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At KiwiCommerce, we specialise in helping businesses unlock the full potential of their
online stores through advanced Shopify Development. One of the biggest game-changers
in eCommerce today is headless Shopify, a modern approach that allows businesses to
create lightning-fast, highly customisable, and scalable online stores.

Traditional Shopify themes combine the front-end (what customers see) with the back-end
(where all management happens). While this setup is easy to manage, it limits
customisation, speed, and overall flexibility. Headless Shopify solves this by separating the
front-end from Shopify’s powerful back-end, allowing for greater control over design,
performance, and customer experience.

How Headless Shopify Works
Here’s a simple breakdown of how headless Shopify operates:

  1. Custom Front-End Design: Build your website using modern frameworks like
    React, Next.js, or Vue.js to create interactive and engaging experiences.
  2. API Integration: Your front-end communicates with Shopify’s back-end through
    APIs, managing products, orders, customers, and payments in real time.
  3. Content Management: Use a headless CMS like Contentful or Sanity to manage
    marketing content, blogs, and landing pages.
  4. Omnichannel Experience: The same back-end powers websites, mobile apps, and
    other digital touchpoints seamlessly.
  5. Dynamic Updates: Front-end changes can be implemented without affecting the
    back-end, allowing faster testing and updates for marketing campaigns or seasonal
    promotions.

By decoupling the front-end, headless Shopify allows for complete freedom in creating user
experiences while still leveraging Shopify’s robust commerce engine.

6 Major Benefits of Headless Shopify

  1. Full Customisation
    With headless Shopify, you can design every aspect of your store exactly how you want.
    From dynamic product pages to personalised user journeys, your store can truly reflect your brand.
  2. Lightning-Fast Performance
    Decoupling the front-end ensures your website loads quickly, even during peak traffic. Faster sites improve user experience, reduce bounce rates, and boost SEO performance.
  3. Omnichannel Flexibility
    Headless Shopify allows consistent shopping experiences across websites, mobile apps,marketplaces, and more all while Shopify handles inventory and order management centrally.
  4. Future-Proof Scalability
    Integrate new technologies, platforms, or digital channels without needing a complete
    redesign. Headless Shopify prepares your store for long-term growth.
  5. Advanced Personalisation
    Control your front-end fully to deliver advanced personalisation, including tailored product recommendations, region-specific content, and targeted promotions.
  6. Improved Security and Reliability
    By separating the front-end from the back-end, stores are less vulnerable to front-end issues affecting overall operations. This reduces downtime and ensures a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

Is Headless Shopify Right for Your Business?
Headless commerce requires technical expertise and an upfront investment, but for
businesses seeking highly customisable, scalable, and lightning-fast stores, it’s a
game-changing solution.
At KiwiCommerce, our Shopify development team can help you implement headless
Shopify, creating a store that’s fast, flexible, secure, and fully tailored to your business needs

 

Are you seeing traffic from outside the UK but struggling to convert it into sales? One of the most common reasons is currency mismatch. Simply put, most shoppers hesitate to buy in a currency they don’t recognise or understand.

Even if your product is perfect, if the price is only shown in GBP and your visitor is in Canada or Germany, they’re more likely to abandon the session than to convert. That’s why setting up multi-currency in Shopify is essential if you want to grow your international sales.

At Kiwi Commerce, we work with Shopify merchants across the UK to scale globally — and implementing a proper multi-currency setup is one of the quickest ways to improve international conversion rates.

Why Multi-Currency Matters for Global Growth

Expanding into new markets is no longer just about translating your site — it’s about localising the full customer experience, including pricing. Displaying the right currency, tax, and product pricing based on the shopper’s location builds trust and removes friction during checkout.

Key Benefits of Multi-Currency:

  • Improved conversion rates from international visitors
  • Fewer abandoned carts due to pricing confusion
  • A more streamlined checkout experience
  • Easier entry into new markets like the US, Europe, or Australia

Before You Begin: Does Shopify Support Multi-Currency?

Shopify supports multi-currency only when using Shopify Payments. This is a key requirement for merchants who want to display different currencies at checkout.

Shopify PlanMulti-Currency at Checkout
Shopify Basicâś… With Shopify Payments
Shopifyâś…
Shopify Advancedâś…
Shopify Plusâś… Advanced control

đź’ˇ Important: If you’re using only PayPal or third-party gateways, Shopify’s multi-currency checkout will not function correctly.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Multi-Currency in Shopify

Step 1: Enable Shopify Payments

Go to: Settings > Payments > Shopify Payments
Follow the prompts to enable Shopify Payments. This unlocks multi-currency capabilities.

Step 2: Add Currencies for Your Target Markets

Navigate to: Settings > Markets
Use Shopify Markets to create region-specific storefronts.

You can:

  • Add countries/regions individually
  • Set local currencies
  • Configure automatic or manual exchange rates
  • Enable currency rounding for cleaner pricing (e.g. ÂŁ19.99)

đź’ˇ Kiwi Tip: Round to .00 or .99 to boost trust and reduce friction.

Step 3: Configure Currency Display Preferences

Set how you want currencies to appear:

  • Show currency symbols and/or codes
  • Convert prices automatically on product and checkout pages
  • Enable IP-based auto-detection

Go to: Settings > Markets > Preferences

Step 4: Add a Currency Selector (Recommended)

To accommodate travellers or VPN users, provide a manual currency selector. Options include:

  • Using your theme’s built-in country selector
  • Adding apps such as:
    • Shopify Geolocation App
    • BEST Currency Converter
    • Auto Currency Switcher

Position it in your header, footer, or as a pop-up for maximum visibility.

Step 5: Customise Pricing Rules (Advanced – for Shopify Plus)

For merchants on Shopify Plus, you can go further:

  • Set fixed prices for different markets
  • Exclude specific products per region
  • Customise tax inclusion per country (e.g. Australia, Germany)

Go to: Markets > Manage > Pricing > Adjust Pricing

Step 6: Configure Tax & Duty Settings

Navigate to: Settings > Taxes and Duties

Enable:

  • VAT-inclusive pricing (UK/EU)
  • Automatic tax calculation per location
  • Import duty estimation for international shipping

This ensures compliance and improves price transparency.

Step 7: Test Everything

Simulate different locations using a VPN or browser tools. Test from:

  • US
  • Canada
  • EU countries
  • Australia

Check:

  • Correct currencies displayed
  • Rounded pricing accuracy
  • Checkout works in local currency
  • Tax applied correctly

💡 Kiwi Tip: Test the entire journey — product pages, collection pages, cart, and checkout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeImpact
Using only GBP across all marketsReduces trust and conversions
Not using Shopify PaymentsDisables checkout currency control
Ignoring tax and duty configurationCauses compliance issues
Forgetting currency roundingLeads to awkward prices
No manual currency selectorFrustrates users with mismatched IPs

After Setup: What to Monitor

Use Shopify Analytics and Google Search Console to track:

  • Conversion rate by country
  • Cart abandonment by region
  • Revenue per market
  • Visitor behaviour per location

If your international traffic is high but conversions are low, currency setup is often the issue.

Recommended Apps and Tools

ToolPurpose
Shopify Geolocation AppIP-based auto currency switcher
Matrixify (Excelify)Bulk pricing updates across currencies
BEST Currency ConverterLightweight free tool for basic conversion
Shopify AnalyticsMonitor market performance and ROI

Final Thoughts from Kiwi Commerce

Going international isn’t just possible — it’s necessary for Shopify brands that want to scale. Multi-currency setup is one of the fastest, highest-ROI improvements you can make to boost global conversions.

It helps you:

  • Build buyer trust
  • Reduce friction at checkout
  • Increase international sales

And the best part? It can all be done in an afternoon with the right setup.

Want Help Optimising Your Store for Global Sales?

At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in:

  • Setting up Shopify Payments
  • Designing custom currency switchers
  • Localising pricing, tax, and shipping
  • Boosting international UX

📞 Book a Free Shopify Growth Call today and let’s make your store global-ready.
👉 Schedule Your Call

Welcome to the Future of E-Commerce

If you’re running a Shopify store, you already know just how powerful the platform is for building and scaling an online business. But with so many shops out there, how do you make yours stand out—and more importantly, convert visitors into paying customers?

The answer lies in your store’s design and user experience.

In 2025, customer expectations are higher than ever. First impressions matter. A clean, intuitive interface can be the difference between someone browsing and someone buying. At Kiwi Commerce, we’re here to guide you through the latest UI/UX strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve and turn casual visitors into loyal customers.

1. Know Your Audience—and Design for Them

Before tweaking colours or layouts, take a step back. Who are your customers? What do they care about? What’s their shopping behaviour like?

Once you’ve got a clear picture, design with them in mind:

  • Use colour schemes and typography that resonate with your target demographic.
  • Keep the layout familiar and easy to navigate.
  • Think about how they want to browse, and streamline the process.

Personalised touches—like curated product collections or tailored recommendations—can make shoppers feel seen and valued, keeping them engaged longer and increasing the likelihood of a sale.

2. Make Navigation Effortless

Your customers should never feel lost. A clear, logical navigation system is key.

Start by grouping products into meaningful categories and use dropdown menus to keep things neat. Add a search bar to help users find exactly what they’re after, fast. Filters for things like size, colour, and price let shoppers refine results quickly—especially helpful on mobile.

And remember: consistency matters. Keep your navigation layout the same across all pages to build familiarity and trust.

3. Use High-Quality Images and Videos

People want to know what they’re buying—so show them.

Invest in clear, high-resolution product images from multiple angles. Allow users to zoom in on details. Better yet, add videos that demonstrate your products in action. These assets not only build trust, they also help customers make confident decisions.

Just make sure your media is optimised to load quickly. No one likes waiting, especially when shopping on the go.

4. Leverage Social Proof to Build Trust

Nothing reassures a potential customer more than hearing from someone who’s already made a purchase.

Display genuine customer reviews and star ratings prominently on your product pages. Feature user-generated content—like photos or videos from happy customers—to add authenticity and relatability.

Don’t forget to highlight any mentions or shares on social media. When people see others engaging with your brand, they’re more likely to do the same.

5. Streamline Your Checkout Process

The fewer the barriers, the better the chance of closing the sale.

  • Keep the checkout process short and simple.
  • Let customers check out as guests—forcing them to create an account can drive them away.
  • Use auto-fill options for addresses and payment info to save time.
  • Include a progress bar so shoppers know how far along they are in the process.

Every click counts. Make sure each one brings them closer to “Thank you for your order.”

6. Stay on Trend with Modern Design

Your store’s design shouldn’t just work well—it should look fresh and feel relevant.

Trends to consider in 2025:

  • Minimalism: Clean layouts with lots of white space to let your products shine.
  • Bold Typography: Fonts that express your brand personality and make content easier to scan.
  • Micro-Animations: Small, subtle movements to guide attention and improve the flow.
  • Eco-Inspired Aesthetics: Earthy tones and natural textures to connect with eco-conscious buyers.
  • Personalisation: Show customers content based on their past activity and preferences.

Stay flexible. Trends evolve, and your design should too.

7. Optimise for Mobile—Always

More shoppers than ever are browsing and buying on their phones. If your store isn’t mobile-optimised, you’re leaving money on the table.

Responsive design ensures your site looks and works great on any screen size. Prioritise:

  • Fast loading times
  • Touch-friendly buttons and forms
  • Smooth navigation and checkout flow

Mobile users expect speed and simplicity. Deliver it, and they’ll stick around.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Boost Your Shopify Store?

As the e-commerce world grows more competitive, delivering a top-notch user experience has never been more important. At Kiwi Commerce, we believe that great design isn’t just about looks—it’s about functionality, trust, and conversion.

In an era where performance, flexibility, and custom experiences define success in eCommerce, the move towards headless commerce is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. Shopify has taken a major step forward in this space with Hydrogen, a cutting-edge React framework designed to create highly performant, custom storefronts.

At Kiwi Commerce, we’re always exploring the latest innovations to help merchants stay ahead of the curve. Here’s why Hydrogen is poised to redefine the future of headless commerce.


What is Shopify Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is Shopify’s opinionated React framework, optimised for building custom storefronts. It’s built on modern web technologies and offers a toolkit specifically tailored to eCommerce use cases—allowing developers to move faster and create more engaging, performant sites.

Unlike traditional Shopify themes based on Liquid, Hydrogen gives you the freedom to fully decouple the front-end from the back-end. This means you’re no longer constrained by theme limitations and can deliver bespoke experiences tailored to your customers.


Why Headless Commerce?

Headless commerce separates the front-end (what your customers see) from the back-end (your Shopify store, inventory, and logic). This approach provides greater control, enabling:

  • Ultra-fast page loads with server-side rendering and caching.
  • Fully bespoke customer journeys and UX/UI design.
  • Seamless integration with third-party services or APIs.
  • Future-proof solutions that can scale with your business.

Hydrogen vs Liquid: What’s the Difference?

While Liquid is still an excellent option for many merchants—especially for those starting out or with limited development resources—Hydrogen opens up entirely new capabilities.

