What Is a Shopify web store? How to create & brow an online store on Shopify

The look and feel of your online store are as crucial as the products you sell. This is where Shopify Web comes into play. Whether looking for inspiration from successful Shopify websites or aiming to create an online store with Shopify, understanding how to optimize these elements for conversions is key. By focusing on Shopify conversion rate optimization, you can turn casual browsers into committed buyers and boost your store’s performance. This article will show you inspiring examples of how Shopify web was done right and teach you key strategies for creating your online store.

Tools like Instant’s Shopify product page builder can help you bring your vision to life.

Table of Contents

• What is a Shopify web store?

• Why choose Shopify for your online store?

• What makes a great Shopify website

• Why your business needs great Shopify web design

• 9 Great examples of stores created with Shopify

• How to design your own Shopify web store in 10 simple steps

• Customizing your Shopify web store

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

What is a Shopify web store?

Shopify is a robust eCommerce platform that empowers you to create an online store, whether you're a newcomer to dropshipping or a seasoned D2C brand. It's designed to streamline the process of selling products online through a user-friendly interface that caters to all experience levels. 

With Shopify, you can sell products on your website and even in person with a point-of-sale app. Start with a free trial to build and test your store, explore free Shopify apps, and make sales if you hustle hard enough.

The inside scoop on Shopify pricing plans

Shopify offers a range of pricing plans, with the Starter plan beginning at just $5 a month. Most first-time store owners will want to use the Basic Shopify plan, which costs $29 monthly. If you’re an experienced eCom entrepreneur, the advanced Shopify plan is likely a better fit.

How Shopify unifies your eCommerce operations

By unifying online and retail sales on a single platform, Shopify enables you to integrate functions like inventory, marketing, payments, and shipping. This streamlined process helps you manage your business efficiently and add any necessary tools.

Why choose Shopify for your online store?

Shopify offers a detailed and intuitive admin interface, providing a wealth of information to streamline online store management. The dashboard offers real-time analytics, enabling you to observe visitor behavior and gauge where your audience is in the sales funnel. 

Performance reports allow you to identify top-selling products and monitor order volume. This comprehensive suite of tools equips online retailers with the insights needed to fine-tune their store operations without guesswork.

Free themes to get you started

Shopify simplifies store setup by providing a free, customizable theme right out of the gate. This allows you to tweak the design to align with your:

• Brand’s identity

• Modifying fonts

• Colors

• Images

As you see fit. While premium themes are available for those looking to elevate their design, the free options make it easy for beginners to explore and experiment without financial barriers.

Cloud hosting for reliability

Say goodbye to server crashes and downtime with Shopify’s cloud-based hosting. Unlike 

traditional servers, which often experience issues during peak traffic periods like Black Friday, cloud hosting ensures your online store remains operational when it matters most. 

Hosting fees are included in your Shopify subscription, freeing you from worrying about additional costs or technical problems.

Flexible pricing plans

Shopify offers pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes and budgets. Whether starting with the $5 per month Shopify Starter plan or managing a large-scale operation with Shopify Plus, there’s something for everyone. As your business grows, you can easily upgrade to more advanced plans, ensuring you have the tools and support needed at each stage of your journey.

Expand functionality with Shopify apps

The Shopify App Store is a treasure trove of tools to enhance your store’s functionality. From countdown timers to product sourcing apps, there’s an app for almost every need. While some apps require payment, many are available for free, providing ample opportunity to test and implement new features without breaking the bank. 

Easy to start, easier to grow

Shopify makes launching and scaling an online business more straightforward than ever. Compared to the clunky processes of the past, today’s entrepreneurs can easily build and manage stores. Shopify’s user-friendly platform empowers you to overcome the challenges of creating an online store, allowing you to focus instead on growing your brand and reaching new customers.

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 makes a great Shopify website

Mobile shopping is here to stay, and your Shopify store must be mobile-friendly to keep up. That means a responsive design that looks great on any device. Are your buttons easy to tap? Is text readable without pinching and zooming? Ensure your mobile experience is smooth and intuitive, or you’ll lose customers quickly.

