Planning to update your Shopify store with a fresh new design?
Very well!
It’s not that difficult. All you have to do is change your current Shopify theme, and voila. You’ll have a brand new look at your store.
But wait a minute...
Have you thought enough about changing your theme? Or is it an impulse decision?
Hmmm… I can see you’re on the fence about this critical decision. But don’t worry, I am here to help.
Today’s blog post will cover everything you need to know about changing your Shopify theme. After reading it, you’ll be well-equipped to decide if your store needs a new theme or if the current theme needs an update.
Let’s begin...
Why Should You Change Your Shopify Theme?
I’ve made a quick checklist for you. If you check three or more reasons on this list, it means you need to change your Shopify theme.
1. You Need More Design Options
First impressions last.
I am sure you’re aware of how important the look of your eCommerce store is. The first thing that most people judge about an online store is its design.
So, if your store’s current theme is not making your store look attractive, change it.
Maybe the theme you're using is good, but its design isn’t going along with your brand, products, or company’s voice. Hence, look for a theme with pleasing aesthetics and customization options. And the one that provides a better customer experience.
Also, check if the theme that you’re planning to install can cater to a large catalog size or not. This will be super helpful in the future if you decide to expand your product range.
Let’s have a look at the following reasons for changing the Shopify theme…
2. Enhanced Mobile Experience
Does your store receive massive traffic from mobile users? Do they convert?
If they don’t, it’s a red flag. You need to check your store’s mobile experience. Enhancing the mobile experience is a must if you want to entertain mobile users at your store.
Mobile phones accounted for 54% of all online shopping in 2023, during the peak shopping period (Black Friday and Cyber Monday).
Most of the Shopify themes are mobile-responsive. But you need more than that.
Your theme shouldn’t only be responsive but super easy to use. The user shouldn’t zoom out or pinch in to view the content or press CTAs on your website.
#3 on the list is…
3. Get Access To More Built-in Features
Do you want your theme to be more advanced?
If yes, then there are plenty of themes that offer powerful features for conversions. Like, live chat, homepage slideshow, integrated Instagram feed, etc.
In the absence of these built-in features, you might have to download the apps in their place. Adding more apps to your Shopify store increases the load on the web pages and slows down their speed.
Suppose your store’s current theme doesn’t offer features to improve conversions. In that case, look for ones that offer and don’t make you break the bank.
Because a theme that offers more will cost you more.
Check out the top Shopify themes of 2024. And you'll find many options with mind-blowing built-in features that help:
- Boost conversions
- Optimize site speed
- Improve user experience
Those themes have different features that are perfect for your business.
For example, one of them is the Debutify theme. It is optimized for e-commerce brands. There are also many add-ons available for Premium users.
Don't trust my words. If you want to try and feel what this theme can do for you, try it free for 14 days. Download Today!
Up next is…
4. Smooth Checkout Experience
Checkout is the most critical stage of the buyer’s journey. It is the stage where a prospect enters his details and converts.
Adding any sort of friction to this page will cause cart abandonment. And trust me, it’s not an exquisite sight to witness.
Thus, if you’re experiencing increased cart abandonment, look into your checkout page. Tweak changes to make the checkout smooth. But, if the current theme has limited customization options for it, you know what to do!
Look for a theme that provides a smooth and hassle-free checkout experience.
If you have questions about the new theme's checkout page, ask its developers.
This brings us to the last reason on this list.
5. Need Developer’s Support
Providing unreserved help and support to customers is essential. If you don’t entertain your prospects, they won’t convert.
The same thing applies to theme developers. Would you want to use a theme from a developer who does not answer your questions or offer assistance in your time of need?
If your current theme’s developers have turned a deaf ear to your concerns, turn to other options. Look out for themes that have a strong customer care team and are always ready to help.
For example, if you decide to go with Debutify, you’ll be in good hands. Our competent and dedicated customer support team will be ready to help you around the clock.
Have you decided to change your theme?
If yes, there's one more thing I need you to check before you do it.
Did you update your current theme? Maybe the complaints you had were removed in the latest update.
If you’ve updated your theme and are still not satisfied, you can skip this part and jump to the next.
But, if you haven’t updated your theme, try doing it and then run your theme. Sometimes the updates from the themes remove the issues and make them more efficient.
Follow the below steps to update your Shopify theme:
How To Update Your Shopify Theme?
Theme updates automatically when you don’t customize its original code files. Or when an installed app doesn’t change your theme’s code.
If you’ve customized the settings, the update won’t apply to new settings because updates remove the customizations.
If you want to update the theme but have customized it then you must manually add the updated version.
Here’s how you can do it:
- The first step is to create a backup copy of your existing theme. In this way, your customizations will remain safe.
- Log on to the Shopify theme store. Log in from the same account that you used to buy the theme. By doing so, Shopify won’t ask you to rebuy the theme.
- Use the search bar at the top to look for your theme.
- On the search results, click on your theme.
- Click Add Latest Theme Version.
If you are using a theme from third-party developers, log on to their website. Next, follow the steps mentioned there to update your theme.
After updating your theme, test it out for a few days. If it’s not giving you the desired result, you should prepare to bid farewells to your current theme.
But before you rush to change your theme and install a new one, I have something for you.
I’ve gathered a few tips to help you pick the best theme for your Shopify store.
Tips For Changing Shopify Themes
1. Understand What You Need In A Theme
You should have a clear idea of what you want in your new theme.
For that, I would recommend you review your current theme. Note the features that you like (c’mon now, don’t hate it so much).
For instance, you like its clean layout, minimal design, or its speed. Look for the same features in your new theme.
Another thing that you can do is check your competitor’s site.
2. Analyze Your Competitors’ Site
Is your competitor’s store performing better than yours?
No problem, you can outsmart them by analyzing their website.
Visit their website and make a list of features that are present on their website.
Suppose your competitor uses a newsletter pop-up to capture emails. They also have the feature of displaying Instagram feeds and live chat, etc.
Take note of everything on their website, from colors to CTAs, everything. This will help you select a theme that can compete with rivals and keep your customers happy.
Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you...
3. Ask Your Customers
Customers are the lifeblood of every business. You must give them a fantastic shopping experience at your store. If customers enjoy shopping at your store, they’ll come back to your store for more.
Social media can help you find out what your customers want at your store. You can stir up a discussion and invite responses from your followers. Or you can conduct polls on your stories to get instant feedback from your audience.
You can also use an onsite rating or review system. Collect the feedback from your customers. Then look for a theme that has the features your customers want in your store.
The next tip is to...
4. Prepare New Content For New Theme
Wait a minute...
You weren’t thinking of reusing your old content and images with your new theme, were you?
If you revamp your store with a new theme, do the same with your content and images.
Using the old content and images with a new theme would be like renovating your room with old furniture. Does old furniture look good in a freshly painted and designed room?
Nope!
Start the theme-changing mission by taking fantastic product shots. Attractive and high-resolution photographs are attention-grabbing. They also contribute to increased conversions.
Also, create engaging content for your blog page, landing pages, homepage, etc.
A fresh new theme coupled with new images and content will work wonders to attract customers.
Ready To Change Your Theme?
Changing your store’s theme is a big decision. Make sure that you don’t rush to it.
Understand why you need to change your theme, and what features it lacks, and then change it.
Remember to use the above tips before you set out to find a new theme for your store.
The theme you select will affect your store’s appearance and customer experience. Hence, make sure that the new theme gives a fresh and attractive look to your store. And, it enhances the customer experience.
Do you want a theme that is fast, responsive, easy to setup and use, and offers impressive features?
Look no further!
Try Debutify. It has everything you need to start a high-converting store.
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