HomeBlogEcommerceHow Much Does it Cost to Create a Shopify Website? Explained

How Much Does it Cost to Create a Shopify Website? Explained

Ecommerce

If you’re looking to start an online business, creating a website is one of the most important steps. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right e-commerce platform for your needs. However, Shopify offers tons of benefits that make it an excellent choice.

Why Should I Use Shopify?

One of the main advantages of using Shopify is its pricing plans. The basic Shopify plan starts at $29 per month and includes everything you need to get started with your online store. This includes reliable hosting, a free trial period, affordable templates, and web designers who are experienced in designing custom storefronts.

In addition to its affordability, Shopify offers a variety of benefits that make it an excellent choice for online businesses. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Easy to Use: Shopify’s platform is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for anyone to set up and manage their own online store.
  • Built-In Apps: The platform includes a wide range of apps that can help you customize your site and improve its functionality without having to hire additional developers or designers.
  • Social Media Integration: You can easily integrate with social media platforms like Facebook/Instagram shops or Amazon integration directly from your dashboard without having separate accounts for each sales channel.

Now coming to the main question, how much does it cost to create a Shopify website?

The cost of creating and setting up a Shopify website doesn’t involve a single cost. However, it depends on several factors, such as the subscription plan you choose, theme cost (unless you choose a free theme), payment gateway costs, development costs, etc.

Before starting with a Shopify website, you need to choose the subscription plan depending on your needs!

Cost#1: Shopify Subscription Plans

There are three main plans offered by Shopify, each tailored to meet various needs and budgets. These include Basic Shopify ($25/mo.), Shopify ($65/mo.), and Advanced Shopify ($399/mo.). 

Higher-tier plans offer more advanced features, such as professional reporting tools and international pricing options.

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Basic Shopify Plan: Ideal for startups or small businesses

For those beginning or managing a small eCommerce store, the Basic Shopify plan is an ideal option at $25 per month. This plan includes all the essential features needed to run an eCommerce store, like unlimited products, 24/7 customer support, reliable hosting, two staff accounts, and access to Shopify apps. However, transaction fees apply if you use third-party payment gateways instead of Shopify Payments.

Standard Shopify Plan: Suitable for growing businesses looking to scale up their operations

For businesses experiencing growth in sales volume and traffic or planning on expanding their product offerings further, they should consider upgrading from Basic Shopify to Standard Shopify, which costs $65 per month. In addition to everything included in the Basic plan, this tier offers five staff accounts, lower credit card rates (2% transaction + 30 cents), gift card functionality, as well as professional reports that can help analyze your business performance better.

Advanced Shopify Plan: Designed for large enterprises with complex requirements

  • Pricing: The Advanced plan is priced at $399 per month and is best suited for large enterprises or businesses with high-volume sales.
  • Features: With this plan, you’ll get access to advanced features such as an advanced report builder, third-party calculated shipping rates, up to 15 staff accounts, and the lowest credit card transaction fees (1.6% + 30 cents).
  • Customization: This tier also allows more customization options like setting custom pricing rules for different countries or customer groups, which can be beneficial if your business operates internationally.

In addition to these plans, Shopify offers a Shopify Plus option for enterprise-level clients requiring even more extensive capabilities. They also provide a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test out their platform before committing financially. The plus plan cost ranges from $2000 per month and above.

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Cost Of Shopify Subscription Plans: $25 to $399 monthly

Cost#2: Design Costs & Theme Selection

One of the essential aspects of creating a Shopify website is selecting an appropriate design that reflects your brand identity and provides a seamless user experience. The Shopify theme store offers tons of free and premium themes to choose from, catering to various industries and styles.

Free Themes vs. Premium Themes

Free themes: For businesses operating on tight budgets or just starting, Shopify’s selection of free themes can be more than sufficient. These templates offer basic customization options, allowing you to create a functional online store without incurring additional costs.

  • An affordable option for startups or small businesses.
  • Comes with limited customization features compared to premium themes.
  • No additional cost beyond your chosen Shopify plan.
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Premium themes: If you’re looking for advanced customization options and unique designs, investing in a premium theme might be worth considering. 

