If you’ve stumbled upon this article on our review of Shopify, you’re probably concerned whether or not it is the right platform for you…
There are so many things to consider when taking the next step in choosing a platform to run your E-Commerce business: From pricing and fees, to design, functionality, and backend SEO ease of use.
In this review, we’ll dive into all things Shopify so that YOU can make a more informed decision on what platform is best.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an E-Commerce based platform that allows you, the seller, to set up shop without any coding or backend software installation. No web developer, no team of engineers…You and your brand vision are all you need!
By choosing and purchasing the package/plan that is right for you (we’ll get into that more later), Shopify allows you to use their app as if it is your own. Choose a template, start a blog, connect your business to other platforms via the Shopify App store, and begin customizing your store to fit your brand.
It’s that easy!
With over 2 million active daily users to date and with annual 2022 revenue reaching over $4.5 billion, you can quickly begin to understand why it’s one of, if not the most popular e-commerce platforms globally.
Shopify Pricing and Plans
There are currently four (4) paid plans that Shopify offers you, the user. This, of course, doesn’t include the Free Trial that they offer to first-time users. With that said, below is a summarized description and pricing structure of each:
Shopify Basic: Coming in at just $29/month USD, this package gives you access to all the basic necessities needed in order for you, the entrepreneur, to launch your business.
Shopify Standard: Coming in at $79/month USD, this package is for businesses that are already growing, or for those that want a lower transaction fee (1%), and additional features to boost the value of your store (i.e. gift cards, abandoned cart recovery, etc.).
Advanced Shopify: Coming in at $299/month USD, this package is all-encompassing. With 0.5% transaction fees, and all the advanced features available to scale your business, Advanced Shopify is the most robust, yet also the most expensive of the packages.
Free Trial: Give it a test drive for 14 days, no credit card or payment information is required! Check it out here. (*insert clickable link)
Notably, Shopify also provides beginners with a package called ‘Shopify Lite’. Coming in at only $9, this package still allows you to sell your goods, however, without full integration into the Shopify Platform at large.
Key Features and Functions
Although there are several key features and functions of the best website hosting platform in the world, there are three primary features that stand out amongst the rest. They include its abundant template and theme database, its interface and UI/UX design, as well as its ease of use and overall navigation.
Templates
With over 170 different themes and templates (9 of which are completely free) to choose from, Shopify is probably the most robust of E-Commerce based solutions. The cool part? If somehow none of the pre-curated themes catch your eye, unleash your inner creativity and design your own from scratch using their template engine.
Shopify themes are the best on the market. They are aesthetically pleasing and professional, functional, and most of all, very high quality. Comparing them to platforms such as Wix or SquareSpace, Shopify wins by a landslide in my mind.
The most important part about Shopify’s design and templates is the fact that they are mobile-friendly. In today's technological environment, with the majority of people utilizing their phones rather than laptops or desktops, this feature is imperative.
Interface
Shopify’s interface is arguably the best part of this platform. It’s extensive enough for an experienced professional to enjoy, whilst being highly understandable to use for a complete beginner.
While some would prefer a drag-and-drop option to that of Wix, for example, its interface is undeniable nonetheless. For those that are blind to the option, Shopify’s interface will be quite sufficient. While others may prefer that option, simply integrate an extension that offers the feature through Shopify’s App Store.
Ease of Use
Shopify’s ease of use is undeniable. With an easy-accessed sidebar for all your needs, as well as easy-to-implement editing and customization options at your fingertips, its functionality is not something to be concerned about.
Easily set up your sales channels to further market and scale your business. From Facebook and Facebook Messenger to Amazon and Instagram, Shopify’s easy-to-use interface does everything but limit itself.
Do more with less. Customize to your liking. Develop and implement within 24-48 hours. It’s why many give the functionality of Shopify a 5-star rating.
Other notable key features and functions of Shopify as an e-commerce website hosting platform include but are certainly not limited to its built-in SEO function, its very own app integration store, and its extensive security and support features.
Final Verdict
Overall, Shopify is hands down the best E-Commerce solution for any business. It has an undeniable user base, its prices are tolerable in comparison to its competitors, and its interface and functionality are, in many an opinion, the best part.
When getting into business, the last thing you want to be worrying about is its safety and its quality of service. With Shopify, you don’t have to worry about that. So, what are you waiting for? Begin with a free trial today!
Overall, we rate Shopify a 5/5!