Expert Shopify Developer Needed — Full Store Build from Scratch | Design, Dev, CRO, SEO & VA Support - Contract to Hire
JOB DESCRIPTION:
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
We are building a premium Shopify e-commerce store from the ground up and need a seasoned, highly skilled Shopify expert who can own the project end-to-end. This is not a simple template setup. We want a store that is visually stunning, technically clean, lightning-fast, conversion-optimized, and built to scale.
If you have deep hands-on Shopify experience, a sharp eye for design, and a track record of delivering results-driven stores, we want to hear from you.
WHAT WE ARE BUILDING
A fully custom Shopify store featuring a unique, eye-catching visual identity with smooth animations, polished typography, mobile-first responsive design, strong product presentation, and a cohesive brand identity from the homepage to the checkout page. The store must be fast, SEO-ready, and built around a clear conversion strategy from day one.
SCOPE OF WORK
1. Shopify Store Setup and Backend Configuration
Complete store setup from scratch on Shopify (or Shopify 2.0 / Shopify Plus if applicable)
Full Shopify settings configuration: payments, shipping zones, multi-currency, taxes, checkout
Collection structure, category architecture, and navigation menu build-out
Product tagging, variants, metafields, and metaobjects setup
Full catalog organization, clean and scalable from the start
Domain connection, email forwarding, and legal pages setup
2. Theme Design and Custom Development
Custom Shopify theme development using Liquid, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Figma to Shopify or PSD to Shopify conversion (if design files are provided)
Custom sections, templates, and blocks using Shopify 2.0 architecture
Smooth, modern animations and scroll interactions
Strong product page layouts with compelling visual hierarchy
Improved spacing, typography, and overall visual refinement
Shopify Plus theme customization and checkout modifications if applicable
3. UI/UX Design and Store Redesign
Homepage design and layout optimization
Product page and collection page design with high-converting structure
UX/UI improvements for better flow, clarity, and buyer confidence
Mobile-first responsive optimization across all pages
Visual branding consistency across header, footer, product pages, and landing pages
4. Speed Optimization and CRO
Core Web Vitals optimization (LCP, CLS, FID)
Image compression, lazy loading, script deferral, and theme code cleanup
Shopify speed audit and implementation
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) audit and improvement plan
Trust signals, urgency triggers, and social proof placement
5. SEO Setup
On-page Shopify SEO setup: meta titles, descriptions, heading structure, alt text
Technical SEO: canonical tags, URL structure, sitemap, robots.txt
Schema markup for products, collections, and reviews
SEO-ready collection and product descriptions
6. App Integrations and Automations
Klaviyo email marketing integration and flow setup
Review app setup: Yotpo or Judge.me
Subscription billing: Recharge or Bold
Page builder setup if needed: PageFly or GemPages
Shopify Flow automation setup
Additional third-party app setup and customization as needed
Shopify API integrations and custom functionality
7. Migration (If Applicable)
Clean migration from WooCommerce, Wix, Magento, BigCommerce, or Squarespace
Full product, order, and customer data migration
Zero-downtime migration strategy
8. Shopify Virtual Assistant and Ongoing Support
Product uploading with full variants, tags, and optimized descriptions
Bulk product upload via CSV
Order management and fulfillment support
Store maintenance and inventory management
Competitor research and store audit
Customer support setup (chat and email integration)
Shopify Liquid bug fixes and troubleshooting
Ongoing maintenance retainer availability after project delivery
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
Proven experience building high-converting Shopify stores from scratch
Mastery of Shopify Liquid, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Shopify 2.0
Strong portfolio with live stores you can share (we will review them)
Experience with the apps listed above (Klaviyo, Judge.me, PageFly, Yotpo, Recharge, etc.)
Clean, well-commented, and scalable code
Sharp eye for modern e-commerce design: layout, spacing, type, and motion
Solid understanding of SEO and speed optimization best practices
Clear, professional communication with regular progress updates
Ability to meet deadlines without needing to be chased
Availability to answer questions and make adjustments post-launch
SKILLS REQUIRED
Shopify, Shopify 2.0, Shopify Plus, Shopify Liquid, Shopify Theme Development, Custom Shopify Sections, Figma to Shopify, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Shopify SEO, Klaviyo, PageFly, GemPages, Judge.me, Yotpo, Recharge, Shopify API, Shopify Speed Optimization, CRO, UI/UX Design, E-commerce Design, Shopify Migration, Shopify VA
EXPERIENCE LEVEL REQUIRED
Expert. We are not looking for someone learning on the job. We expect you to have delivered multiple full Shopify store builds at a professional level. Top-Rated or Top-Rated Plus on Upwork is a strong advantage.
