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Overview

This playbook describes the complete internal process for designing and developing a Shopify store at Oase Creative. Execution is in collaboration with our fixed Shopify developer: Daniel Al Seffar – daniel@oasecreative.nl (Active within our internal Slack environment) The process includes intake, planning, setup, design, development, revisions, delivery, and internal communication.

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Step 1: Intake Form via Slack

Clients fill out a comprehensive Shopify form. This form must be 100% complete before we start.

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The form must contain:

  • Company name + description
  • Collections structure
  • Product information
  • Branding (logo, colors, typography)
  • Example webshops
  • Functionality wishes
  • SEO data (titles, texts)
  • Photos / assets
  • Apps that should be used
  • Domain name + any email setups
  • Legal pages (privacy, return, terms and conditions)

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Project manager actions:

  1. Review form and check for completeness.
  2. Check if all assets are present.
  3. If intake incomplete → request client to provide information.
  4. Save intake + assets in Google Drive project folder.
  5. Post Slack update: “Shopify intake complete – ready for planning.”
Without complete intake and assets, we do NOT start.

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Step 2: Create Project in Slack + Internal Communication

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Actions:

  • Project manager creates a new Slack project channel.
  • Add:
  • Daniel Al Seffar
  • Involved designers
  • Project manager
  • Any copywriters / photographers
  • Pin:
  • Intake form
  • Drive link
  • Deadlines
  • Checklist
Daniel uses Slack as the main communication channel during development.

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Step 3: Create Shopify Environment (via our development environment)

We emphatically instruct the client: “Do NOT create your own Shopify environment.” Why:
  • We use an official Shopify Partner environment
  • We receive commission via our partner environment
  • We have full control over the development process

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Actions:

  1. Project manager creates new development store via Shopify Partner Dashboard.
  2. Access is granted to Daniel Al Seffar.
  3. Basic configuration is set up:
  • Domain placeholder
  • Template installation
  • Install basic apps
  • Duplicate theme for safety

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Step 4: Set Up Base Theme + Structure

Daniel sets up the base structure of the webshop:

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Tasks:

  • Create collections
  • Set up navigation structure
  • Configure footer menu
  • Create pages:
  • Home
  • About us
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Legal pages
  • Set fonts & colors according to branding
  • Insert placeholder images
  • Configure apps (reviews, bundles, upsells, email automation)

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Step 5: Process Intake Information

All information from the form is systematically processed:

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Contains:

  • Upload products
  • Variants & barcodes
  • Add SEO titles & descriptions
  • Fill collections
  • Optimize photos
  • Process copywriting (if provided)
  • Fully build homepage layout

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Step 6: Develop First Version (within 2 weeks)

Within 2 weeks, Daniel delivers a complete first version.

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First version contains:

  • Complete visual branding
  • Homepage fully worked out
  • Product pages
  • Collection pages
  • All content pages
  • Apps installed
  • First checkout test

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Project manager actions:

  • Test first version
  • Collect feedback
  • Schedule date for revision call

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Step 7: Revision Call & Video Recording

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Actions:

  1. Schedule video call with client.
  2. Daniel records a video explanation during or after the call:
  • Explanation of the webshop
  • Explanation per page
  • Instructions about functionalities
  1. Video is sent to client as reference material.
🎥 This video minimizes revisions and prevents miscommunication.

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Step 8: Collect & Process Revisions

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Process:

  • Client sends revision list
  • Project manager translates revisions in Slack to Daniel
  • Daniel processes these revisions
  • Designers support with visuals if needed
  • Slack is continuously updated with progress

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Possible revisions:

  • Color or layout changes
  • Content updates
  • Function adjustments
  • App tweaks

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Step 9: Finalization (within 20 working days)

The webshop is fully completed within 20 working days.

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Final checks:

  • Test checkout
  • Test apps
  • Review navigation
  • Mobile optimization
  • Set SEO basics correctly
  • Optimize images

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Step 10: Deliver to Client

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Delivery package consists of:

  • Access to Shopify store
  • Video explanation (previously recorded)
  • Documentation (optional)
  • Drive folder with all assets
  • Instructions about:
  • Order management
  • Product management
  • Collection management
  • Apps
The client can make adjustments independently after delivery.

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Step 11: Internal Closure

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Actions:

  • Post Slack update: project completed
  • Daniel and PM document learnings
  • Finalize Drive folder
  • Register any upsell opportunities (CRO, email flows, advertisements, product photography etc.)

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Best Practices

  • Intake must be complete: incomplete intake = delay.
  • Always work via our development environment (no own Shopify from client).
  • Monitor deadlines:
  • 2 weeks → first version
  • 20 days → final delivery
  • Use Loom/videos to limit revisions.
  • Mobile-first thinking: >60% of visitors use mobile.
  • Keep all communication transparent in Slack.

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Workflow Summary

  1. Intake complete
  2. Create Slack channel + invite team
  3. Open Shopify dev store
  4. Set base theme
  5. Process intake
  6. First version (2 weeks)
  7. Revision call + video
  8. Process revisions
  9. Final delivery (20 working days)
  10. Internal closure
Daniel Al Seffar is lead developer → all development via Slack.