💻 Shopify Developer SOP

Theme Customization, Speed Optimization & Conversion-Ready Builds

⚡ 85+ PageSpeed 📱 Mobile-First 🎨 Pixel-Perfect 🔧 Clean Code
📖

Why Your Code Quality Matters

The Store That Lost $50,000/Day

A client came to us after their "cheap" developer delivered a store. It looked okay on the surface. But hidden underneath:

  • PageSpeed: 23 (should be 85+)
  • 4+ seconds load time on mobile
  • Checkout had JavaScript errors
  • 10% of add-to-cart clicks didn't work

Result? For every 100 visitors, only 1 completed a purchase. Industry average is 2-3. They were losing $50,000+ per day in potential sales because of bad code.

We rebuilt the store. PageSpeed hit 92. Conversion rate tripled.

🎯 The Lesson: Your code doesn't just need to "work." It needs to SELL. A 1-second delay in load time = 7% loss in conversions. Your job isn't just development — it's revenue generation through technical excellence.

🚨 NON-NEGOTIABLE CODE STANDARDS

1. NEVER WORK ON LIVE THEME

Always duplicate theme or work on development store. One mistake = client's live store broken.

2. MOBILE-FIRST ALWAYS

70% of ecommerce traffic is mobile. Build for 375px width FIRST, then scale up to desktop.

3. SPEED IS NOT OPTIONAL

Mobile PageSpeed target: 85+. Every decision — image size, app choice, custom code — must consider speed.

4. TEST EVERYTHING

Before marking any task complete: Test on mobile, test on desktop, test checkout flow, check console errors.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Shopify Store Build Rules

🚨 CURRENCY CHECK - FIRST STEP

NEVER keep currency as INR for US/international clients!

  • Verify currency setting IMMEDIATELY after store creation
  • Change to USD (or client's target currency)
  • Double-check currency on checkout page during QA

📋 Mandatory Store Elements Checklist

  • Minimum 3 trending products per practice store
  • ALL policy pages must have content: Privacy, Shipping, Refund, Terms
  • Live chat integration mandatory (Shopify Inbox or equivalent)
  • Track Order page - must be functional
  • About Us page - with real content, not placeholder
  • Contact page - with functional form
  • SEO completed for ALL pages and products

📱 Required App Integrations

Google app Install and configure
TikTok app Install and configure
Facebook app Install and configure
Order tracking app Functional and tested

⏱️ Time Standards

Practice store: Maximum 2 hours per store

Client store speed: 1 complete store + homepage of 2nd store = 1 day

Remember: Shopify is 2x easier than WordPress - speed should reflect this!

🔍 SELF QA PROTOCOL - MANDATORY

Review EVERY element 3-5 times before submission — this is MANDATORY, not optional

Pre-Submission Checklist:

  • Desktop view check: All pages, all links, all buttons
  • Mobile responsiveness: Every section, every page
  • Click EVERY link on the site - document any broken links
  • Test complete flow: Add to Cart → Checkout
  • Verify ALL images display correctly (no broken images)
  • Spelling/grammar check on ALL text content
  • Page speed test - must meet 85+ benchmark

⚠️ NEVER ask client to check store until 100% complete and self-verified

⚠️ If clients point out preventable mistakes — you are personally responsible

Quality Standards & Ownership

🎯 Creative Ownership Principle

Each team member is 100% responsible for their assigned work quality.

  • Responsibility includes: Colors, designs, logos, product formatting, overall aesthetic
  • Standard is to OVERDELIVER - not just meet expectations
  • This is what separates Digital Heroes from average agencies

⚠️ Zero Tolerance Policy

After 15 days of onboarding: ONE careless mistake = Potential removal

  • No space for making preventable mistakes in live projects
  • Mistakes that client points out = Personal responsibility
  • Check 10 times before giving to client - each line, each design element

👥 Peer Review Process

  • Get projects checked by each other before sending to client
  • Fresh eyes catch issues original developer might miss
  • Peer review is teamwork - not criticism
🚀

Quality & Delivery Best Practices

1️⃣ The Fresh Eyes Rule 👀

After finishing work, wait 2 hours before reviewing.

Your eyes see what they expect. Fresh eyes see what's there.

2️⃣ The Client Perspective Check 🤔

Before submitting, ask yourself:

"Would I be happy if I paid for this?"

3️⃣ The 5-Minute Audit ⏱️

After every delivery, spend 5 minutes finding issues you might have missed:

  • Check on mobile
  • Check in incognito mode
  • Check in different browser

4️⃣ Show, Don't Tell 📸

Never say "it's done." Show proof:

  • Screenshot
  • Loom recording
  • Live preview link

5️⃣ The Walkthrough Video 🎥

For every major delivery, record a 2-minute Loom explaining what was built.

Reduces back-and-forth by 80%

6️⃣ Version Control 📁

Never overwrite. Always save versions: v1, v2, v3, etc.

Especially for theme files — keep a backup!

7️⃣ The "Works for Me" Fallacy ⚠️

"It works on my machine" is NOT acceptable.

If it doesn't work for the client, it's broken. Period.

8️⃣ The Testing Trifecta ✅

Test every feature 3 ways:

  1. Happy path — as intended
  2. Error path — with wrong inputs
  3. Edge cases — extreme scenarios

9️⃣ The Rollback Plan 🔙

Before any major change, know how to undo it in 5 minutes.

Always have an escape route.

🎥

Video Training Library

📺 Complete Shopify Training (20 Videos)

Watch these tutorials to master Shopify development. Each video covers essential skills that will be evaluated during certification.

📚 Getting Started (Videos 1-2)
1. Shopify Tutorial for Beginners 2026

Complete guide for building a Shopify store from scratch.

2. Shopify Tutorial 2025 (Full Setup)

Step-by-step store setup including navigation, theme, pages.

🎨 Theme Customization (Videos 3-5)
3. Theme Customization (Sections & Blocks)

Use Shopify's visual editor, blocks, and sections.

4. Create & Edit Shopify Pages

Create key store pages (About, Contact, FAQ).

5. About Us & FAQ Page Tutorial

Build compelling About Us and FAQ pages.

🔍 SEO & Optimization (Videos 6-7)
6. SEO – Preferences & Meta Setup

Homepage title, meta description, and SEO basics.

7. SEO Optimization for Beginners

Practical SEO strategy — site structure, keywords.

📦 Product Management (Videos 8-10)
8. How to Add Products

Create product listings, set prices, inventory, variants.

9. Product Page Customization

Organize and customize product templates.

10. Variants & Inventory

Product variants, SKU logic, and stock tracking.