PROJECT TYPE
Fixed Price or Hourly (we are open to both based on your proposal structure). Long-term relationship possible for the right candidate as we plan continued development, maintenance, and future store builds.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, your proposal must include the following:
Links to 2 to 3 live Shopify stores you have built or significantly redesigned (portfolio is mandatory)
A brief description of your typical workflow when building a Shopify store from scratch
The apps from our list above that you have hands-on experience with
Your estimated timeline for completing the full scope described above
Your rate (hourly or fixed project quote)
Answer this question so we know you read the brief: What is your preferred Shopify theme to start a build from scratch and why?
Proposals that do not include the above will not be reviewed.
BUDGET RANGE
Open to competitive rates based on experience, portfolio quality, and proposed timeline. We value results over the lowest price. Performance bonuses are available for exceptional delivery.
A NOTE ON WORKING TOGETHER
We run a growing e-commerce operation and take our Shopify presence seriously. We need someone who communicates proactively, delivers on time, and takes pride in their work. If you are someone who builds stores you are proud to put your name on, we will work well together. We are looking for a long-term partner, not just a one-time hire.
We look forward to reviewing your proposal.
SKILLS TO TAG IN THE JOB POST (Upwork skill tags):
Shopify, Shopify Templates, Shopify Theme Customization, Liquid, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX Design, Shopify SEO, Ecommerce Website Development, Shopify Apps, Page Speed Optimization, CRO, Klaviyo, Web Design
Suggested Project Category on Upwork:
Web, Mobile & Software Development Ecommerce Development Shopify
Project Duration: 1 to 3 months (with ongoing support option)
Freelancer Location Preference: Worldwide
Hours per Week (if hourly): 20 to 40 hours
That is the full posting. A few tips for when you publish it:
Set budget visibility to a realistic range depending on scope depth, so serious experts apply rather than beginners chasing any posting.
Use invite only or open depending on volume preferences. If you want highly targeted applicants fast, invite Top-Rated Shopify experts directly after posting.
The screening question what theme do you prefer and why is a built-in filter that automatically weeds out copy-paste proposals from low-effort applicants.
Apply Now
Apply Now
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
We are building a premium Shopify e-commerce store from the ground up and need a seasoned, highly skilled Shopify expert who can own the project end-to-end. This is not a simple template setup. We want a store that is visually stunning, technically clean, lightning-fast, conversion-optimized, and built to scale.
If you have deep hands-on Shopify experience, a sharp eye for design, and a track record of delivering results-driven stores, we want to hear from you.
WHAT WE ARE BUILDING
A fully custom Shopify store featuring a unique, eye-catching visual identity with smooth animations, polished typography, mobile-first responsive design, strong product presentation, and a cohesive brand identity from the homepage to the checkout page. The store must be fast, SEO-ready, and built around a clear conversion strategy from day one.
SCOPE OF WORK
1. Shopify Store Setup and Backend Configuration
Complete store setup from scratch on Shopify (or Shopify 2.0 / Shopify Plus if applicable)
Full Shopify settings configuration: payments, shipping zones, multi-currency, taxes, checkout
Collection structure, category architecture, and navigation menu build-out
Product tagging, variants, metafields, and metaobjects setup
Full catalog organization, clean and scalable from the start
Domain connection, email forwarding, and legal pages setup
2. Theme Design and Custom Development
Custom Shopify theme development using Liquid, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Figma to Shopify or PSD to Shopify conversion (if design files are provided)
Custom sections, templates, and blocks using Shopify 2.0 architecture
Smooth, modern animations and scroll interactions
Strong product page layouts with compelling visual hierarchy
Improved spacing, typography, and overall visual refinement
Shopify Plus theme customization and checkout modifications if applicable
3. UI/UX Design and Store Redesign
Homepage design and layout optimization
Product page and collection page design with high-converting structure
UX/UI improvements for better flow, clarity, and buyer confidence
Mobile-first responsive optimization across all pages
Visual branding consistency across header, footer, product pages, and landing pages
4. Speed Optimization and CRO
Core Web Vitals optimization (LCP, CLS, FID)
Image compression, lazy loading, script deferral, and theme code cleanup
Shopify speed audit and implementation
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) audit and improvement plan
Trust signals, urgency triggers, and social proof placement
