Shopify Website Builder Review: Is It the Right Choice for Your Business?

 Are you considering Shopify as your website builder? Look no further! In this comprehensive Shopify review, we'll delve into the world of Shopify to help you uncover its true potential. From its user-friendly interface to its powerful eCommerce features, we'll explore why Shopify remains a top choice. 

Join us as we analyze the pros and cons, highlight key updates for 2024, and ultimately answer the burning question: Is Shopify a good website builder? Let's dive in and find out!

Shopify’s Overview

Let’s go through Shopify at a glance first.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform enabling individuals and businesses to create and manage online stores. Founded in 2006, Shopify provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, allowing entrepreneurs to build and customize their websites, manage products and inventory, process payments, and track sales.

With its robust tools and integrations, Shopify enables businesses of all sizes to effectively market and distribute their products and services online, providing customers with a seamless and secure shopping experience. Whether you're a small startup or an established brand, Shopify offers the flexibility and scalability to help you succeed in the competitive world of eCommerce.

Who can use Shopify?

Shopify is designed for a wide range of users, making it accessible to individuals and businesses of various sizes and industries. Whether you're a small business owner, a solo entrepreneur, a creative artist, or an established brand, Shopify can cater to your eCommerce needs. It is suitable for individuals seeking to start their first online store and those seeking to expand their existing business. 

Shopify's user-friendly interface and intuitive tools make it accessible to beginners with no coding experience, while its scalability and advanced features cater to the needs of larger enterprises. Whether selling physical products, digital goods, or services, Shopify provides the tools and resources to facilitate the establishment and expansion of prosperous online businesses.

Key Statistics about Shopify

Looking at the prominent statistics  about Shopify here.

• - Shopify has achieved a remarkable milestone of generating more than $700 billion in sales over its 17 years of operation, with a total revenue of $5.6 billion in 2022, showing a significant 26% increase from the previous year on a constant currency basis.
• - With over 4.12 million eCommerce sites utilizing Shopify as their platform, it has become a trusted solution for online businesses worldwide. 
• - Shopify's global reach is evident as online sellers embrace it in over 175 countries. Notably, approximately 63% of Shopify stores are estimated to be based in the United States 
• - Shopify's gross merchandise volume in 2022 amounted to $197.2 billion, highlighting its substantial role in the eCommerce industry.
• - Holding a significant market share, Shopify captures 10% of the global eCommerce platform market, solidifying its position as a key player.
• - The average order value on Shopify stands at $85, reflecting the platform's ability to support businesses in achieving healthy transaction sizes.
• - 8,000+ apps in the Shopify App Store: Shopify offers a vast ecosystem of third-party apps and integrations, with over 8,000 apps available in the Shopify App Store. These apps extend the functionality of Shopify and allow merchants to customize their online stores. They provide various features to assist Shopify store owners in designing a professional store with a high conversion rate, such as Page Building (EComposer Page Builder), Font Customization (Fontify), etc.
• - Before a workforce reduction of around 20%, Shopify boasted an employee count of over 11,600. Currently, the platform is supported by approximately 9,200 dedicated staff members.

These statistics showcase Shopify's popularity and success as a leading eCommerce platform, providing merchants with the tools and resources they need to thrive online.

How does Shopify work? (How to start your Shopify store)

Shopify is an eCommerce platform allowing individuals and businesses to create and run online stores. Here's how Shopify works:

- Sign up: To start with Shopify, you must sign up for an account on the Shopify website. You can select a personalized domain name for your store or use a subdomain provided by Shopify.

- Set up your store: Once you have an account, you can begin setting up your online store. Shopify provides a user-friendly interface and a range of customizable templates (called themes) that you can choose from to design the look and feel of your store. You can also add your branding elements, such as your logo and color scheme, to create a unique identity for your store.

- Add products: After setting up the store, you can add your products. Shopify provides a simple interface to enter product details, including images, descriptions, prices, and inventory levels. You can categorize your products into various distinct groups and collections to make it easier for customers to browse what they want looking for.

- Customize your store: Shopify offers various customization options to tailor your store to your needs. You can modify the design and layout using the theme editor, add custom pages (refer an About Us templates or Contact page templates), and adjust various settings related to shipping, taxes, and payment options.

- Choose a payment gateway: To accept customer payments, you must set up a payment gateway. Shopify Payments provides its payment solution, which integrates seamlessly with the platform. Alternatively, you can choose from third-party payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Authorize.Net.