🧭 Navigation & Structure (Videos 11-12)
11. Navigation, Policies & Pages

Site structure: main menus, footer links, policies.

12. Drop-Down Menu Setup

Create drop-down navigation for categories.

💳 Shipping & Payments (Videos 13-15)
13. Payments & Shipping Setup

Configure payment providers and shipping basics.

14. Shipping Profiles Explained

Shipping profiles, rates, and zone configuration.

15. Shipping Rates & Portfolios

Setting shipping rates and custom profiles.

🌍 International Markets (Videos 16-18)
16. Shopify Markets Explained

Activate and manage Markets for international selling.

17. How to Sell Internationally

Step-by-step Markets setup with multi-currency.

18. Multi-Currency Checkout

Set up multi-currency pricing and checkout.

🔌 Apps & Integrations (Videos 19-20)
19. 17TRACK Order Tracking

Set up real-time order tracking and notifications.

20. Klaviyo Email Marketing

End-to-end Klaviyo integration for email automation.

🎓 Complete the Full Training Program

For a structured learning experience with quizzes and implementation tasks, visit the Developer Training Program.

0

Getting Store Access (First Step for ANY Project)

⚠️ NEVER Start Work Without Proper Access

Before you touch ANY code or settings, you MUST have proper collaborator access to the client's Shopify store. Working without official access = security risk and potential account issues.

📋 Step-by-Step: Getting Collaborator Access

STEP 1: Request Collaborator Code from Client

Send this message to the client (via PM or directly):

"To get started, I'll need access to your Shopify store. Here's how:
1. Log into your Shopify admin
2. Go to Settings → Users and permissions
3. Scroll to 'Collaborators' section
4. You'll see a 4-digit collaborator request code
5. Please share that code with me

This is the secure way to grant access without sharing passwords."


STEP 2: Request Access Using the Code

1. Go to accounts.shopify.com/store-login
2. Enter the client's store URL (mystore.myshopify.com)
3. Click "Log in with collaborator request"
4. Enter the 4-digit code the client provided
5. Fill in your collaborator request details
6. Select permissions needed (usually "Full access")
7. Submit the request

STEP 3: Client Approves Your Request

Send this to client:
"I've submitted my access request. Please check your Shopify admin:
Settings → Users and permissions → Collaborators
You should see my request - please click 'Approve'."


STEP 4: Verify Your Access

Once approved:
- Log into the store
- Check you can access: Theme editor, Settings, Products, Apps
- If anything is restricted, ask client for additional permissions

🔐 Access Permission Levels

Project Type Permissions Needed Why
Full Store Build Full access (all permissions) Need to configure everything
Theme Customization Themes, Online Store Only need design access
Product Upload Products, Collections Manage catalog only
App Integration Apps, Settings Install and configure apps
Speed Optimization Themes, Apps, Settings Need to modify code and apps

❌ Common Access Problems & Solutions

  • "I can't find the collaborator code" → The client needs to be on Shopify's paid plan. Trial stores don't have this feature.
  • "Client wants to share login instead" → Politely decline. Explain collaborator access is more secure and trackable.
  • "Access request not showing for client" → Make sure you used the correct store URL (.myshopify.com, not custom domain).
  • "Some areas are restricted" → Ask client to edit your collaborator permissions in Settings → Users.
  • "Client is on Shopify Lite" → Lite plans have limited access. May need to work differently or upgrade.

✅ Before Starting ANY Work, Confirm:

  • You have collaborator access (not shared login)
  • You can access the theme editor
  • You can see the Apps section
  • You have access to Settings
  • You've DUPLICATED the current theme as backup
1

Theme Selection & Initial Setup

Recommended Themes

Theme Price Best For Speed Score
Dawn Free Minimalist brands, fast loading 90+
Prestige $350 Luxury, high-end products 85-90
Impulse $350 Versatile, many sections 80-85
Symmetry $340 Fashion, grid layouts 85-90

Theme Setup Checklist

/* STEP 1: Install Theme */
- Go to Online Store → Themes
- Add theme (from library or upload)
- IMPORTANT: Click "Duplicate" before customizing

/* STEP 2: Theme Settings (Before Sections) */
- Colors: Set primary, secondary, background, text
- Typography: Heading font + Body font (max 2 families)
- Buttons: Style, radius, hover states
- Layout: Container width, spacing

/* STEP 3: Logo & Favicon */
- Logo: PNG with transparency, 200-400px wide
- Favicon: 32x32 or 64x64 PNG
- Check header on mobile — logo should be visible

The Developer Who Worked on Live Theme

A junior developer was making "quick changes" directly on a client's live theme. No backup. They accidentally deleted the header section file.

Result: Client's store showed no navigation for 45 minutes during peak traffic hours. Panic calls. Lost sales. Angry client.

🎯 The Lesson: ALWAYS duplicate theme before changes. Those 30 seconds to duplicate can save hours of disaster recovery.
2

Homepage Section Structure

🏆 The Perfect Homepage Flow

Every section should have a PURPOSE. No section exists just to look pretty — it either builds trust, showcases products, or drives action.

Essential Homepage Sections (In Order)

# Section Purpose Key Elements
1 Announcement Bar Highlight key offer "Free shipping over $50" | Sale message | Trust statement
2 Header Navigation & branding Logo + Menu: Home, Catalog, Collections, About Us, Contact Us, FAQ, Track Your Order + search, cart icon
3 Hero Banner First impression Headline (7 words max), subtext, CTA button, lifestyle image
4 Trust Bar Build confidence Free shipping | Easy returns | Secure payment | Money-back guarantee
5 Featured Products Show best sellers 4-8 products, "Best Sellers" or "New Arrivals"
6 Value Props Why buy from us 3-4 icons with benefits (Quality, Fast Shipping, etc.)
7 Collection Grid Category navigation Shop by category with images
8 Testimonials Social proof 3-6 reviews with photos if possible
9 About/Story Brand connection Short brand story, founder image optional
10 FAQ Answer objections 5-8 common questions
11 Newsletter Capture emails Email input, incentive (10% off)
12 Footer Links & trust Navigation, policies, contact, social, payment icons

Hero Section Code Example

<!-- Hero Section Best Practices -->

<section class="hero">
  <div class="hero-content">
    <h1>Premium Skincare for Glowing Skin</h1>
    <!-- Headline: 7 words max, benefit-focused -->

    <p>Dermatologist-formulated. Cruelty-free. Results in 14 days.</p>
    <!-- Subtext: Address objections, promise result -->

    <a href="/collections/all" class="btn-primary">
      Shop Now
    </a>
    <!-- CTA: Action-oriented, high contrast -->
  </div>
</section>
3

Product Page Optimization

🚨 This Is Where Sales Happen

A beautiful homepage means nothing if the product page doesn't convert. 90% of your conversion optimization effort should be here.

