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What Is A Shopify Partner? How To Create A Shopify Partner Account?

Last updated: September 01, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

Are you looking for a new source of earnings to boost your business? Joining the Shopify Partner Program might be the perfect opportunity for you. This program allows you to work with a world-class product and offer customized commerce solutions to over 1,000,000 merchants using the Shopify platform. It takes effort, but we can help! This article will provide valuable information and a checklist to get started. You’ll learn about Shopify and access the tools to succeed as a Shopify Partner.

What is a Shopify Partner?

Shopify Partners are part of the Shopify Partner Program, allowing entrepreneurs to earn money in a few ways. They play a vital role in helping merchants create themes, customize apps, and improve their Shopify online stores.

The Shopify Partner program is for:

  • Developers - Graphic, web, app, and theme developers
  • Marketers - Freelancers and agencies
  • Influencers - Social media, blog, and YouTube influencers
  • Designers - Graphic, app and web designers

6 Key Benefits of Joining the Shopify Partner Program

As a Shopify Partner, you can access free training courses, in-depth documentation, and other resources, which will help you improve your understanding of Shopify and business performance.

  • Perks: Shopify Members can get discounts on software and services for business development, product design, testing, and project management. Many discounts are available to all partners, while some are exclusive to Shopify-accredited experts.
  • Shopify Partner Academy: Access the online training program for Shopify Partners. It teaches partners how to use Shopify better, grow their businesses, and earn badges to showcase their skills to clients.
  • Discounts: Shopify Partners will receive discounts on various software and services, including business development, product design, project management, and testing tools.
  • Exclusive Resources: Get co-marketing opportunities, case studies, and promotional materials to attract clients. Gain early access to new features.
  • Unlimited Test Stores: Experiment and learn with unlimited test stores to better understand the platform and the products they offer new customers.
  • Partner Support: Enjoy 24/7 support via phone, email, or live chat from the Partner Dashboard.

How Does the Shopify Partner Program Work?

How Does the Shopify Partner Program Work?

After reading the key features of the Shopify Partner Program, let’s take a quick look at how the Shopify Partner Programs work.

Marketing

Shopify partners offer a variety of services to merchants who require assistance with content creation, marketing campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media management.

Additionally, partners can use their expertise to improve a merchant’s online presence and reach a wider audience.

Development

Shopify also partners with developers who create apps, themes, and integrations for merchants. These developers use their coding skills and knowledge to build customer solutions that improve the look and function of online stores.

They can earn income by selling their creations directly to merchants and receiving a percentage of revenue from those sales.

Photography

High-quality images play an important role in creating successful Shopify online stores. So, Shopify photographers offer photography services to help Shopify merchants improve their product look and feel attractive to customers, resulting in higher customer engagement and sales.

Design

Shopify designers are responsible for the visual appeal of online stores. They create attractive and user-friendly designs, graphics, logos, and branding elements, collaborating with developers for seamless integration. Their expertise is monetized by charging merchants for their design services.

Affiliate Marketing

Shopify affiliate marketers can flexibly share affiliate referral links via marketing channels like websites, blogs, or social media platforms. They will get paid for each new customer signing up to Shopify through their affiliate link.

How to Create a Partner Account on Shopify

The Shopify Partner program is an excellent option for starting a side hustle to earn passive income, but it requires time and effort to succeed. Joining the program is free, with no registration or subscription fees. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a Partner account on Shopify.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Shopify Account

  • Go to the Shopify website (https://www.shopify.com/).
  • Click on the “Start free trial” button to experience the Shopify platform before making a purchase.
Sign Up for a Shopify Account
  • Next, you’ll answer a series of questions with pre-made choices. You can skip these questions or choose the answers that best match your preferences and business needs.
Sign Up for a Shopify Account 2
  • Provide your email address, password, and store name.
Sign Up for a Shopify Account 3

Step 2: Verify your Email Address

Once you’ve created your Shopify ID, check your email for a verification link. This link is essential to activate your account and will expire after 24 hours.

