Whether you’re new to selling online or are a seasoned pro, you already know some of Shopify’s pros and cons, starting with the design. Do you really need a Shopify web designer with so many themes to choose from?

Here’s what to know before you make your next hire and how to decide if it’s the right choice for your ecommerce business. 

You Can Customize Your Shopify Theme

Shopify is an excellent resource for done-for-you templates and a DIY set-up. But it doesn’t leave much room for unique customizations without a designer to take over the process.

A Shopify web designer also understands how your theme works, how they can customize it, and whether or not they need to build a theme from scratch. You end up with a professional-looking online store that stands out from the competition.

You Get Improved UX and UI

In the early days of the Internet, it was enough to publish a website that was easy enough to use. People found you in a Google search, browsed, shopped, and probably came again. There wasn’t as much room for customizations and ecommerce web design was still in its infancy. 

Today, online search is sophisticated, and consumers are more discerning the ever, making websites’ User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) crucial to your success. The approach makes your website easy to navigate, pleasing to look at and provides a positive shopping experience.

The results are significant. Research shows that 88% of online shoppers won’t return to a website after a bad experience. But do your due diligence. Make sure to ask prospective Shopify web designers about their experience with UX and UI.

A Shopify Web Designer Can Focus on Conversions

A fabulous-looking website that’s easy to navigate is just part of a successful eccomerce site. Instead, your UX and UI focus should fold into your larger Shopify conversion strategy. 

Keep in mind that not all Shopify web designers are conversion specialists. Digital Nomad Designs obsesses over conversions as a Shopify Agency Partner. We’re also Google Analytics Certified and trained in the StoryBrand Framework to create a high-converting website focusing on everything from design to content. 

Your Ecommerce Site is Optimized for Mobile

The good news is that Shopify offers a wide selection of responsive themes already optimized for every possible layout and screen resolution. That makes your design efforts easier right from the start. But that doesn’t mean your new graphics, logo, product photos, and text layout look good on every device.

If you’re going to tweak an existing Shopify theme, you need an expert to ensure it’s smartphone-ready and looks fantastic for mobile shopping. The investment is worthwhile. Research shows that three out of every four dollars spent on online purchases today is done through a mobile device. 

Shopify Designers Know the Platform’s APIs Inside Out

The Shopify Platform’s API (Application Programming Interface) empowers developers and designers to create applications in Shopify’s online store. In other words, the API gives you more control and flexibility over the platform’s built-in features. 

Instead of working within the parameters of your existing theme, the platform’s API allows Shopify partners to read and write merchant data, work with other systems, and add new functionality to Shopify. But if you’re interested in working with Shopify’s API, hire a web designer who is already an experienced Shopify Partner. Otherwise, they won’t have the credentials and certifications to take full advantage of the platform and all its possibilities.

They’re Experts on the Best Plugins and Apps

There are thousands of Shopify plugins and apps to choose from, but combining them can drag down your site speed and create a negative user experience. A Shopify web designer knows which are the most vital to your business, including an abandoned shopping cart app or a Klaviyo integration to fold in your email or SMS strategy. 

A skilled Shopify web and development team can create apps and plugins for you. Instead of just working with plugins that aren’t quite right for your needs, you can ask a web developer and designer to create them for you.

You Free Up Time and Resources In Your Business

One of the most crucial aspects of hiring a designer for your ecommerce business is the time and resources you’ll save. Instead of struggling with design and web maintenance, you can focus on customer service, sourcing products, marketing, and scaling. Sure, it’s an investment to hire someone skilled, but in the long run, you’re optimizing your conversions and freeing up time to focus on other areas of your business. 

You can also work with a team that maintains your Shopify presence from start to finish to address any issues, keep your SEO updated, and constantly improve the functionality of your site. 

Next Steps

Before you take the next steps, remember not all Shopify web designers are Shopify Partners or certified in areas like Google Analytics. Make sure your designer comes with all the skills and experience you’re looking for. Ready to work with a Shopify conversion specialist team that takes your online store to new levels? Book a call with us today!