Above the Fold (Must Be Visible Without Scrolling)

📸 Product Images

  • 3-5 high-quality images minimum
  • First image = "hero" shot
  • Include lifestyle/in-use shots
  • Zoom functionality works
  • Images change on variant select

💰 Price & Variants

  • Price clearly visible
  • Compare-at price for sales
  • Variant selectors (size, color)
  • Price updates with variant
  • Quantity selector

🛒 Add to Cart Area

  • ATC button is prominent
  • Buy Now option (optional)
  • Trust badges below button
  • Sticky ATC on mobile

✅ Trust Elements

  • Free shipping badge
  • Return policy snippet
  • Secure payment icons
  • Delivery estimate

Below the Fold (Detailed Breakdown)

📝 Product Description

Benefits FIRST, Features SECOND

  • Lead with what the product DOES for them
  • "Get glowing skin in 14 days" not "Contains Vitamin C"
  • Use bullet points for scannability
  • Address common objections
  • Include ingredients/materials if relevant
  • Keep paragraphs short (2-3 lines max)

📏 Size Guide / Specifications

Reduces returns by 30%+

  • Include measurement chart with CM/inches
  • "Model is 5'10" wearing size M"
  • Product dimensions if applicable
  • Weight for shipping expectations
  • Care instructions (washable, etc.)
  • Material composition percentages

⭐ Customer Reviews

#1 conversion driver after price

  • Use Judge.me, Loox, or Stamped.io
  • Show star rating prominently
  • Include customer photos if available
  • "Verified Purchase" badges
  • Show review count ("Based on 47 reviews")
  • Filter by rating/topic

❓ Product FAQ

Answer objections before they leave

  • Is this product for me?
  • How long until I see results?
  • What's the difference between sizes/variants?
  • Can I return if it doesn't work?
  • How do I use/apply this?
  • Is it safe? Any side effects?

🛍️ Related Products

Increases AOV by 15-30%

  • "You May Also Like" section
  • Show 4-6 related products
  • Products from same collection
  • Complementary products (not competing)
  • "Complete The Look" bundles
  • "Customers Also Bought" social proof
📋

Standard Menu & Pages Structure

🎯 Every Store Must Have These Menu Items

This is the standard header navigation structure. No exceptions.

Menu Item Links To Notes
Home / Homepage
Catalog /collections/all All products on one page
Collections Dropdown menu Individual collections (e.g., Men, Women, New Arrivals)
About Us /pages/about-us Brand story, mission, team (optional)
Contact Us /pages/contact-us Contact form, email, phone, business hours
FAQ /pages/faq Shipping, returns, product questions
Track Your Order /apps/17track Use i7 Track app for order tracking

📦 Setting Up Order Tracking (17Track / i7 Track)

  1. Install "17TRACK Order Tracking" or "i7 Track" from Shopify App Store (free)
  2. Configure tracking page appearance to match brand
  3. Add menu link: /apps/17track or /pages/track-order
  4. Add tracking link to order confirmation emails
  5. Test with a real tracking number before delivery
4

Speed Optimization (85+ Target)

Target Mobile PageSpeed
85+
Every 1-second delay = 7% conversion loss

Speed Optimization Checklist

📸 Image Optimization

  • Compress before upload (TinyPNG, Squoosh)
  • Max 500KB per image
  • Use appropriate dimensions (not 4000px)
  • Let Shopify serve WebP
  • Lazy load below-fold images

📱 App Audit

  • Maximum 10-12 apps
  • Remove unused apps
  • Delete leftover app code
  • Check PageSpeed after each app install

💻 Code Optimization

  • Minimize custom CSS/JS
  • Defer non-critical scripts
  • Remove unused theme features
  • Use system fonts when possible

🔤 Font Optimization

  • Maximum 2 font families
  • Limit font weights loaded
  • Use font-display: swap
  • Preload critical fonts

Speed Testing Tools

Tool URL Use For
Google PageSpeed Insights pagespeed.web.dev Primary speed score, Core Web Vitals
GTmetrix gtmetrix.com Detailed waterfall analysis
Shopify Theme Inspector Chrome extension Liquid render times
5

Policy Pages Setup

📋 Required Policy Pages

Every Shopify store must have these pages. They're linked in checkout automatically when set up in Settings → Policies.

Policy Key Content Where to Set
Shipping Policy Processing time, shipping methods, costs, delivery estimates, international Settings → Policies → Shipping Policy
Return & Refund Return window, condition requirements, process, refund timeline, exchanges Settings → Policies → Refund Policy
Privacy Policy Data collection, usage, cookies, third-party, customer rights Settings → Policies → Privacy Policy
Terms of Service Usage terms, purchase terms, liability, governing law Settings → Policies → Terms of Service

💡 Pro Tip: Generate Policies

Shopify can auto-generate policy templates: Settings → Policies → "Create from template"

Then customize with client's specific details (shipping times, return window, etc.)

6

Checkout & Payment Setup

Payment Gateway Setup

Gateway Setup Notes
Shopify Payments Settings → Payments → Activate Shopify Payments Lowest fees, enables Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
PayPal Settings → Payments → PayPal Trust factor, widely used
Shop Pay Auto-enabled with Shopify Payments Faster checkout, improves conversion

Checkout Customization

  • Add logo to checkout (Settings → Checkout → Checkout customization)
  • Match brand colors
  • Set currency correctly (USD default)
  • Configure tax settings
  • Set up shipping zones and rates
  • Enable order notes if client needs

Test Order Process

/* TEST ORDER CHECKLIST */

1. Enable test mode (Settings → Payments → Manage → Enable test mode)
2. Add product to cart → Proceed to checkout
3. Fill shipping info → Select shipping method
4. Use test card: 4242 4242 4242 4242
5. Any future date, any 3-digit CVV
6. Complete order → Verify confirmation email
7. Check order in admin → Test refund process
8. REMEMBER: Disable test mode before launch!
📦

Essential Shopify Apps

⚠️ App Rule: Less is More

Every app you install slows down the store. Only install what's TRULY needed. 5-8 apps is healthy. 15+ apps = performance issues.