5. SEO Setup
On-page Shopify SEO setup: meta titles, descriptions, heading structure, alt text
Technical SEO: canonical tags, URL structure, sitemap, robots.txt
Schema markup for products, collections, and reviews
SEO-ready collection and product descriptions
6. App Integrations and Automations
Klaviyo email marketing integration and flow setup
Review app setup: Yotpo or Judge.me
Subscription billing: Recharge or Bold
Page builder setup if needed: PageFly or GemPages
Shopify Flow automation setup
Additional third-party app setup and customization as needed
Shopify API integrations and custom functionality
7. Migration (If Applicable)
Clean migration from WooCommerce, Wix, Magento, BigCommerce, or Squarespace
Full product, order, and customer data migration
Zero-downtime migration strategy
8. Shopify Virtual Assistant and Ongoing Support
Product uploading with full variants, tags, and optimized descriptions
Bulk product upload via CSV
Order management and fulfillment support
Store maintenance and inventory management
Competitor research and store audit
Customer support setup (chat and email integration)
Shopify Liquid bug fixes and troubleshooting
Ongoing maintenance retainer availability after project delivery
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
Proven experience building high-converting Shopify stores from scratch
Mastery of Shopify Liquid, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Shopify 2.0
Strong portfolio with live stores you can share (we will review them)
Experience with the apps listed above (Klaviyo, Judge.me, PageFly, Yotpo, Recharge, etc.)
Clean, well-commented, and scalable code
Sharp eye for modern e-commerce design: layout, spacing, type, and motion
Solid understanding of SEO and speed optimization best practices
Clear, professional communication with regular progress updates
Ability to meet deadlines without needing to be chased
Availability to answer questions and make adjustments post-launch
SKILLS REQUIRED
Shopify, Shopify 2.0, Shopify Plus, Shopify Liquid, Shopify Theme Development, Custom Shopify Sections, Figma to Shopify, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Shopify SEO, Klaviyo, PageFly, GemPages, Judge.me, Yotpo, Recharge, Shopify API, Shopify Speed Optimization, CRO, UI/UX Design, E-commerce Design, Shopify Migration, Shopify VA
EXPERIENCE LEVEL REQUIRED
Expert. We are not looking for someone learning on the job. We expect you to have delivered multiple full Shopify store builds at a professional level. Top-Rated or Top-Rated Plus on Upwork is a strong advantage.
PROJECT TYPE
Fixed Price or Hourly (we are open to both based on your proposal structure). Long-term relationship possible for the right candidate as we plan continued development, maintenance, and future store builds.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, your proposal must include the following:
Links to 2 to 3 live Shopify stores you have built or significantly redesigned (portfolio is mandatory)
A brief description of your typical workflow when building a Shopify store from scratch
The apps from our list above that you have hands-on experience with
Your estimated timeline for completing the full scope described above
Your rate (hourly or fixed project quote)
Answer this question so we know you read the brief: What is your preferred Shopify theme to start a build from scratch and why?
Proposals that do not include the above will not be reviewed.
BUDGET RANGE
Open to competitive rates based on experience, portfolio quality, and proposed timeline. We value results over the lowest price. Performance bonuses are available for exceptional delivery.
A NOTE ON WORKING TOGETHER
We run a growing e-commerce operation and take our Shopify presence seriously. We need someone who communicates proactively, delivers on time, and takes pride in their work. If you are someone who builds stores you are proud to put your name on, we will work well together. We are looking for a long-term partner, not just a one-time hire.
We look forward to reviewing your proposal.
SKILLS TO TAG IN THE JOB POST (Upwork skill tags):
Shopify, Shopify Templates, Shopify Theme Customization, Liquid, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX Design, Shopify SEO, Ecommerce Website Development, Shopify Apps, Page Speed Optimization, CRO, Klaviyo, Web Design
Suggested Project Category on Upwork:
Web, Mobile & Software Development Ecommerce Development Shopify
Project Duration: 1 to 3 months (with ongoing support option)
Freelancer Location Preference: Worldwide
Hours per Week (if hourly): 20 to 40 hours
That is the full posting. A few tips for when you publish it:
Set budget visibility to a realistic range depending on scope depth, so serious experts apply rather than beginners chasing any posting.
Use invite only or open depending on volume preferences. If you want highly targeted applicants fast, invite Top-Rated Shopify experts directly after posting.
The screening question what theme do you prefer and why is a built-in filter that automatically weeds out copy-paste proposals from low-effort applicants.
Apply Now
Apply Now