If you’re curious about what Liquid can do, check out our blog on how to build dynamic custom pages for your online store.

That said, if you’re looking for performance, personalisation, and flexibility, Hydrogen provides a framework built with those goals in mind from the ground up.


Who Should Consider Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is ideal for:

  • Scaling brands needing custom front-end experiences.
  • Agencies and developers building tailored, high-performance solutions.
  • Businesses with complex integration needs beyond the capabilities of standard Shopify themes.

If you’re a new entrepreneur, you may want to start with the basics before jumping into headless. Our guide on how to build a Shopify store from scratch is the perfect starting point.


What’s Next for Kiwi Commerce?

At Kiwi Commerce, we’re excited about what Hydrogen means for the future of Shopify development. We’re actively working on Hydrogen-powered projects and helping clients explore whether headless is right for their business.

Whether you’re starting out or looking to scale, we can help you choose the right path—be it a powerful Liquid theme or a fully headless Hydrogen build.


Ready to Go Headless?

Want to explore how Hydrogen can revolutionise your eCommerce experience? Let’s chat. At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in innovative Shopify solutions tailored for growth.

When it comes to setting up an online store, two of the most popular platforms on the market are WooCommerce and Shopify. Both have their strengths, but how do you know which one is the right choice for your business?

At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in helping businesses like yours choose the best e-commerce solution. Let’s dive into the key differences between WooCommerce and Shopify, and help you decide which platform is best for your online store.


What is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is an open-source WordPress plugin that turns your website into a fully functioning online store. It’s one of the most popular e-commerce solutions in the world, thanks to its flexibility and ease of use.

With WooCommerce, you have complete control over your store’s design, functionality, and data. It’s ideal for businesses that are already using WordPress or want to take advantage of WordPress’s extensive library of plugins and themes.

Key Features of WooCommerce:

  • Highly Customisable: Create a unique online store by customising themes, features, and design elements.
  • Open-Source: No monthly subscription fees—WooCommerce is free, though some features require additional purchases.
  • Wide Range of Extensions: Easily extend your store’s functionality with plugins for payment gateways, shipping options, and marketing tools.
  • SEO Friendly: Benefit from WordPress’s SEO capabilities to boost your store’s visibility in search engines.

At Kiwi Commerce, we provide WooCommerce development services tailored to your business needs, ensuring your online store stands out from the competition.


What is Shopify?

Shopify, on the other hand, is a fully hosted e-commerce platform designed for ease of use and quick setup. It’s an all-in-one solution that takes care of hosting, security, and updates for you, making it a great choice for entrepreneurs who want a straightforward e-commerce platform without the technical headaches.

Key Features of Shopify:

  • User-Friendly: With its simple, intuitive interface, Shopify is easy to use, even for beginners.
  • All-In-One Solution: Hosting, security, and updates are included, so you can focus on running your business.
  • Mobile Optimised: Shopify stores are optimised for mobile devices, offering a seamless shopping experience for your customers.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Shopify provides round-the-clock support, meaning help is available whenever you need it.
  • App Ecosystem: Access a vast range of apps to enhance your store’s functionality—from marketing tools to inventory management.

At Kiwi Commerce, we also offer Shopify development services to help you create a custom online store that suits your unique business needs.


WooCommerce vs Shopify: Which One Should You Choose?

Both platforms offer fantastic features, but the right choice for your store depends on your specific needs. Let’s break it down:

1. Cost: WooCommerce vs Shopify Pricing

  • WooCommerce: It’s free to install, but you will need to pay for web hosting, security, and any premium plugins or themes you use. This can result in lower upfront costs, but ongoing expenses may vary depending on the features you add.
  • Shopify: Shopify offers a range of subscription plans, starting at ÂŁ23 per month. While it includes hosting, security, and updates, the monthly fee can add up over time, especially if you opt for higher-tier plans or add extra apps.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution and are comfortable managing hosting and security, WooCommerce may be the more cost-effective choice. However, Shopify provides an all-in-one solution with a fixed monthly cost.

2. Ease of Use: WooCommerce vs Shopify Usability

  • WooCommerce: WooCommerce works best for those who are familiar with WordPress. While it offers great flexibility and customisation, it can have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
  • Shopify: Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface. Setting up a store is quick and easy, with no technical expertise required.

Verdict: For users who want to get their store up and running quickly without the need for coding, Shopify is the clear winner. WooCommerce is better suited for those who already have experience with WordPress and want more control over customisation.