- Set up shipping: Shopify allows you to configure product shipping options. You can define shipping rates based on weight, location, or order value. You can also integrate with shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS to provide real-time shipping rates and print shipping labels directly from your Shopify dashboard.

- Launch your store: Once you've added your products, customized your store, and configured your payment and shipping settings, you're ready to launch your online store. You can make your store live by connecting your domain and removing any "under construction" or password-protected pages.

- Manage your store: Shopify provides a comprehensive dashboard where you can manage various aspects of your store. You can track orders, manage inventory, process payments, generate reports, and communicate with customers. Additionally, Shopify offers mobile apps that allow you to manage your store on the go.

- Market and sell your products: Once your store is operational, you can initiate marketing and promotional activities for your products. Shopify provides built-in tools for search engine optimization (SEO), social media integration, email marketing, and advertising. You can also leverage various Shopify apps and plugins to enhance your marketing efforts and reach a wider audience.

- Support and scalability: Shopify offers 24/7 customer support via email, live chat, and phone. Shopify scales with your business, providing robust infrastructure and advanced features to accommodate higher traffic volumes and more complex operations as your business grows. Shopify Plus is available for enterprise-level companies with additional features and dedicated support.

In summary, Shopify simplifies creating an online store, from setting up the store to managing products, payments, shipping, and marketing. It provides a comprehensive platform that empowers businesses to sell products online effectively.

Shopify’s highlight features

Shopify offers many features, making it a popular choice for creating and running online stores. Some of its highlight features include:

Ease of use

Shopify offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process for individuals of all backgrounds without technical expertise to establish and address an online store. Its drag-and-drop interface, customizable themes, and intuitive admin dashboard simplify building and customizing your store.

Mobile responsiveness

Shopify themes are designed to be mobile-responsive, ensuring your online store looks great and functions properly on smartphones and tablets. With the increasing number of mobile shoppers, this feature is essential for providing a seamless shopping experience across devices.

Extensive theme library

Shopify offers a vast collection of professionally designed themes. You have the flexibility to personalize these themes according to your brand and preferred style. Whether you're looking for a minimalist design, a bold and vibrant layout, or a specific industry-focused theme, Shopify has options for various aesthetics and business needs.

App Store

Shopify has an extensive app store with thousands of free and paid apps and plugins. These apps extend the functionality of your store, allowing you to add features such as customer reviews, countdown timers, email marketing integrations, abandoned cart recovery, loyalty programs, and much more. The app store enables you to customize and enhance your store based on your requirements.

Secure hosting and reliability

You don't have to worry about managing servers or security with Shopify. Shopify hosts your online store, ensuring it runs smoothly and securely. They provide reliable infrastructure, backups, and security measures, such as SSL certificates, so you can focus on growing your business without the technical hassles.

Payment options

Shopify offers multiple payment gateways, including its payment solution called Shopify Payments. It also integrates with over 100 external payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences and offers the best experience for your customers.

Shipping and fulfillment

Shopify provides built-in shipping and fulfillment features, allowing you to set up shipping rates based on various criteria like weight, location, or order value. Additionally, you have the capability to integrate with widely used shipping carriers seamlessly to offer real-time shipping rates and print shipping labels directly from your Shopify dashboard. Additionally, Shopify offers fulfillment services like Shopify Fulfillment Network and integrations with third-party fulfillment providers to streamline the order fulfillment process.

Marketing and SEO

Shopify provides various marketing tools to support your promotional efforts and drive traffic toward your online store. It includes SEO features to optimize your store for search engines, social media integration to connect and sell on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, email marketing capabilities, discount codes and gift cards, and integrations with popular advertising platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads.

Analytics and Reporting

Shopify provides detailed analytics and reporting features to track your store's performance. You can monitor sales, traffic sources, customer behavior, and more. These insights help you make data-driven decisions and optimize your marketing strategies to increase conversions and revenue.

Customer support

Shopify offers 24/7 customer support through email, live chat, and phone. Whether you have technical questions, need assistance setting up your store, or require guidance on using specific features, their support team can help.

These are just a few of the many features that Shopify offers. The platform continues to evolve, introducing new features and improvements to help businesses succeed in the competitive eCommerce landscape.

Shopify Pricing Plans

Shopify offers different pricing plans to cater to businesses of all sizes and budgets. The plans include:

Shopify Starter ($5/month)

The Shopify Starter plan is specifically designed for merchants at the initial stage of their online business and prefer selling to customers through social media platforms or messaging apps. It offers a simplified online store experience that lets you easily create and share product links. 

