Statistics aren't sexy, but when it comes to ecommerce the evidence is clear - design can make or break your business. More than just a question of simple aesthetics, the quality of your website directly influences your conversion rate and the overall success of your online store.
Here's five reasons why a custom Shopify theme can be a game-changer:
1. Make more sales by making a great first impression
DID YOU KNOW? Around 75% of users make judgements about a company's credibility based on the quality of their website, according to research from Stanford University. Of these judgements, 94% of first impressions are design-related, so visual appeal matters.
Trust and credibility are established first and foremost by high quality design and user-friendly navigation. You also want to make sure that your website is quick to load - up to 40% of customers will click away if your website has not loaded within 3 seconds.
2. Your brand is unique and it deserves custom design
Your brand identity is unique, so it deserves better than cookie-cutter website design. A custom theme will ensure that your website colours, logo and style are representative of your brand, ensuring that the trust and recognition you have built over time is retained.
The wrong design choices can make your online store look off-brand. A custom designed Shopify theme will integrate perfectly with the look and feel of your brand, creating a better connection with your customers and your intended target market.
3. A better customer experience with built-in features
If your website is slick, functional and attractive you will engage your customers and provide an experience that will have them coming back time and time again. Off-the-shelf website solutions can never provide the optimal experience for your clients.
A custom Shopify theme contains a much better range of features, such as a homepage slideshow, integrated Instagram feed or embedded video. You can also add functionality with custom apps for things such as pop-ups, product filters and search options.
4. Smoother checking out with fewer abandoned carts
Getting your customers to browse and add products to their cart is just the first step in the online shopping process. A custom Shopify theme can deliver a smooth Dynamic Checkout experience that eliminates friction and facilitates conversion.
Abandoned carts and missed conversions are the biggest struggles for ecommerce platforms and online retailers. Reducing the number of steps required to complete the checkout process makes purchasing even easier, increasing conversion rates.
5. A website that grows as your business grows
Custom Shopify themes do away with the bloated code and messy, cluttered designs that will compromise the effectiveness of your online store. Instead, you're getting exactly what you need in terms of features, integrations and functionality.
The other great aspect of custom builds is that they are scalable and easy to extend, so they expand in scope to match the growth of your business. Because they are built with your business needs front and centre, they are future-proofed to adapt easily to change.
Interested to see what a custom Shopify build looks like?
We're always happy to chat with you about what a custom Shopify theme could offer your business.
Check out a couple of our recent projects below:
