shopify tune-up checklist: 12 stupid simple fixes that work
shopify tune-up checklist: 12 stupid simple fixes that work
Most Shopify problems that look like strategy are actually tiny execution slips. A blurry hero. A button that hides in the wrong color. A checkout field that feels more important than it is.
A one week tune-up clears all that noise. It tidy-ups the parts of your store that quietly chip away at conversion. The result often moves the needle by a few percentage points. That is real revenue, created by fixing the small things.
This is our 12 stupid simple fixes checklist. It is the tune-up we run between launches and big rebuilds.
why tune-ups matter
Shopify stores slowly collect clutter. New apps, leftover scripts, oversized images, and design choices made under pressure. None of these break the store on their own. Together, they slow it down.
A tune-up resets the experience. Faster. Cleaner. Easier to buy from. No redesign needed.
the 12 stupid simple fixes
1. clean CTA hierarchy and one visible primary button
Keep it simple. Each page should have one job and one button that stands out. Use a single primary color for your main action. Remove anything that looks equal to it. When people can see the path clearly, more of them take it.
2. price clarity and light checkout cues
Shoppers hesitate when pricing feels fuzzy. Present the price, compare-at, and any discounts clearly. Add tiny cues like "Ships in 48 hours" or "Free returns." These soft signals increase confidence at the exact moment someone is deciding.
3. consistent image ratios and a simple hero rule
Inconsistent image sizes make a store feel messy and harder to scan. Standardize ratios across product and collection pages. Keep the hero rule simple: clean background, centered product, and fast loading. Clarity is a sales tool.
4. lazy load everything that is not the hero
Only load the hero and anything above the fold. Everything else can wait. Lazy loaded images improve speed, reduce layout shift, and make the first scroll feel smoother. Faster stores convert better.
5. trim your CSS and inline only what the hero needs
Themes collect unused CSS over time. Minify it. Then inline just the styles needed for the hero so the first view appears quickly. Push all other styles async. This improves first impression speed without breaking your design.
6. set proper caching and cache headers
A returning visitor should not feel like they are visiting for the first time. Cache your images, fonts, and scripts correctly so the browser loads them instantly. This creates a smoother, faster experience that helps returning visitor conversion.
7. remove broken links and set canonical tags
Broken links interrupt both shoppers and search engines. Run a quick 404 check and fix or redirect anything that fails. Set canonical tags on filtered collection pages to keep your SEO clean. Search engines reward tidy stores.
8. remove checkout fields that do not matter
Every extra field increases friction. Review your checkout line by line and remove anything that is not critical. Shorter checkouts convert at a higher rate. It is one of the simplest wins in ecommerce.
9. fix mobile tap targets and spacing
Most online shopping happens on a phone. Small tap targets create mistakes and frustration. Increase button height and space around key actions. Make the cart and menu reachable with one thumb. You are designing for the real world, not the desktop preview.
10. improve your OG previews and basic structured data
The way your pages appear when shared on social or listed in search affects who clicks. Update your OG image, title, and description so your link looks good everywhere. Add or fix structured data for products and breadcrumbs. Better clicks tend to lead to better customers.
11. run basic accessibility checks that also help conversion
Good accessibility is good business. Improve text contrast, add alt tags, use proper headings, and confirm a shopper can move through your key pages with a keyboard. These small fixes help screen reader users and rushed mobile users at the same time.
12. write a simple QA checklist and release plan
The last fix is discipline. Test your core paths on two phones and one laptop: home to product, product to cart, cart to checkout. Ship in small batches and check after every release. Small breaks often hide in small changes. A light QA plan protects your gains.
how to prioritize these
Fix speed and clarity first. Hero loading, CTA hierarchy, image consistency, CSS trims, and lazy loading.
Then remove friction. Pricing cues, checkout fields, mobile spacing, accessibility, and broken links.
outcome measurement and what lift to expect
A focused tune-up often produces a 2 to 8 percent increase in conversion rate. Stores with older themes or heavy app stacks can see higher jumps.
Track the following to see the impact:
- Conversion rate by device
- Add to cart rate
- Checkout start rate
- Time to first interaction
- Core web vitals
- Returning visitor conversion
These fixes do not create new traffic. They help more of the traffic you already paid for take the next step.
we'll run your Shopify tune-up
If you want these 12 stupid simple fixes shipped in one clean sprint, we can run the full tune-up for you with QA and reporting.
FAQ
How long does a Shopify tune-up take?
Most tune-ups take three to seven business days. The list above is designed for one sprint.
How much improvement can I expect?
Many stores see a 2 to 8 percent lift in conversion once the small issues are cleared out.
Why not redesign the whole store?
A redesign is slower and carries more risk. A tune-up fixes the parts that matter most right now.
Can my team run this internally?
Yes. The checklist is built for a developer and marketer working together. If you want it handled for you, we can take the whole sprint off your plate.