How to Pick a Shopify Theme for Your E-Commerce Store

Selling online never was an easy thing. And the e-commerce market is getting even more competitive these days, as more and more people shift from traditional stores to online shopping. Yes, there are a lot of risks, but also lots of chances. As saying goes, “bigger games, bigger rewards.”

With almost 8 billion people living in the world, more than 2.5 billion made purchases online in 2023. And this is a big jump, comparing with the 1.2 billion in 2014. That means, your number one goal is to be the go-to option for customers. So, try to think outside the box and keep an eye on other businesses. 

The good news is that you can make your Shopify store stand out with all those custom themes. To be clear, a Shopify theme is not just a design template. You can use it to show off your products, tell the story of your brand, and get more people to buy.

But there are so many themes to choose from, how do you know which one is best for you? That’s a good question, since both paid and free templates are pretty basic and won’t work for every brand. That’s why more and more businesses hire Shopify theme developers to make their stores stand out. Anyway, let’s start with the basics!

What Is a Shopify Theme?

You can think of Shopify themes as design templates for your online store. Each theme has its own styles and layouts that define how people see and interact with your website.

In e-commerce, your theme should match your industry and audience. If you sell health and beauty items, for example, you’ll want a theme that is both professional and soothing. If you work in electronics, on the other hand, you should use a modern and dynamic theme. 

Why Does the Shopify Theme Matters?

So, why is choosing the right theme so important? We’ve already talked about how easy the answer is, but again… branding! 

Your brand is a big deal for your business. It’s not just about having a logo. Your brand identity includes things like the vibe and personality of your brand. This can be things like:

• being classy;
• bringing excitement;
• being honest;
• having an edgy touch.

Picking the right theme is like dressing up your store to match your brand. This way, your Shopify shop will attract customers who resonate with your brand personality.

Where to Get Shopify Themes?

The next question is where you can find a solid Shopify theme. There are three main places: Shopify Theme Store, marketplaces, and developers or agencies.

Free Shopify Themes

For businesses that are just starting out, Shopify offers free themes. These themes come with basic options like product filters and flexible layouts. 

Need a good free theme? You can filter themes based on your store’s needs, like layout style or industry.

Premium Shopify Themes

Even though they cost money, premium themes have more features and help your business grow. They have built-in optimization plugins, and live chat support, so you don’t need to use extra apps.

Custom Shopify Themes

With custom themes, your store will have its own style… a style that no one else has. They’re usually built from scratch by Shopify designers. Custom themes need a lot of planning, and they might cost more than other options, but in the end, they’re the best possible choice.

How to Pick a Perfect Shopify Theme for Your Store

To pick the right theme for your Shopify store, you should think about your brand, the type of business you run, and your design needs. Of course, it’s tough. But here are some ideas to help you.

Set Your Budget

With Shopify, you have to pay for things like domain names, subscription fees, and add-ons used to set up an online store. Making a budget just for your Shopify theme will help you better plan the process. Also, don’t forget to think about extra costs like customization, and web development.

Think About the Features You Need

Plan out what components your online store should have. Things like landing pages, dropdown menus, product search, and more could be in this group. Make a list of these features and put them in order of choice. Then, look for themes that have the features you need.

Focus on Conversion and User Experience

Think about how the theme will affect your sales, and users’ feel about the site. Look for things like clear CTA’s, quick loading times, and an easy-to-use layout. Check to see if the theme lets you show your social media, which makes customers trust you and stay loyal.

Hire a Shopify Theme Designer

Last, but not least. Think about getting help from professional Shopify theme designers. Based on the your business’ needs, they can give you personalized advice, develop a branding strategy, build your site from scratch, and keep your store up-to-date.

Conclusion

The e-commerce market is growing quickly, as more people open Shopify stores. And there’s no wonder – Shopify tends to be one of the best places to start your own store. 

Pay close attention to the Shopify theme you choose. Free themes are good for getting started, but as your business grows, premium and custom themes are still the best solution.

As a reminder, a Shopify theme relates to your store’s:

• visuals, 
• user experience, 
• sales.

Looking for trusted Shopify theme designers? DigitalSuits does more than just themes – our approach is about rethinking your brand to leave a lasting impression. We don’t just change the way your Shopify store looks; we make it deliver the right user experience. Share your vision, and let’s get started!