Verify your Email Address

Step 3: Join the Shopify Partner program

To become a Shopify Partner, go to the “Shopify Partners,” and click the “Join now” button to log in.

Join the Shopify Partner program
  • Click the “Create new partner account” button.
Join the Shopify Partner program 1

Step 4: Choose the reason for creating a partner account

Select the appropriate response by clicking the “Next” button or selecting the corresponding circle. Building a new Shopify Store for Clients.

  • Building apps for the Shopify App Store
  • Providing services to existing Shopify merchants
  • Building Custom Apps for Individual clients.
  • Building themes for the Shopify theme store.
  • Selling products as a Shopify merchant.
  • Other.
Choose the reason for creating a partner account
  • Fill in your business location and then click the “Next” button.
Choose the reason for creating a partner account 1

Step 5: Complete Your Partner Profile

  • As part of the registration process, provide information about yourself or your company, including business name, address, City, and Zip code. Be thorough and accurate in your profile, as this information will be used to assess your eligibility.
Complete Your Partner Profile
  • Once you have completed all the required boxes, put a checkmark “I have read and agree to the Partner Program Agreement” in the box to process and choose “Submit.”
Complete Your Partner Profile 1

Step 6: Get Started with Your Partner Dashboard

Congratulations! You are now a Shopify Partner and ready to explore the Shopify Partner dashboard.

Get Started with Your Partner Dashboard

Your Partner Dashboard is your central hub for managing clients, projects, and earnings. Take some time to get familiar with all its features. Here, you can access resources like documentation, webinars, and workshops to improve your skills.

You can also track your earnings, manage client referrals, and explore revenue opportunities like app and theme development. To succeed as a Shopify Partner, stay updated on industry trends and Shopify updates. Join Partner Academy, attend events, and connect with other partners to learn and collaborate.

Step 7: Set up and Grow your Business

As a Shopify Partner, you’ll have many ways to grow your business. You can create apps, refer new merchants, and access exclusive training materials. Additionally, the Shopify Academy allows you to improve your skills and knowledge about the platform.

Set up and Grow your Business

So, How Much Can You Earn When Joining the Shopify Partner Program?

As a Shopify Partner, your earnings vary by your contribution to the Shopify ecosystem (your activities) and the Partner program you join. Here is a breakdown of how Shopify Partners earn:

Development Store Referrals

  • Partners can earn recurring commissions by referring new merchants to specific Shopify store plans. For example, they receive a 20% recurring commission on the monthly subscription fee for the Shopify Starter, Shopify Basic, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify plans. This commission continues as long as the merchant remains a paying customer and the Partner stays active.
  • Shopify Plus Partners earn a 20% recurring commission on the monthly base platform fee for each merchant referred through a Shopify Plus deal.
Development Store Referrals

Shopify Apps

Partners can earn revenue by creating and selling apps on the Shopify App Store. For the first $20,000,000 or more in gross earnings, they earn 100% of the total from one-time sales or recurring subscription fees. After reaching $100,000,000, Partners earn 85% of the total revenue.

Shopify Apps

Shopify Themes

Additionally, partners earn 100% of the total revenue from the themes sold through the Shopify Theme Store on the first $1,000,000. However, if their revenue exceeds $1,000,000, they earn 85% of the total revenue.

Promotions

Point of Sale Pro Referral Bonus

Regardless of Shopify Partner’s locations, Partners can earn rewards by referring merchants from specific countries to Shopify POS Pro. The reward includes a one-time $500 bonus when the referred merchant actives Shopify POS Pro. Additionally, if the merchant fulfills all program terms, the Partner receives a recurring 20% share of the merchant’s Shopify POS transaction profits for 24 months.

