Shopify customization (all you need to know about customizing a Shopify store)

Suppose you've ever felt like your Shopify store is more "meh" than "wow," you're not alone. Many store owners hit a wall where they realize their generic theme isn't cutting it. Customization isn't just about making your store look good. It's a key part of Shopify Conversion Rate Optimization. Customers are likelier to stick around and buy something when your store feels unique and intuitive. In this article, you'll learn how to customize your Shopify themes and store to improve conversion rates.

One tool that can help is Instant's Shopify product page builder. It makes it easy to customize your product pages to fit your brand and optimize them for conversions.

Table of Contents

• Does Shopify allow customization?

• Why bother with customizing your Shopify store?

• What are the customization limitations of Shopify?

• What are the Shopify customization options available?

• How to pick a Shopify theme to customize

• Shopify customization: How to use the theme editor

• Shopify customization: Using page builders

• 5 Shopify customization best practices

• Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify landing page builder

Does Shopify allow customization?

Shopify themes offer a fantastic starting point for customization. These pre-designed templates come in various styles to fit your brand’s aesthetic. Want to tweak colors or fonts? No problem. Shopify’s interface makes it easy to adjust these elements without any coding. 

You can even modify product displays to showcase your offerings better. This level of customization ensures that even if you’re not tech-savvy, your store will look polished and professional.

Drag-and-drop simplicity with online store 2.0

Shopify’s Online Store 2.0 themes take customization up a notch. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, you can easily rearrange page sections and blocks, creating unique layouts for landing pages, product pages, and more. You don’t need technical skills to make these changes, making it a game-changer for store owners who want more control over their design.

Going beyond with custom code

For those who want to push the boundaries of customization, Shopify allows you to modify your theme’s code. You can gain control over every design element by editing:

• HTML

• CSS

• Liquid (Shopify’s templating language)

This is perfect for businesses with development resources wanting a custom look. Whether it’s a minor tweak or a complete overhaul, custom coding lets you create a store that’s uniquely yours.

Use page builder apps to expand your creativity

Shopify’s flexibility doesn’t end with themes. You can further integrate page builder apps like Instant to enhance your store’s design. These apps provide drag-and-drop capabilities that let you create custom-designed pages, going beyond the limitations of your theme. This means you can craft a shopping experience that’s as unique as your brand without needing to code everything from scratch.

Why bother with customizing your Shopify store?

First impressions stick

Customizing your Shopify store creates a solid first impression, critical for capturing attention. Studies show visitors form opinions about your website in as little as 50 milliseconds. 

By customizing elements like the layout, color scheme, and typography, you can ensure that your store’s visual appeal aligns with your brand and leaves a lasting wow moment for visitors, encouraging them to stay and explore. 

Define your brand's identity

Your store's design is like your brand's personality. Whether you're aiming for sleek sophistication or fun, playful energy, your theme sends those signals. Think of it like a movie's soundtrack. It sets the mood and aligns customer expectations with your brand's core values.

Smooth out the user experience 

Customization isn’t just about looks. It’s about making shopping easy. A user-friendly design with clear navigation, fast load times, and responsive elements guides customers effortlessly. This seamless journey boosts engagement and conversion rates, turning casual visitors into loyal customers.

Rise above the competition

In eCommerce, a unique Shopify store is essential. A distinct, appealing design helps your brand stand out, making it more memorable. When customers can easily spot your brand among others, they're more likely to return and become repeat buyers.

Stay fresh and relevant 

Customizing your store lets you adapt to seasons, trends, or special promotions. Whether it’s a holiday theme or a new product launch, keeping your store’s design current engages customers. This adaptability encourages them to check out new offers, driving repeat visits and sales.

Enhancing Shopify store performance with customizable landing pages

Instant is a user-friendly Shopify landing page builder that allows eCommerce teams and agencies to create fully customizable and advanced pages without any coding knowledge. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can quickly design and publish:

• High-converting landing pages

• Product detail pages

• Sections

Instant also offers seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing online store performance and increasing conversions.

Try Instant's Shopify landing page builder today!

What are the customization limitations of Shopify?

Shopify themes come with a promise of flexibility, but the reality isn’t as rosy. You can tweak colors and fonts. You might even rearrange some layout options. But when it comes to advanced customizations, things get tricky.

Do you want to add a background video or a unique layout? You’ll likely need coding skills or a third-party app. For many, Shopify's design options can feel like a restrictive sandbox compared to other platforms.

App blocks: Less is more? Not exactly

Shopify's introduction of app blocks comes with a few limitations. Developers can only use 

25 interactive settings and six non-interactive settings per app block. This might seem fine until you realize it forces developers to simplify their offerings. The result? Reduced flexibility and less control for users who want to customize their stores.

Checkout customization: Plus users only need to apply

If your business runs on a standard Shopify plan, your checkout customization options are limited. You can tweak certain areas, but the flexibility isn’t there unless you’re a Shopify Plus user. They get access to the checkout.liquid file, allowing for more advanced customization. For everyone else, the checkout process and branding options can feel confined.