With the Starter plan, you can generate product links that can be shared in social media posts or messages, enabling you to reach and engage with your audience directly. This plan is ideal for individuals or businesses in the early stages of their online journey and looking for a fast and efficient way to establish their online presence.

Basic Shopify ($25/month)

The Basic Shopify plan offers comprehensive features suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. This plan allows you to use advanced reporting, professional reports, and unlimited product listings. 

It also includes features like abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, and the ability to offer discounts. Basic Shopify provides a solid foundation for growing your online store while maintaining affordability.

Shopify ($65/month)

The Shopify plan is designed for businesses experiencing steady growth and needing additional features to support their operations. In addition to all the features available in the Basic Shopify plan, this tier includes professional reports, an advanced report builder, and the ability to create and manage staff accounts. It also offers lower transaction fees, providing more cost-effective selling for higher-volume businesses.

Advanced Shopify ($399/month)

The Advanced Shopify plan is built for businesses that require advanced features and scalability. This plan is suitable for established businesses with high transaction volumes. 

It offers all the features of the lower-tier plans, along with features like advanced report builder, third-party calculated shipping rates, and access to the Shopify API. Advanced Shopify is designed to support businesses with complex needs and high growth potential.

Shopify Plus (starting at $2000/month)

Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level solution tailored for large businesses or high-volume merchants. It provides advanced features, scalability, and dedicated support to meet the requirements of a big enterprise. With Shopify Plus, you can access robust customization options, multi-channel selling capabilities, and enhanced security features. 

Shopify Plus's pricing varies depending on your business's specific requirements, and it offers a wide range of enterprise-grade features to accommodate complex business needs.

Each plan has features and capabilities, from mobile optimization and unlimited products to advanced reporting and custom pricing.

Shopify Additional Fees

• - Transaction fees apply to all plans unless you use Shopify Payments, which reduces or eliminates the costs depending on the plan.
• - The transaction fees range from 5% + 30¢ per transaction for the Shopify Starter plan to 2.4% + 30¢ or 2.4% + 0¢ per transaction for the Advanced Shopify plan.
• - Shopify also offers pricing plans tailored to specific regions, such as the US, Australia, the UK, and Ireland, to accommodate local business landscapes.
• - Annual plans provide discounts of up to 30% off the monthly subscription cost, offering long-term cost savings.
• - Additional costs include domain name registration, themes and design customization, app subscriptions, credit card processing fees, and Shopify POS payments.

Each Shopify plan is designed to cater to different stages of business growth and varying needs. It's essential to assess your business requirements, budget, and growth potential to choose the plan that best aligns with your goals and ensures a seamless and scalable e-commerce experience.

Shopify Pros and Cons

Pros

• - Full Brand and Store Ownership: With Shopify, you have complete control over your brand and online store, allowing you to customize and create a unique shopping experience for your customers
• - Scalability: Shopify is designed to cater to small startups to large enterprises, ensuring inclusivity across various scales, and provides the tools and resources to handle increasing traffic, orders, and inventory as your business grows.
• - Design Flexibility: Shopify offers a wide range of professionally designed themes and customization options, allowing you to personalize the appearance of your store to align with your brand, resulting in a visually captivating storefront that leaves a lasting impression.
• - Cost-Effective Pricing Plans: Shopify offers affordable pricing plans with transparent pricing and no hidden costs, providing excellent value for money and allowing you to maximize your return on investment.
• - Unlimited Products: Shopify allows you to sell unlimited products, making it suitable for businesses with large inventories or those looking to expand their product offerings.
• - Mobile Optimization: Shopify's responsive themes ensure your store delivers an exceptional user experience and flawless functionality across all devices., providing mobile customers with a smooth and user-friendly shopping experience.
• - 24/7 Customer Service: Shopify offers reliable and responsive customer support 24/7, ensuring you can get assistance to resolve any issues or answer your questions.
• - User-Friendly: Shopify's user-friendly interface and intuitive tools ensure effortless navigation for individuals with varying technical expertise, manage and customize their online store without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Cons

• - Learning Curve: While Shopify's interface is user-friendly, mastering all its features and learning about SEO, marketing, and social media strategy can take time and effort, especially for beginners new to eCommerce.
• - Customer Acquisition: With Shopify, you drive traffic to your store and build a customer base. It can be a slow and challenging process, requiring effective marketing strategies and efforts to attract and retain customers.
• - Long-Term Strategy: Success on Shopify may take time, and it requires a long-term strategy to build a sustainable and profitable business. Establishing your brand, optimizing your store, and developing effective marketing campaigns takes time and patience.
• - Cost of Apps: While Shopify offers an extensive app store that enhances your store's functionality, some premium apps may come with additional costs. Depending on your needs, these expenses can add up, potentially increasing your operating expenses.
• - Transaction Fee: Shopify charges transaction fees for sales through payment methods other than Shopify Payments. Although these fees are reasonable, they can impact your profit margins, especially for high-volume sellers. Utilizing Shopify Payments can help eliminate or reduce these transaction fees.

