Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows those with limited website development skills to create and run an online shop. If you want a deeper dive, read our guide on how Shopify works. In recent years Shopify, which is based in Canada, has seen a surge in popularity. During the past years, it saw significant growth both in valuation and use. The reason for this is because of its customization, ease of use, and cost.

Here are some of the major features of Shopify that you should look out for.

Key Takeaways
1
Shopify is an accessible eCommerce platform for those with limited web development skills.
2
Its popularity surged during the 2020’s due to customization, ease of use, and cost.
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Shopify offers themes for easy design and customization.

1. Easy To Design

Starting an online business can be daunting, but Shopify simplifies the process. Like other website platforms, Shopify has themes that can be applied to the base code to customize the look and the features of a website.  With over 70 customizable themes, you can design a store that resonates with your brand. The drag-and-drop capabilities ensure that even those without technical expertise can craft a professional-looking site. Whether you use one of their top themes from a theme store like Warehouse or you use a third-party theme like Booster, the design will be different.

Most themes have lots of customization options such as the colors, features on the page, and the content on the page. You can also use Page Builders to make your Shopify store unique. Using themes makes it easier for those with no skills and limited budgets to create a store that is mobile-optimized and good for converting.

Moreover, the platform is optimized for mobile, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

2. The Ability To Add Functionality

Like other platforms, Shopify stores can have apps added to them to make them more functional. For example, you can add SEO apps like SEO Booster or shipping apps for better functionality in the fulfillment of your orders.

By using a series of apps when building a website instead of everything being on the website at once allows the website to be tailored and functional without being slow. The more code (i.e. functions) on a website, the longer it takes to load. That’s why you should always uninstall any unused apps from your Shopify store.

3. Hosted

Unlike other options, with Shopify you get your site hosted by the company. This is good because they invest the money in offering quality hosting across the world. Therefore, the loading times for your site will be the same whether your customers are in Europe, the US, Australia, South Africa or somewhere else.

It also means that you can reduce costs. You don’t have to pay a license for the code and then pay for hosting. It’s all covered in one bill.

While Shopify provides hosting for your online store, you also have the option to host a blog on another platform and integrate it with your Shopify store. Additionally, if you prefer, you can explore hosting your Shopify store on another web hosting platform, although this may come with additional setup and maintenance requirements.

4. Payments

Shopify also provides payment solutions. This can be useful because one of the most tricky elements when it comes to selling online is collecting payments.

While Shopify Payments is a popular choice, allowing businesses to accept credit card payments seamlessly, the platform doesn’t restrict you. If you have a preferred payment processor, Shopify supports that too, albeit with an additional fee. Shopify does charge you a transaction fee, but these fees are comparable to those from PayPal and other payment solutions.

This flexibility ensures that businesses can choose what’s best for their operational needs.With Shopify, that is all taken care of for you.

5. Support

Whether you buy Shopify Plus or have a more limited account, Shopify has one of the best support systems online. It is far superior and it hires plenty of people who are experts in the software. Therefore, when you have a problem, you can be sure that you will receive help from someone who can support you better.

If you do buy into Shopify Plus, you will also get a dedicated account manager. This person is someone who will organize everything for you, which can be a great help when you’re trying to build your business.

Shopify also offers a free trial period for you to getting started with Shopify before committing to a paid plan. This allows you to test out the platform and its features before making a decision.