3. Customisation: WooCommerce vs Shopify Design Flexibility

  • WooCommerce: WooCommerce offers complete design flexibility, allowing you to customise your store’s look and feel with themes and plugins.
  • Shopify: While Shopify offers a range of attractive themes, it’s more limited when it comes to deep customisation. You can still make custom tweaks, but advanced changes might require coding knowledge.

Verdict: If customisation is a top priority, WooCommerce offers more flexibility. However, if you need a quick, polished design, Shopify’s themes may be enough.

4. Features: WooCommerce vs Shopify Functionality

  • WooCommerce: You have complete control over the features of your store. With a vast library of plugins, you can add anything from payment gateways to advanced shipping methods. However, managing these plugins can sometimes be overwhelming.
  • Shopify: Shopify offers a wide selection of apps to add features to your store. Many essential features are included in the basic plan, but you might need to pay for certain advanced features.

Verdict: WooCommerce offers more flexibility when it comes to adding advanced features, but Shopify provides an easier, more streamlined experience for adding key functionalities.

5. Support: WooCommerce vs Shopify Customer Service

  • WooCommerce: As an open-source platform, WooCommerce relies on community forums and third-party providers for support. There is no official 24/7 support.
  • Shopify: Shopify offers 24/7 customer support through chat, email, and phone. Additionally, it has a large help centre with tutorials, guides, and troubleshooting articles.

Verdict: For businesses that require ongoing support, Shopify’s round-the-clock customer service is a major benefit. WooCommerce users will need to rely on community-based support.


So, Which Platform Is Right for Your Online Store?

Both WooCommerce and Shopify are excellent choices for e-commerce businesses, but the best platform for you depends on your needs:

  • Choose WooCommerce if you’re comfortable with WordPress, want full customisation control, and have a flexible budget.
  • Choose Shopify if you want an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution with minimal technical hassle and 24/7 support.

At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in both WooCommerce and Shopify development, so whatever platform you choose, we can help you build an online store that’s tailored to your business goals.


Get in Touch with Kiwi Commerce Today!

Still unsure which platform is right for you? Our team of experts at Kiwi Commerce is here to help you make the best decision for your business. Whether you choose WooCommerce or Shopify, we’ll provide expert advice, custom development, and ongoing support to ensure your e-commerce store thrives.

At Kiwi Commerce, we understand that running a successful online store involves more than just listing products; it’s about creating a unique, engaging, and highly functional shopping experience for your customers. One of the best ways to do this on Shopify is by using Shopify Liquid, Shopify’s open-source templating language. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build dynamic custom pages that not only match your brand but also offer advanced functionality.

What is Shopify Liquid?

Shopify Liquid is the backbone of your Shopify store’s theme. It allows you to access, display, and manipulate data from your store and create dynamic, custom pages. It’s not a traditional programming language like JavaScript or PHP; instead, it’s a templating language designed to render dynamic content, such as product details, collections, and more.

When you use Liquid, you’re able to build custom pages that dynamically adjust based on the data available in your Shopify store. Whether you want to create a custom landing page, an informative “About Us” page, or a promotional page, Liquid can help you achieve this with ease.


Step-by-Step Guide to Building Dynamic Custom Pages

1. Understand the Structure of Liquid

Before diving into creating custom pages, it’s essential to understand the core structure of Liquid. It operates through the use of objects, tags, and filters:

  • Objects: These hold the data that you want to display (e.g., {{ product.title }} to display a product’s title).
  • Tags: Used for logic and control flow, such as loops ({% for %}) or conditional statements ({% if %}).
  • Filters: Modify output data, like changing the case of text or formatting dates (e.g., {{ product.title | upcase }}).

Knowing how to combine these elements allows you to create custom pages that update dynamically based on the store’s data.

2. Create a New Page Template

To create a dynamic custom page, you’ll first need to set up a custom template in Shopify. Here’s how:

  • Go to your Shopify admin and click on Online Store > Themes.
  • Click on Actions > Edit code to access your theme’s code.
  • Under the Templates section, click Add a new template. Choose the Page template and name it something relevant (e.g., custom-page).

This will generate a new Liquid file where you can add your custom code for the page.

3. Use Liquid to Add Dynamic Content

Now that you have your custom template, you can start adding dynamic content using Liquid. For example, if you want to display a specific product’s details on your page, you can use:

liquid

Copy code

{% assign product = all_products[‘product-handle’] %}

<h1>{{ product.title }}</h1>

<p>{{ product.description }}</p>

In the example above, we assign a product to a variable called product using the product handle (e.g., product-handle), and then we display the title and description using Liquid objects.