📊 Recommended Apps by Category

Category Best App Free Alternative Purpose
Reviews Judge.me ($15/mo) or Loox ($9.99/mo) Judge.me Free Product reviews with photos
Email Marketing Klaviyo Shopify Email Abandoned cart, campaigns
Upsell/Cross-sell ReConvert, Bold Upsell Shopify's built-in Increase AOV
Pop-ups Privy, OptiMonk Shopify Forms Email capture, offers
SEO SEO Manager, Plug in SEO Manual optimization Meta tags, sitemaps
Social Proof Fomo, Sales Pop Theme built-in "X just bought" notifications
Shipping ShipStation, Shippo Shopify Shipping Label printing, tracking
Returns Loop Returns, AfterShip Manual process Self-service returns portal
Subscriptions Recharge, Bold Subscriptions None (complex feature) Recurring orders
Chat/Support Gorgias, Tidio Shopify Inbox Live chat, customer support

🚫 Apps to AVOID (Speed Killers)

  • Multiple review apps → Pick ONE. Don't stack them.
  • Heavy page builders → Use theme editor instead when possible.
  • Too many pop-up apps → One pop-up app maximum.
  • Abandoned cart apps when Klaviyo exists → Duplicate functionality.
  • Apps that inject lots of JavaScript → Check PageSpeed after install.
  • Free apps with no reviews → Often inject unwanted code or malware.

📋 App Installation Checklist

Before installing ANY app:

  1. Check current PageSpeed score (note it down)
  2. Read reviews — look for complaints about speed
  3. Install app
  4. Check PageSpeed again — did it drop significantly?
  5. If score dropped more than 10 points → reconsider the app
  6. Test functionality thoroughly
  7. Document which apps are installed (for future reference)

🔧 App Removal: Clean Uninstall

/* When removing an app, don't just uninstall! */

1. Go to Apps → App you want to remove
2. Click "Delete" or "Uninstall"
3. CRITICAL: Check theme code for leftover snippets
4. Online Store → Themes → Actions → Edit code
5. Search for the app name in all files
6. Remove any leftover {% include 'app-name' %} tags
7. Check Layout/theme.liquid for injected scripts
8. Test site after cleanup

Many apps leave code behind that continues to slow your store!
7

60-Point QA Checklist

🚨 NEVER deliver without completing this checklist

Every issue caught before delivery = trust built with client. Every issue found after = trust destroyed.

🎨 Design (15 points)

  • Consistent typography
  • Brand colors applied
  • No pixelated images
  • Proper spacing/alignment
  • Mobile looks as good as desktop

⚙️ Functionality (15 points)

  • All navigation links work
  • Search works
  • Add to cart works
  • Checkout completes
  • Forms submit correctly

⚡ Performance (10 points)

  • Mobile PageSpeed 85+
  • Desktop PageSpeed 90+
  • Images optimized
  • No console errors

🔍 SEO (10 points)

  • Page titles set
  • Meta descriptions
  • Alt text on images
  • Sitemap working

📱 Mobile Testing (10 points)

  • Test on real iPhone
  • Test on real Android
  • Touch targets 44px+
  • No horizontal scroll
  • Sticky ATC works

Creating Custom Blocks & Sections

🔥 SUPERPOWER: Use Claude or ChatGPT to Create ANY Custom Section

You don't need to memorize Liquid syntax. AI can write it for you. Here's the exact process:

Step-by-Step Custom Section Creation

/* STEP 1: Prompt Claude/ChatGPT */

"I need to create a custom Shopify section for [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU NEED].
The section should be editable from the theme customizer.
Include a schema with these editable fields: [LIST FIELDS].
Use Shopify 2.0 JSON templates.
Make it responsive for mobile."

/* EXAMPLE PROMPT */
"Create a Shopify section for a 3-column features grid.
Each column should have: icon (image), heading (text), description (richtext).
Max 3 blocks. Section should have a main heading.
Include schema for customizer editing."

/* STEP 2: AI generates code like this */

Where to Paste the Code

Step Action Path
1 Go to theme editor Online Store → Themes → [Theme] → Edit Code
2 Navigate to Sections folder Sections/
3 Create new file Click "Add a new section" → name it (e.g., custom-features.liquid)
4 Paste AI code Copy from AI, paste into new file, Save
5 Add to page Customize theme → Add section → Your new section appears!

⚠️ Always Test New Sections

  • Never add custom code to live theme directly
  • Test on duplicate theme first
  • Check mobile responsiveness
  • Verify no console errors

Free Official Shopify Learning Resources

📚 Shopify's Official Free Training (MUST Complete)

🤖

Using AI for Development & Design Analysis

🔥 CRITICAL: Screenshot Analysis as 7-Figure Designer

Take a screenshot of your store and have AI analyze it like a $100K/year designer would. This is your secret weapon for catching issues before clients do.

The 7-Figure Designer Prompt

/* Copy this EXACT prompt and paste with your screenshot */

"You are a 7-figure ecommerce designer who has designed 1000+ high-converting Shopify stores.

Analyze this screenshot of my Shopify store. Be brutally honest.

Evaluate:
1. First impression (what do you notice in first 3 seconds?)
2. Visual hierarchy (is it clear what to click?)
3. Trust elements (do you trust this store?)
4. Mobile-friendliness (how will this look on phone?)
5. Conversion blockers (what would stop someone from buying?)
6. Typography and spacing (is it premium or cheap-looking?)
7. Color usage (does it work for this brand?)

Give me 5 specific improvements ranked by impact on sales."

→ Attach your screenshot and send

Developer Prompts

📚 ChatGPT/Claude Prompts for Developers

  • "Create a Shopify 2.0 section for [describe section] with schema"
  • "Debug this Liquid code: [paste code] — I'm getting [error]"
  • "Write CSS to make a sticky add-to-cart button on mobile that's always visible"
  • "Optimize this Shopify section for speed: [paste code]"
  • "Create a schema for a testimonial slider with image, name, text, and rating"
  • "How do I lazy load images below the fold in Shopify Liquid?"
  • "Write JavaScript to change product images when variant is selected"

🎯 Learning Path

  1. Master theme customizer (no code) — 1 week
  2. Learn basic CSS modifications — 1 week
  3. Understand Liquid basics (objects, tags, filters) — 2 weeks
  4. Build simple custom sections with AI help — ongoing
  5. Learn section schemas — 1 week
  6. Advanced: Custom functionality with JavaScript — 1 month+
📊

Developer KPIs

Mobile PageSpeed
85+
QA Pass Rate
95%
Bug-Free Delivery
<2 bugs
On-Time Delivery
100%
Client Satisfaction
4.9★
📈

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Guide

🎯 Your Code MUST Sell

A beautiful store that doesn't convert is a failed store. Every development decision should answer: "Will this help visitors buy?"

