Shopify Websites – Custom Vs Paid Theme

computer-on-desk-in-modern-Shopify-office

Shopify is an Ecommerce platform allowing merchants to set up their online stores and sell goods and services through various sales channels. Shopify Ecommerce Website flexibility features give merchants many options, from developing a website, handling their stock, processing payments, and personalising their store’s look.

Besides the fundamental features, Shopify provides merchants access to diverse functionalities and apps to expand their businesses. For instance, merchants can use Shopify’s services to create a unique checkout experience, accept payments in multiple currencies, and efficiently manage their shipping operations.

 

CUSTOM VS PAID THEME

WHY SHOULD MERCHANTS USE SHOPIFY?

There are numerous compelling reasons why merchants should use Shopify.

To start with, Shopify is a user-friendly platform that requires no technical expertise, making it easy to get started.

Secondly, Shopify is affordable, with plans starting at just $29 per month. This makes it a competitive option compared to other Ecommerce platforms. Shopify offers new design and gateway to generate sales.

Thirdly, Shopify is highly dependable, thanks to the dedicated team of experts who strive to offer merchants the most seamless shopping experience possible. Shopify platform can be easily handle by shopify designers and industry experts. Lastly, Shopify is a scalable platform. With rapid growth over the past few years, it has aided thousands of businesses in boosting their online sales, making it a reliable choice for merchants looking to expand their reach.

FULLY CUSTOM SHOPIFY THEME

A fully custom Shopify theme is a website designed to meet the specific needs and requirements of the client. It has a unique web design, unlike pre-built themes. A custom designed Shopify website is created from scratch, incorporating the client’s desired elements and functionalities. This allows for greater flexibility in prioritising specific aspects that matter most to the client.

Furthermore, a fully custom Shopify website can be more responsive and mobile-friendly, as it is designed specifically for the client’s business needs. This enables a more user-friendly interface, catering to the target audience’s needs.

A custom-designed Shopify site reflects the business’s brand identity, from the aesthetics to the website’s functions and information architecture. The result is a truly unique online store that stands out from the crowd.

Custom-designed Shopify themes can eliminate the drawbacks associated with pre-built themes since the website is built from the ground up, considering the client’s specific requirements and goals.

FULLY CUSTOM SHOPIFY THEME

Drawbacks

Higher cost

One significant drawback of opting for a custom built Shopify theme is the associated cost. The development expenses are higher than using a pre-made theme due to the additional work involved.

Extended development time

The uniqueness of your website comes with a price. Creating a custom theme from scratch takes longer than using a pre-existing theme. Therefore, if you have a tight timeline, there may be better approaches than choosing a custom-built theme.

Continual maintenance

As your business evolves, a custom-built theme will require ongoing updates and maintenance. While this is a specific aspect of website maintenance, keep in mind that custom themes will require more attention than pre-made themes.

Custom Shopify website design

MODIFIED SHOPIFY THEMES

A Shopify Advanced website is a site built using one of the many premium themes offered by third-party providers. These themes are designed to create a polished and professional online store. Besides that, they frequently offer additional features and customisation options that free Shopify themes lack. They are often user-friendly to customise and come equipped with a diverse range of features that can aid in building a one-of-a-kind and thriving e-commerce business.

As your business evolves, you can modify your existing Shopify theme to accommodate your store’s changing requirements in various ways. By partnering with a top shopify designers and developer, you can adjust your shopify web design and theme code to add new features or integrate third-party apps to enhance functionality that isn’t already included in your theme.

Advantages

Customization via apps

One of the benefits of using Shopify themes is the availability of third-party apps. They can be integrated into your store to provide specific functionalities you may require or desire. These apps are available on a subscription basis and can be easily installed. For example, the Gift Reggie app lets you set up your store’s gift registry functionality.

Flexibility in Editing

If your theme lacks settings for the alterations you wish to make and you are familiar with HTML, CSS, and Liquid, you can modify your theme code to achieve the desired functionalities. Alternatively, you can engage the services of a Shopify Partner to make the code changes on your behalf.

Drawbacks

Lack of updates from the developer

Like apps on your phone, themes occasionally require software updates to fix bugs or add new features. However, as soon as a Shopify theme is modified, it becomes ineligible for updates, which means that you won’t be able to benefit from any updates released by the theme’s developer. This implies that either you’ll need coding skills or employ a Shopify Partner to maintain your site.

Decreased site speed

When you modify your Shopify theme, you risk slowing down your site as it becomes loaded with more code. This further contributes to “code bloating”, which fills the back end of your site with unnecessary code and results in extended loading times. It is worth noting that apps add code to your site, so each app you install will contribute to slower loading times. According to Google Think, slower load times frustrate users, making it advisable to avoid overloading your sites with unnecessary code.

MODIFIED SHOPIFY THEMES

Shopify for ecommerce platform Web Design

When it comes to launching a successful ecommerce business, selecting the right platform is crucial. Shopify has emerged as a popular and effective choice for small and large-scale online retailers alike.

This ecommerce platform provides feature-rich Shopify website designs, a user-friendly interface, and powerful tools to help businesses thrive in the digital marketplace. With exceptional security measures and seamless integration with popular payment gateways, Shopify ensures a safe and smooth shopping experience for customers.

Furthermore, the platform’s built-in marketing and analytics tools enable store owners to track their performance and implement data-driven strategies for growth. A robust support system and comprehensive resources provided by Shopify further assist entrepreneurs in overcoming any challenges they may face in their journey.

By embracing Shopify as your ecommerce platform, you not only streamline your store’s operations but also enhance your shopify web design and improve your store’s visibility on search engines. AWD team is here to design responsive shopify projects for clients.

CHOOSING BETWEEN A CUSTOM BUILT SHOPIFY THEME AND AN OFF-THE-SHELF THEME On Shopify platform

Ultimately, deciding whether to opt for a custom built Shopify theme or an off-the-shelf theme is a decision that depends on what’s best for your business. If you have the resources and time to invest in a custom-built theme, it can be a fantastic option. However, an off-the-shelf theme may be a more practical choice if you’re working within a tight deadline or have a limited budget.

It’s worth noting that a custom built theme is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Even with a custom-built theme, it is necessary to put in the effort to ensure that your website is well-designed, user-friendly, and accurately represents your brand.

If you’re unsure whether a custom-built theme is the right fit for your business, please get in touch with us, and we will assist you in making an informed decision. To get more knowledge about Shopify designing and how to get customers. Read out AWD BLOGS.