Shopify Templates: Custom or Pre-made? What to Choose?
Selecting the right online store template is one of the key decisions to make before launching your eCommerce…
Selecting the right online store template is one of the key decisions to make before launching your eCommerce platform. This choice isn’t simple and depends on several crucial factors. The decision between a custom-built template or purchasing a pre-made one from popular template marketplaces impacts not only operational aspects but also the strategic development of your online store. In this article, we’ll guide you through deciding which Shopify template is best for your needs.
Shopify Templates: Where to Start?
Like other SaaS platforms, Shopify offers a wide range of free and paid ready-made templates available in the official Shopify store (Shopify Themes) and on popular marketplaces such as Themeforest and Envato. Additionally, Shopify’s extensive API enables the creation of custom templates designed from scratch. Moreover, this API allows for deep customization of any Shopify template, whether it’s pre-made or custom-built. Before deciding on a Shopify template, consider the pros and cons outlined below.
Custom Shopify Templates
Shopify’s robust API provides almost limitless opportunities to modify an online store’s code, making fully customized Shopify templates possible. These templates are designed to meet 100% of the target audience’s needs. Custom templates are typically crafted by teams of designers and developers from specialized eCommerce software houses, including our experts at Hyper Effekt.
The Process of Developing a Custom Shopify Template
At Hyper Effekt, the process of creating a custom Shopify template involves the following steps:
- eCommerce Workshops – Remote workshops to identify client needs, analyze competitors, and map the customer journey, forming the foundation for the eCommerce system.
- Information Architecture and Requirements – Based on the workshop, a complete site architecture and product backlog are created, serving as a foundation for design and implementation.
- Design – Translating research into actionable designs, including UX and UI layers, resulting in a custom design system.
- Implementation – This phase involves implementing the design and integrating key modules and external systems with Shopify.
- Optimization and Testing – The store is optimized for performance and SEO and rigorously tested before the production launch.
- Production Launch and Maintenance – The store is deployed, and our team shifts focus to ongoing maintenance.
Costs of Custom Shopify Templates
The cost varies based on the functionality and complexity required but typically ranges from 250 to 350 hours of work. At our hourly rate of 50€ net.
Pre-made Shopify Templates (Paid and Free)
Shopify offers a rich array of free and paid pre-made templates suitable for store owners and development teams alike. The Shopify Theme Store is an excellent starting point, especially templates marked “Shopify 2.0.” These templates are ready for deployment, self-editable, and developer-friendly thanks to Shopify’s API.
The Process of Implementing Pre-made Shopify Templates
- Template Selection – Defines the initial structure and expansion possibilities of the online store.
- Benchmark Analysis and Information Architecture – Workshops to develop redesign patterns and site architecture.
- Design – Tailoring front-end modifications to the chosen template.
- Implementation – Installing the design, essential modules, and plugins.
- Optimization and Testing – Enhancing speed and SEO performance.
- Production Launch and Maintenance – Deploying the store and transitioning to maintenance mode.
Shopify Templates: Custom vs. Pre-made – Pros and Cons
Custom Shopify Templates – Pros:
- Tailored to target audience needs
- High efficiency and speed
- Full personalization
- Comprehensive SEO optimization
Custom Shopify Templates – Cons:
- Higher implementation costs
- Longer development time
Pre-made Shopify Templates – Pros:
- Lower costs compared to custom templates
- Shorter implementation time
- Customization depends on template features
Pre-made Shopify Templates – Cons:
- Lower efficiency and speed
- Developers might be unfamiliar with the template
Which Shopify Template to Choose: Custom or Pre-made?
There isn’t a definitive answer—it depends. The choice must be well-considered as it will determine the platform’s functionality. At Hyper Effekt Shopify Agency, we offer full support in deciding the right approach and implementing your Shopify online store.