Introduction
Shopify powers millions of ecommerce stores worldwide — but launching and scaling a high-performing store requires more than installing a theme and adding products.
If you’re serious about growth, performance, and conversions, hiring a professional Shopify developer can be the difference between a store that survives and one that dominates.
This guide explains:
- What a Shopify developer does
- When you need one
- How much it costs
- How to choose the right developer
What Does a Shopify Developer Actually Do?
A Shopify developer builds, customises, optimises, and scales ecommerce stores on the Shopify platform.
Core Responsibilities
1. Custom Theme Development
- Building bespoke Shopify themes using Liquid
- Creating fast, mobile-optimised layouts
- UX and conversion improvements
2. Shopify App Integration
- Integrating CRMs, ERPs, email tools
- Custom app development using Shopify APIs
3. Store Optimisation
- Speed improvements
- Core Web Vitals optimisation
- Technical SEO enhancements
4. Shopify Plus Customisation
- Checkout extensibility
- Scripts and automation
- International expansion setup
👉 Internal link suggestion: Shopify development services page
When Should You Hire a Shopify Developer?
You likely need a Shopify developer if:
- Your store loads slowly
- You need custom functionality beyond apps
- You’re migrating from another platform
- Your conversion rate is underperforming
- You’re scaling internationally
- You’re moving to Shopify Plus
DIY works for early-stage stores — but scaling requires technical precision.
Types of Shopify Developers
In-House Shopify Developer
- Full-time employee
- Higher overhead
- Best for enterprise brands
Freelance Shopify Developer
- Flexible contracts
- Project-based work
- Ideal for small-to-mid businesses
Shopify Development Agency
- Full team of experts
- Broader skill set
- Long-term growth partner
How Much Does a Shopify Developer Cost?
| Type | Hourly Rate (UK Avg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Shopify Developer | £40–£100/hr | Small businesses |
| Agency Shopify Developer | £75–£150/hr | Growth-focused brands |
| Shopify Plus Specialist | £100–£200/hr | Enterprise |
Investing in the right developer often delivers measurable ROI through higher conversions and better performance.
Skills to Look for in a Shopify Developer
- Liquid templating expertise
- JavaScript & frontend frameworks
- Shopify API knowledge
- Performance optimisation skills
- Ecommerce UX understanding
- SEO implementation knowledge
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Can you show Shopify stores you’ve built?
- How do you optimise for speed?
- What’s your experience with Shopify Plus?
- How do you handle post-launch support?
Why Work with Media Mole?
At Media Mole, we combine:
- Shopify technical expertise
- Ecommerce strategy
- Migration experience
- SEO-driven development
- Ongoing optimisation support
We don’t just build stores — we build revenue engines.
FAQs
Do I need a Shopify developer to start?
Not always — but professional development significantly improves performance.
Is Shopify Plus worth it?
For high-volume stores needing advanced customisation, yes.
Can a freelance Shopify developer handle large projects?
Sometimes — but agencies provide broader expertise and scalability.