It has been long since commerce shifted from the generic brick-and-mortar structure to the digital domain. It has been growing ever since. Digitalisation has opened multiple avenues for businesses to flourish.
The present digital scenario has made it mandatory for a trade to have a strong e-commerce presence. It is a must-have for engaging with customers, promoting products and services, and making conversions happen.
There are multiple ways to create an e-commerce store with ease. One safe and secure option is using an e-commerce platform. Shopify is a brilliant choice for seamless online store creation.
Shopify development services have powered several e-commerce stores that are functional and successful.
So, is Shopify right for your business?
If you are here with a business idea waiting to launch your store, this is the perfect read for you. In this comprehensive piece, we will discuss the advantages of Shopify development, its scope, features, and advanced benefits.
We will also delve into a step-by-step guide on how to choose the best Shopify development company.
Let us begin.
Understanding Shopify Development
Shopify development is an impressive process for creating online stores. The platform is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms known for its easy-to-use features. It is robust and user-friendly, offering complete control of the web store.
The intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all technical backgrounds. They can manage minimal customisations, product upload and content management.
The many features of Shopify allow large and small businesses to benefit from a quality development process. The range of customisable templates ensures each online store is unique and aligns with the brand identity. Shopify enhances the user experience and contributes to building a memorable brand image.
The platform also features a scalability model to grow along with the business and make room for further innovations and traffic growth.
Shopify development is the full-fledged utilisation of all the features to develop compelling websites. It includes visual design, content creation, product uploads, checkout integration, and more.
Online stores can range from an information-based web presence to an e-commerce store with a wide range of products.
Understanding the advantages of Shopify development before availing of the services is crucial.
Advantages of Shopify Development
Businesses opting for Shopify development benefit from a comprehensive ecosystem. The unique platform features a quality development process that facilitates the e-commerce journey.
It includes setting up an online presence, managing product listings, and handling transactions securely. Various marketing and analytics tools aid in sales and revenue.
Let us look at the benefits of using Shopify for your e-commerce business
- Quick Setup and Launch
- User-Friendly Interface
- Customisable Templates
- Democratisation of E-Commerce
- Seamless Payment Integration
- Scalability
- SEO-Friendly Features
- Mobile Responsiveness
- Global Accessibility
- Secure Transactions
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Inventory Management
- Marketing and Sales Tools
- Analytics and Reporting
- App Integration
- Cross-Platform Consistency
These are the 15 benefits of Shopify development for businesses that make the platform efficient. The benefits streamline the commerce process and enable owners to focus on other essential business aspects.
Benefits of Shopify Development: Explained
Here are all the 15 benefits of Shopify Development elaborated:
1. Quick Setup and Launch
The most talked-about advantage of Shopify development is the effortless setup and quick launch. The platform is hassle-free in terms of hosting and technical intricacies. It is ideal for business owners who aim to kickstart their e-commerce store without professional guidance.
Shopify is a no-fuss e-commerce platform with convenient hosting solutions for businesses of different sizes. Business owners can rely on Shopify development aiming to create a unique and custom brand presence.
2. Secure Platform
Security and reliability are of utmost importance when venturing into the e-commerce business. The primary reason for security is that the final web presence deals with multiple forms of sensitive data.
It includes customer information, payment and card details, banking details, and other personal information.
Shopify is a PCI DSS-compliant platform, which is highly secure and protected. The platform also features two-factor authentication, SSL certificates, and security steps to enhance security.
3. User-Friendly Interface
The intuitive platform design enables business owners of varied technical proficiency to navigate and manage their online stores effortlessly.
This accessibility eliminates the steep learning curve associated with website management. Furthermore, this allows owners and decision-makers to focus on core business aspects.
The simplicity of the interface extends to product uploading, order processing, and content management, creating a hassle-free environment for e-commerce operations.
4. Democratisation of E-Commerce
Shopify democratises e-commerce by providing a level playing field for businesses of all sizes. In simple terms, this means small businesses can compete globally with established brands. The accessible tools and resources offered by Shopify make this democratisation possible.
The ease-of-use dashboard, coupled with cost-effective solutions, empowers brands to enter the e-commerce landscape without the traditional barriers of online retail.
Regardless of the product type or industry niche, anyone can venture into e-commerce with Shopify development.
5. Customisability
Shopify’s customisability offers businesses a unique and visually appealing online presence. These templates provide a foundation for building a brand-specific aesthetic. This feature ensures that each online store stands out in a saturated market.
Businesses can tailor the templates to align with their brand identity with the help of custom Shopify development. It involves incorporating distinct colours, fonts, and layouts that align with the brand.
The customisation allows businesses to create a professional and polished online storefront curated by design and development experts.
6. Seamless Payment Integration
Shopify’s payment integration simplifies the online purchasing process for businesses and customers. The platform supports a variety of payment gateways, enabling brands to offer multiple payment options to their customers.
