How to Become a Shopify Partner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shopify is a fast-growing ecommerce platform that makes it easy for businesses to manage inventory, track sales, and optimize their online stores. While it’s a powerful tool, many merchants need expert help to take their stores to the next level. That’s where the Shopify Partner Program comes in. Becoming a Shopify Partner allows you to work with merchants, offer expertise, and grow your business. Whether you are a developer, designer, marketer, or consultant, this program provides valuable opportunities to earn while helping others succeed.

If you have joined the program, you might wonder how to make the most of it. This guide will walk you through the essentials, how to get started, the different partnership levels, and the benefits at each stage.

Who are Shopify Partners?

Shopify Partners are experts who help merchants create, improve, and grow their online stores. Whether you’re a developer, designer, marketer, or consultant, you can use your skills to support ecommerce businesses and earn revenue through Shopify’s partner programs.

Key Responsibilities of a Shopify Partner

• Building Shopify stores for clients
• Developing apps and themes
• Providing marketing and SEO services
• Offering consulting and training services
• Managing store migrations to Shopify

The Partner Program is ideal for freelancers, agencies, and businesses looking to expand their ecommerce services. If you set up as an agency, you can also become a Shopify Agency Partner, which provides additional benefits and credibility.

How Does the Shopify Partner Program Work?

Before becoming a Shopify Partner, it’s important to understand how the Shopify Partners Program works and what it offers.

Partner Dashboard

Think of your Dashboard as your control centre. You can manage client projects, track referrals, and access tools to develop apps, themes, or stores here. It’s where you’ll oversee your progress and earnings as a Partner.

Revenue Sharing Model

Shopify rewards its partners through a revenue-sharing system. Whether you refer new merchants, build stores, develop apps, or design themes, you earn a percentage of the revenue based on your contributions. For example, if you create a store for a client, you can receive a recurring commission from their subscription fees.

Continuous Learning and Support

Shopify provides its partners with exclusive resources to grow their expertise. You will have access to Shopify Academy courses, live webinars, and dedicated support to help you stay ahead in the ecommerce industry. This means you can continuously improve your skills and offer better solutions to merchants.

Features of the Shopify Partners Program

This offers features that help partners grow their business while supporting Shopify merchants.

• Exclusive Partner Dashboard: Manage clients, track earnings, and access tools in one place.
• Developer Preview and Beta Access: Get early access to new Shopify features.
• Revenue Sharing: Earn commissions through referrals, app sales, and theme development.
• Educational Resources: Access webinars, courses, and certifications to enhance your skills.
• Collaboration Tools: Shopify’s tools streamline project management and client work.
• Shopify Partner Academy: Get certified in different Shopify areas to enhance credibility.

How to Become a Shopify Partner: Step-by-Step

Setting up a Partner account is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Sign Up for a Shopify Partner Account

Go to the Shopify Partners website and create an account. This is free and gives you access to the Partner Dashboard.

Step 2 – Create a Shopify Partner Account

To start, visit the Shopify Partner Program page and create a free account. Enter your name, and email address, and create a password. Once you’ve completed the registration, you’ll receive a verification email, be sure to confirm your email to activate your account.

Remember that the verification link expires after 24 hours, so complete this step as soon as possible.

Step 3: Select your Partner Organization

Choose whether you’re signing up as an individual or a business. This will determine how you manage your partner activities and earnings.

Step 4: Select Your Business Location

Choose the country where your business is based. This will provide accurate tax and payment information for your Partner account.

Step 5: Define Your Goal

Choose your primary objective for joining the Partner Program.

Step 6: Enter Your Business Details

You will need to complete a short questionnaire about your business. Make sure to complete all required fields, while optional ones can be skipped.

Step 7: Open the Partner Dashboard

You are all set, After entering all the required details, you will be directed to the Shopify Partner Dashboard. Before proceeding, verify your email address to complete the setup.

Here, you will find a few instructions and guidelines to help you navigate and maximize your partnership.

Step 8: Complete Shopify Partner Certification (Optional)

If you want to stand out, enrol in the Partner Academy and complete certification programs for added credibility.

How Much Earn Shopify Partner Earnings

According to a search, In 2022, the average Partner revenue ranged, with Shopify paying $561 million to app developers. Partners also earned up to 20% recurring commission on referrals.

Partners can earn in multiple ways, making it a profitable opportunity for agencies, developers, and freelancers. Here are the principal earning methods:

1. Affiliate Referral Program

• Earn a commission when you refer new merchants to Shopify.
• Shopify offers a percentage of the merchant’s subscription fee for a set period.

2. Store Development

• Earn by designing and setting up Shopify stores for clients.
• Some partners charge a one-time setup fee, while others work on a retainer basis.

3. App Development

• Create Shopify apps and sell them on the Shopify App Store.
• Earn revenue through one-time purchases, subscriptions, or in-app sales.

4. Theme Development

• Design and sell Shopify themes in the Shopify Theme Store.
• Earn through direct theme sales and custom theme projects.

5. Shopify Plus Partner Program

• Work with high-growth Shopify Plus merchants and earn premium commissions.

Benefits You Can Expect from the Shopify Partners Program

Becoming a Shopify Partner comes with several benefits that can help you grow your business:

• Passive Income: Earn ongoing commissions through referrals, apps, and themes.
• Brand Recognition: Get listed in the Shopify Experts Marketplace for more visibility.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other partners and Shopify professionals.
• Advanced Tools & Resources: Gain access to tools that streamline development and marketing.
• Free Shopify Development Stores: Create unlimited development stores to test and showcase your work.
• Priority Support: Access Shopify’s Partner Support team for assistance.

Wrapping Up

Now that you understand how to become a Shopify Partner and its advantages, you can use this opportunity to show your skills, help merchants, and earn revenue.

Following the steps outlined in this guide and making the most of Shopify’s resources, you can build a successful business as a trusted Partner.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to become a Shopify Partner?
Becoming a Partner is free. You can sign up and start working with Shopify merchants without upfront costs.

2. Can I earn money as a Partner without coding skills?
Yes! You can earn without coding as a consultant, marketer, or store designer.

3. How long does it take to become a Shopify Partner?
You can sign up instantly, but the time to start earning depends on how quickly you secure clients or develop apps/themes.

4. Can I be a Partner if I am a freelancer?
Yes! Many freelancers successfully earn through Shopify’s Partner Program by offering store setup, marketing, or development services.