How To Select The Right Theme For Your Online Store

There are a few factors to consider. This article outlines seven essential factors when selecting an online store theme.

1.     Consider your business type

Not all themes for online stores are created equal. Some suit specific types of businesses better than others. For example, if you run a brick-and-mortar store, you’ll want a theme integrated with Shopify’s Point of Sale (POS) system. On the other hand, if you sell products through an online marketplace, you’ll want a theme designed for multichannel selling.

When selecting, the best Shopify theme to use is the one suited to your business type. Different business types have different needs, so choosing a specific theme tailored to your business is crucial. It’s best to choose a theme that will help you achieve your business goals, not hinder them.

Data from Shopify shows that stores selling products in the following categories have seen the most success:

Health and fitness
Clothing and accessories
Home and kitchen
Technology

So, if your business falls into one of these categories, you’re off to a good start. But don’t worry if your business doesn’t quite fit into one of these categories. Many other great themes to choose from will fit your specific needs.

2.     Consider your business goals

It’s also necessary to consider your business goals. What are you trying to achieve with your online store?

Some themes are better suited for specific business goals. For example, if you’re looking to create a store that sells products in the following categories:

Clothing and accessories
Home and kitchen
Beauty and health

Then you’ll want a theme that is specifically designed for eCommerce. There are plenty of great eCommerce themes available, so be sure to choose one that fits your business goals.

3.     Consider your brand

Branding is another essential factor to consider. Your shop’s branding strategy is just as important as its business type. Your theme should reflect your brand’s personality and values. If you have a specific branding or mood in mind, find a theme that matches it.

Your eCommerce website is the foundation of your brand’s online presence. It creates the first impression that customers have of your business, so it is vital to choose a theme that represents your brand well. (2)

When selecting a theme, be sure to keep your brand in mind. The eCommerce store theme should align with your brand’s values and personality. If you’re not sure what your brand’s values are, take some time to think about them. What is your business trying to accomplish? What are its core values? Once you have a good idea of what your brand stands for, you can find a theme that reflects those values.

4.     Consider your customers’ needs

When selecting a theme, your customers’ needs should be one of your priorities. What do your customers want? What are their pain points? What are their needs?

When considering your customers’ needs, ask yourself the following questions:

What is the overall aesthetic of my store?
Do I want a modern or classic look?
Do my customers need a specific type of functionality?

For example, if you’re selling products that require a lot of customer input, like customising a product, you’ll want a robust theme. Furthermore, if you’re selling a product that needs to be displayed in a certain way, like a car, you’ll want a theme with a good gallery feature.

Keep your customers’ needs in mind when selecting a theme. It’s essential to find a theme that provides the functionality and features your customers need.

5.     Consider your budget

Your budget is another critical consideration when selecting a theme. Some themes are more expensive than others. Thus, it’s best to pick the one that fits your budget.

There are plenty of great free themes available. But if you’re looking for a more high-end theme, be prepared to pay a little more. Remember, you get what you pay for. Premium themes usually offer more features and are easier to customise than free themes.

Experts agree that you should never sacrifice quality for the price. So, when selecting a theme, be sure to find one that fits your budget and provides the features you need. (3)

6.     Consider your technical abilities

Your technical abilities should also be a factor in your decision-making process. Some themes are more challenging to customise than others. If you’re not comfortable with coding, you’ll want to avoid themes that require a lot of coding. Instead, look for themes that are easy to customise without any coding needed.

On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with coding, you may want to choose a more complex theme that offers more customisation options. Keep in mind that a more complex theme will require more time and effort.

However, if you’re not doing the customisation yourself, you’ll want to find a theme that is easy for your developer to work with.

7.     Consider your time constraints

Your time constraints should also be a factor in your decision-making process. Some themes are easier to set up than others. If you’re short on time, you’ll want to choose a theme that is easy to set up and doesn’t require a lot of customisation.

Alternatively, if you have more time to spare, you can choose a more complex theme that offers more customisation options. Remember to factor in the time it’ll consume to set up the theme before deciding.

Testing the theme

Once you’ve selected a theme, be sure to test it out. Make sure that it looks and functions the way you want it to. When testing the theme, be sure to:

Check that all of the features work properly
Make sure that the theme is responsive (looks good on all devices)
Check that the theme is translated into your desired language
Check for any errors or warnings in the console
Be sure to test the theme thoroughly before making your final decision.

Conclusion

Choosing a suitable theme for your online store can be a daunting task. But by taking all of these seven tips into account, you’ll be able to find the perfect theme for your store.

References:

“Best Shopify Products to Sell in 2022”, Source: https://hevodata.com/learn/shopify-products-to-sell/
“Websites are the foundation of your business marketing”, Source: https://www.beholderagency.com/websites-are-the-foundation-of-your-business-marketing?msclkid=3e1549aab18711ecbbb0fd0aff827c7d
“Why Sacrifice Quality For Cost?”, Source: https://www.accelerance.com/blog/why-sacrifice-quality-for-cost