Shopify Agency Brief Builder
Hiring a Shopify agency or freelancer goes better when you send the same clear brief to every firm. Fill in the form and get a plain-text, markdown-formatted brief covering your business, goals, plan, scope checklist, integrations, timeline, budget, success metrics, ownership terms and reporting, plus a generated list of questions to ask and red flags to watch. It is for store owners and marketing leads who have not written a scope before. Everything stays in your browser; nothing is stored or sent.
Your answers are processed only in this page. Nothing is uploaded or stored; copy the brief before you leave.
How to use the brief
Fill in what you know and leave the rest blank; blank items appear as "not provided" so you can see the gaps. Focus on goals and success metrics, because those decide whether a proposal fits. "Redesign the site" is a task; "raise mobile conversion and cut page load time" is a goal an agency can be held to.
Send the same brief to two or three firms. Comparing replies to identical input is the easiest way to notice who read it closely, who asked sensible questions and who sent a template. Use the generated questions on a call, and compare answers in writing.
What the ownership section means
The brief states that you own the store, domain, theme code and app accounts, and that work happens through collaborator or staff access you can remove. Check your own account's staff and collaborator settings in the Shopify Help Center. If a firm pushes back on this, ask why.
Where to find firms
You can browse the official Shopify Partner Directory, ask other merchants, or read our agencies directory page, which explains how any list is biased. This tool does not recommend or rank any agency.
What it does not cover
- It is not a contract. Have a lawyer review any agreement, especially ownership, liability and termination.
- It does not estimate cost. Budgets vary widely with scope, region and team.
- The questions and red flags are general guidance, not a vetting service, and a flag is a reason to ask more, not proof of a problem.
Disclosure: the author has agency and app-business interests (an Amazon advertising agency and Shopify apps). See the disclosure. This tool never recommends a specific agency.
Data last verified 2026-10-23. Prices, hours and rules change; confirm fees, limits and program terms with the official source before you rely on a number.
Sources
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is my information stored or sent anywhere?
No. The brief is built in your browser as you type. Nothing is uploaded, saved or tracked, and it disappears when you close or refresh the page, so copy it before you leave.
Why does the brief say I own the store and code?
Ownership disputes are among the most painful agency problems. Stating upfront that you own the store, domain, theme code and app accounts, and that the agency works through collaborator access you can revoke, makes the expectation clear before any money changes hands. You can edit or add terms in the form.
Should I include my budget?
A range helps agencies tell you honestly what is possible and saves both sides time. If you prefer not to share it, leave the field blank and ask for options at several price points.
Does this recommend an agency?
No. The tool never names or recommends any agency. It only helps you write a clear request and a checklist to compare responses.
What do I do with the questions and red flags?
Send the brief to two or three firms, ask the listed questions on a call or in writing, and compare answers side by side. Treat any item from the red flags list that a firm triggers as a reason to ask follow-ups, not an automatic rejection.