Easy navigation: Like a walk in the park

Your store’s navigation should feel like a stroll, not a maze. Customers should find what they want without frustration. Use clear, concise menus. Categories should make sense, and the search function should work like a charm. If customers can’t find products quickly, they’ll find another store that can help them.

Visual appeal: First impressions matter

Your Shopify store should look impressive at first glance. High-quality images and engaging videos grab attention and build trust. Don’t clutter your pages with too much stuff. Clean, organized layouts with bold visuals create an inviting atmosphere that encourages browsing and buying.

Security: A safe place to shop

Customers need to feel safe on your site. Use a secure payment processor and make sure your site is encrypted. Display trust badges and security seals prominently. When customers know their information is protected, they’re more likely to complete a purchase.

SEO: Get found online

Search engine optimization (SEO) is how potential customers find you. Use relevant keywords and phrases to optimize your site. Write unique product descriptions and engaging blog posts. With good SEO, your store will appear in search results, attracting more traffic and potential sales.

Personalization: Make it personal

Leverage customer data to personalize their experience. Show them products they’ve previously viewed. Recommend items based on their browsing history. Personalization can increase engagement and conversion rates. When customers feel seen and understood, they’re more likely to buy.

User-friendly checkout: Keep it simple

Your checkout process should be quick and painless. Don’t ask for unnecessary information. Offer multiple payment options so customers can use their preferred method. The easier it is to complete a purchase, the more likely customers will finish the transaction.

Reliability: Always open for business

Your store should always be up and running. Downtime means lost sales. Regularly check your site’s performance and fix any issues promptly. A reliable store builds trust and keeps customers coming back.

Fresh content: Keep it interesting

Regularly update your site with:

• New products

• Blog posts

• Other content

Fresh content keeps customers engaged and encourages them to return. Show that your store is active and evolving, not stagnant.

Why your business needs great Shopify web design

Creating an online presence is non-negotiable if you want your brand to be noticed. Shopify makes this straightforward with its robust platform that helps you build a professional-looking website. 

With top-notch SEO practices, you can ensure your store ranks high in search engine results. As more visitors stumble upon your site, your potential audience grows, making it easier to convert casual browsers into paying customers.

Building trust and credibility

A Shopify website isn’t just a sales tool. It’s a trust builder. Potential customers who visit your site seek reasons to believe in your brand. 

A sleek, well-designed website gives visitors the confidence to purchase, knowing they’re dealing with a reputable business. A professional online presence goes a long way in turning skeptical visitors into loyal customers.

Showcasing your best work

Your Shopify website acts like a digital portfolio, showcasing what you’re all about. This includes everything from the products you sell to the reviews you’ve collected from satisfied customers. Potential buyers want to see that others have had a positive experience before they commit to your brand. Pages like:

• About Us

• Contact

• FAQs 

Help paint a complete picture of your business, making it easier for new customers to trust you.

Adding a layer of professionalism

A dedicated website on Shopify elevates your brand’s image. It adds an air of professionalism, making your business appear more legitimate in the eyes of potential customers. In today’s competitive market, professionalism isn’t just a nice thing; it’s essential. A polished online presence can be the difference between a customer choosing your brand over a competitor’s.

Gaining a competitive edge

In a crowded marketplace, standing out is crucial. A well-designed Shopify website gives you the edge you need to compete with larger brands that may have more resources. A strong online presence allows you to attract the right audience and level the playing field, even if you’re a smaller brand.

Leveraging customer testimonials

Testimonials are powerful tools for building trust. When potential buyers visit your Shopify website, they seek social proof that your brand is worth their time and money. A dedicated space for testimonials can help provide that assurance, making it easier for new customers to purchase.

Attracting your ideal customers

A Shopify website is a powerful tool for reaching your target audience. Unlike social media, where your content is often fleeting, a well-optimized website can continue to attract potential customers long after you’ve published it. By optimizing your site for SEO, you can increase your visibility and attract more of the right people to your brand.

Staying open 24/7

One of the biggest benefits of a Shopify website is that it’s always open. Your customers can browse your products and make purchases at their convenience without needing your direct involvement. This 24/7 accessibility can increase sales, as customers can shop whenever it’s most convenient.

