Shopify Templates or Custom Theme Development: Which is Better?

Shopify is one of the most popular and widely used platforms for creating online stores. Users are offered two main website design options: ready-made templates or custom theme development. Each option has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.As noted by experts at dinarys, the choice directly depends on business goals, available budget, and development strategies. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the available options and make a final decision.

Features of Shopify Templates

Ready-made templates will be appropriate for individuals who wish to open and run the store in a short time without incurring extra expenses.

Shopify has a huge variety of both free and paid themes in its catalog. There are quite a number of strengths of templates. 

1. Quick launch. A theme can be installed and configured in only a few hours.
2. Affordability. Beginners are the ones who use free themes. The custom work is still more affordable than paid themes. 
3. Compatibility guaranteed. All of the presented templates are optimized to work with Shopify and are constantly updated.

However, it’s important to consider some drawbacks:

• limited customization;
• complex implementation of unique features;
• high likelihood of similarity with other stores.

Therefore, you should carefully consider whether a ready-made template is right for you, or whether custom theme development for your Shopify online store is better.

The Rationale of Custom Theme Development

In case the brand needs to be unique and in full compliance with particular business requirements, then creating a personalized Shopify theme is the most reasonable and fitting decision. There are various benefits of a tailor-made solution. 

1. Unique design. The style and personality of your brand, along with the key values, will be completely embodied in your online store, which will have no similarities with competitors. 
2. Flexibility. When you want to add features such as calculators, custom filters, and custom product and service catalogs, you can do so. 
3. Business optimization. The custom theme allows considering the details of your marketing, payment systems, and logistics.

Despite the obvious advantages, it’s important to consider some disadvantages:

• high development costs;
• longer launch time;
• requires developer support.

Developing and launching an online store using a custom template will take anywhere from several weeks to several months. In comparison, using ready-made templates takes just a few days.

How to Make the Right Decision

When starting a startup or opening a minor online business to test the market, it is a good idea to start with a ready-made template. This will enable you to save on the costs of development and gain a clear understanding of the demand for your products and services.

A custom theme is the best option in case you have a store that already has its audience and wants to be different compared to other organizations. This will enable you to have a distinctive picture of your company, promote more conversions, and provide customers with a special experience.

It is worthwhile to keep in mind that you can always start up your business with a basic and normal template. As you expand and evolve, it becomes easy to switch to a distinctive design with customized and distinct themes. This should be done when your business is prepared to be taken to the next stage of growth.