Are you curious about the Shopify website development cost? Do you want to build a strong eCommerce business, but do not know the exact amount to set aside for your online store? If you just nodded in affirmation, then this blog is all you need.
Shopify has established itself as a trusted and innovative name in the eCommerce website development domain. You see a highly efficient eCommerce store with a solid navigation menu, premium quality product display, and a simple Order Placement process, and suddenly you realize that is what you need for your eCommerce website.
You can build a customer-specific store by selecting a suitable eCommerce development platform. Shopify is the top choice in the market and has plenty to offer. But the larger question remains: How much should I pay for the development and maintenance costs of my Shopify store?
There is no single answer since the pricing varies depending on the service provider’s fees, Shopify plan, and various other factors. Keep reading to learn about the cost of Shopify and find out which plan is best for your business!
There are two popular methods of building a competitive Shopify online store. One is the DIY method, which is fairly simple. Another one is the Professional Shopify Store Development. Let us see how these approaches work and the cost factors associated with each.
You should hire a professional Shopify designer and developer for a high-end eCommerce store. Though the service cost of these development agencies remains on the higher end of the spectrum, the quality of the resultant Shopify online store is enhanced.
Companies offering this service have multiple development cost plans, which means even small businesses can find a suitable package. Here is a cost breakdown of how much a professional Shopify store development can cost you:
Small eCommerce businesses and small-scale startups usually have budget limitations, which restrict them from spending too much money. This is where a DIY method can help you build your online store, but the only condition is that you should have a basic understanding of the Shopify platform. Here is what you need to do:
Now let’s see how much a DIY Shopify store development costs:
You see? Shopify development is not very expensive. But it is also important to be real and plan for additional expenses. That being said, eCommerce business owners should be more focused on growing their business rather than worrying about the development process. This is why the Shopify development services are highly in demand.
Now that you have an overview of the different cost elements involved in building a Shopify store, it is time to go deeper into the budget. Since Shopify is a fully hosted eCommerce platform, the majority of the development tools are accessible. Here is a detailed cost breakdown so you can plan the budget accordingly.
First things first, you need to select a Shopify plan that most suits your requirements. This factor remains a major part of your Shopify website development cost. Currently, Shopify offers 4 amazing plans: Basic, Advanced, Grow, and Plus. You will find varying features in these different plans, added for people with distinct requirements and budgets. You can find below more information on each plan:
Shopify offers four main pricing plans.
Basic Plan: $39/month, $29/month annually: The Basic plan is tailored for small businesses that want to create a full-fledged online store.
Grow Plan: $105/month, $79/month annually: The Shopify plan is designed for businesses that are on the rise, providing more advanced reporting and allowing for five staff accounts.
Advanced Plan: $399/month, $299/month annually: The Advanced plan is aimed at businesses that are scaling up and need sophisticated analytics and shipping tools.
Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300/month: Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level solution that offers unparalleled customization, API access, automation tools (like Shopify Flow), and support for high-volume sales.
The next major spending comes with developing a decent Shopify theme. The theme and visual appeal of your eCommerce website heavily influence your customers’ buying decisions. No one likes to spend time on a gloomy and bad-looking website, let alone make a purchase from it. A Shopify theme will add value to your eCommerce store’s appearance, positively influencing the way your customers perceive it.
You can find a customizable and ready-made theme on Shopify, which makes your work easy. Developers can use a free, paid, or custom template from the Shopify store. The selection depends on the requirements of your online store, according to which a theme can be finalized.
Paid themes or templates come with greater benefits as they are easily customizable. You can find pro features in these themes that make your website design stand out. Adding filter options also becomes smooth with paid themes, saving you from the headache of integrating third-party apps that slow down your eCommerce store. The design and development complexities of this process can be challenging, this is why you can consult an expert agency for Shopify theme development.
Free themes can be used by small startups because they are affordable. However, they have a limited functionality and no customization is offered. The font, color, and layout of theme remain the same. While a free Shopify theme seems tempting when you are just starting out, switching to a paid and more functional theme will become necessary as you grow.
When you are putting together a budget for your Shopify store, do not forget about the cost of domain registration. It is a key expense that greatly matters. Your domain name is like your store’s online identity; it helps establish credibility, strengthens your brand, and makes it easier for customers to find you on the web.
Shopify lets you buy a custom domain right through their platform, usually starting at about $14 a year, depending on the type of domain you choose (.com, .store, etc.). While that might not sound like a lot, remember it’s a recurring cost that should definitely be part of your yearly financial plan.
A solid domain name can also boost your visibility on search engines and build customer trust, which can lead to better sales. If you already have a domain from another provider, you can connect it to your Shopify store, but keep in mind that renewal fees will still apply. So while you are creating a budget, including domain registration will ensure a smooth brand presence and avoid any hiccups that could arise from having an expired or unregistered domain.
Hosting is another cost factor to consider while evaluating your Shopify website development cost. The hosting costs vary depending on your website traffic and business requirements. Two types of hosting are mainly used, especially in the eCommerce website development space.
SaaS eCommerce hosting is a more unique and flexible approach if you want your online Shopify store to grow exponentially. Shopify offers hosting services, so you do not have to do it on your own or buy hosting plans from third-party providers. Everything you need is provided in Shopify’s monthly subscription fee. This means that the hassle of separately managing and hosting a domain can be avoided.
Here is what hosting in a Shopify plan looks like:
When you decide to self-host your eCommerce website, certain additional costs are incurred. Plus, you have to manage everything yourself, which can be painful at times. The additional costs include:
The Shopify app store contains thousands of themes, templates, app features, and other tools that help you extend your eCommerce store’s functionality. When you buy a paid premium Shopify plan, you get access to these perks right off the bat. But it is always wise to include all the possible costs when budgeting for your Shopify development services.
Many crucial features like advanced SEO tools, custom reporting, third-party integrations, inventory management systems, and marketing automation often come with extra paid apps or require additional development work. Custom themes, support for multiple languages, improved product filtering, and subscription services are just a few functionalities that might not be included in the basic Shopify plan.
Add-on features checklist:
If your business is looking to create a distinctive brand experience or operates in a niche market, you might also need custom solutions that involve coding or third-party API integrations. While these enhancements can greatly boost user experience and operational efficiency, they can also lead to higher monthly fees or one-time costs. By planning for these needs, you can ensure your eCommerce Shopify store remains attractive and performative, and you avoid any surprise expenses down the line.