Payment flexibility enhances the overall shopping experience. This approach caters to diverse consumer preferences. Additionally, secure and reliable payment processing ensures that transactions are smooth.
These effortless payment options foster customer trust and increase the overall return rate.
7. Scalability
Shopify’s scalability is a notable advantage for businesses looking forward to growing and expanding with the evolving market.
Shopify provides a scalable infrastructure accommodating varying traffic levels, products, and transactions. This scalability ensures that the online store remains efficient and responsive, even during increased demand.
As businesses evolve, Shopify can seamlessly handle new feature integrations, products, and services without compromising performance. This adaptability allows brands to focus on innovation and business strategy.
8. SEO-Friendly Features
SEO-friendly features are pivotal to enhancing online visibility. It drives organic traffic to the e-commerce websites. The platform equips tools and functionalities that allow businesses to optimise their content, meta tags, and URLs. These ensure that online stores are easily discoverable by search engines.
A renowned Shopify development company knows the best SEO practices and implements them accordingly. They help improve the rankings on search engine results pages.
Shopify’s emphasis on SEO friendliness increases brand exposure, attracting potential customers and boosting its online presence.
9. Mobile-focused Development
We are in a mobile-dominated era, with 71 million Smartphone users alone in the United Kingdom. The global number is phenomenal – 6.9 Billion. Shopify’s commitment to mobile responsiveness is a crucial advantage for businesses aiming to grow amidst this competition.
The platform ensures that online stores are accessible, visually appealing, and fully functional on various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
This responsiveness contributes to seamlessness and consistency in user experience across different screen sizes. Such a feature is a boon for a business in the modern digital generation and for the on-the-go consumer.
10. 24/7 Customer Support
Shopify’s adherence to 24/7 customer support is a vital advantage for businesses and development companies. The support helps navigate the complexities of online retail. Round-the-clock assistance is available through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone support.
This continuous support ensures that businesses and development agencies can address issues promptly and reduce downtime and disruptions to their operations. The mentioned issues can range from troubleshooting to platform features, customisation, and more.
Businesses can rely on Shopify’s responsive and knowledgeable support team. The availability of 24/7 customer support reflects Shopify’s dedication to empowering businesses with valuable resources.
11. Global Accessibility
Shopify boasts a global accessibility approach. The platform empowers businesses to reach customers worldwide. Some features break down the geographical barriers in the e-commerce realm. The multiple languages and currencies it supports allow brands to serve international audiences seamlessly.
Moreover, Shopify’s built-in international shipping and tax features simplify the process of selling and shipping products across borders. This global reach opens up new markets, enabling them to expand their customer base.
12. Inventory Management
The platform’s inventory management capabilities streamline the complex task of handling product stock. The intuitive tracking tools for inventory levels update product availability in real-time and set up automated alerts for low stock.
This functionality enhances operational efficiency and prevents overselling, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
The bulk product editing and variant management features in Shopify empower accurate and organised inventories. For businesses, this translates to increased attention to strategic aspects of their operations.
13. Marketing and Sales Tools
There is a robust suite of marketing and sales tools to promote products and services effectively and drive sales. The platform equips versatile tools to attract, convert, and retain customers, for instance, discount codes and gift cards to abandoned cart recovery features.
Shopify’s social media integration further extends marketing reach, allowing businesses to leverage the power of social commerce. These tools help brands implement targeted marketing strategies aligned with their goals and objectives.
14. App Integration
Shopify’s app integration capabilities expand the functionality of online stores by incorporating third-party applications. The Shopify App Store offers an array of apps for various business needs. The apps include marketing, customer support, inventory management, and analytics.
The ease of integration enables businesses to stay ahead of industry trends and market competition. They can adopt new applications and continuously enhance the features and capabilities of their Shopify-powered online presence.
15. Cross-Platform Consistency
Shopify prioritises cross-platform consistency. It means that the online shopping experience remains cohesive across devices and channels.
Whether customers access a store via a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone, Shopify’s responsive design guarantees a uniform and visually appealing presentation.
This consistency extends to the checkout process regardless of the platform customers choose.
By prioritising cross-platform consistency, Shopify’s cohesive development boosts customer reach and engagement at various touch points.
Shopify development unlocks a plethora of advantages for businesses and development professionals. Hence, this platform is a cornerstone for successful e-commerce ventures in the modern digital era.
Hire an experienced Shopify development company for robust services and conversion-friendly stores and make the most of these features.
Shopify Suitability for Businesses of All Sizes
Shopify, with all its versatile features, is a powerful platform choice for enterprises of all sizes. However, for businesses, whether or not to opt for this platform can be a daunting decision. To make this process easy, let us explore the suitability of Shopify for both large and small businesses.
