Purpose #
This article explains how Shopstars manages ongoing maintenance for Shopify stores. It covers scheduled cycles for updates, how apps and themes are reviewed, how integrations are monitored, and how preventative work is prioritized. Clients should use this as the reference for understanding how their store stays secure, stable, and aligned with Shopify’s evolving platform.
Why Maintenance Matters #
Shopify evolves continuously—new features are introduced, APIs are deprecated, and app developers push regular updates. Without structured maintenance, stores risk running outdated code, experiencing conflicts, or missing out on platform improvements. Maintenance cycles ensure stores remain compatible, secure, and optimized for performance.
Maintenance Cycle Overview #
Shopstars runs structured maintenance on a monthly and quarterly basis.
Monthly Cycles
- Review Shopify platform updates and assess impact on the store
- Apply critical app updates or security patches
- Validate analytics and pixel tracking for accuracy
- Monitor site speed and resolve immediate performance regressions
- Confirm backups are running and accessible
Quarterly Cycles
- Full theme review, including codebase and design consistency
- App audit to identify redundant, abandoned, or underperforming apps
- Accessibility checks against WCAG standards
- Security scan of staff accounts, permissions, and API keys
- Documentation update in Basecamp for all maintenance activities
App and Theme Updates #
- Apps are monitored continuously for updates or permission changes.
- Theme updates are reviewed quarterly; new versions are staged and tested before deployment.
- Custom code is merged carefully to avoid regressions during theme upgrades.
- App embeds replace legacy script injections where possible for improved stability.
Pixel and Analytics Maintenance #
Tracking systems are critical for campaign measurement.
- Meta Pixel, GA4, and TikTok events are validated monthly.
- Duplicate events caused by theme or app conflicts are identified and fixed.
- Debugging tools (Meta Pixel Helper, GA DebugView) are used to confirm events fire correctly.
Integration Reviews #
ERP, CRM, and fulfillment integrations are validated as part of maintenance cycles.
- API keys are checked for expiration or rotation requirements.
- Sync logs are reviewed for failed orders or inventory updates.
- Middleware connectors are tested to confirm latency and error handling.
Preventative Maintenance #
Proactive steps reduce the risk of critical issues:
- Deprecated Shopify features are identified early and replaced.
- Scripts and apps no longer supported are removed.
- Security patches are applied before vulnerabilities are exploited.
- Site performance is tuned before seasonal traffic spikes.
Documentation and Transparency #
Every maintenance cycle is documented in Basecamp. The log includes:
- What was reviewed
- What was updated or changed
- Any identified risks or follow-up tasks This ensures transparency and provides clients with a running history of their store’s technical upkeep.
Client Responsibilities #
Clients must:
- Approve recommended theme or app updates in Basecamp
- Notify Shopstars before adding new apps independently
- Review maintenance logs and confirm priorities for the next cycle
- Provide campaign schedules so Shopstars can align maintenance with peak events
Summary #
Maintenance cycles and updates at Shopstars ensure that Shopify stores remain secure, performant, and aligned with evolving platform standards. Monthly cycles focus on critical patches and tracking validation, while quarterly cycles review apps, themes, integrations, and security. All work is documented in Basecamp, and client approvals are required for major changes. This structured approach prevents issues, reduces risk, and keeps stores future-proof.