Markets Pro Referral Bonus

Shopify Partners can earn money by referring US-based businesses to Shopify Markets Pro. Each eligible referral gets 1% of the sales business earned through Market Pro GMV for 24 months. This extra income can add up to $50,000 per referral.

To get this commission, Partners need to submit the “Markets Pro Lead Form” in the Partner Dashboard, and the referred merchant must meet all program terms. Enterprise Commerce Offering Referral Promotion

Shopify Partners can earn a 20% commission, up to $200,000, when they refer new businesses to Shopify’s Enterprise Commerce plan and help them sign up. This promotion is used for referrals registered between January 15, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

How Can Shopify Partners Earn Money?

Shopify Partners can generate ongoing monthly revenue via various channels, including referrals to Shopify plans and service fees such as apps, themes, and web design.

Referral Commission

Shopify Partners will earn referral commissions by referring new merchants, retailers, or store owners to use Shopify. When a merchant signs up for a paid Shopify plan using the Parter’s unique referral link, the Partner will receive a commission. The commission amount is not fixed and varies depending on the merchant’s specific plan.

Referral Commission

Service Fees

Shopify Partner offers a wide variety of services to new Shopify merchants, including:

  • Theme development: Shopify Partners can craft bespoke themes, improving the visual appeal and functionality of a merchant’s online store.
  • App development: Some Partners can develop custom apps that extend the capabilities of Shopify stores, providing unique features and functionalities not available through standard integrations.
  • Store Setup: Parters offer invaluable assistance to merchants setting up their Shopify stores, ensuring proper configuration, optimization, and a smooth launch of their ecommerce businesses.
  • Digital Marketing: Partners provide comprehensive digital marketing services, including SEO, email marketing, and social media strategies to drive traffic, boost brand awareness, and increase sales.

Retainer Agreements

Shopify Partners often offers merchant retainer agreements, providing ongoing support and maintenance for a monthly fee. This includes regular updates, troubleshooting technical issues, and comprehensive assistance with store management.

Additionally, partners may offer strategic consultations to help merchants improve their online presence and boost sales.

Retainer Agreements

Custom Solutions

In addition, Partners crafting complex, customized e-commerce solutions for larger enterprises can command substantial fees for their expertise and development work. These tailored solutions typically involve combining integrations with existing systems, advanced functionalities, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by larger businesses.

Shopify Partner Account: FAQs

Is it free to be a Shopify partner? What is a Shopify partner account?

Yes, it is free to become a Shopify Partner. There are no fees to join the Shopify Partner Program. A Shopify Partner account is a free account that gives you access to various tools and resources to help you build your business on the Shopify platform.

What is the difference between Shopify and Shopify partners?

Shopify is an e-commerce platform for businesses to build and manage online stores. Shopify Partners are individuals or companies who work with Shopify, providing Shopify services to merchants or building apps/themes for their online stores.

Is Shopify Partners worth it?

Shopify Partners can be a rewarding venture, but it’s vital to consider your goals and skills. If you are a freelancer or agency looking to expand your client base and earn additional income, the program offers great opportunities. Similarly, developers and designers can leverage the platform to reach a large app and theme audience.

How much do Shopify partners make?

Shopify Partners will get a 10 - 20% commission of the merchant’s monthly subscription fee based on the chosen Shopify plan they paid. The revenue is higher if they sell themes or apps.

What does it mean to be a Shopify partner?

Being a Shopify Partner means joining a community of entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and marketers who work closely with Shopify to help merchants succeed in e-commerce. Partners can build businesses by offering services like store development, app creation, theme design, or marketing strategies. They also earn through referrals, commissions on sales, and other incentives.

In Conclusion

Becoming a Shopify Partner is straightforward, but maximizing your earnings requires choosing the right tools for your business. For ambitious entrepreneurs eager to increase revenue, our guide on “How to Make Money with Shopify” can provide valuable insights. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment below – we’re glad to assist. If you find this post helpful, please share it with your friends.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.