Payment customization: Tags and collections chaos

Shopify limits payment customizations to 100 tags or collections per customization. For stores with extensive product lines, this can be a headache. Merchants often need to create multiple customizations just to manage their tags effectively. It’s a less-than-ideal setup that can make payment handling cumbersome.

What are the Shopify customization options available?

The Shopify Editor is a game-changer for store owners looking to make quick and easy adjustments. This tool is built right into the platform and offers a drag-and-drop interface that lets you rearrange content, add sections, and modify pages without knowing a single line of code. 

It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to make design tweaks without getting tangled up in complex coding. You can create a visually appealing store with just a few clicks, and it’s all thanks to the intuitive design of the editor.

Mastering theme settings for a cohesive brand look

Many Shopify themes come with built-in settings that let you adjust various design elements like fonts, colors, and layouts. This option is ideal for store owners who want to maintain a cohesive brand identity without dealing with the intricacies of coding. 

By utilizing these theme settings, you can ensure that your store effectively reflects your brand's look and feel. This approach gives you control over the aesthetics of your store while avoiding the complexities of custom coding.

Custom code: The secret weapon for unique Shopify stores

For those with coding experience or access to a developer, customizing a Shopify store using:

• HTML

• CSS,

• JavaScript

• Liquid (Shopify’s templating language) 

Provides maximum flexibility. This method allows advanced users to create highly tailored features and unique designs that stand out from standard themes. Custom coding is best suited for businesses that require specific functionalities or want a completely unique look. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your store’s design and functionality to new heights.

Elevate your store with Shopify page builders

Page builders like Instant offer drag-and-drop functionality similar to the Shopify Editor but with greater flexibility and more customizable options. Page builders offer intuitive interfaces where you can create completely custom pages using a library of elements like sliders, videos, countdown timers, and product grids. 

Many page builders also offer advanced design options, A/B testing, and integrations with apps like Figma or Google Analytics. They are best suited for store owners who want to go beyond the limitations of the Shopify Editor and Theme settings but don’t want to rely entirely on custom coding. 

Why page builders are a game-changer for Shopify customization

Not all Shopify themes allow you to fully customize your design. Some settings often become overprotective, as certain themes feature specific restrictions on how much change you can make. It's somewhat discouraging, but the good news is that there is a way around this.

Page builders often feature drag-and-drop editors that give users complete control over how they want their store pages to look, feel, and be laid out. As a result, customers get a personalized experience, which helps boost sales and improve store revenue.

How to pick a Shopify theme to customize

1. Choosing the right Shopify theme for your store

Selecting a Shopify theme is your first step in creating an engaging online store. It’s not just about aesthetics; your theme should align with your brand and work well with your products. Head to the Shopify Theme Store, where you’ll find free and paid themes. Use filters to narrow down options by industry, but remain open to exploring themes outside your niche. 

You might stumble upon a design that perfectly suits your brand. Check out third-party sites like ThemeForest if something in the Shopify store feels wrong. These sites offer a wide variety of themes, often reviewed by users so you can sort by popularity and rating. If you’re skilled in Shopify development, consider building a theme from scratch or work with a developer to create something unique. Just keep in mind this can be more costly and time-consuming.

2. Getting started with a Shopify theme

Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to get it into your Shopify store. If you picked a theme from the Shopify Theme Store, it’ll be available immediately in your Shopify dashboard. You can start customizing it by clicking “Customize” and make it your current theme by selecting “Actions” and then “Publish.” 

For themes bought from third-party sites or developers, you must upload the theme yourself. 

• Go to Online Store > Themes in your Shopify dashboard to do this. 

• Under Theme Library, click “Add Theme.” 

• You’ll likely be uploading a zip file, so drag it into the provided window or click “Add file,” then “Upload file.” 

• Once it’s finished, your theme will show up in your theme library, ready for customization.

Shopify customization: How to use the theme editor

You’ll need to log into your Shopify dashboard. Head to the "Themes" section under Online Store on the left. If you haven't picked a theme yet, browse the Shopify theme store or just stick with the default "Dawn" theme. Once your theme is ready to go, hit the Customize button next to its name. This will open up the theme editor, your playground for customization.

Navigating the key sections of the theme editor

Inside the theme editor, you’ll find several areas to focus on. Let's break them down.

Crafting page templates with the template editor

The template editor is your go-to for creating page templates that apply store-wide. Instead of manually creating each product page, you can design a single product template and have it automatically applied to all products. 

Use the dropdown menu at the top of the editor to find templates for different page types, such as product pages, collections, or blog posts. You can create multiple templates for each type, giving you flexibility and saving time.

Integrating social media Links

Connecting your social media accounts to your Shopify store is key. In the Settings section of the theme editor, look for the social media tab. You can link your store to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter platforms. Adding social media links site-wide ensures customers can easily find your profiles.

Designing with the section/block editor

The section/block editor is where most of your design work happens. On the left, you’ll see a list of sections representing various elements of your page, like:

• Headers

• Footers

• Product grids

You can add, remove, and reorder these sections as needed. Each section has blocks and individual components like:

• Images

• Buttons

• Text

A homepage might have a section for a banner image with text, where the banner is the section and the image and text are the blocks.