Average ecommerce conversion rate: 2-3%. Premium stores we build: 3.5-5%+

The 5 Psychological Conversion Triggers

🛡️ 1. TRUST

People buy from brands they trust

  • Professional design (no amateur vibes)
  • SSL certificate visible (HTTPS)
  • Payment security badges
  • Customer reviews with photos
  • Clear return/refund policy
  • Real contact information
  • "As Seen In" logos if available

⚡ 2. URGENCY

Create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

  • Limited stock indicators ("Only 3 left!")
  • Sale countdown timers
  • Limited-time offers
  • "Selling fast" badges
  • Recently purchased popup (use sparingly)
  • Shipping deadline ("Order in 2 hrs for same-day")

👥 3. SOCIAL PROOF

Show others are buying and loving it

  • Star ratings on products
  • Review count ("Based on 127 reviews")
  • Customer photos in reviews
  • UGC (User Generated Content) gallery
  • "X people viewing this"
  • Instagram feed with real customers

🎁 4. VALUE

Make the deal irresistible

  • Free shipping threshold visible
  • Bundle deals ("Buy 2 Get 1 Free")
  • Compare-at price (show savings)
  • Gift with purchase
  • First-order discount popup
  • Volume discounts visible

🚀 5. EASE

Remove ALL friction from buying

  • One-page checkout
  • Guest checkout enabled
  • Multiple payment options
  • Auto-fill addresses
  • Clear shipping costs upfront
  • Express checkout (Shop Pay, Apple Pay)

Above-The-Fold Conversion Checklist

🚨 Users decide in 3-5 seconds

If they can't understand what you sell and why they should buy — they leave. Everything important must be visible WITHOUT scrolling.

Element What It Does Implementation
Clear Value Proposition Tells visitor exactly what you sell H1 headline: "Premium [Product] for [Benefit]"
Hero Image Shows product in action High-quality lifestyle shot, not just product
Primary CTA Tells them what to do "Shop Now" button, high contrast color
Trust Bar Reduces anxiety Free shipping | Easy returns | Secure payment
Social Proof Shows others love it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Loved by 2,000+ customers"

Product Page CRO Elements

/* PRODUCT PAGE CONVERSION FORMULA */

ABOVE THE FOLD:
├── High-quality image gallery (3-5 images)
├── Product title (clear, descriptive)
├── Price (+ compare-at if on sale)
├── Star rating + review count
├── Variant selectors (size, color)
├── Add to Cart button (PROMINENT)
├── Trust badges (shipping, returns, secure)
└── Availability ("In Stock" or urgency)

BELOW THE FOLD:
├── Benefits-focused description
├── Size guide / specifications
├── Customer reviews with photos
├── Product FAQ (answer objections)
├── "You May Also Like" products
└── Recently viewed products

Mobile Conversion Optimization

📱 70% of traffic is mobile — optimize or die

  • Sticky Add to Cart: Always visible on scroll
  • Touch targets: 44x44px minimum for buttons
  • Fast loading: 3 seconds max or they leave
  • Simple navigation: Hamburger menu, search icon
  • Thumb-friendly: Important actions at bottom of screen
  • No popups: Or easy-to-dismiss ones

Common Conversion Killers (AVOID THESE)

❌ Trust Killers

  • No contact information
  • Broken links or images
  • Typos and grammar errors
  • Stock photos that look fake
  • No reviews or testimonials
  • Unclear return policy

❌ UX Killers

  • Slow page load (>3 seconds)
  • Confusing navigation
  • Hidden shipping costs
  • Forced account creation
  • Too many form fields
  • No guest checkout

CRO Testing Process

Test What to Measure Tools
Heatmaps Where users click, scroll, hover Hotjar (free tier), Microsoft Clarity (free)
Session Recording Watch real user behavior Hotjar, Microsoft Clarity, Lucky Orange
A/B Testing Compare two versions Google Optimize (free), Shopify native
Analytics Conversion funnels, drop-offs Shopify Analytics, Google Analytics

🎯 CRO Quick Wins (Do These First)

  1. Add trust badges near Add to Cart — instant 5-10% lift
  2. Show free shipping threshold — increases AOV
  3. Sticky Add to Cart on mobile — reduces friction
  4. Add customer reviews — massive trust boost
  5. Improve page speed — 1 second faster = 7% more conversions
  6. Clear product images — show product in use
🔧

Troubleshooting Common Issues

🔄 Website Performance Debugging Flowchart

📊 Decision Flow: Site is Slow

Client reports slow website

├─► Step 1: Run PageSpeed Insights
│ ├─► Score >80 → ACCEPTABLE (minor tweaks only)
│ ├─► Score 50-80 → OPTIMIZE (images, scripts)
│ └─► Score <50 → CRITICAL (major work needed)

├─► Step 2: Identify main culprit
│ ├─► LCP high? → Hero image or above-fold content issue
│ ├─► TBT high? → Too much JavaScript
│ ├─► CLS high? → Images without dimensions
│ └─► Server slow? → Hosting/caching issue

├─► Step 3: Apply fixes in order
│ ├─► 1. Compress images → TinyPNG, WebP format
│ ├─► 2. Lazy load below-fold images
│ ├─► 3. Defer non-critical JS (add defer attribute)
│ ├─► 4. Remove unused apps/scripts
│ └─► 5. Enable caching if not on

└─► Step 4: Retest after EACH change
├─► Improved? → Document what worked
└─► No change? → Try next fix in list

🛠️ Technology Decision Guide

📊 Which Platform for This Project?

If Client Needs... Recommend Why
Simple e-commerce (1-100 products) Shopify Easy management, built-in payments
Blog + basic site WordPress SEO-friendly, tons of plugins
Visual landing pages Webflow Designer-friendly, no code
Custom web app / SaaS React/Next.js Full control, scalability
E-commerce 1000+ products Shopify Plus / WooCommerce Advanced features, bulk operations
Portfolio / simple brochure HTML/CSS or Webflow Fastest load, minimal complexity

⚠️ Platform Red Flags

  • Client wants Shopify for a booking site → Recommend better tools (Calendly, Square)
  • Client wants WordPress for complex e-commerce → WooCommerce has limits, discuss
  • Client wants custom code for simple landing page → Overkill, suggest Webflow
  • Client insists on Wix/Squarespace → We don't work with those, politely decline

Speed Issues

Problem Cause Fix
PageSpeed below 50 Large images, too many apps, slow theme 1) Compress images (TinyPNG) 2) Remove unused apps 3) Check theme bloat
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) high Hero image too large or not lazy loaded 1) Compress hero to <200KB 2) Add loading="lazy" to images 3) Use WebP format
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) Images without dimensions, dynamic content 1) Add width/height to all images 2) Reserve space for dynamic elements
Render-blocking resources Too many CSS/JS files loading 1) Defer non-critical JS 2) Inline critical CSS 3) Remove unused scripts

