Shopify Custom Theme Development

Whether you have an existing e-commerce store and are looking to upgrade or move to the Shopify platform or you are considering opening a Shopify store, you want your site to stand out. When it comes to creating a visually appealing e-commerce store, one of the most tried and true methods is by creating a custom Shopify theme. 

By now, most of us have shopped on a Shopify website. With over 20% of the market, Shopify stores are a dominating force in e-commerce. You may, however, have noticed that many Shopify stores have common features that make their platforms look unoriginal or redundant. Even with Shopify’s dozens of themes and customizations, stores from similar themes are bound to look somewhat alike. Many e-commerce store owners wanting a stylized, individual look are hiring expert designers to create custom Shopify themes to separate their platform from their competition’s cookie-cutter themes. 

Shopify Custom Theme Development

To understand custom theme development for a Shopify store, you need to know a little bit about the purpose of a Shopify theme. The theme is really everything a user sees when they enter your store: the layout of the store, the way the site performs, how your products are presented, etc. Your theme will not only be the first impression on your potential customers — it will be the continuing impression throughout their interaction with your store and products.

Shopify describes the theme this way:

“A theme is a template that determines the way that your online store looks and feels. Different themes have different styles and layouts and offer a different experience for your customers. For example, if you’re selling spa products, then you probably want your online store to feel relaxed and luxurious.”

Shopify does have over a hundred non-custom themes that are either free or available for a nominal price ($140-$180 for premium themes). Each of these themes does have options available that can make them distinctive. For many entrepreneurs who are starting a Shopify store and are looking to cut costs, these themes may suit their needs. If you are looking to develop a more intricate e-commerce store, or you desire custom features that you cannot find on the Shopify site, you may consider a Shopify custom theme designed by a professional theme development company. 

Custom Theme Options

Our team of professional Shopify experts can perform a wide array of modifications to Shopify themes. The limitations are dependent on the specific theme, so once you’ve determined your vision for your Shopify site, one of our Shopify specialists can determine how best to achieve that goal. 

Shopify is a very friendly platform for developers. There is a large variety of color, layout, font, size, and image options, and Shopify encourages customization. As professional Shopify developers, the On The Map Marketing team is familiar with the best design practices for both functionality and marketing. 

A note of caution for any e-commerce entrepreneur who’s considering DIY theme customization, there are many things that can go wrong during the coding process. Even if you do have some coding experience, it’s best to allow a team of proficient Shopify theme developers to design your site and perform quality assurance testing. This will ensure that your site remains functional for customers during and after the transition. 

Advantages of a Shopify Theme Development

There are several benefits to having a Shopify theme developed by a professional design team. Here are a few.

• Customization allows you to tailor your site to your product line, branding, and to the preferences of both you and your target market.
• A professional design team can send you a mockup before your site goes live, so you can see what a visitor to your Shopify store will experience. 
• A developer team can test your custom store to ensure that it works well on computers, tablets, and smartphones. 
• Your custom site can be optimized to perform well with search engines.

These are just a few of the reasons why customization may be the way to go for your business. 

Shopify Custom Theme Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shopify theme?

The theme is the way your Shopify store appears and how it operates. The theme dictates the user experience. Shopify has a variety of pre-designed themes, but many Shopify storeowners hire professional Shopify theme design companies for a distinctive, unique interface.

What is theme customization?

Like any website, Shopify themes can be altered in a number of ways. 

What can be customized?
Theme developers can use coding to change the color, layout, font, size, imagery, and navigation of the site. 

Can I customize my own Shopify site?

Predesigned Shopify themes allow you to choose various options, like colors and fonts. If you are looking for something that isn’t offered in the themes, you should contact an experienced Shopify theme development firm, like On The Map Marketing. 

Our Experience with Theme Customization

For over a decade, On The Map Marketing has been an authority in the internet marketing space. We have extensive experience in customizing websites for our clients, and as Shopify has gained traction in the marketplace, we’ve been customizing sites for our e-commerce clients. Contact us to learn more about giving your customers a unique shopping experience.