Best Shopify Designers in the U.S.: How to Choose the Right One

Hiring the right Shopify designer can be the difference between a site that looks decent and one that actually sells.

Design isn’t just about how things look. It’s about how they work. A smart layout, a clean product page, a smooth mobile flow — those things all start with design.

But with so many freelancers, agencies, and “design experts” out there, how do you find the one that’s right for your brand?

Here’s a breakdown of what really matters when you’re hiring a Shopify designer in the U.S.

What Makes a Good Shopify Designer?

First things first: you don’t just want someone who knows how to use Shopify. You want someone who knows how to design for conversions.

That means they should understand:

• – How to guide a customer visually from homepage to product to checkout
• – What makes a homepage effective (hint: it’s not a slider and a few icons)
• – Mobile-first layout strategies
• – Product page design that makes people want to click “Add to Cart”
• – How brand identity translates into visuals, fonts, color, and spacing

   

Good designers ask a lot of questions. They don’t just drop a theme on your store and call it a day. They dig into your product, your audience, and your goals before sketching anything.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

If you’re hiring someone for your Shopify store, here are a few warning signs to avoid:

• – They only work with pre-made themes and won’t customize beyond colors
• – They can’t show live examples of Shopify work
• – They confuse “design” with “development” and don’t offer real layout expertise
• – They use the same layout across different stores
• – They talk more about animations than UX
• – They ghost you after the first draft

   

You don’t want to micromanage someone who’s supposed to make your life easier. And you definitely don’t want to keep rebuilding your store every 6 months.

Freelancers, Agencies, or Studios — What’s the Best Option?

Freelancers
They’re flexible, often more affordable, and good for smaller projects. But they may not handle strategy or UX well. Some are design-first, others are development-focused — rarely both.

Agencies
Big agencies offer structure, but they often push you into their process. You might get handed off to a junior designer. Expect a bigger bill and more formal communication.

Studios (like That Nerd Studio)
A small team with deep Shopify experience — design, UX, and code. You get the benefits of a design agency without the overhead or layers. Ideal for U.S. brands that want hands-on collaboration with real results.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring?

Ask these before signing anything:

• – Can I see 2–3 Shopify stores you’ve designed?
• – Do you use Shopify 2.0 and create modular sections?
• – How do you approach mobile design?
• – Do you work from Figma or another design tool before development?
• – Who will be my point of contact?
• – What happens after the store is live? Do you offer support?

   

You’re not just hiring for talent — you’re hiring for process, communication, and partnership.

Why U.S. Brands Work with That Nerd Studio

We’re not a bloated agency. And we’re not freelancers juggling 10 side projects.

That Nerd Studio is a Shopify-focused design and dev studio that works with U.S. brands ready to level up. Whether you’re launching from scratch or refreshing your store, we help you build a Shopify experience that looks great and actually sells – all in $999.

Here’s how we stand out:

• – We design everything in Figma before a line of code is written
• – We know Shopify 2.0 inside out
• – Our designs aren’t just pretty — they’re built for performance
• – We offer full post-launch support
• – We don’t outsource or pass your project to juniors
• – You always know who you’re working with and what’s coming next

   

From wellness brands to food startups, we’ve helped dozens of Shopify stores go from average to top-tier.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a Shopify designer in the U.S. isn’t about finding the cheapest or the fastest — it’s about finding someone who gets your brand, your goals, and your customer journey.

When you find a designer who checks those boxes, the ROI speaks for itself.

And if you’re looking for a team that blends strategy, design, and Shopify mastery — That Nerd Studio is ready to help.

Want a professional, conversion-focused Shopify store that’s ready to launch? Get yours for only $999 — visit our page.