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10 Years of Building Shopify Stores: The Lessons We’ve Learned (and How They Can Help Your Business)

We get it- Building a Shopify store seems overwhelming. That’s where a Shopify agency can help streamline the process. 

You might be saying … “I don’t know where to start, and I don’t have the technical skills to do it myself.”

We understand that building an online store can seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be! 

Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, and there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. 

Plus, you don’t have to go it alone. Our team of experienced Shopify experts can guide you through the entire process, from selecting the perfect theme to optimizing your store for conversions.

We’ve been building Shopify stores for a decade. 

With close to 100 launches, from fledgling startups to rapidly scaling businesses, we’ve seen it all. And in that time, we’ve learned a lot. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, how to help businesses like yours thrive on the Shopify platform. 

So, if you’re considering building a Shopify site, or you’re looking for a partner to help you take your existing store to the next level, this post is for you.

Start today and stop leaving money on the table today! 

Here are some key takeaways from our 10 years of being a Shopify Partner:

#1- The Theme is Just the Starting Point

A beautiful theme is essential especially for establishing your aesthetic, but it’s customization that truly makes your store shine.

Think of a theme as a canvas – it provides the foundation, but your unique brand and products are what bring it to life.

Don’t be afraid to invest in tailoring your theme to perfectly reflect your brand identity and optimize the user experience. Consider functionality, navigation, and conversion optimization as much as aesthetics.

This is our speciality! If you’re wondering where to start, reach out to set up your complementary online audit where we’ll help point you in the right direction.

#2 Mobile: No Longer a Suggestion, It’s a Requirement

In today’s world, mobile shopping reigns supreme. Your Shopify store must be flawlessly responsive on all devices. We prioritize mobile optimization from the very first design sketch, ensuring a seamless experience for your on-the-go customers. You don’t want to miss out on customers because your site is not user friendly, especially on handheld devices. 

#3 Content is Still Queen

Stunning product photos are a must, but they’re only half the battle. Compelling product descriptions, engaging blog posts, and a clear, consistent brand story are what truly connect with customers and drive sales. Don’t underestimate the power of words to build trust, create desire, and ultimately, convert searches into sales. 

#4 SEO Isn’t Magic, It’s Strategy

Shopify offers built-in SEO tools, but they’re only effective if you use them strategically. Keyword research, optimized product titles and descriptions, and a well-structured site are crucial for attracting organic traffic. We can help you develop a tailored SEO strategy to reach your target audience. 

#5 Apps Are Your Friends (But Choose Wisely)

The Shopify App Store is a goldmine of functionality. From email marketing integrations to advanced analytics, apps can extend the capabilities of your store exponentially. However, it’s easy to get carried away. Don’t overload your site with unnecessary apps – focus on the ones that truly enhance your business and streamline your operations. We can guide you through the app landscape and recommend the best solutions for your specific needs.

#6 The Customer Experience is Paramount

The customer experience doesn’t start at checkout, it starts when the customers first come across your store. You want to make every touchpoint matter, from first impression, to checkout, to shipping, and finally post purchase. A smooth checkout process and exceptional customer service are non-negotiable in today’s competitive market. Happy customers become repeat customers, and repeat customers become your biggest advocates. We can help you optimize every touchpoint in the customer journey to create a delightful experience that keeps them coming back for more. 

#7 Data Tells a Story (Are You Listening?)

Shopify analytics provide invaluable insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and marketing performance. Use this data to make informed decisions about your business. Don’t just collect the data – analyze it, understand it, and use it to refine your strategies. We can help you interpret the data and turn it into actionable steps for growth.

#8 Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving. Be willing to try new things, test different approaches, and adapt to changing trends. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and experiment with new marketing tactics, product offerings, and even design elements. We encourage our clients to embrace experimentation and innovation.

#9 Community Matters: Build Connections, Not Just Transactions

Engage with your customers on social media, build an email list, and foster a sense of community around your brand. Loyal customers are your most valuable asset. They’re the ones who will spread the word about your business, leave positive reviews, and become brand ambassadors. 

#10. Partnership is Key: Choose Your Shopify Partner Wisely

Choosing the right Shopify Partner is crucial for your success.

Look for an agency with a proven track record, a deep understanding of e-commerce, and a genuine passion for helping businesses like yours succeed.

We’re committed to being more than just developers – we’re your strategic partners in growth.

Ready to take your e-commerce business to the next level?

We’d love to chat about your project and how our team at Focus can help you achieve your goals.

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

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