Recent episodes
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- Episode 036 - Paolo Vidali with Hidden GearsFebruary 27, 2025
- Episode 035 - Developer Community with Brian GonzalesFebruary 13, 2025

Episode 038 - Jan Frey on How to Become a Shopify Developer in 2025
In this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page welcome back Jan Frey, one of the greatest Shopify development teachers on the web with the incredibly helpful and popular YouTube channel Coding with Jan.
The conversation covers a range of topics including the current landscape of Shopify development, strategies for finding clients, the importance of professionalism, and the evolving role of AI in web development. Jan shares insights on his new JavaScript training program aimed at helping developers enhance their skills, while also discussing the significance of soft skills in client interactions.
Takeaways
- Finding clients often comes from referrals and established relationships.
- Professionalism is key in differentiating yourself as a developer.
- AI tools can enhance productivity but should not replace human developers.
- Soft skills are just as important as technical skills in client interactions.
- Building a solid portfolio and online presence is crucial for new developers.
- JavaScript is essential for Shopify development and should be learned thoroughly.
- Understanding the Shopify admin and Liquid is vital for effective development.
- Networking and community engagement can lead to more opportunities.
- Creating content can help establish authority and attract clients.
- Continuous learning and adapting to new tools is necessary for success in development.
Timestamps
00:00 Exploring Shopify Development and Educational Initiatives
01:25 The Evolution of Development in 2025
04:23 Finding Clients and Building a Portfolio
07:21 Soft Skills in Development and Client Interaction
13:15 Navigating Cold Outreach Strategies
17:30 Building a Professional Online Presence
22:59 The Importance of Referrals and Networking
31:52 Establishing Technical Knowledge in Development
38:49 The Future of Development in an AI World
40:47 The Role of AI in Web Development
46:04 Essential Skills for Freelance Developers
47:03 Mastering JavaScript for Shopify
52:56 Shopify Updates and Changes
01:01:35 Personal Highlights and Future Collaborations
Find Jan Online
YouTube: / @codingwithjan
LinkedIn: / jan-frey
Twitter (X): https://x.com/Coding_with_Jan
Website: https://codingwithjan.com/
Freemote: https://www.freemote.com/
Javascript Training: https://www.codingwithjan.com/javascr...
Resources
Luck Sail: • The little risks you can take to incr...
Dev Changelog
- Introducing the .dev Assistant VSCode Extension - https://shopify.dev/changelog/introdu...
- [action required] Checkout APIs will be shut down April 1, 2025 - https://shopify.dev/changelog/checkou...
- [action required] AMAZON_PAY enumerated in DigitalWallets - https://shopify.dev/changelog/amazonp...
- [action required] Metafield description input field removal - https://shopify.dev/changelog/metafie...
- New customer address capabilities in the Admin API - https://shopify.dev/changelog/new-cus...
Picks of the Week
Karl: Ruby on Rails and Web Assembly - https://web.dev/blog/ruby-on-rails-on...
Jan: Working with Shopify Academy - https://www.shopifyacademy.com/
Taylor: GoRuck Weighted Vest - https://www.goruck.com/products/train...
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