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How to start a project with Mihai Dobre — step by step

Whether you need a Shopify launch, a WooCommerce build, or a bespoke eCommerce project, this guide shows exactly how we’ll work together — from first message to post-launch support. Clear steps, clear ownership, and clear outcomes.

Step-by-step plan & information

Step 1 — Send your enquiry

  • Use the short form on the Contact page.
  • Share your goals, budget range, timeline, and platform preferences (WordPress/WooCommerce or Shopify).

Good to include: links to any current site, brand assets, product count, and key features (subscriptions, B2B, bundles, etc.).

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Step 2 — Free discovery chat by Slack or by email/whatsapp)

We’ll clarify goals, users, required features, content readiness, and success metrics. I’ll advise the best platform and approach:

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Step 3 — Scope, timeline & proposal

You’ll receive a written proposal with:

  • Deliverables & sitemap
  • Tech stack & integrations (payments, shipping, ERP/CRM, apps)
  • Timeline (Shopify 3–5 weeks; WooCommerce 4–6 weeks; Bespoke 6–10 weeks)
  • Investment & payment milestones
  • Optional add-ons (CRO, analytics, SEO retainers, accessibility)

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Step 4 — Agreement & deposit

We sign the agreement ( a contract ) and secure your slot with a 50% deposit of the total cost of the project. You’ll get a project kickoff date and a shared workspace for files and feedback.

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Step 5 — Onboarding & access

You’ll receive a checklist to provide:

  • Brand assets (logo, colours, fonts, imagery)
  • Product catalogue (CSV or Shopify import), tax & shipping rules
  • Copy or outline for key pages
  • Admin access (temporary) to CMS/Shopify and hosting when relevant

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Step 6 — UX & design

Depending on scope:

  • Theme-based: curate a best-fit free/premium theme or Luxoria Theme for luxury/fashion.
  • Bespoke: wireframes and UI components for unique flows.
  • We align on layout, hierarchy, and conversion goals (CRO).

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Step 7 — Build & integrations

  • WordPress/WooCommerce or Shopify setup
  • Payments, shipping, tax, and essential apps/plugins
  • Product structure, collections/categories, filters
  • Performance first: lean code, image optimisation, caching/CDN

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Step 8 — QA & checkout testing

  • Cross-browser & device checks
  • Accessibility and Core Web Vitals checks
  • End-to-end purchase flow, discount and tax edge cases (WooCommerce & Shopify)

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Step 9 — SEO, tracking & compliance

  • Meta, Open Graph, breadcrumbs, structured data (Rank Math)
  • GA4, Google Search Console, consent banner & cookie policy
  • 301 redirects (if migrating) and sitemap submission.

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Step 10 — Review rounds & approval

Two focused feedback rounds (more if agreed). Once approved, we prepare for live launch of the website or store.

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Step 11 — Launch & monitoring

  • DNS switch or go-live plan
  • Uptime & error monitoring
  • Final speed pass and crawl check

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Step 12 — Training & handover

Short video walkthroughs from my Youtube channel or my blog posts, plus an admin guide for products, pages, and promotions.

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Step 13 — Ongoing care (recommended)

Pick a plan so your site stays fast and secure:

Need help once only? See One-Off Fixes.

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Typical timelines at a glance

  • Shopify: 3–5 weeks (or a 5-day fast setup to test an idea)
  • WooCommerce: 4–6 weeks
  • Bespoke: 6–10 weeks

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Ready to begin your journey?