Console Errors

Error Message Common Cause Solution
Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read property 'xxx' of undefined Script running before element exists Wrap in DOMContentLoaded or move script to bottom of page
Failed to load resource: 404 Missing file (image, JS, CSS) Check file path, upload missing file, or remove reference
Mixed Content Error HTTP content on HTTPS page Change all URLs to https:// or use protocol-relative //
CORS error External resource blocking cross-origin Use Shopify-hosted assets or proxy through your server

Common Shopify Issues

⚠️ Issue: Section Not Showing in Customizer

Cause: Schema syntax error or missing presets

Fix:

  1. Check schema JSON for syntax errors (missing commas, quotes)
  2. Ensure "presets" array exists with a name
  3. Clear browser cache and refresh customizer

⚠️ Issue: Checkout Page Not Styled

Cause: Checkout customization is limited on Shopify Basic/Standard

Fix:

  1. Use Settings → Checkout to set logo, colors
  2. Full checkout.liquid editing requires Shopify Plus
  3. Recommend apps like Checkout X for more customization

⚠️ Issue: Products Not Showing in Collection

Cause: Product not added to collection or not published

Fix:

  1. Check Products → [Product] → Organization → Collections
  2. Verify product status is Active, not Draft
  3. Check collection's smart/manual conditions

Theme-Specific Debugging

/* Quick debug: Add to any Liquid file to see what data you have */

{{ product | json }}
/* Shows all product data as JSON */

{{ collection.products | size }}
/* Shows number of products in collection */

{% if request.design_mode %}
/* Only shows in theme editor */
DEBUG: This section is loading
{% endif %}

/* Check if object exists before using */
{% if product.featured_image %}
{{ product.featured_image | image_url: width: 500 | image_tag }}
{% else %}
No image available
{% endif %}

When to Escalate

🚨 Escalate to Senior Developer If:

  • Console error you don't understand after 15 minutes of debugging
  • Client's existing store has custom app integrations
  • Need to modify checkout.liquid (Shopify Plus only)
  • Third-party API integration failing
  • PageSpeed won't go above 50 despite optimizations
  • Payment gateway issues
🤖

ChatGPT Prompts for Developers

💡 Use AI to Speed Up Development

Use these prompts to debug issues, write code faster, and improve your Shopify development workflow.

Debugging & Problem Solving

🤖 Prompt: Debug Shopify/Liquid Error

I'm getting this error in my Shopify store:

Error message: [Paste exact error]
File: [Which file it's in]
What I was trying to do: [Your intent]
Code snippet: [Paste the problematic code]

Help me:
1. Understand what this error means
2. Identify the root cause
3. Provide the corrected code
4. Explain what I did wrong so I don't repeat it

🤖 Prompt: Optimize PageSpeed

My Shopify store has these PageSpeed issues:

Current score: [Desktop and Mobile scores]
Main issues from report: [List the warnings]
Theme I'm using: [Theme name]
Apps installed: [List of apps]

Give me:
1. Priority ranking of issues to fix
2. Specific code changes for each issue
3. Apps I should remove or replace
4. Quick wins vs long-term fixes
5. Expected score improvement after each fix

Code Generation

🤖 Prompt: Write Liquid Code

I need Shopify Liquid code to: [Describe what you want]

Where it will go: [Section name or file]
Available data: [What objects are available - product, collection, etc.]
Styling notes: [Any CSS classes to use]

Write the Liquid code that:
- Is optimized for performance
- Includes error handling (if statements)
- Has comments explaining complex parts
- Follows Shopify best practices
- Is responsive-friendly

🤖 Prompt: Create Custom Section

I need a custom Shopify section for:

Purpose: [What the section does]
Content needed: [Heading, images, text, etc.]
Layout: [How it should look - grid, slider, etc.]
Must include settings for: [What should be editable in theme editor]

Create a complete section file with:
- Liquid code for the HTML structure
- Schema with all settings
- CSS for styling (inline or reference)
- Any JavaScript needed
- Comments for future editing

Code Review & Improvement

🤖 Prompt: Review My Code

Review this Shopify code and suggest improvements:

[Paste your code here]

Check for:
1. Performance issues (unnecessary loops, large images, etc.)
2. Best practice violations
3. Missing error handling
4. Accessibility issues
5. Mobile responsiveness problems
6. Security concerns

Give me the improved version with explanations for each change.

🤖 Prompt: Explain Code

I found this code in a theme but don't understand it:

[Paste the code]

Explain:
1. What does this code do overall?
2. Break down each line/section
3. What Shopify objects is it using?
4. Why was it written this way?
5. How can I modify it for my needs?

✅ Pro Tips for Developer ChatGPT Use

  • Specify Shopify version — Mention if using 2.0 or legacy themes
  • Include context — Paste surrounding code, not just the problem line
  • Test before deploying — Always test AI-generated code thoroughly
  • Learn from fixes — Ask why the solution works
  • Build a snippet library — Save working solutions for reuse
🔍

Debugging Decision Tree

💡 Systematic Debugging Saves Hours

Before asking for help, follow this flowchart. 80% of issues are solved in the first 3 steps.

Step-by-Step Debugging Process

Step Check Common Fix
1. Console Check Open browser DevTools → Console tab Red errors point to the exact line number
2. Preview Mode Are you looking at live site or preview? Changes only show in preview until published
3. Cache Clear Hard refresh: Ctrl+Shift+R Solves 40% of "why isn't it updating" issues
4. Syntax Check Missing {% endif %}, {{ }}, quotes? Use syntax checker or format the code
5. Object Exists? Is the object you're accessing defined? Wrap in {% if object %} check
6. Isolate Issue Comment out sections until error goes Find which block causes the problem
7. App Conflict Disable apps one by one Apps often inject conflicting JS/CSS

Common Error Messages & Fixes

🚨 Liquid Error Translations
Error Message What It Means Fix
Liquid error: undefined method Object doesn't have that property Check spelling, use {{ item | inspect }} to see properties
Cannot read property of null JavaScript accessing undefined variable Add null check: if (variable) { ... }
expected block close Missing {% endif %} or {% endfor %} Count opening vs closing tags
Argument error: invalid Wrong filter parameter Check Shopify filter documentation
Page is completely blank Fatal Liquid syntax error Revert last change, add code bit by bit
📝

Reusable Code Snippets

📋 Copy-Paste Ready Code

These snippets are tested and optimized. Copy them directly into your projects.