You can apply this same technique to display other dynamic content, like collections, blog posts, or customer reviews.

4. Add Conditional Statements for Personalisation

Personalisation is key to creating dynamic pages that cater to different customer needs. With Liquid, you can use if statements to tailor content based on certain conditions.

For example, if you want to show a special message to customers who are logged in, you can use:

liquid

Copy code

{% if customer %}

  <p>Welcome back, {{ customer.first_name }}!</p>

{% else %}

  <p>Sign up for an account to enjoy exclusive discounts!</p>

{% endif %}

This allows you to create more personalised and engaging experiences for your customers based on their activity on your site.

5. Incorporate Product Recommendations

Product recommendations are a fantastic way to drive more sales by showing customers related or recommended products based on their browsing or purchase history. With Liquid, you can use the product recommendations feature to add dynamic product suggestions to your custom page.

liquid

Copy code

{% if product %}

  <h2>You might also like</h2>

  <ul>

    {% for related_product in product.recommendations %}

      <li>

        <a href=”{{ related_product.url }}”>{{ related_product.title }}</a>

      </li>

    {% endfor %}

  </ul>

{% endif %}

In this example, you dynamically pull product recommendations related to the current product and display them on the page.

6. Add a Custom Contact Form with Liquid

For many online stores, a contact form is an essential part of the customer experience. Liquid makes it easy to create a custom contact form for your pages. Here’s how to do it:

liquid

Copy code

<form action=”/contact” method=”post”>

  <label for=”name”>Name</label>

  <input type=”text” id=”name” name=”contact[name]” required>

  <label for=”email”>Email</label>

  <input type=”email” id=”email” name=”contact[email]” required>

  <label for=”message”>Message</label>

  <textarea id=”message” name=”contact[body]” required></textarea>

  <button type=”submit”>Submit</button>

</form>

This simple form will send a message to your Shopify store’s contact email when submitted. You can style it as needed with CSS to match your branding.


7. Testing and Publishing Your Custom Page

Once you’ve added the necessary dynamic elements, it’s important to test your custom page. You can preview the page by going to your Shopify admin under Online Store > Pages, selecting the custom page you created, and clicking the View button.

After confirming everything looks and functions as expected, you can publish the page to make it live on your store.


Why Choose Kiwi Commerce for Shopify Development?

At Kiwi Commerce, we understand that every online store is unique. That’s why we offer custom Shopify development services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to create dynamic custom pages like the ones described here or need a complete overhaul of your online store, our team of Shopify experts is here to help.

With years of experience in Shopify development, we can help you leverage the full potential of Shopify Liquid to create a website that not only looks great but also provides an exceptional customer experience.


Conclusion

Shopify Liquid gives you the power to create highly dynamic, custom pages that enhance your online store. By understanding how to manipulate Shopify’s data using Liquid, you can build pages that are not only visually appealing but also personalised, engaging, and functional. At Kiwi Commerce, we are passionate about helping businesses unlock the full potential of Shopify. Contact us today to find out how we can help you build a dynamic online store that stands out.

Magento and Shopify are two of the most popular eCommerce platforms, each offering unique strengths. Choosing the right platform is a crucial decision for any online business. To help you decide which is the best fit for your store, let’s compare Magento and Shopify across several key aspects.


1. Ease of Use: Shopify Wins for Beginners

  • Shopify:
    Known for its intuitive interface, Shopify is ideal for beginners. It requires no coding knowledge to set up and manage a store. With its drag-and-drop features, customisation is quick and straightforward.
  • Magento:
    Magento is more complex and is best suited for developers or businesses with technical support. It offers unparalleled customisation, but the steep learning curve may intimidate beginners.

Verdict: Shopify is the easier choice for those just starting their eCommerce journey.


2. Customisation: Magento Offers More Control

  • Shopify:
    Shopify provides a range of themes and apps for customisation, but advanced modifications often require coding. It may not handle the requirements of large or highly customised stores as well.
  • Magento:
    As an open-source platform, Magento gives developers full control to create unique designs and implement advanced features. Its flexibility makes it a go-to for businesses seeking a tailored solution.

Verdict: Magento is ideal for businesses needing complete control and extensive customisation.


