So, you’ve got a business idea, or maybe you’re already running a thriving online store, and you’ve chosen Shopify as your e-commerce platform. Smart move. With its powerful features, user-friendly interface, and extensive app ecosystem, Shopify has become the go-to solution for businesses looking to scale fast and sell smarter.
But here’s the catch: while Shopify makes it easy to get started, building a truly custom, high-performing store that converts takes more than dragging and dropping a few elements into place. That’s where a skilled Shopify developer comes in.
Whether you need to fine-tune your theme, integrate third-party apps, or create a seamless mobile checkout experience, the right developer can transform your site from basic to brilliant. And in today’s hyper-competitive e-commerce landscape, that edge can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to find and hire the right Shopify expert, from understanding the different types of developers to knowing where to look, what to ask, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Whether you're building from scratch or optimizing an existing store, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap to get it done right.
Why Hire a Shopify Developer?
Sure, Shopify’s drag-and-drop builder is great for getting a store off the ground, but if you’re serious about growing your business, standing out from the crowd, and giving your customers an unforgettable shopping experience, you’ll need more than just the default settings.
Hiring a Shopify developer means bringing in someone who knows the platform inside and out; someone who can push past the limitations of themes and templates to create a custom Shopify store that actually reflects your brand, your goals, and your customers' needs.
Here’s what a professional Shopify developer can help you with:
- Custom theme development – No more cookie-cutter designs. A developer can build a unique look that sets your store apart and keeps visitors coming back.
- App integration & automation – Need your store to sync with your CRM, email marketing platform, or inventory tools? A Shopify developer can connect the dots.
- Performance optimization – Faster load times, smoother mobile experiences, and checkout flows that convert more sales.
- Ongoing support – Whether it’s launching a new product line or preparing for Black Friday, having a Shopify expert on your side means fewer hiccups and faster fixes.
In short, if your Shopify store is central to your e-commerce growth strategy, a developer isn’t just a nice-to-have; they’re a must. With the right hire, your store can go from “just okay” to “can’t stop converting.”
Types of Shopify Developers: Who Does What?
Not all Shopify developers wear the same hat. Depending on the scope and goals of your store, you’ll want to find someone with the right mix of skills. Whether you’re redesigning your storefront, building a custom app, or optimizing backend operations, it’s important to know who you’re hiring.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of Shopify developers:
Frontend Shopify Developer
Focused on everything your customers see and interact with: design, layout, responsiveness, and user experience.
- Customizes themes using Liquid, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
- Ensures your store looks great on all devices
- Improves navigation, product pages, and cart UX
- A great choice for visual redesigns or new theme builds
Backend Shopify Developer
Works behind the scenes to make sure everything functions smoothly—think logic, performance, and app integrations.
- Builds custom features and APIs
- Automates workflows like order processing or inventory syncing
- Handles complex functionality like subscription models or internationalization
- Ideal for stores with growing operational complexity
Full-Stack Shopify Developer
The best of both worlds, handles both frontend and backend development.
- Great for startups or businesses that need a single point of contact
- Offers a more holistic approach to building or scaling your store
- Typically more expensive, but often more efficient
Shopify Plus Developer (Bonus)
For high-growth or enterprise-level businesses using Shopify Plus, these developers specialize in advanced customizations and integrations.
- Expert in headless commerce setups
- Can work with Shopify’s APIs at scale
- Ideal for brands with high traffic, global reach, or complex operations
Tip: Not sure which type you need? Start by defining your project goals, then match them to the developer’s skill set. Hiring the right expert can save you time, money, and a whole lot of post-launch headaches.
Key Skills to Look For in a Shopify Developer
So you’ve decided what kind of Shopify developer you need, great! Now, how do you know if a candidate is actually up to the task?
Whether you're hiring for a quick theme tweak or building a custom Shopify store from scratch, the right skills make all the difference. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a Shopify developer’s capabilities:
Proficiency in Liquid (Shopify’s templating language)
This is a must-have. Liquid is the backbone of Shopify themes, and your developer should know how to use it to customize layouts, product pages, collections, and more.
Strong HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Skills
These are essential for custom frontend work. A solid grasp of these core web languages allows your developer to fine-tune the user interface, improve responsiveness, and elevate your store’s design.
Experience with Shopify APIs
If you’re planning to connect third-party apps, sync with external systems, or build custom features, your developer should be comfortable working with Shopify’s REST and GraphQL APIs.
Mobile Optimization Know-How
More than half of e-commerce traffic comes from mobile. Your developer should know how to optimize layouts, speed, and functionality across devices for a seamless shopping experience.
