eCommerce
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When building a website, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to use a custom Shopify themes for ecommerce stores or pre-built themes. There are mainly two options to consider when it comes to building your online store on Shopify — picking a pre-designed theme or going with a custom theme. Both the themes have their own advantages and features. In this blog, we will explore more about both the themes and choose the best theme for your business.
What Is A Pre-Designed Shopify Theme?
A Pre-designed Shopify theme, also known as template theme is a prepackaged theme often available on the Shopify theme store. You can buy Shopify pre-designed themes and build an ecommerce store in no time. Shopify pre-designed themes function on a ‘plug and play’ model that you can easily install in your Shopify admin and simply get started.
Pre-designed templates can also be sourced from outside sources other than the Shopify theme store. In such a case, You have to upload the theme package file into your website backend. After that you can install the theme and customize it to fit your business. The Shopify theme store contains about 70 pre-designed templates which can be applied to a wide variety of online businesses. Some of the templates are available for free while others are paid.
Merits Of Pre-Designed Shopify Themes
Here are some of the merits of pre-designed Shopify themes.
Affordability
Most Shopify themes, which also includes customized one product stores, are affordable. The best way to get your business online on Shopify without breaking the bank is to go with a pre-designed template. You can even go with Shopify store setup with premium theme service to start your business quickly.
Ease Of Use
Pre-designed themes are super easy to set up and use. Themes that are especially designed for one product are user-friendly and require no coding knowledge. It is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to get their store up and running quickly.
Faster Time To Market
A Pre-designed Shopify theme accelerates your ecommerce website launching time along with saving your effort and money. It only requires installation and configuration to go live. You can have your online store ready for your customers in a week or maybe less, depending on the configuration time as per your ecommerce needs.
Demerits Of Pre-Designed Shopify Themes
Here are some of the demerits of Pre-designed Shopify themes.
Limited Customization
Pre-designed Shopify themes offer limited customization options and functionality, when it comes to scalability and functionality. A small or new business might work well with that but businesses with complex functions will surely suffer if they go with choosing pre-designed Shopify templates.
No Updates For Modification
It is one of the hardest things to do using a pre-designed template. You won’t be able to update your theme from the developer any longer if you by any chance modify the theme base code to add a needed feature. It means the maintenance work for your site would rest solely on you.
What Is a Custom Theme?
A Custom design theme involves creating a unique, customized website from scratch. A fully custom shopify theme is designed specifically for your business objectives. Using affordable Shopify custom themes, you can get features live on your Shopify store depending on how creative your designer and developer are. Custom Shopify theme means having a unique and stand-out online store.
Merits Of Custom Theme
Here are some of the merits of custom themes.
Uniqueness
A custom design makes sure that your store is one-of-a-kind by helping you build a strong brand identity that sets you apart from competitors.
Advanced Features
Giving you a competitive edge, Custom designs can incorporate advanced features and integrations that may not be available with standard Shopify themes.
Full Control
You have complete control over every aspect of your store’s appearance and functionality with Shopify theme customization services. It allows a more personalized shopping experience for your customers.
Demerits Of Custom Theme
Here are some of the demerits of custom themes.
Maintenance
Custom designs often require updates and ongoing maintenance, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of running your store.
Cost
This is the most demanding part of running a custom theme for your Shopify store. Shopify custom design pricing usually comes with a higher price tag as it requires the expertise of a professional designer or development team.
What To Choose Between Custom And Pre-designed Shopify Themes?
When deciding between Shopify custom theme development and pre-designed theme, you can consider the following factors:
Time
Pre-designed Shopify themes permits you to launch your store quickly if speed is a priority, whereas a custom design may require several weeks or even months of development.
Future Growth
You can consider your long-term business goals. A custom design can provide the flexibility you need to grow, if you plan to expand your product line or add new features in the future.
Budget
A shopify theme is the more practical choice if you are working with a limited budget. It offers a cost-effective way to create a professional looking store without breaking the bank.
Brand Differentiation
A custom design might be worth the investment if standing out from the competition is crucial. It allows you to create a truly unique online shopping experience.
Wrapping It Up
In summary, the choice largely depends on your business’s specific needs and resources when deciding between a custom or pre-designed Shopify theme. Pre-designed themes are ideal for businesses looking for a quick, affordable solution with minimal setup time. They offer affordability, ease of use, and quick deployment, making them great for smaller stores or those on a tight budget.
However, a custom Shopify theme may be the better choice, if you want a unique and scalable solution that grows with your business. While more expensive and time-consuming, a custom theme allows for advanced features, complete control over design, and the ability to differentiate your brand from the competition.
At CartCoders, we specialize in helping businesses to make the best decision based on their goals. Whether you’re looking for a custom solution that stands out or a more budget-friendly