Launching or scaling an eCommerce brand shouldn’t mean navigating bloated agency fees, slow turnaround times, or endless back-and-forth.
That’s exactly why I offer a different approach through Melted Media: a full-service Shopify service that delivers agency-level quality, without the agency overhead.
Melted Media is intentionally built around a simple idea: you work directly with someone who understands the full eCommerce picture.
With over 20 years’ experience across development, technical strategy, design, trading, and merchandising, I don’t just execute tasks, I connect the dots between them. That means better decisions, faster progress, and a store that performs as well as it looks.
Recently, I partnered with a new and ambitious Padel clothing brand, conceptpadel.co.uk, to bring their vision to life.
From Theme to Fully Functional Store
The client had already selected a theme and provided a reference site they liked. From there, my role was to take that direction and turn it into a polished, high-performing storefront.
This included:
- Full theme configuration
- Bulk product import and setup
- Building out core pages
- Creating a custom mega menu for improved navigation
- Enhancing product pages with conversion-focused messaging
Alongside this, I handled key operational elements:
- Configuring shipping methods
- Setting up collection filters using Shopify’s Search & Discovery app
- Reviewing and refining customer notification emails
- Building a subscriber welcome email and automation via Shopify’s native messaging tools
The goal wasn’t just to “get the site live”, it was to ensure everything worked together as a cohesive eCommerce system from day one.
Using Apps Where They Make Sense
A big part of delivering efficiently on Shopify is knowing when to use apps, and when not to.
For this project, the store was built using just a single paid app: LinkedOption Combined Listings, which I selected and implemented to handle product variant grouping cleanly.
The client had initially chosen a different solution for colour swatches, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. After reviewing the options, I implemented a better-fit approach that balanced ease of setup with a cleaner front-end experience.
Handled through this carefully selected app, configured to deliver the exact UX the client was after, clickable colour swatches, both on collection pages and product pages.
The result: simple for the client to manage, and intuitive for customers to use.
Building Custom Where It Matters
Not everything should be solved with an app.
One feature in particular required a more tailored approach.
“Shop the Look” – Built from Scratch
No existing app matched the client’s requirements, which included:
- Configuring a full outfit per product page
- Selecting sizes per individual item
- Adding the entire look to cart in one action
- Allowing customers to remove items dynamically
- Updating the total price in real time
So instead of compromising, I built it custom using Liquid, JavaScript, and CSS.
The feature is powered by product metafields, meaning the client can easily manage and update looks without needing ongoing development support.
The Small Details That Drive Conversion
Beyond the headline features, a lot of the value in this project came from the smaller, conversion-focused touches:
- An order cut-off smart trigger on product pages and in the cart drawer
- Clear, structured product page messaging to build confidence and reduce friction
- Clean navigation and filtering to improve product discovery
- Size guides implemented using the theme’s native functionality, linked dynamically to products via metafields
These are the kinds of details that often get overlooked, but they’re what turn a good-looking store into one that actually performs.
A Different Kind of Shopify Service
This project is a good example of how I work.
You’re not dealing with a layered agency structure. You’re working directly with someone who can:
- Configure, build, and optimise
- Evaluate tools properly (not just install apps and hope for the best)
- Create custom solutions when needed
- Think commercially, not just technically
All while keeping things lean, fast, and cost-effective.
Built for Founders Who Want to Move Fast
If you’re launching a new brand or improving an existing Shopify store, you don’t necessarily need a large agency.
You need the right experience applied efficiently.
That’s where I come in.
Let’s Build Something That Works
If you’re looking for a Shopify partner who can handle everything from setup through to advanced custom features, without the typical agency overhead, get in touch.
Also, look out for my new dedicated Shopify support service, Commerce Co-Pilot a Senior-led Shopify partner for growth. Strategy, build and optimisation, without agency fees or complexity. Built for founders launching properly, or improving existing stores with real commercial focus.