Familiarity with Shopify CLI and Git
Shopify CLI (Command Line Interface) is used for local theme development and deployment. Git helps with version control. Together, they ensure your store updates are smooth, trackable, and easy to manage.
SEO and Performance Awareness
Fast load times and clean code don’t just help users—they improve rankings too. A good Shopify developer understands how their work impacts technical SEO and overall site performance.
Problem-Solving and Communication Skills
Soft skills matter too. A great developer should be proactive in resolving bugs, open to feedback, and able to communicate clearly about progress and timelines.
Tip: Always ask for a portfolio of past Shopify projects. Look for clean design, fast-loading pages, and real examples of how their work impacted store performance.
Where to Find Shopify Developers
You know what kind of Shopify developer you need and what skills to look for. Now it’s time to find the right person (or team) to bring your vision to life. Whether you're looking for a full-time partner or a freelance specialist, there are plenty of great platforms to explore.
Let’s break down the best places to hire a Shopify developer, starting with the remote-friendly options.
Remote Hiring Platforms & Recruiters
If you’re looking for long-term support or someone who truly feels like part of your team, remote hiring platforms are a top choice. Specialized platforms or region-specific recruiters like South (focusing on Shopify developers from Latin America) can help you find high-quality talent aligned with your time zone, budget, and culture.
Shopify Experts Marketplace
Shopify’s official directory of vetted professionals is a great place to find trusted experts for specific tasks like custom theme work, store setup, or app installation. You can browse portfolios and reach out to developers directly.
Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal)
These platforms offer access to thousands of freelance Shopify developers across a range of skill levels and price points. You can post a job, screen applicants, and manage milestones through the platform.
Development Agencies
Agencies typically offer complete development services like design, coding, testing, and support under one roof. They're ideal if you’re launching a large-scale Shopify store or upgrading to Shopify Plus.
Developer Communities & GitHub
For those who want to dig deeper into technical talent, communities like r/shopifydev on Reddit, GitHub, and private dev Slack groups can uncover hidden gems. Look for contributors to Shopify themes, apps, or open-source projects.
Tip: Remote developers, especially from nearshore regions like Latin America, can offer world-class skills, real-time collaboration, and major cost savings. Don’t limit your search by geography.
How to Evaluate Shopify Developer Candidates
Finding a Shopify developer is only half the battle. Now comes the part that really counts: making sure they’re the right fit for your project. A polished portfolio is nice, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. Here’s how to go beyond the surface and confidently choose a developer who can deliver.
Review Their Portfolio (But Dig Deeper)
Look for live Shopify stores they’ve built or contributed to. Focus on:
- Visual design and UX
- Page load speed and responsiveness
- Smooth navigation and checkout flows. Bonus points if they’ve worked in your industry or on similar store features (subscriptions, multilingual sites, etc.).
Ask the Right Technical Questions
Even if you’re not a developer, a few smart questions can go a long way:
- How do you use Liquid to customize themes?
- What’s your process for optimizing store performance?
- Have you integrated third-party apps or used Shopify APIs before?
- How do you handle mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility?
Look for clear, confident explanations that avoid excessive jargon.
Test Their Problem-Solving Skills
Give them a real-world scenario: “A client’s store is running slowly after installing several apps. What steps would you take to troubleshoot and improve performance?”
This helps you see how they think, not just how they code.
Check Communication & Collaboration Style
You’ll want someone who can explain timelines, flag risks, and keep you updated. Ask:
- What tools do you use for project management or communication?
- How do you handle feedback and revisions?
Great developers aren’t just coders; they’re collaborators.
Ask for References or Client Feedback
A quick call or message to a past client can give you honest insights into what it’s like to work with them, how they handle deadlines, challenges, and ongoing support.
Consider a Paid Trial Project
Before committing to a long-term contract, try a small paid task. This gives you a feel for how they work, how fast they deliver, and whether their code meets your standards.
Tip: Look for developers who show curiosity about your business goals, not just the technical specs. The best Shopify developers think like partners, not just service providers.
The Takeaway
Hiring a Shopify developer doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you know what to look for, where to search, and how to evaluate talent effectively. Whether you're launching your first online store or optimizing a high-growth Shopify Plus site, the right developer can elevate your brand, improve conversions, and streamline your e-commerce operations.
But finding that developer? That’s where we come in.
At South, we specialize in connecting U.S. companies with vetted remote Shopify developers from Latin America; professionals who bring world-class skills, strong English proficiency, and real-time collaboration across your time zone. No more late-night Zoom calls or overpriced agency retainers.
Schedule a free call with us today to get matched with top Shopify talent—fast, flexible, and built for growth!
