Successful Shopify store design tips - An interview with Thomas Kimura

Creating a successful Shopify store can be the difference between a thriving business and one that struggles to make sales. In this episode of Click To Buy, we had the pleasure of speaking with Thomas Kimura, founder of Brickspace Lab, who shared invaluable insights into the art of Shopify store design. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your existing store, these five takeaways will help elevate your e-commerce game.

Who is Thomas Kimura

Thomas Kimura is the founder of Brickspace Lab, a company that collaborates with Shopify Plus brands to create unique and effective Shopify themes. With a background that spans from freelance development to running his own t-shirt brand, Thomas brings a wealth of experience from all facets of the e-commerce world.

Successful Shopify store design tips

Watch our full interview with Thomas on YouTube (or tune in via Spotify!)

1. Understand your product and customers

Thomas emphasizes the importance of truly understanding your product and your customers. He explains, "It's generally about understanding your product and your customers and what they're looking for." By knowing what your customers need, you can better highlight the information they are searching for, making it easier for them to make a purchase decision.

2. Cut out the fluff

Simplicity and clarity are key. Thomas suggests, "If you have really valuable content, make sure it’s easy for people to get to the key points." Avoid long, drawn-out descriptions and unnecessary elements that distract from the main message. Focus on presenting the essential information in a clear and concise manner.

3. Consistency is key

Consistency across your website helps build trust and a seamless shopping experience. "Shoot all your photos in the same aspect ratio, probably the same lighting and style," advises Thomas. This consistency should extend to how you format product descriptions and other content, ensuring customers know where to find what they need.

4. Highlight shipping and return policies

One of the biggest concerns for online shoppers is understanding the shipping and return policies. Thomas recommends making these details very clear and easily accessible. "Make your shipping and handling and your returns very clear," he says. This transparency can help reduce cart abandonment and build customer trust.

5. Tailor the experience for desktop and mobile

Recognizing the differences in customer behavior on desktop and mobile devices is crucial. Thomas points out, "A lot of things will work for brands on desktop and then on mobile, completely different." Ensuring that both versions of your site are optimized can help provide a smooth shopping experience, no matter how your customers choose to browse.

Thomas's click-worthy tip

"Make your shipping and handling, your returns, and everything involved very clear." This tip highlights the importance of policy transparency in reducing friction and building customer trust.

Final thoughts

Thomas Kimura’s insights offer a clear roadmap for enhancing your Shopify store’s design. By understanding your customers, maintaining consistency, and ensuring clarity in your policies, you can create a more effective and trustworthy online shopping experience. For more expert advice and tips, be sure to listen to the full episode of Click To Buy.