog (GA4)

• Session duration & bounce rate on blog

• PDF download conversions (email captures)

• Click-throughs to services/contact page

• Number of referring domains & backlinks

• Ad metrics: CTR, CPC, CPA, ROAS