You are almost constantly optimizing an eCom store. Changing a theme to a public eCom store requires some planning to make it run as smoothly as possible. For more information about the effects of installing a theme, click here.
To minimize the impact on customers, do the following:
Back up your theme settings and code
Use a test shop
Schedule your public theme installation, then make it public
Back up your theme settings and code
If you need to revert your changes to your previous theme, make sure to back up your settings.
Take screenshots of all theme settings in your public eCom store.
Copy values such as hex color codes to a text file for quick cutting and pasting.
Copy any changes made to the theme code.
Use a test shop
You can create a test shop by following the instructions found here. It is recommended that in a test shop you:
Export products from your public eCom store and import them into your test store.
Installs and configures new themes. Try all possibilities and adjust the design or colors until you are satisfied.
If necessary, make adjustments to the theme code.
Schedule your public theme installation, then make it public
Collect all the images for your theme in a folder, including banners and headlines.
Add descriptive labels to your images so you can quickly identify their target locations.
Document all changes made to the theme in your test shop. Get ready to apply the same settings to your public eCom store.
Identify and select a date and time when it is not busy to make the adjustments.
When you're done, install the theme to your public eCom store.
Apply the prepared customizations to the theme settings.
Once the changes have been made, copy all the changes to the theme code into the new theme.