Choosing the Right Shopify Theme: Free, Paid, or Custom?
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Importance of Theme Development
- Starting with Pre-Built Themes
- Customization Options in Pre-Built Themes
- When to Consider Creating a Custom Site
- The Decision: Free or Paid Theme
- Benefits of Investing in a Premium Theme
- Exploring the Customization Options
- Hiring a Developer for Custom Changes
- Refactoring the Website for Customization
- Conclusion
The Need for Theme Development: Should You Start with a Pre-Built Theme or Create a Custom Site?
Introduction
Theme development plays a crucial role in the success of an online store. In this article, we will discuss why theme development is necessary and explore the decision-making process between starting with a pre-built theme or creating a custom site. Whether you are new to e-commerce or already have an established business, understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and budget.
The Importance of Theme Development
Before diving into the decision-making process, let's first understand why theme development is necessary. As a new store owner, your primary focus should be on sales and marketing rather than obsessing over perfect theme customization. Pre-built themes, whether free or paid, provide a solid foundation for your online store. These themes come with a range of features and customization options that will suit the needs of the majority of sellers.
Starting with Pre-Built Themes
When starting out in e-commerce, it is highly recommended to begin with a pre-built theme. This allows you to focus on generating sales and building your business, rather than investing in a costly custom site. Pre-built themes are cost-effective, with premium themes starting at a price tag of just around $220 USD. They offer a wide range of features and designs that can be easily customized to match your brand identity.
Customization Options in Pre-Built Themes
Most pre-built themes come with a variety of customization options that can be easily accessed through the theme customizer. Before seeking the help of a developer, take the time to explore these options. Many clients often overlook the fact that they can make certain changes themselves without the need for additional assistance. Understanding the available customization options will save time and money in the long run.
When to Consider Creating a Custom Site
As your business grows and starts generating significant revenue, you may reach the point where a custom site becomes a viable option. Typically, when your store starts turning over more than a million dollars in revenue, you have a real business that warrants the investment in a custom site. At this stage, you can refactor your website to match your exact requirements and add any additional features needed to enhance the user experience.
The Decision: Free or Paid Theme
The first decision you need to make is whether to opt for a free or paid theme. This choice is crucial regardless of whether you plan to create a custom site or not. The decision should be based on your budget. If you can afford the two to three hundred dollars required for a premium theme, it is highly recommended to invest in one. Premium themes available on the Shopify theme store have undergone a stringent 22 point checklist to ensure their quality and performance.
Benefits of Investing in a Premium Theme
Premium themes offer a range of benefits that justify the investment. These themes are pre-designed and optimized for performance and user experience. With a premium theme, you can expect regular updates and dedicated customer support. Furthermore, premium themes often come with advanced customization options and additional features that can enhance the functionality of your online store.
Exploring the Customization Options
Once you have decided on the theme, it's time to explore the customization options available within the theme itself. This is where you can make changes to the styling and layout of your website to match your brand identity. Dive into the theme customizer and familiarize yourself with the various settings and options. By leveraging the built-in customization features, you can achieve a unique and personalized look for your online store without the need for extensive coding or hiring a developer.
Hiring a Developer for Custom Changes
In some cases, the customization options within a pre-built theme might fall short of your requirements. If you cannot find a setting to make the necessary changes, hiring a developer can be a viable solution. A developer with expertise in front-end web development can help you implement custom changes and tailor the theme to meet your specific needs. However, it's crucial to note that hiring a developer for every minor change can be costly, so prioritize changes that have a significant impact on your store's functionality and user experience.
Refactoring the Website for Customization
For clients with a sizeable budget and a well-established online presence, creating a completely custom site becomes a feasible option. At this stage, you can refactor the entire website to align it with your brand and add any additional features required. With a custom site, you have complete control over the design and functionality, allowing you to create a unique shopping experience for your customers. However, it's essential to assess whether creating a custom site is the right decision for your business based on your budget, traffic, and long-term goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to start with a pre-built theme or create a custom site depends on various factors such as budget, business stage, and customization requirements. For new store owners, pre-built themes offer an affordable and practical solution to get started. As your business grows, you can explore customization options within the theme or hire a developer to make custom changes. When you reach a level of success and have the resources, you can consider creating a completely custom site tailored to your specific needs. By understanding the options available and aligning them with your goals, you can make an informed decision that sets your online store on the path to success.
