As an agency with a heavy history of custom developed websites, people are often surprised that we build on Shopify. Here’s the deal—not only do we build them, but we also love Shopify. What it really comes down to is finding the right solution for a client’s specific needs and situation (not our pocketbooks). Sometimes, that solution is Shopify.
Shopify was once viewed as a tool for just small businesses, more like a step up from having an Etsy store, or the e-commerce version of Squarespace. Since then, it’s evolved quite a bit as a platform you need to consider when you’re thinking about e-commerce, regardless of the size of your business. We’ve helped both small businesses who are getting started, and large established businesses scale on Shopify.
Okay, let’s jump into the weeds a little bit and talk about why we love Shopify (and why you should consider it).
1. You Can Build Fast and Be Effective
To put this into context, a custom e-commerce website generally takes 5 to 10 months (depending on complexity) to build. With Shopify, a similar project would take between 6 to 10 weeks. This is because Shopify does all of the heavy lifting on setting up the base of your store, from security to the checkout system, and shipping options just being a few decisions and button clicks away.
With Shopify’s platform handling the majority of the backend logistics out of the box, you’re able to focus on design, messaging, and user experience. Answer and plan around questions such as – How do you want your brand presented? Why should people buy your product? How would my customers shop at my store?
2. It Directly Integrates with Facebook, Google and Amazon
One of our favorite tools to use is the Facebook Marketing channel that Shopify. You can sync your store products dynamically – meaning it actively scans your website and updates the Facebook catalog. When a product goes out of stock, it gets updated on the catalog as well. This dynamic relationship between Facebook and Shopify is especially useful when it comes to establishing your social advertising strategy, where dynamic retargeting ads are always a high performing ad.
The same goes for Google and Amazon. Shopify’s Google and Amazon channels make it simple to create a dynamic catalog to promote your products on Google and Amazon. Ideally, it’s a simple way to manage your inventory all in one place, while maximizing your exposure.