Ranging from around $100-$180 per purchase, these high-quality templates provide enhanced functionality that can help set your store apart from competitors while offering an engaging shopping experience for customers.

  • Better suited for established businesses with larger budgets.
  • Offers a vast array of design choices tailored specifically to different industries and niches.

Cost Of Shopify Premium Themes: $100 to $180 monthly

Cost#3: Development Expenses & Professional Assistance

Creating a custom Shopify store tailored to your brand’s unique requirements can be a significant investment, especially when hiring professional designers and developers. The cost of development can range from $45-$55 per hour or higher for specialized services, depending on the complexity of your project. 

Hiring Freelancers vs. Agencies

Shopify offers tons of certified partners, including both freelance web designers and full-service digital agencies that specialize in creating bespoke online stores on their platform. When deciding between employing an independent contractor or a firm, it is critical to consider variables such as financial resources, the desired degree of personalization, continual assistance needs, and overall task administration preferences.

  • Freelancers: Typically offer lower rates compared to agencies but may have limited availability due to other projects they’re working on simultaneously. They are best suited for smaller-scale projects with well-defined scopes.
  • Agencies: Tend to charge higher fees but provide comprehensive solutions encompassing design, development, marketing strategy implementation (including SEO), as well as ongoing maintenance plans after launch. This option is ideal for businesses seeking end-to-end assistance in building their online presence through Shopify stores.

Typical Project Scope & Timeframes

The cost of developing a custom Shopify website depends heavily upon its complexity – ranging from simple template modifications (basic Shopify theme customization using Liquid code language) to fully customized storefronts with advanced functionality integrations. Consequently, project timelines can vary significantly based on factors such as:

  • Number of product categories and individual products to be listed
  • Level of customization required for theme design elements (e.g., typography, color schemes, layout)
  • Inclusion of custom features or app integrations (e.g., email marketing automation tools, social media management platforms)

A simple Shopify store with minimal customization might take a few weeks to complete, while more complex projects requiring extensive development work could span several months. It’s crucial to communicate your desired launch date clearly when discussing project scope and timeline expectations with potential designers or developers.

Cost Of Shopify Development expenses: $500 to $2000 monthly

Cost#4: Payment Gateway Fees

Selecting a payment gateway is necessary for taking credit card payments via your website. Shopify offers its native Shopify Payments, as well as support for third-party payment gateways like PayPal. Each option comes with processing fees that usually consist of both percentage-based rates and fixed transaction amounts (e.g., 2.6% + 30 cents). These fees should be factored into the total cost of running an eCommerce store.

Shopify Payments vs. Third-party Payment Gateways

Shopify Payments is the platform’s built-in solution, offering seamless integration and competitive transaction fees depending on your chosen subscription plan. For those on the Basic Shopify plan, transaction fees amount to 2.9% + 30 cents per sale, whereas for Advanced Shopify users, it’s only 2.4% + 30 cents.

If you prefer using a third-party payment gateway, such as PayPal, keep in mind that additional charges may apply based on their pricing structure, which could result in higher overall costs compared to using Shopify Payments.

Reducing Transaction Costs

  • Selecting a suitable plan: Upgrading to a higher-tiered Shopify subscription can help reduce your transaction fees by providing lower rates within each respective tier.
  • Negotiating with providers: Some businesses might have success negotiating better rates with their preferred third-party payment gateway provider if they process high volumes or have established relationships with them.
  • Avoiding unnecessary chargebacks: Implement strong fraud prevention measures and maintain excellent customer service to minimize chargebacks, which can lead to additional fees and penalties.

Be sure to compare transaction fees between Shopify Payments and third-party providers while considering factors such as ease of integration, security features, and potential cost savings through reduced rates or negotiations.

Now let’s look at how app integrations and add-ons can help enhance the functionality of your Shopify website.

Cost#5: App Integrations & Add-ons

Thousands of apps exist in the official Shopify app store, designed explicitly for enhancing functionality across various aspects, such as email marketing automation integration or social media management tools. These often come at an additional expense depending upon individual developer pricing models but can significantly enhance the overall customer experience when properly implemented into one’s storefront environment.

