Launch milestones

The Shopify Plus launch journey

Here is a visual representation of a Shopify Plus launch journey to help you plan your project from start to go-live.

Planning

  • Introduction

    • Introduction to the Launch team
    • Introduction to resources to support you

  • Find help

    • Book an initial consultation with the Launch team
    • Take Onboarding Course on Plus Academy
    • Browse Launch guides on Plus Launch Hub

  • Discovery

    • Review unique business needs you have, data to migrate, store design, and integrations requirements
    • Establish desired go-live date

  • Find help

    • Refer back to Plus Academy and Browse Launch Guides on Plus Launch Hub
    • Discuss requirements with the Launch team

Implementation

  • Migration

    • Create a timeline for migration
    • Begin migration of data
    • Troubleshoot migration

  • Find help

    • Refer back to Migration guide
    • Contact Plus Specialist Support for help

  • Store design

    • Create a timeline for store design
    • Choose or build a theme
    • Implement unique requirements

  • Find help

    • Refer to Store design guide
    • Leverage Shopify Help Center and Shopify.dev

  • Apps/ integrations

    • Create a timeline for integrations
    • Install third-party apps and connectors
    • Develop custom integrations

  • Find help

    • Refer to Apps and integrations guide
    • Leverage Shopify.dev
    • Post in Shopify Community forums
    • Enlist a third-party agency

  • Payments

    • Evaluate Shopify Payments eligibility
    • Evaluate third-party payment solutions if Shopify Payments is not available
    • Decide on and set up payment provider

  • Find help

    • Refer to Payments guide
    • Contact Plus Specialist Support for help

  • Settings

    • Set up shipping
    • Set up taxes
    • Customize notifications
    • Set up store settings

  • Find help

    • Consult accountant and/or tax specialist
    • Refer to Store settings launch guide
    • Contact Plus Specialist Support for help

Testing

  • Staff training

    • Create staff accounts
    • Establish staff training needs

  • Find help

    • Visit Plus Academy
    • Leverage Shopify Help Center

  • Integration tests

    • Complete test orders
    • Verify fulfillment process
    • Verify ERP sync

  • Find Help

    • Refer to Launch checklist
    • Leverage Shopify.dev

  • User test scenarios

    • Verify refunds and exchanges
    • Confirm customer notifications
    • Validate discount and gift cards
    • Review front-end experience

  • Find help

    • Refer to Launch checklist
    • Contact Plus Specialist Support for help

  • Revisions

    • Fix bugs and errors
    • Reconsider launch date

Launch

  • Go-live

    • Create 301 redirects
    • Remove storefront password
    • Setup or associate a domain

  • Find help

    • Contact Plus Specialist Support for help

  • Post-launch

    • Delta migration
    • Submit sitemap to Google
    • Invite customers to new site

  • Find help

    • Contact Plus Specialist Support for help

  • Merchant success

    • Introduction to the Merchant Success program
    • Find your next area for growth

  • Find help

    • Browse Plus Academy for learning opportunities

Timeline

This will vary depending on the complexity of your launch project.