- Shopify for Large Businesses
The scalability of an e-commerce platform is a critical factor for large enterprises. The complex needs and high volumes of transactions demand a powerful medium for functionality. Among the many features of Shopify, robust infrastructure is a beneficial one.
It can easily handle the ever-growing demands of large-scale operations. The features accommodate the expansion of product catalogues, high traffic volumes, and the integration of sophisticated business processes.
From well-established brands to global retailers, several businesses have harnessed Shopify’s power to create seamless and efficient online experiences.
- Shopify for small businesses
Shopify presents an ideal solution for small business websites. The platform combines user-friendliness with cost-effectiveness for beginners embracing the digital commerce domain.
One of Shopify’s standout features is its intuitive interface, which makes it accessible to owners with varying levels of technical expertise. They can easily set up and manage their online stores without extensive coding knowledge.
Cost-effectiveness is another vital factor that makes Shopify a preferred choice for small businesses. The flexible pricing plans cater to the specific needs and budgets of a small enterprise.
Whether a boutique selling handmade crafts or a local speciality store, Shopify is instrumental in providing the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Hence, for businesses reading this, the many features of Shopify allow both large and small businesses to utilise the platform for digital growth.
Key Features of Shopify: A Quick Overview
We have already discussed the advantages of Shopify development and how various industries can utilise this feature-packed platform for digital growth. Here is a quick overview of the key features of Shopify that set the platform apart.
These features have their unique contribution to enhancing an e-commerce presence:
- User-friendly interface that allows easy navigation and management of online stores.
- Customisable templates to create visually appealing and unique online storefronts that provide a memorable and engaging shopping experience.
- Seamless payment integration with various payment gateways for secure and efficient transactions.
- Scalable architecture that accommodates businesses of all sizes, allowing them to grow without compromising performance.
- SEO-Friendly features to optimise online stores for search engines and attract organic traffic.
- Mobile responsiveness for a consistent and engaging shopping experience across devices.
- Global accessibility supports multiple languages and currencies that enable global expansion.
These key features collectively form a powerful arsenal for businesses seeking success in the digital marketplace.
Shopify App Development – The Benefits
Shopify app development is another segment that aids a web store’s success. Each app in the store offers a myriad of advantages for businesses. The primary objective of the applications is to enhance the functionality and user experience of their online stores.
Extending functionality with Shopify app development has the following outcomes:
Customise and Scale: Apps allow businesses to tailor Shopify to their unique requirements. These apps can accommodate specific workflows, features, and integrations necessary for growth.
Enhance User Experience: Apps enrich the user experience by adding new features, improving navigation, and optimising overall site performance. This elevated user experience translates to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Streamline Operations: Successful Shopify apps streamline various operational aspects. It includes inventory management, order fulfilment, process automation, and reducing manual workload.
Here are a few notable Shopify apps mentioned that will prove to be revolutionary in 2024:
- Meteor Mega Menu – The app creates an excellent multi-tiered drop-down menu inclusive of product details and images. It takes the shopping experience to the next level.
- Shotgun – This app creates stunning, user-friendly e-commerce landing pages with unique and appealing features. It increases the overall engagement rate.
- Bold Upsell – This app increases AOV (Average Order Value) by convincing users to shop more from cross-sell and up-sell offers at various points of the purchase journey.
Shopify App Development enables businesses to go beyond the platform’s native capabilities and foster innovations. The purpose-built app store adds a competitive edge to businesses utilising the features.
Why Choose Professional Shopify Development Services?
It is understandable. Shopify offers some of the best features and functionalities that help an e-commerce business succeed. However, finding the ideal Shopify development company that enhances the platform features is crucial.
‘Why do you need Shopify development services?’ If you may ask, these reasons are worth consideration –
The platform is easy and intuitive, and setting up an online store seems easy with little expertise. However, it is essential to have professionals on board to achieve long-term objectives. A Shopify development agency has expert individuals aware of the best development practices.
- They have worked on multiple projects to know which design structures work best and help in conversions.
- Professionals can enhance the store presence by implementing apps and other functionalities that improve the user experience. It leads to increased sales and revenue.
- The companies adhere to changing development trends and innovation to add a competitive edge to their functionalities.
- The years of experience empower the Shopify development company to utilise unique strategies for e-commerce success. From UI/UX intricacies to custom-code solutions, they know various techniques to help a brand stand out amidst the competition.
- Hiring a Shopify Development agency is a time-saving solution as well. They can create a functional online store in a jiffy and align it with all the e-commerce best practices.
These are the proven benefits of hiring a professional Shopify development company. They have sound knowledge of the e-commerce industry, customer behaviour, growing trends, and more.
How to choose the best Shopify development company?
Now that we have highlighted the primary reasons to choose Shopify development services, let us help you select the ideal company.