3. Pricing: Shopify is Budget-Friendly, Magento is Flexible

  • Shopify:
    Shopify operates on a fixed pricing structure with monthly plans. However, costs can rise with additional apps and transaction fees.
  • Magento:
    Magento Open Source is free to download, but you’ll need to cover hosting, domain, and development costs. Magento Commerce (Adobe Commerce) is a premium option for large enterprises.

Verdict: Shopify is more predictable in terms of cost, while Magento offers flexibility but may require a higher initial investment.


4. Features: Magento Leads in Advanced Tools

  • Shopify:
    Shopify offers essential eCommerce features like payment gateways, SEO tools, and analytics, making it a strong choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Magento:
    Magento stands out with advanced tools such as multi-store management, B2B functionality, and unlimited product options. These features make it well-suited for large, complex operations.

Verdict: Magento takes the lead for feature-heavy, scalable stores.


5. SEO Capabilities: Both Are Strong

  • Shopify:
    Shopify simplifies SEO with built-in tools and automatic sitemaps. However, its URL structure has limited customisation options.
  • Magento:
    Magento excels in SEO with advanced features, offering full control over meta tags, URL structures, and redirects. It’s a great choice for businesses with a strong focus on search engine optimisation.

Verdict: Magento offers more flexibility for SEO, but Shopify’s built-in tools are easier to use.


6. Support: Shopify Has Better Customer Support

  • Shopify:
    Shopify provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, making it ideal for quick problem resolution.
  • Magento:
    Magento relies heavily on its community for support. Dedicated customer support is only available with paid plans like Adobe Commerce.

Verdict: Shopify wins in customer support with its accessible, round-the-clock assistance.


7. Scalability: Magento is Built for Growth

  • Shopify:
    Shopify performs well for small to medium-sized stores, but handling large-scale operations can pose challenges.
  • Magento:
    Magento is designed for scalability, supporting high traffic, complex catalogues, and multiple stores with ease.

Verdict: Magento is the better choice for businesses planning significant growth.


Which Platform Should You Choose?

  • Choose Shopify if:
    You’re a small to medium-sized business looking for an easy-to-use platform with a fixed budget. Shopify’s simplicity and customer support make it an excellent choice for those just starting.
  • Choose Magento if:
    You’re a larger business requiring advanced features, scalability, and complete control over your store’s design and functionality. Magento’s flexibility is unmatched for complex operations.

Conclusion

Both Magento and Shopify are powerful eCommerce platforms, but the right choice depends on your business goals, technical expertise, and budget. Shopify is perfect for beginners and small businesses, while Magento excels for large-scale, feature-heavy stores.

At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in helping businesses make the most of their chosen platform. Whether you select Magento or Shopify, our team is here to support your eCommerce journey.

Building an e-commerce store from scratch can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you’re new to the world of online retail. Whether you’re starting your first business or moving your brick-and-mortar shop online, Shopify offers an intuitive platform that makes it easy to get started without requiring coding skills. As experts in e-commerce marketing at Kiwi Commerce, we’ve put together a detailed step-by-step guide to help you create a Shopify store from scratch and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a successful online business.


Step 1: Sign Up for Shopify

The first step in building your Shopify store is to sign up for an account. The platform offers a free trial, so you can get started without committing to a paid plan right away.

  1. Visit Shopify’s Website: Go to www.shopify.com and click on Start Free Trial.
  2. Enter Your Information: You’ll be asked to provide your email, password, and store name. Be sure to choose a name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
  3. Fill in Your Business Details: Shopify will ask you some questions to understand your business better. Don’t worry if you’re still in the early planning stages—just answer as best as you can.

Once you’ve created your account, you can access the Shopify admin panel, where all the magic happens!


Step 2: Choose Your Shopify Theme

A Shopify theme is the design template that controls the layout and appearance of your store. Shopify offers both free and paid themes, each of which can be customised to reflect your unique brand.

  1. Go to the Themes Section: From your Shopify admin panel, click Online Store and then Themes.
  2. Browse Available Themes: Shopify has a wide range of themes for different industries, from fashion to electronics to home goods. Explore the options and choose one that aligns with your vision for your store.
  3. Preview and Customise: Once you’ve selected a theme, you can preview it to see how it will look on your site. You can further customise the theme under the Customise option. Adjust the colours, fonts, and layout to match your brand identity.

At Kiwi Commerce, we always recommend picking a theme that provides an intuitive shopping experience, as this helps increase conversions. Make sure your store is easy to navigate and visually appealing!


