Why Hiring Shopify Experts Is Worth The Cost
More and more ecommerce stores are turning to Shopify as their preferred platform for doing online business. Its ease of use, scalability, and seamless payment processing make it highly attractive to businesses of all sizes, including those with little technical knowhow. Since Shopify doesn’t require coding knowledge to build an online store, many entrepreneurs get tempted to take the DIY route; which brings us to the all-important question: is hiring Shopify experts worth it?
Why Some Startups Prefer DIY To Hiring Shopify Experts
Besides the fact that a good number of startups don’t know how to hire a Shopify expert, many take the DIY route for several other reasons.
For example, if your store needs and product offering are straightforward, and you have the time to learn the platform, then building the store yourself may suffice. You will also incur lower initial costs when setting up compared to hiring an expert.
If you like having full control over every aspect of your store design and features, you may find a DIY approach more fulfilling. A DIY approach also provides a great opportunity to thoroughly understand the Shopify platform while building your store.
That being said, there are many pitfalls in the DIY approach that can derail your plans for an ideal ecommerce store.
Why Skipping Shopify Experts Is Risky
Online tutorials can make building Shopify stores look easy, which is far from true. Building an online store with stellar graphics, functionality, and ability to convert site visits into sales demands much more than just the basics.
Some of the pitfalls you’re likely to face include:
· Steep learning curve: it takes a lot of time and effort to manage aspects such as app integration, SEO optimisation, product listings and shipment setup.
· Potential design limitations: without the touch of a professional, your store may lack the aesthetics and user-friendliness needed to attract and convert visitors.
· Technical difficulties: without expert knowledge you’re likely to have a hard time troubleshooting performance issues whenever they arise.
· Time commitment: building and running a Shopify store is a time investment that can distract you from core business activities like marketing and product development.
· Limited scalability: a standard Shopify store may not be able to scale with your business as it grows, eventually needing costly adjustments.
How Shopify Experts Can Help
· Faster setup: Experts understand Shopify’s ins and outs much better than DIY users which enables them to set up faster and avoid the costly mistakes associated with a trial and error approach.
· Access to skills and technology: DIY users often lack the tools to research their target market, optimise conversion, and keep the store updated. Hiring a Shopify agency ensures you have the right tools and expertise to drive growth in your ecommerce store.
· Optimising SEO and seamless migration: Shopify experts not only improve your SEO, they can also migrate your store from another platform to Shopify without affecting your search rankings.
· Getting past scalability hurdles: As your store traffic and sales grow, hiring a professional ensures your site remains fast and responsive through the effective use of scalable Shopify solutions.
Is it costly to hire a Shopify expert?
Your store’s unique needs often affect the cost of hiring a Shopify expert. These include:
· The volume of merchandise in your store
· The type of integrations needed
· Your store’s branding
· Ongoing management and support
The cost of a custom-built Shopify store typically starts at two thousand dollars, but can vary depending the customisation and complexity. Where support services are needed, additional store management fees apply.
DIY vs. Hiring a Shopify Expert: The Verdict
While a DIY approach may provide a cheaper option upfront, the time investment and high probability of mistakes can result in a less optimised store and delayed setup.
Blurn is a premium Shopify partner with access to world-class services that help you overcome bottlenecks when setting up and managing your online store.
Wondering how to hire a Shopify expert? Our team of professionals is on hand to help launch your ecommerce store.