--- title: Build your business description: >- Learn about distributing your theme and other ways to build your business with Shopify themes. source_url: html: >- https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business md: >- https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md --- ExpandOn this page * [Distribute your theme](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#distribute-your-theme) * [Theme customization](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#theme-customization) * [Building bespoke themes and stores](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#building-bespoke-themes-and-stores) * [Building for the Shopify Theme Store](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#building-for-the-shopify-theme-store) * [Building apps that integrate with themes](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#building-apps-that-integrate-with-themes) # Build your business As a [Shopify Partner](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/about), there are several ways that you can earn money when working with Shopify themes. *** ## Distribute your theme Themes can be distributed in the following ways: * By bundling the theme directory as a ZIP file, which can then be uploaded by the merchant in their Shopify admin. * By uploading your theme to a GitHub repository, and then [connecting a branch of the repository](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/tools/github) to a theme in the Shopify admin. * By pushing a theme to a store using [Shopify CLI](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/tools/cli/cli-2/commands). ### Submit your theme to the shopify theme store Consider submitting your theme to the [Shopify Theme Store](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/store). As a theme Partner, you can create themes for the Shopify Theme Store and reach an international audience of millions of entrepreneurs. Learn about the requirements for themes in the Shopify Theme Store, and how to submit your theme. ### Prepare to hand off your store to a client If you're building your theme for a client, then review our [best practices for working with merchants](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/best-practices/merchant-stores). *** ## Theme customization The most common theme-related task for developers is theme customization, where an existing theme is altered to meet a merchant’s needs. Customization jobs range from minor tweaks to major overhauls. You can apply to offer theme customization services through the [Shopify Partner Directory](https://help.shopify.com/partners/directory). [Learn more about the Partner Directory](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/directory). *** ## Building bespoke themes and stores Developers can build themes from scratch. This can be a major undertaking, and the work is usually commissioned by a single merchant with very specific requirements. You can offer theme building as a service through the [Shopify Partner Directory](https://help.shopify.com/partners/directory). You can charge your clients a fee that you both agree upon to build their theme. If you're building a theme for a client who is moving to Shopify for the first time, then you can use a development store to build their store and build or customize their theme. After you [hand off the store](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/best-practices/merchant-stores) to the merchant, you receive a [recurring commission](https://help.shopify.com/partners/how-to-earn#development-store-referrals). [Learn more about building stores for merchants](https://help.shopify.com/partners/building-stores-for-merchants). *** ## Building for the Shopify Theme Store The [Shopify Theme Store](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/store) is one of the first stops in a merchant’s journey to launching their online store. As a Partner, you can create themes for the Shopify Theme Store and reach an international audience of millions of entrepreneurs. To be accepted into to the Shopify Theme Store, themes must meet strict technical, maintenance, and support requirements. You should review these requirements before you start developing a theme for the store. [Learn more about submitting a theme to the Shopify Theme Store](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/store). *** ## Building apps that integrate with themes As an app developer, you can build an app that extends the functionality of a merchant's theme. You can build a custom app for a specific client, or submit an app to the [Shopify App Store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/app-store-review). [Learn more about building apps that integrate with themes](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/online-store). *** * [Distribute your theme](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#distribute-your-theme) * [Theme customization](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#theme-customization) * [Building bespoke themes and stores](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#building-bespoke-themes-and-stores) * [Building for the Shopify Theme Store](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#building-for-the-shopify-theme-store) * [Building apps that integrate with themes](https://shopify.dev/docs/storefronts/themes/getting-started/build-your-business.md#building-apps-that-integrate-with-themes)