Personalizing fonts and colors

The Style Menu lets you adjust fonts and colors to match your branding. You can change the color scheme for backgrounds, text, and buttons. Many themes offer options to set typography choices for different sections like headings and body text. Depending on the theme, you can revert to default settings or switch between pre-set styles for a quick visual upgrade.

Ensuring mobile optimization with the mobile previewer

Since most eCom traffic comes from mobile devices, previewing your store’s mobile version is crucial. Shopify’s theme editor includes a Mobile Previewer, showing how your store will look on phones and tablets. Click the monitor icon in the top right of the editor to switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile views.

Mastering the Shopify block editor for customization

The Block Editor is essential for building out your store pages. Here’s how to use blocks to customize your theme fully.

Adding and removing blocks

To add a block, navigate to the Add Block or Add Section button in the sidebar. Choose the type of block or section you want to add, such as:

• Text

• Images

• Product displays

To remove a block, select it in the sidebar, scroll to the bottom of the settings, and click Remove.

Editing blocks

You can edit any block by selecting it from the sidebar. On the right side of the screen, you’ll find options to customize that block’s settings, like:

• Changing text or images

• Adjusting padding

• Margins

• Alignment

• Modifying the content 

Moving blocks

To move a block within a section, hover over the sidebar and you’ll see six dots appear. Click and drag the block to reorder it within the section. The changes will show on the page immediately.

Shopify customization: Using page builders

Page builders are powerful tools that let you customize your Shopify store without needing advanced technical skills. For example, Instant provides an intuitive interface where you can easily modify and enhance your store's pages. Installing a page builder app from the Shopify App Store enables you to create and edit custom pages using a drag-and-drop approach.

Navigating the page builder interface like a pro

Once you choose a page builder, you’ll find a user-friendly dashboard. This lets you view and edit different sections of your store. You can easily switch between pages like the homepage, product pages, and collections. This flexibility ensures your design looks great on every device.

Crafting custom page layouts for your Shopify store

Page builders allow you to create custom layouts by adding sections and blocks to your pages. Insert elements like:

• Images

• Text blocks

• Buttons

• Product lists 

Into your layout. To add new sections, simply locate the “add section” option within the builder and choose from various content types available. This feature lets you experiment with different designs and arrangements until you find the best for your brand.

Mastering design elements for a cohesive look

With a page builder, you have complete control over design elements like:

• Colors

• Fonts

• Spacing

Use these customization options to ensure your store matches your brand identity. Tweaking these details can greatly enhance your site's aesthetics and user experience.

Leveraging templates for quick and easy design

Many page builders, including Instant, come with pre-designed templates that can be a starting point for your custom pages. You can select a template that fits your needs and modify it to suit your preferences. 

This feature is particularly useful for quickly creating landing pages or promotional content without starting from scratch. You can create your templates for a more customized store look.

Previewing your work: Ensuring perfection across devices

Before publishing any changes, use the preview function to see how your modifications appear on desktop and mobile devices. This step is crucial for ensuring your site is visually appealing and functional across all platforms.

Publishing your Shopify pages with confidence

Once you're satisfied with the design and layout of your pages, you can save or publish them directly through the page builder interface. Instant also offers options for conducting A/B testing to optimize performance.

5 Shopify customization best practices

1. Keep it simple, genius

When customizing your Shopify store, stick to simplicity. Overloading your site with widgets and features can frustrate and confuse visitors. Each addition should enhance the user experience and support conversion goals. Ask yourself: Does this element truly add value? If not, you should skip it. Less is often more when it comes to creating an intuitive and enjoyable shopping experience.

2. Mobile users matter most

With over half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, designing for mobile users isn't optional; it's necessary. Responsive designs ensure your store looks fantastic on smartphones and tablets. Use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test to check your site's performance and receive actionable insights. Are you looking for a solid mobile-first theme? Consider options like Electro, which is known for its high performance on mobile devices.

3. Master the art of information hierarchy

The way you organize content on your pages directly impacts conversion rates. Establish a clear information hierarchy so visitors can easily navigate your site and find what they need. 

This leads to higher engagement and more sales. Consider what information is most important and make sure it stands out. This way, you'll guide users through your site logically and effectively.

4. Use accent colors wisely

Accent colors aren't just for making your site look pretty. They're powerful tools for guiding user attention to important areas, like your checkout section. By strategically using accent colors, you can draw attention to key actions and encourage users to take them. Choose colors that contrast with your primary palette to ensure they stand out.

5. Make your calls to action pop

Every page on your Shopify store should have a clear call to action (CTA). Ensure your CTAs are visually distinct from other elements using high-contrast colors and appealing button designs. This captures attention and encourages visitors to take the desired action. Consider what you want users to do on each page and design your CTAs accordingly.

Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify landing page builder

Instant is a user-friendly Shopify landing page builder that allows eCommerce teams and agencies to create fully customizable and advanced pages without any coding knowledge. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can quickly design and publish:

• High-converting landing pages

• Product detail pages

• Sections

Instant also offers seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing online store performance and increasing conversions.

Try Instant's Shopify landing page builder today!