A data-first guide to implementing Shopify for growing businesses

At Anchor Group, every Shopify implementation starts with data integrity. From discovery through launch, we make sure reporting stays accurate and Shopify stays in sync with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system—especially NetSuite. We don’t just build stores. We build ecommerce systems that function as part of your business.

The 8 steps of a Shopify implementation

1. Business discovery
2. Store setup and configuration
3. Theme selection and customization
4. Data migration
5. App selection and configuration
6. ERP integration (Shopify + NetSuite)
7. Testing
8. Launch planning and support

Step 1: Business discovery

Every Shopify implementation begins with discovery. This is where we learn how your business operates, which systems hold your most critical data, and where that data needs to move. From sales and finance to operations and fulfillment, discovery sets the tone for everything that follows.

Our focus here is accuracy. We document every key data point—what needs to be captured, synced, and reported—so nothing gets lost in translation later. This foundation keeps Shopify aligned with the way your business truly works.

Step 2: Store setup and configuration

Shopify’s settings—taxes, shipping zones, user roles, checkout preferences—directly shape how data is collected and stored. If these are misconfigured early, issues will follow your store for years.

We set up each element intentionally so order, customer, and payment data connect seamlessly with your reporting tools. The result is a clean system from day one that supports analytics and smarter day-to-day decisions.

Step 3: Theme selection and customization

Themes define how customers experience your store, and this experience shapes your data quality. Clear navigation, thoughtful product layouts, and simple checkout design help customers provide accurate information the first time.

We customize Shopify themes to balance aesthetics with accuracy. Simplified navigation, optimized forms, and intuitive layouts reduce user errors and strengthen the data flowing into your backend systems. You get a site that looks sharp and functions with precision.

Step 4: Data migration

Migration is one of the most technical parts of a Shopify implementation. Product catalogs, customer records, and historical orders need to move into Shopify accurately, without inconsistencies or duplication.

We clean, map, and validate data before migration so your Shopify store starts on solid footing. This groundwork prevents duplicates, preserves order history, and keeps financial and inventory records consistent.

Step 5: App selection and configuration

The Shopify App Store can expand what your store can do, but every new app introduces another data source. Choose the wrong combination, and you’ll end up with duplication, sluggish performance, or mismatched reports.

Selecting the right apps matters as much as configuring them. Our team evaluates each option for performance and data integrity without cluttering your workflows. Once installed, we configure these apps to feed consistent, verified data into Shopify and, where needed, NetSuite or other connected systems. The goal is simple: every app adds value without creating chaos.

Step 6: Shopify ERP integration (Shopify + NetSuite)

Integration is where Shopify stops being a standalone storefront and becomes part of your business infrastructure.

We design integrations that prioritize accuracy. Each connection automates updates and keeps platforms aligned. When data moves between Shopify and NetSuite in real time, you gain a centralized data view across the organization.

Other integrations—CRMs, shipping providers, payment gateways—get the same attention to detail. Everything works together, seamlessly and predictably.

Step 7: Testing your Shopify implementation

Testing goes beyond checking links and visuals. It’s about ensuring that every transaction, order update, and inventory adjustment behaves exactly as it should.

We run test orders, confirm information moves accurately between systems, and verify reporting outputs. This is where we catch problems before customers do. By the time your site goes live, every workflow is validated and every integration performs as intended.

Step 8: Launch planning and support

A successful launch depends on preparation. Before launch day, we finalize data validation, train users on handling data in Shopify, and set contingency plans for any issues that could arise in the first few days.

Once live, we stay close. We monitor real user behavior, track how information syncs across Shopify and NetSuite, and make quick adjustments if something drifts out of sync. This ongoing support helps you stay confident and focused on growth instead of troubleshooting.

Your launch isn’t just a go-live moment. It’s the start of a system that performs as intended—stable, connected, and ready to scale.

Frequently asked questions

If you're planning a Shopify implementation, these FAQs cover what you need to know.

What is a Shopify implementation?

A Shopify implementation configures your store, migrates data, connects apps, and establishes integrations. Anchor Group’s process keeps data accuracy and ERP alignment at the center from start to finish.

How long does a Shopify implementation take?

Timelines depend on project scope. Smaller builds can take a few weeks. Larger or more complex implementations may take several months.

What’s the difference between a Shopify migration and a new implementation?

A migration moves your existing data and workflows from another platform into Shopify—say, from WooCommerce or Magento. A new implementation covers any fresh Shopify setup, whether you’re migrating or starting from scratch. Both require careful data mapping, configuration, and testing.

Why is Shopify + NetSuite integration important?

A Shopify + NetSuite integration connects your ecommerce platform with your ERP for real-time visibility. Orders, customers, and inventory update automatically, reducing manual work and improving accuracy. Integration also gives you one consistent data source for reporting and forecasting.

Can you fix a partial or broken implementation?

Yes. We audit data, configurations, and integrations to stabilize your system and realign Shopify with your ERP. No matter how far along you are, we can help get it right.

How a data-driven Shopify implementation pays off

A Shopify implementation aligns your ecommerce operations with the way your business actually runs. Each phase—from discovery through launch—plays a role in building a system that’s scalable, reliable, and aligned with your backend operations.

The strongest implementations start with data. Strong data practices, smart configuration, and well-built integrations—particularly with NetSuite—keep operations steady and ready for growth.

At Anchor Group, we’ve guided manufacturers, distributors, and hybrid merchants through Shopify projects that combine ERP alignment with modern ecommerce design. Whether you’re migrating from another platform or building new, our team ensures your data remains dependable, your systems coordinated, and your site ready to perform.

Ready to implement Shopify the right way? Contact Anchor Group to start your project today.