Step 3: Add Your Products

Now that you have your theme set up, it’s time to add the products you’ll be selling on your Shopify store. This step is crucial, as the way you present your products can make or break your sales.

  1. Go to the Products Section: In your Shopify admin panel, click on Products and then Add Product.
  2. Enter Product Details: For each product, you’ll need to provide the following details:
    • Product Name: Be descriptive and clear.
    • Product Description: Include key features, materials, sizing information, and any other relevant details.
    • Price: Make sure to set a competitive price point for your products.
    • Product Images: Upload high-quality images that showcase your products from multiple angles. Great visuals are key to convincing customers to purchase.
    • Product Variants: If your product comes in different sizes, colours, or materials, you can add these as variants under the Variants section.
  3. Organise Products into Collections: Shopify lets you group your products into collections (e.g., T-shirts, Accessories, Best Sellers). Organising your products into clear categories makes it easier for customers to browse.

Step 4: Set Up Payments and Shipping

Before you can start selling, you need to configure your payment methods and shipping options.

Payment Setup:

  1. Go to Settings > Payments: Here, you can select your preferred payment gateway. Shopify Payments is the most straightforward option, but Shopify also integrates with PayPal, Stripe, and other third-party gateways.
  2. Choose Your Payment Method: If you’re based in the UK, Shopify Payments will allow you to accept payments through credit/debit cards and other methods directly on your store. For international stores, there are additional options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Shipping Setup:

  1. Go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery: Here, you can configure how you’ll charge for shipping.
    • You can offer flat-rate shipping or weight-based shipping depending on your business model.
    • If you plan to offer free shipping, you can set a minimum order amount to trigger free delivery.
  2. Set Shipping Zones: If you’re selling internationally, make sure to set up shipping zones for different countries and regions to ensure accurate shipping rates.

Step 5: Customise Your Store’s Branding

Your branding is what sets you apart from the competition. Shopify allows you to add your unique touch to the design of your store.

  1. Upload Your Logo: In your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes and click on Customise. Here, you can upload your logo to appear in the header of your store.
  2. Select Your Colours and Fonts: Customise your theme colours to reflect your brand’s style. For example, if you’re selling eco-friendly products, you might want to use green and earthy tones. Choose fonts that are easy to read and represent your brand’s personality.
  3. Create Navigation Menus: Set up clear and simple navigation menus to help customers easily find what they’re looking for. You can create menus for different product categories, the About Us page, or a Contact Us page.

Step 6: Test Your Store Before Launching

Before going live, it’s important to test everything to ensure a smooth customer experience.

  1. Test the Checkout Process: Go through the entire checkout process yourself to ensure that everything works as expected, including payment processing, shipping rates, and tax calculations.
  2. Preview on Mobile: Since many shoppers use mobile devices, check how your store looks and functions on smartphones and tablets.
  3. Check Links and Forms: Make sure all your links are working, and that any forms (like contact forms or newsletter signups) are functional.

Step 7: Launch Your Shopify Store

Once everything looks good and functions properly, it’s time to launch your store!

  1. Buy a Domain: You can purchase a custom domain directly through Shopify or connect one you’ve bought elsewhere. A custom domain (e.g. www.yourstorename.com) will help make your store look more professional and credible.
  2. Launch Your Store: From your Shopify dashboard, click Online Store > Preferences and make sure your store is visible to the public. Once everything is set, hit Launch!

Step 8: Promote Your Shopify Store

Now that your store is live, it’s time to start attracting customers.

  1. Social Media Marketing: Share your store’s launch on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Create engaging posts and ads to encourage followers to visit your store.
  2. Email Marketing: Start building an email list by offering discounts, free guides, or exclusive offers. Use tools like Mailchimp or Shopify’s email marketing features to send newsletters and updates to your subscribers.
  3. SEO: Optimise your product pages, blog posts, and store content for search engines so customers can easily find you. Focus on keyword research and on-page SEO to increase organic traffic.

Conclusion: Build, Launch, and Grow Your Shopify Store

Building a Shopify store from scratch may seem intimidating, but by following these steps, you can create a beautiful, functional e-commerce website that drives sales and grows your brand. At Kiwi Commerce, we specialise in helping businesses set up, optimise, and market their online stores, ensuring they reach their full potential.If you’re ready to take your online business to the next level, we’re here to help with Shopify store setup, SEO, PPC, and all aspects of digital marketing. Contact us today to learn how we can help your store thrive!

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