It doesn’t take much time for analysis paralysis to set in when you look at everything you can do with Shopify. This powerful eCommerce platform is the undisputed king for plenty of reasons. What seem like endless options is near the top of the list. Are you sure you’re going to set it up right? Are you even aware of all the bells and whistles?
It might be time to call in an expert, Shopify Expert. There are Shopify gurus all over the world, but many of them are located in New Zealand.
Wait, what are they doing down there? It turns out that few countries have a higher concentration of eCommerce specialists. The country enjoys a safe, secure, and stable business environment. A simple tax system that makes it easy to conduct global commerce.
One New Zealand’s biggest exports are technology. Record growth contributed close to $10 billion to the economy last year. The government supports technology and innovation as a way to grow the economy. It’s an environment that fosters the sort of people who become Shopify Experts.
Read on for a list of developers who can help you get the best out of Shopify.
All Around Awesome
Pocket Square
This full-service agency takes you far beyond setting up a Shopify online store. And that’s important. Technology alone doesn’t sell. You need a digital strategy that builds your brand. You must use media to build awareness. You must also integrate social media to increase exposure. Pocket Square takes this holistic approach to eCommerce.
Give this agency a priority consideration if you’re a fashion or lifestyle brand. They’ve got a portfolio of beautiful, effective, and simple examples. The portfolio shows what you can do with Shopify when you push it to the limits. You’ll be the beneficiary of a gorgeous online store. You’ll also have a complete strategy to make it successful.
SPF Websites
It’s all about mobile today, especially if you’ve got an online store. Mobile devices throw obstacles and limitations at online shopping, even for Shopify. SPF Websites knows how to sidestep them all.
Browse through the portfolio to get an idea of the scope of this agency’s capabilities. Testimonials from recent clients note quick turnarounds as a specialty. Others point out patience and training sessions help ramp up your technical expertise. You’ll be ready to run your store as soon as SPF has it ready for you.
Firebrand
This team of 10 professionals works with an international client roster. They understand that you’re not just selling products or services. You’re also promoting a brand. When you bring your Shopify project to them, you’ll get help with project management, marketing, and SEO. They don’t just set you up and set you free. Firebrand follows up with support and training. You’ll have options to help you understand the impact your online store is having on sales.
Give Firebrand a closer look if you plan to incorporate drop shipping and multi channel selling into your Shopify store. They specialize in third-party logistics, stock management applications, and middleware providers.
Elemental
Not all Shopify Experts are exclusive to the platform. They can attract more customers by offering help with competing eCommerce platforms. Some companies, like Elemental, prefer to specialize. They do one thing, and that’s it. You’re greeted with this when you go their website. “We create Shopify ecommerce websites,” is all the splash page says.
This focus is a benefit whether you’re just starting up, or you want to transform an existing store. The team has garnered more than 30 testimonials from satisfied Shopify site customers. Unlike other Shopify Experts, these words of praise are only weeks or months old. Keep Elemental in mind if you’ll need a Liquid wizard. That’s the proprietary coding language Shopify uses to power its platform.
The Heavy Hitters
Zyber
This 100% New Zealand owned and operated agency was started in 2009. A team of more than 20 creative experts has helped more than 1,000 businesses get online. Zyber does more than just help clients set up and operate Shopify stores. They create apps to improve the entire platform. The Zyber Our Product Filter is used by hundreds of Shopify stores to increase sales.
Zyber works first to set up your Shopify site, so it’s in alignment with your business practices. It lets you focus more on selling and less on running your online store. They’re a fun and relaxed group, but don’t let that fool you. They mean business, and they get it done.
Lucid
You don’t stay in business unless you’ve got satisfied customers. Lucid has been helping people set up Shopify sites since 2007. The team believes that involvement from the start defines success. They invite customers to include them even in initial brainstorming. Lucid’s portfolio shares examples that range from basic theme modifications to full custom designs.
This Shopify Expert also specializes in custom app development. Give them serious consideration if you need to extend the platform’s functionality.
CyberWorkshop
Shopify is a hosted eCommerce software platform, but not all parts of your online store may reside there. CyberWorkshop specializes in helping you integrate so that everything works well together. Customers seek them out to configure outside functions like email, YouTube, and Google Apps.
If you need these services, CyberWorkshop sets you up with a Google Apps for Business package. Past customers say that CyberWorkshop takes on requests others have walked away from. Nothing’s more of a compliment than repeat business. Many testimonials say they’ve given further projects to CyberWorkshop.
The Marketing Gurus
Zeald
This full-service design company has developed sites for thousands of small to medium businesses. They’ve been around since 2001, and they are the largest agency of their kind in New Zealand. As a Shopify Expert, they can help you with the marketing aspects of eCommerce.
Shopify has a growing suite of marketing and SEO tools to help you capture leads. These tools aren’t complicated, but they are complex. Zeald can help you understand what the tools do, and they’ll work with you to optimize branding. Should you rely only on Shopify for this important part of your online store? The answer is no. Zeald also can help with things like AdWords, copywriting, social media, SEO, and blogging.
Setup and Tweaks
Natalie Leigh
Not all Shopify Experts are teams or groups. Natalie Leigh, for example, works alone. She prefers to work on Shopify and WordPress eCommerce sites. Her Shopify sites are simple and elegant. There’s nothing that gets in the way of the shopping experience.
Some of Natalie’s clients just want help fine-tuning one of the existing Shopify templates. She makes short work of that, and her fees are affordable. Others want a unique site. Natalie is just as comfortable at this end of the spectrum. Her understanding and patience remove the stress of setting up and launching an online store.
Responsive Media
Setup and launch are only the beginning. Nobody knows this better than Dave Woodard at Responsive Media. He knows he won’t be saying goodbye to you as soon as sales start happening. You’ll discover things that need to be changed, and he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s done.
Along the way, you might discover you need services beyond the scope of your original project. Dave will be there to help with these, too. Testimonials talk about Dave’s help with things like brochure design and even book covers. His depth of knowledge about Shopify provides you with fast answers and innovative solutions.
People often compare Shopify to that fancy radio in their new car. They know it can do a whole lot more than just play music, but who has time to figure that out? Of course, you could just read the operation manual. But, even then you might not figure out how to use it.
We’re not sure if there are people who make a living helping you understand how to use every feature of your car radio. We do know there are plenty of experts available to do that for your Shopify store.
Some of the best in the business are located “down under” in New Zealand. They can help you get the best out of Shopify, whether it’s a large store from scratch or just a few simple tweaks. It’s money well spent.
Mark is a serial entrepreneur and editor of www.aawebmasters.com. He loves web design, online marketing, social media, and e-commerce. He enjoys working with a variety of web professionals on many projects.