Read more

• Shopify vs. WooCommerce: Which is better?
• Shopify vs. Amazon: The Ultimate eCommerce Platform Comparison
• Etsy vs Shopify comparison: Best choice for online business 
• Shopify vs WordPress: Which Is Better?
• Shopify vs Squarespace: Which Is Better for Your Business?
• Shopify vs Magento: Which Is the Right Platform for Your Business?
• Shopify vs GoDaddy: Which Should You Use?

How to get Shopify’s free trial 

Shopify free trial is a program that allows new users to try out Shopify at no cost. It provides a limited period of time during which you can explore and test the features and functionalities of Shopify before deciding to purchase a paid subscription. The free trial allows you to set up your online store, add products, customize your website, and experience the overall functionality of the platform.

You can use Shopify for free three days after signing up for a Shopify account. Shopify occasionally runs promotions that provide extended trial periods. This is the "3 months for $1/month" offer. New users can access Shopify's platform for three months by paying a nominal $1 monthly. This extended trial period gives you a more comprehensive experience with Shopify.

It's important to note that the availability and terms of these promotional trials may vary, and they are typically time-limited offers. 

To claim Shopify free trial, just follow the steps below:

• - Provide your email address and click on the "Start Free Trial" button 
• - Answer questions, or you can skip the survey
• - Choose a physical location for your online store
• - Create Shopify ID
• - Go to the Shopify dashboard to experience
• Looking at the detailed guide here: Shopify 1 Dollar Plan

FAQs about Shopify

1. Is Shopify easy to use?

Answer: Yes, Shopify is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It has a straightforward interface, and tools make it easy for users who need more technical skills to create and operate their online stores.

2. Does Shopify provide a secure environment for online transactions?

Answer: Shopify is widely regarded as a secure and safe platform for businesses and customers. It maintains Level 1 PCI DSS compliance and offers additional security features like two-factor authentication. However, it's important to note that while Shopify prioritizes security, like any eCommerce platform, there is always a potential for security issues or data breaches to occur.

3. Can I generate profit with Shopify?

Answer: Shopify provides diverse opportunities for eCommerce businesses to generate revenue. Whether selling physical products or digital items, Shopify offers various avenues to profit. Additionally, dropshipping apps help keep operating costs low while maximizing revenue potential.

4. Is a business license necessary for selling on Shopify?

Answer: While it is optional, the need for a valid business license to sell on Shopify can depend on factors such as your location and the type of business you operate. Researching and understanding the specific regulations and requirements in your country, city, or state is important.

5. Is Shopify suitable for beginners?

Answer: Shopify is an excellent choice for beginners in the eCommerce industry due to its user-friendly platform and affordable pricing. It provides a straightforward and convenient solution for individuals or organizations starting online businesses.

6. Is there any specific hardware or software requirement to use Shopify?

Answer: To build a standard Shopify store, you don't need any specialized hardware or software installed on your computer. Whether using a Mac, PC, or Chromebook, you only require a web browser and an internet connection to get started and manage your store. Shopify is a cloud-based platform, so you can access your store from anywhere using any device with an internet connection.

However, you may need to invest in additional hardware if you plan to sell products in a physical retail environment using Shopify's point of sale (POS) system. This can include a card reader for accepting payments, a receipt printer for issuing receipts, and a cash register or till for cash transactions. The specific hardware requirements will depend on your needs and the nature of your retail operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after conducting a comprehensive review of Shopify as a website builder in 2024, it is evident that Shopify stands as a strong, reliable, and robust platform for establishing and overseeing online stores. Its impressive features, intuitive interface, and user-friendly design make it a highly suitable option for businesses of different sizes. 

Shopify proves to be an excellent website builder, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for creating and managing online stores. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, Shopify provides the necessary tools, support, and flexibility to build and grow a successful eCommerce business.