People often confuse the terms “Shopify Plus website developer” and “Shopify Plus web developer.” This confusion can make a big difference when hiring the right person for your Shopify Plus project. Many of us tend to use these terms interchangeably, assuming both refer to the same job. But the truth is, while they overlap in some areas, these roles focus on different skill sets and outcomes. 

At ColorWhistle, we provide expert eCommerce website development services in Shopify Plus. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on building your store, check out our previous blog titled Shopify Plus Store Development Guide: A Step-by-Step Approach for 2024.

Alex: I’m looking to revamp my Shopify Plus store, but do I need a Shopify Plus website developer or a web developer? Aren’t they the same?

John: No, a Shopify Plus website developer focuses more on the entire store’s design, functionality, and user experience within Shopify’s platform. They deal with the front end like how your store looks and feels for the customers. On the other hand, a Shopify Plus web is more into the overall technical structure. They can go beyond just Shopify, managing the back end, integrations, and any custom functionalities of your business.

Shopify Plus Website Developer 

A Shopify Plus website developer’s main focus is on the front end. Think about your store’s design, layout, and overall look and feel. This person works to make your Shopify store visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly.

Alex: So, they handle the theme, right? Like, the homepage, product pages, and everything that the customer sees?

John: Exactly. Shopify Plus website developers are experts in customizing themes and ensuring that your brand’s identity is reflected throughout the store. They know Shopify’s Liquid templating language, so they can tweak any existing Shopify Plus theme or create custom designs. If you’re looking to improve your store’s aesthetic, add features like sliders, customize checkout pages, or make your site mobile-responsive, this is the person you’re looking for.

Alex: What do they specialize in other than this?

John: They specialize in

• Theme Customization: Shopify has tons of themes, but website developer helps make one perfectly match your brand. They’ll ensure the theme not only looks great but also runs smoothly across different devices.
• Front-End Optimization: Website loading speed is crucial. Shopify Plus website developers will fine-tune everything, from image sizes to code, they make sure everything works fine
• User Experience (UX): Ever wonder why some online stores are so easy to navigate? Website developers can optimize your store layout, ensuring customers enjoy browsing and shopping.

Alex: That’s good to know. So, if I want a beautifully designed, user-friendly Shopify store that works perfectly across all devices, I need a Shopify Plus website developer.

John: Exactly! They’ll make your store look nice. But, they may not dive deep into the complex technical aspects, which is where a web developer comes in.

Also read

Shopify API Guide: What is an API, Available Types of Shopify APIs, and How to Access Shopify API?

Shopify Plus Web Developer

Now, a Shopify Plus web developer plays a different role. They aren’t just concerned with how things look but also how things work behind the scenes. These developers handle integrations, APIs, custom apps, and back-end development.

Alex: Wait, so they focus more on the technical side of things, like the behind-the-scenes stuff?

John: Exactly. A Shopify Plus web developer ensures that your Shopify store is technically perfect. You call them when you need custom functionality, complex integrations with third-party systems, or any work with Shopify’s API. They also handle back-end development, meaning they ensure everything runs smoothly on the server side.

Alex: What do they specialize in other than this?

John: They specialize in

• API Integrations: Let’s say you want to integrate your Shopify Plus store with an ERP system, CRM, or another third-party service. A Shopify Plus web developer will handle that integration using Shopify’s API.
• Custom App Development: If there’s no existing app that meets your needs, a web developer can build one specifically for your store. For instance, if you need a custom shipping calculator or inventory management tool, this developer can create it.
• Back-End Optimization: While a website developer focuses on the front end, a web developer focuses on the back end. They handle things like server-side rendering, database management, and security protocols.

Alex: That sounds cool. So, they’re the people to call when I need something beyond Shopify’s built-in features?

John: Exactly! If you need a custom-built solution, advanced integrations, or specialized technical tweaks, a web developer is your go-to person.

Alex: So, one makes sure the store looks good and functions well for customers, and the other ensures it’s technically strong and capable of more advanced features?

John: Exactly! Both are crucial, but it depends on what you need at the moment.

Alex: But how do I know which one I need? I’m still unsure!

John: Good question! If you’re primarily concerned with how your Shopify store looks, and functions on the front end, and want to enhance your store’s customer experience, you need a Shopify Plus website developer. However, if you need custom functionality or technical integration beyond Shopify’s features, a Shopify Plus web developer is the right choice.

Here’s a Quick Checklist:

Alex: Thanks, that clears things up a lot. Now I know exactly what I need!

John: Great! It’s all about finding the right person for the job. Whether you need a Shopify Plus website developer or a Shopify Plus web developer, understanding the differences will help ensure your store gets the expertise it needs to grow.

Also read

Shopify Plus SEO: Key Tools and Optimization Tips

Wrapping Up

To bring it all together, the roles of a Shopify Plus website developer and a Shopify Plus web developer may initially seem similar, but they serve different purposes. Website developers focus on creating visually stunning, user-friendly stores within Shopify’s platform. Web developers, on the other hand, handle the more technical aspects, such as custom development and integrations that take your Shopify Plus store to the next level.

At ColorWhistle, we offer comprehensive Shopify Plus website development services to cover both roles, helping you achieve success in your eCommerce journey. Contact us today to change your dream Shopify Plus project to reality.