Gaining insights into customer behavior

Shopify provides valuable insights into how customers interact with your website. By analyzing metrics like bounce and click-through rates, you can refine your marketing strategies and improve customer engagement. These insights can help you better understand your audience and create a more compelling online presence.

Enhancing customer support

A Shopify website makes it easy to provide exceptional customer support. With features like live chat and FAQs, you can ensure that your customers receive timely assistance whenever needed. This capability enhances their overall experience, increasing the likelihood of repeat business and positive reviews.

9 Great examples of stores created with Shopify

1. Built for athletes: Elevating pre-launch campaigns with Shopify waitlist pages

Built For Athletes masterfully leverages Shopify waitlist pages to build anticipation for upcoming sales events. Using Instant Page Builder, they crafted an early-access landing page in collaboration with HYROX Europe. 

This page effectively teases the joint collection and captures emails of interested shoppers. Key elements include product teasers, social proof, and an engaging moving ticker. By utilizing Instant, Built For Athletes can quickly deploy effective pages without awaiting development support.

2. Lull: Crafting persuasive landing pages with Instant

Lull’s landing page, built with Instant, begins with compelling messaging and a highlighted review for social proof. It includes a comparison chart that positions Lull favorably against competitors, aiding indecisive shoppers. 

A product section showcases top Lull products with a clear discount, nudging conversions. The page also features a reviews section for credibility and a UGC section with real customer reviews.

3. Aqualung: Building trust with traditional product page elements

Aqualung’s product pages excel at establishing trust before showcasing products. With prominently displayed:

• Free returns

• Delivery

• Warranties

• Industry expertise

Jitters are calmed immediately. The page also includes visuals of the wetsuit in action, material insights, and care tips, catering to all diving enthusiasts. Cleverly suggested related products encourage upselling.

4. Master & dynamic: Creating mini experiences with product pages

Master & Dynamic’s product pages provide a luxurious, detailed design with innovative features and usage instructions. As you scroll, close-ups of the headphones hint at their sophisticated sound, leaving one question unanswered: What do they sound like? This mystery entices users to explore further, keeping them engaged.

5. Saturnbird: Embracing simplicity and elegance in product pages

Saturnbird’s product pages stand out with simplicity and elegance. The page features the product, black writing, and a clickable button. As you scroll, infographics, animations, and photos enhance the experience. 

An elegant GIF explains how to make iced coffee with their product, followed by step-by-step instructions. Saturnbird excels at presenting specific product information without clutter.

6. Studio neat: Guiding customers with long-form product pages

Studio Neat’s long-form product pages guide customers through the purchasing process. A film provides brand information, while social proof and product highlights are shown as you scroll. Catchy descriptions and visuals make consumers feel they already have the product. Lifestyle pictures represent the brand and showcase the product in various ways.

7. Nodiee: Providing comprehensive information on product pages

Nodiee’s product page ensures customers have all the information required to place an order. A quantity discount encourages larger purchases, and a dropdown menu contains product features and what’s in the box. This approach ensures indecisive shoppers have the knowledge needed to make a decision.

8. Beardbrand: Crafting a conversion-focused homepage experience

Beardbrand’s homepage is designed with conversion in mind. Instead of directing users to All Products or Best Sellers sections, visitors are taken to a quiz. This clever move segments users and offers tailored product recommendations, reducing friction and enhancing user experience.

9. Pretty litter: Boosting conversions with sales letter-style landing pages

Pretty Litter excels with a lengthy sales letter-style landing page for its subscription cat litter. The page guides potential customers through the product’s benefits, features, and unique selling points. This approach thoroughly addresses any questions or objections, boosting conversions.

How to design your own Shopify web store in 10 simple steps

1. Create your Shopify account

Ready to launch your elegant Shopify store? First, set up your account. Head to Shopify.com and click "Start free trial." Answer the basic questions about your business, and you'll be on your way. This process is quick; before you know it, your store's ready for customization.

2. Set up your Shopify store

The Shopify dashboard contains the tools to personalize your store. Navigate the left-hand menu to set your store name, time zone, and currency. With these foundational settings in place, you’ll be ready to design your store with sophistication.