Responsive Image with Lazy Loading

{{ image | image_url: width: 800 | image_tag:
  loading: 'lazy',
  widths: '200, 400, 600, 800, 1000',
  sizes: '(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 50vw',
  class: 'responsive-img'
}}

Price Display with Compare Price

{% if product.compare_at_price > product.price %}
  <span class="sale-price">{{ product.price | money }}</span>
  <span class="compare-price">{{ product.compare_at_price | money }}</span>
  <span class="save-badge">Save {{ product.compare_at_price | minus: product.price | money }}</span>
{% else %}
  <span class="price">{{ product.price | money }}</span>
{% endif %}

Stock Status Display

{% if product.available %}
  {% if product.variants.first.inventory_quantity <= 5 %}
    <span class="low-stock">Only {{ product.variants.first.inventory_quantity }} left!</span>
  {% else %}
    <span class="in-stock">In Stock</span>
  {% endif %}
{% else %}
  <span class="out-of-stock">Sold Out</span>
{% endif %}

Collection with Filter Safe Access

{% assign collection = collections['featured-products'] %}
{% if collection and collection.products.size > 0 %}
  {% for product in collection.products limit: 4 %}
    {% render 'product-card', product: product %}
  {% endfor %}
{% else %}
  <p>No products found.</p>
{% endif %}

Metafield with Default Value

{% assign custom_text = product.metafields.custom.subtitle %}
{% if custom_text != blank %}
  {{ custom_text }}
{% else %}
  Default subtitle here
{% endif %}

✅ Snippet Best Practices

  • Always add {% if %} checks before accessing objects
  • Use | default: 'value' for fallback values
  • Prefer {% render %} over {% include %} (2.0 themes)
  • Add meaningful CSS classes for styling
  • Test on mobile before deploying
🛠️

Developer Tools & Hacks

✅ Work Smarter, Not Harder

These tools give you an edge. Know them, use them, deliver faster and better than the competition.

Shopify Theme Development

Tool What It Does Pro Tip
Shopify CLI Local theme development, hot reload Use `shopify theme dev` for live preview while coding
Theme Check Linter for Liquid code Run before every commit to catch errors
Dawn Theme Shopify's 2.0 reference theme Study its section structure for best practices
Liquid Cheat Sheet Quick reference for Liquid syntax shopify.github.io/liquid/
VS Code Liquid Extension Syntax highlighting, autocomplete Install Shopify's official extension

Speed & Performance

Tool Use Case Target Score
PageSpeed Insights Mobile/Desktop performance scores Mobile 70+, Desktop 90+
GTmetrix Detailed waterfall analysis Find largest files to optimize
TinyPNG Compress images before upload Reduce images 50-80% without quality loss
Squoosh Convert images to WebP format WebP is 30% smaller than JPEG
Chrome DevTools Lighthouse Accessibility, SEO, performance audits Run in incognito to avoid extension interference

Productivity Hacks

💡 Time-Saving Shortcuts

  • Emmet: Type `div.class>ul>li*5` and hit Tab for instant HTML
  • Multi-cursor: Ctrl+D to select multiple instances, edit all at once
  • Snippet Library: Save reusable code in VS Code User Snippets
  • Terminal Aliases: Create shortcuts like `themedev` for `shopify theme dev`
  • Git Branches: Always work in a branch, never directly on main

Browser Extensions

Extension Purpose
Shopify Theme Inspector See which Liquid files render each section
Wappalyzer Detect tech stack of any website
ColorZilla Pick colors from any webpage
Fonts Ninja Identify fonts used on any site
WhatRuns See apps, analytics, and tools sites use

🚨 Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Editing live theme files directly (always use duplicate/dev theme)
  • Not testing on mobile (60%+ of traffic is mobile)
  • Loading too many apps (each app adds JS/CSS weight)
  • Ignoring browser console errors
  • Hardcoding text instead of using translations
📋

Day-to-Day Quick Reference

🔧 Quick Fixes for Common Issues

These are problems you'll face almost every day. Know them by heart.

🖼️ Image Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Image looks blurry Low resolution or wrong aspect ratio Request 2x size from client (2000px for 1000px display). Use WebP format.
Image not loading File too large or wrong format Compress with TinyPNG. Convert to WebP/JPG. Max 500KB per image.
Image stretching Wrong aspect ratio in theme Check theme settings for aspect ratio. Use object-fit: cover in CSS.
Product images different sizes Client uploaded inconsistent images Resize all to same ratio (1:1 or 3:4). Use Shopify's image resize URL params.
Hero image not full width Container has max-width Use full-width section or remove container constraints.

📝 Text & Content Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Font not showing Font not loaded or wrong name Check theme settings → Typography. Verify Google Font name is exact.
Text overlapping on mobile Fixed width or absolute positioning Use responsive units (%, vw, rem). Test at 375px width.
Description shows HTML tags Using wrong Liquid filter Use {{ product.description }} not {{ product.description | escape }}
Currency showing wrong Store settings or wrong filter Settings → General → Currency. Use {{ price | money }} filter.
Product title cut off Container too small Increase container width or use text-overflow: ellipsis with title attribute.

🛒 Cart & Checkout Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Add to Cart not working JavaScript error or form issue Check console for errors. Verify product is available (not draft/out of stock).
Cart drawer not opening Theme JS broken or conflict Check for app conflicts. Try disabling apps one by one.
Checkout button missing Checkout disabled or payment not set Settings → Payments. Ensure at least one payment method active.
Discount code not applying Code expired or restrictions Check Discounts → verify dates, minimum order, customer eligibility.
Shipping not calculating Shipping zones not set Settings → Shipping → Add rates for customer's country.

⚡ Performance Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Site loading slowly Large images, too many apps Compress images, remove unused apps, defer non-critical JS.
PageSpeed under 50 Multiple issues 1. Compress images 2. Remove unused apps 3. Use lazy loading 4. Minimize custom JS
CLS issues (layout shift) Images without dimensions Add width/height to img tags. Reserve space with aspect-ratio CSS.
LCP issues (slow paint) Hero image too large Preload hero image. Use srcset for responsive images.
Third-party scripts slow Apps loading synchronously Defer non-critical app scripts. Consider ditching slow apps.

📱 Mobile-Specific Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Page zoomed in on mobile Missing viewport meta Add: <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
Horizontal scroll on mobile Element wider than screen Find element with fixed width. Use max-width: 100% and overflow-x: hidden.
Buttons too small to tap Touch target under 44px Minimum button size: 44px × 44px. Add padding if needed.
Menu not opening on mobile Hamburger menu JS broken Check for JS errors. Verify data-attributes are correct.
Sticky header covering content No scroll padding Add scroll-padding-top equal to header height.

