Shopify Back-End Admin Setup Guide for New or Migrated Sho
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Back End Admin Setup Guide for New or Migrated Shopify Sites
This guide outlines the essential steps for configuring the back end of any Shopify website, whether launching a new site or taking over an existing one. Follow each section to ensure a thorough, error-free setup.
1. General Settings
Store Details: Confirm the store name, store email, phone number, and billing address are correct.
Currency and Measurement: Set currency to USD, measurement to Imperial (weight in pounds).
Time Zone: Usually set to Eastern Time, or match the client’s preference.
Other Settings: No other changes needed on this page after these fields.
2. Plan Configuration
Initial Setup: Use the development plan during build-out. This is free and allows full configuration but cannot go live.
Post-Launch: Once live, move necessary staff from staff accounts to collaborator accounts to avoid using up client’s staff seats.
Ownership Transfer: Prepare for ownership handover to the client after build completion.
3. Billing
Payment Method: Add the client’s credit card. If unable, contact the project manager or client for card entry assistance.
4. Users and Permissions
Review Staff Accounts: Ensure only client staff and your service’s collaborator account are listed.
Add Collaborators If Needed: If your service is not present, initiate an access request via Partners.
5. Payments Setup
Account Setup: Complete the payout account setup with the owner's details (SSN, birthdate, ID, etc.). Use your internal client onboarding form to gather this info.
Additional Methods: Add requested payment methods such as PayPal.
Key Options:
Payment capture: Set to Automatic (unless specified).
No custom/manual payment methods unless requested.
Gift cards: Set to never expire unless otherwise directed.
Accuracy: Double-check all payout and bank info for typos.
6. Checkout Settings
Form Requirements:
Checkout via email.
Enable shop tracking link.
Do not require customer login.
Require first and last name.
Company and Address Line 2: Optional.
Require phone number for shipping address.
Marketing Opt-In: Enable opt-in checkboxes (all regions recommended).
Abandoned Cart: If not using a marketing app (e.g., Klaviyo), set up Shopify’s abandoned cart emails to send promptly and automatically.
Cart & Customer Accounts:
Enable "Add to Cart" limit only if client requests.
Move to new customer accounts, enable login links, and ensure accounts are set up.
Branding:
Upload the client’s logo and set color palette to match their branding.
Brand the checkout experience for a custom look—update colors for buttons and backgrounds to match the client’s brand.
7. Apps & Extensions
Enable Essential Apps: Check that reviews, referrals, and other essential Shopify app extensions are enabled.
Referral Widgets: Ensure these are added to order status and thank you pages.
Color Matching: Always synchronize widget/button colors with the brand’s main color.
8. Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Zones & Rates: Confirm the US (and any required zones) are present and rates are set for each store/location.
Locations: Make sure all physical and virtual warehouse locations are set up and assigned correctly.
Split Shipping: Enable to show separate shipments when items ship from different locations.
Delivery Estimates: Use automated delivery times or manual if needed.
Shop Promise: Apply when the store is eligible post-launch.
Fulfillment Prioritization: Set rules (e.g., prioritize in-store over dropship).
Local Pickup/Delivery: Enable pickup in store for retailers with a physical location.
No Further Fulfillment Setup: No need for packages or custom fulfillment unless needed.
9. Taxes & Duties
Jurisdictions: Add US (and any countries where tax is collected).
Region Setup: List all states with a physical presence and input their state tax IDs.
Shipping & Product Overrides: Confirm with the client (and document) their tax handling preferences, especially for shipping taxes.
Legal Caution: Only set up taxes according to best practices or explicit client instructions.
10. Locations
Verify All Locations: Both physical and virtual warehouses should be listed.
Default Store: Ensure the main location is the default.
11. Domains
Domain Connection: Set this up when ready; avoid connecting prematurely if migrating from a live site elsewhere.
Email Verification: Advise the client to verify any domain-related emails.
Domain Authentication: Complete DNS records (e.g., DKIM) for email authentication.
12. Channels & Integrations
Connect Apps & Channels: Make sure Google, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram connect properly.
Email Verification: Remind the client to confirm receipt and verification of platform emails.
13. Customer Notifications
Customize Templates: Add the brand logo and accent color to outgoing email notification templates.
Staff Notifications: Add all relevant recipient emails for order alerts.
14. Metafields
Optional: Add metafields if required per project or product needs.
15. Languages
Add Spanish: For US stores in southern states, enable Spanish via Shopify’s Translate & Adapt app.
Enable Auto-Translate: Translate all content and verify front-end language switch option is active.
16. Customer Privacy
Privacy Policy: Automate where possible.
Cookie Banner: Only enable for European shoppers; disable for US-only stores.
SMS & Marketing: Enable SMS collection, and turn off double opt-in for marketing where appropriate.
17. Policies
Return Policy: Set return rules matching client’s needs (window, fee, non-returnable items). Collect in writing and upload.
Refund Policy: Copy from previous or similar store, update as needed, and get client approval.
Terms of Service & Shipping Policy: Use templates or generate based on actual settings—copy, update, and upload.
Contact Info: Ensure the correct business contact is shown—remove setup placeholder addresses.
18. Store Channels & Product Collections
Shop Channel: Configure after activating Shop Pay.
Branding & Homepage: Logo and branding updates for all landing pages.
Product Collections: Review for capitalization/duplication. Remove unused or restricted collections.
Product Categorization: Assign categories to all products; required for accurate tax calculation.
Vendor Verification: Check that all vendors are correctly imported; escalate if syncing fails.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure a professional, well-branded, and operationally compliant Shopify back end suitable for any new client or migration.
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