3. Choose your theme

The right theme sets the tone for elegance. Shopify offers free and premium themes, some tailored for specific industries. Choose one that aligns with your brand’s vibe. Simple, minimalistic, and clean themes often work best. Find themes under the "Online Store" section, then decide if a free or premium option suits your needs.

4. Edit the look and feel

Make the theme your own. Shopify’s theme editor allows you to customize fonts, colors, images, and layouts without needing prior design experience. Focus on simplicity: use a consistent color palette, choose high-quality images, and avoid clutter. 

Less is more when aiming for a sophisticated design. For more customization options, consider integrating your Shopify store with Instant. This tool offers more design flexibility without needing to code.

5. Add your products and services

With your design polished, start adding products. Shopify simplifies this process, letting you add:

• Titles

• Descriptions

• Prices

• Images and more

Ensure product photos are clear and descriptions are concise yet informative. These details contribute to your site’s elegance.

6. Organize your products

A tidy, navigable site enhances the user experience. Organize products into collections or categories. This adds sophistication and helps customers find what they need. For example, a clothing store might have shirts, pants, and accessories collections.

7. Set up your Shopify store email

A professional email setup is crucial. Use an address that matches your store’s domain. In Shopify settings, customize customer email notifications to align with your brand’s tone and style.

8. Set up your payment options

A seamless checkout process maintains elegance. Shopify Payments is easy to set up, but you can integrate PayPal or other providers if preferred. Ensure the payment process is streamlined to keep things running smoothly.

9. Check for additional relevant settings

Before launching, review your store’s legal pages, like privacy policy and terms of service. Set up marketing tools or customer service strategies to keep things smooth post-launch.

10. Launch your store

Now it’s time to launch. Shopify helps spread the word with marketing tools, allowing you to create campaigns directly from your dashboard. Whether running ads on Google, Facebook, or sending email newsletters, Shopify simplifies managing everything in one place.

Customizing your Shopify web store

Shopify’s built-in editor is your go-to tool for quick and easy customization. This drag-and-drop feature makes it simple to tweak your web store without coding. Want to rearrange your homepage or add a new section? You can do it in minutes. 

It’s ideal for beginners or anyone looking to make straightforward design changes without a hassle. This editor lets you move sections, edit text, and add images with a few clicks. There is no need to hire a developer or spend hours figuring out code. It's all about making your Shopify store work for you, fast and efficiently.

Adjusting theme settings for a cohesive look

Your Shopify theme has settings to help you nail the right aesthetic. You can change fonts, colors, and layouts directly from the dashboard, allowing you to build a cohesive brand identity without touching a single line of code. 

It’s perfect for store owners who know what they want but aren’t ready to get their hands dirty with coding. Most themes offer a range of customization options, giving you the flexibility to make your website look professional and polished. These features let you adjust the overall look and feel, ensuring your store remains consistent with your brand.

Custom code for maximum flexibility

If you want to add unique features or create a custom look, coding is your best bet. You can unlock endless possibilities by using:

• HTML

• CSS

• JavaScript

• Liquid

This level of customization is best for advanced users or those with access to a skilled developer. Custom code lets you go beyond the limitations of preset themes, providing the flexibility to create whatever you envision. Want a unique checkout experience? Or a product page that stands out? With custom code, the sky's the limit.

Taking customization further with page builders

Page builders are the ultimate tool for those who want more control without diving into code. They offer a drag-and-drop interface similar to Shopify’s editor but with more options. You can create custom pages using sliders, videos, and product grids. These builders often have advanced design options, A/B testing, and app integrations. They’re perfect for store owners who want to push the boundaries of what Shopify’s native tools can do. 

Maximizing customization and flexibility with page builders

With a page builder, you can easily create on-brand, high-converting pages that help boost sales and improve revenue. Page builders are especially useful if your theme’s settings are too restrictive. Some themes limit how much you can change, which can be frustrating. A page builder like Instant gives you more freedom to make your store yours. You can customize everything from landing pages to FAQ sections, ensuring a seamless user experience. These tools often feature responsive design options, so your store looks great on any device. 

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!