🔌 App Conflicts & Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
App widget not showing App block not added or disabled Theme editor → Add app block. Or manually add app embed code.
Two apps conflicting Both modifying same element Disable one, test. Contact app support. May need to choose one.
App slowing down site Heavy JavaScript or many requests Check in PageSpeed which scripts are slow. Remove or replace app.
App leaving code after uninstall App didn't clean up properly Search theme files for app name. Remove leftover snippets and includes.
Reviews not importing API limits or format issues Check import format (CSV). Import in smaller batches. Contact app support.

🎨 Theme Editor Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Theme editor not loading Browser cache or extension conflict Clear cache, try incognito mode, disable ad blockers.
Changes not saving Session timeout or permissions Refresh page, log out and back in. Check you have edit permissions.
Section disappeared Accidentally removed or template changed Check template selection. Use Undo or revert to previous version.
Custom CSS not applying Specificity or cache Add !important (temporarily). Check if CSS file is loaded. Clear cache.
Preview link shows password page Store is password protected Use preview link with password bypass, or temporarily disable password.

📦 Product & Collection Issues

Problem Cause Quick Fix
Product not showing in collection Wrong tags or manual collection Check collection conditions. Add correct tag or manually add product.
Variants not showing Variant options not set up Products → Edit → Add variant options (Size, Color, etc.).
"Sold Out" showing incorrectly Inventory not tracked or zero Check product inventory settings. Update stock quantity.
Collection image not showing No featured image set Collections → Edit → Add collection image.
Products in wrong order Sort order not set Collection → Sort → Choose manual or automated sorting.

⚡ Emergency Commands You Should Know

  • Revert theme changes: Online Store → Themes → Actions → View theme versions
  • Disable password protection: Online Store → Preferences → Password protection
  • Check site status: Visit yourstore.myshopify.com/admin/online_store
  • Find broken pages: Check browser console (F12) for 404 errors
  • Quick site backup: Themes → Download theme file before major changes

✅ Daily Checklist Before Ending Work

  • All changes tested on mobile (375px width)
  • Browser console has no errors
  • Theme backup exists before major changes
  • PM/Client updated on progress
  • Any blockers communicated in Slack
  • Tomorrow's tasks clear in your mind
⚠️

Handling Difficult Situations

🔴 Client's Theme is Heavily Customized/Broken

🎯 Task Priority Order (What Comes First)

Handle in this order every day:

  1. 🔴 P0 - Production Bugs/Site Down → Live site issues are IMMEDIATE. Drop everything.
  2. 🔴 P0 - Security Issues → Any vulnerability or breach. Fix first, explain later.
  3. 🔴 P0 - Deadline-Day Tasks → Work due TODAY must be completed and handed off.
  4. 🟡 P1 - PM/Client Questions → Respond within 1 hour. Don't leave them waiting.
  5. 🟡 P1 - Active Project Work → Tasks with upcoming deadlines (next 2-3 days).
  6. 🟢 P2 - Code Reviews → Don't block teammates waiting for your review.
  7. 🟢 P2 - Testing & QA → Test your own work before handoff.
  8. ⚪ P3 - Learning & Optimization → Non-urgent improvements, skill building.

Golden Rule: Live site issues > Deadlines > Communication > Deep work.

🔴 Client's Theme is Heavily Customized/Broken

Situation: Previous developer left messy code, theme is unstable.

Response: Document issues found, inform PM of risks. Recommend cleanup before new features. If client won't approve cleanup time, document that you advised against proceeding.

Rule: Never promise results on broken foundations. CYA with documentation.

🔴 Feature Request is Technically Impossible

Situation: Client wants something Shopify can't do (e.g., real-time inventory across platforms).

Response: "This isn't natively supported by Shopify. We have two options: [Alternative A] or [Third-party app]. Here are the pros/cons of each."

Rule: Always provide alternatives. Never just say "can't be done."

🔴 Client Provides Wrong/Incomplete Assets

Situation: Images are low-res, logos are JPG not SVG, files are missing.

Response: Create a specific asset checklist: "Please provide: Logo in SVG format, product images min 2000x2000px, brand colors in HEX codes."

Rule: Never proceed with bad assets. Timeline pauses until correct assets received.

🔴 Changes Broke Something in Production

Situation: After deploying, something stopped working on the live site.

Response: Immediately revert to backup/previous version. Document what happened. Fix in dev environment first, then redeploy carefully.

Rule: Always have rollback plan. Never debug on live site during business hours.

🔴 Client Wants Unlimited Revisions

Situation: Client keeps requesting "one more small change" endlessly.

Response: Route to PM: "This is outside our agreed scope. PM will discuss options for extending the project."

Rule: Developers don't negotiate scope. Push to PM for scope discussions.

🔴 Third-Party App Causing Conflicts

Situation: Client's installed app is breaking your custom code.

Response: Document the conflict with screenshots. Recommend removing the conflicting app or finding an alternative. Don't hack around bad apps.

Rule: We don't support fixing other developers' or apps' broken code.

🔴 Client Editing Theme and Breaking Things

Situation: Client made changes in theme editor that broke your work.

Response: "I see changes were made to the theme since our last delivery. Fixing these would be additional work. I recommend we restore to the last working version and re-apply your changes properly."

Rule: Changes made by client = new scope. Not our responsibility to fix for free.

🔴 Site Speed Still Slow After Optimization

Situation: Client unhappy with speed even after your optimization.

Response: "We've optimized all code within our scope. The remaining issues are from [apps/images/third-party scripts]. Here's what else can be done and the associated costs."

Rule: Set expectations early. Some slowness is out of our control (apps, hosting, images).

🌟

Your Daily Inspiration

💻
"Every line of code you write powers someone's livelihood. Behind every store is a family, a dream, a future. Code with purpose."

— Digital Heroes Philosophy

📖 Success Story: The 3-Second Fix Worth $50,000

A client's store was loading in 8 seconds on mobile. Their bounce rate was 70%. They were ready to give up on their business.

Our developer spent 4 hours optimizing: lazy loading images, deferring scripts, optimizing the theme. The result? Load time dropped to 2.1 seconds.

The impact? Bounce rate dropped to 35%. Conversion rate doubled. The client made an extra $50,000 that quarter — from a single optimization project.

The lesson: Technical excellence isn't abstract — it's someone's rent payment, their kid's college fund, their retirement. Your work matters.

🚀

"Fast code isn't a flex. It's a responsibility."

🧠

"The best developers aren't the fastest coders — they're the best problem solvers."

"Your code doesn't just work. It SELLS."

🌅 Start Each Day With This:

"Today, I write code that changes lives. Every optimization, every fix, every feature makes a difference."