Popular Apps to Enhance Store Functionality

  • Email Marketing: Integrate your Shopify store with popular email marketing platforms like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, and Omnisend.
  • Social Media Management: Connect your online store with social media platforms using apps like Outfy Social Media Promotion Tool, which allows you to schedule and automate posts across multiple channels.
  • Product Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews by integrating review systems like Shopify Product Reviews App.
  • Inventory Management: Keep track of inventory levels and streamline order fulfillment processes using apps such as Stocky Inventory Management Software.
  • Customer Support: Improve customer service by integrating live chat and helpdesk solutions like Tidio Live Chat & Chatbots.

Budgeting for Essential Add-ons

Identifying the most beneficial features for your online business should be prioritized when considering app integrations. To make an informed decision, evaluate your store’s current performance and identify areas that could benefit from app integrations. Next, research available apps in those categories and compare their pricing plans.

Many Shopify apps offer free trials or tiered pricing models based on usage levels, making it easier to find affordable options that suit your needs. For example:

  • Privy Email Marketing & Popups: Offers a free plan with basic features; paid plans start at $20/month.
  • Loox Product Reviews & Photos: Plans range from $9.99/month to $59.99/month, depending on review volume.
  • Smile Loyalty Program Builder: Free plan available with limited features; paid plans begin at $49/month.

Remember that investing in high-quality add-ons can lead to increased sales conversions and improved customer satisfaction – both of which contribute positively towards long-term success within the eCommerce space.

App integrations and add-ons are essential for creating a successful Shopify website, as they can provide extra features to enhance the user experience. However, investing in SEO services is just as important when it comes to boosting your store’s visibility online; let us explore typical pricing models and packages that you should consider.

Cost Of App Integrations: $20 to $100 monthly

Cost#6: SEO Services & Marketing Investment

Enlisting the help of SEO companies to develop a search engine marketing plan can be an essential investment for driving traffic and increasing sales. The cost of these services varies, but it is crucial to allocate resources towards effective online marketing strategies that will attract potential customers and boost your eCommerce business.

Benefits of Investing in SEO Services

  • Increase Organic Traffic: A well-executed SEO strategy helps improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, resulting in more organic traffic to your Shopify store.
  • Better User Experience: SEO experts optimize not only for search engines but also for user experience, ensuring that visitors have a seamless browsing experience on your site.
  • Sustainable Growth: Unlike paid advertising campaigns which require ongoing budget allocation, investing in SEO provides long-term benefits as you continue ranking higher on SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).
  • Credibility & Trustworthiness: High-ranking websites are often perceived as more credible by users. This perception can translate into increased trust from potential customers and ultimately lead to higher conversion rates.

Typical Pricing Models & Packages

The cost of hiring an SEO company depends on various factors such as project scope, desired results, and agency reputation. Here are some common pricing models used by agencies when offering their services:

  • Fees based on hourly rate: An average hourly rate ranges between $75-$150 per hour depending upon the expertise level required within one’s project scope.
  • Monthly retainer: A monthly retainer is a fixed fee paid to the agency for ongoing SEO services. A monthly retainer can vary greatly, beginning at $500 and extending to beyond five thousand dollars, depending on the intricacy of your online business and its intended outcomes.
  • Project-based pricing: This model involves charging a flat fee for an entire project with specific goals and deliverables. Prices can vary widely based on factors such as website size, competition level, and target keywords but typically start at around $1,000 for smaller projects.

To maximize ROI (Return On Investment) when investing in SEO services for your Shopify store, it’s essential to research different agencies’ offerings carefully. Make sure you understand their pricing structure and what they include within each package before committing financially. Also, consider checking reviews or asking for referrals from other successful eCommerce businesses that have utilized these services in the past.

Investing in SEO is a wise move that can reap rewards for your business over the long haul. Exploring what POS integrations are available can be a great way to boost the efficacy and profitability of your e-commerce store.