Shopify continues to be a popular e-commerce platform in the United Kingdom. The year-on-year growth rate of Shopify stores in the country is 41%; that is a promising number. This growth rate has increased the need for quality Shopify services. However, finding the best has always been daunting.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to choose the best Shopify development company:
- Step 1 – Prepare a thorough list of business requirements for the online store. Be specific about the objectives, the look and feel of the store, and the brand values and principles. The final store will do all the talking for your brand with potential customers; it must be exceptional.
- Step 2 – Be sound about your development budget beforehand to understand your affordability. Shopify development services can range from budget-friendly to expensive based on requirements.
- Step 3 – Shortlist some of the development companies you consider to be the perfect fit for the store’s requirements and budget. Several development companies do not display their charges publicly. Feel free to request a quote.
- Step 4 – Examine the company portfolio, reviews, and client testimonials. The portfolio offers a clear understanding of the business and whether it aligns with your requirements. Reviews and testimonials are tokens of credibility and help decipher their work ethics and processes.
- Step 5 – Get in touch with these professionals to understand their communication efforts. A Shopify development company with outstanding communication abilities will keep you posted about the development process.
Assess their years of expertise while communicating; experience is the key to crafting unique Shopify stores.
And there you go. These five simple steps will help you find the best Shopify Development Company in London and other parts of the country.
Shopify vs. Other Platforms
There are a bunch of ecommerce platforms with plenty of features to utilise. What’s so unique about Shopify?
We compared Shopify to more than ten other e-commerce platforms with versatile features. This includes names like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Magento, etc. Here are all the unique features listed –
Unlike some popular e-commerce platforms, Shopify is an all-in-one platform that includes hosting, SSL certificates, sub-domains, and PCI-DSS compliance. These are included in the plan and do not have separate costs.
- Shopify has 8000+ apps in the store for businesses to explore and utilise. These apps enhance the website functionality and unique e-commerce features. The Shopify POS (Point-of-sale) feature is globally available for merchants.
- There are more than 100 payment gateway options available, which will expand the global reach. Meaning you can serve customers across the globe without payment barriers.
- The theme library is massive, and every theme is mobile-responsive. The platform also has a feature-packed mobile app that merchants can use to access their stores on the go.
- The platform offers unlimited product inventory and a multimedia library that supports various forms of content to enhance the products. It includes images, GIFs, videos, 3D models, augmented reality, and more.
- Email marketing is far more streamlined with Shopify email and does not rely on third-party apps.
- Customer support is available 24/7. For international customers, there are 21 communicating languages.
- These unique features of Shopify convince thousands of business owners to migrate to this platform every year.
Questions to Ask when Hiring a Shopify Development Company
We have come to the end of this comprehensive read. We are aware of the advantages of Shopify development in creating compelling stores. Remember, collaborating with the best Shopify development company will result in an appealing and responsive business presence.
To enhance your hiring capabilities, here are some questions that will come up when hiring the best Shopify development company –
- How many years of experience do they have in Shopify development?
– Experience plays a crucial role in developing engagement-worthy e-commerce stores. The greater the experience, the better the outcome.
- What are some of the projects they think are their best creations to date?
– Portfolios display the skills possessed by the company. It is easy to evaluate whether their development style aligns with business needs.
- What project management and communication tools do they prefer when working with clients?
– Effective communication is essential to exchanging feedback, suggestions, iterations, and more.
- Is their development process milestone-based?
– Milestone-based development processes are structured and understandable by the non-technical masses.
- Are the development charges project-based or hourly-charged?
– This will determine extra costs, if any. Hourly-based charges are comparatively higher than fixed rates since they count the iterations as well.
- Do they have experience working with Shopify APIs?
– Shopify APIs are a vital part of the platform’s core and facilitate custom development.
- Are they aware of the recent Shopify trends?
– Aligning with recent trends and innovations helps them stand out in the market and possess a competitive edge.
These questions will offer additional insight into expertise and make the hiring process effortless. Whichever Shopify development company you choose will determine the final web presence and the success potential.
Stellar Ecommerce Stores with Shopify
E-commerce journey with Shopify gears a brand with advanced features and functionalities. The platform enables state-of-the-art e-commerce abilities that are promising in 2024. As we start another year, Shopify will offer brands a competitive edge with its powerful and unique features.
The highly responsive websites will generate credibility among potential customers. The SEO-friendly features will improve organic rankings and attract traffic, leading to increased sales.
For businesses planning to migrate to a new platform or start their first step into e-commerce, Shopify is incredible.
It is advisable to collaborate with an experienced Shopify Development Agency in London for the best development services.
Need a Shopify store? Webskitters Ltd. is here to help with your first Shopify e-commerce store. Our team of Shopify experts excels in creating compelling and high-converting e-commerce stores. We aim to develop responsive stores aligned with market trends and optimised to engage potential customers.
Consult us today!