Cost Of SEO expenses: $500 to $5000 per website

Cost#7: Point-of-Sale (POS) Pro Add-on

If you’re running a business that requires point-of-sale features, Shopify offers a monthly add-on called “POS Pro” at an additional cost. This feature enables seamless integration between your physical retail location(s) and your online store, making inventory management more straightforward while providing valuable data insights on customer behavior.

Advantages of POS Integration with Your Online Store

  • Real-time Inventory Sync: With the POS Pro add-on, you can easily manage and sync your inventory across all channels – both online and offline. This ensures accurate stock levels are maintained in real-time, preventing overselling or stockouts.
  • Omnichannel Experience: Integrating POS with your Shopify store allows customers to shop seamlessly across different platforms. They can buy products online and pick them up in-store or return items purchased online at a physical location.
  • Data Insights & Reporting: The integrated system provides detailed sales reports for both online and brick-and-mortar stores. The data gathered can be utilized to make knowledgeable decisions regarding product range, pricing tactics, promotional efforts, and more – all based on true customer behavior trends.
  • Loyalty Programs & Customer Management: By integrating the two systems using the POS Pro add-on, businesses can create loyalty programs that work across all channels. Customers’ purchase history is tracked regardless of whether they shopped in-store or online – helping build stronger relationships with loyal shoppers over time.

Cost Analysis & ROI Considerations

The POS Pro add-on is available for an additional $89 per month, regardless of your main plan.

When evaluating the potential payoff of including this feature to your store, it’s necessary to compare its advantages and expenses. Some factors to consider include:

  • The potential increase in sales due to a seamless omnichannel shopping experience
  • Improved inventory management and reduced stock discrepancies
  • Better customer retention through loyalty programs and personalized marketing campaigns
  • Data-driven decision-making based on accurate reporting and insights from both online and offline channels

Cost Of Shopify POS Pro Integration: $89 monthly

Cost#8: Product Shipping Options

If you plan on shipping physical products, you’ll need to consider the cost of shipping. Shopify offers several shipping options, including real-time carrier shipping rates and manual shipping rates. Real-time carrier shipping rates are calculated based on the weight and dimensions of your products and the destination address. Manual shipping rates allow you to set your own shipping rates based on your criteria.

No Cost Of Hosting

Shopify provides reliable hosting for your online store, which is included in the monthly subscription fee. This means you don’t need to worry about finding your hosting provider or dealing with server maintenance.

Final Verdict: How Much Does it Cost to Create a Shopify Website?

Overall, the cost of building a Shopify website can vary widely depending on your needs and the features you require. However, to give a rough idea, your Shopify website can cost from around $100 to $5000, depending on how you create your website.

FAQs

Shopify’s pricing structure depends on your business needs. Starting a Shopify store will cost you between $250 and $500 in initial fees, with monthly expenses ranging from $50 to $100 depending on the subscription plan and any add-ons you use. If you need to sell in-store, there is an additional cost of hardware purchases ($30-$300) plus a monthly fee of $89 per location for using Shopify POS Pro. 

To determine which Shopify plan is right for your business, consider what features you require. If you are new to selling and only want to sell through social media channels or messaging apps, the Shopify Starter plan at $5/month may be sufficient. However, if you need an online store with multichannel sales capabilities, Basic Shopify at $25/month may be more appropriate. As your business grows and requires advanced selling features like gift cards or professional reports, upgrading to the standard Shopify plan at $65/month could be worth it, as it also saves on card and transaction fees. 

Finally, if you’re already a high-volume seller who manages multiple warehouses, then Advanced Shopify at 399/month would make sense. 

Shopify’s cheapest option is its entry-level Starter Plan, priced at just $5/month, which provides a checkout link allowing users to sell via social media channels. 

All of their plans operate on a month-to-month basis except for annual subscriptions.

Youssef Hodaigui is an entrepreneur, blogger and SEO expert with a strong track record of success in launching and growing blogs and websites. He has a deep understanding of search engine algorithms and the latest digital marketing techniques, and he is committed to helping bloggers and entrepreneurs achieve their online business goals.

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