Shopify website development company vs. DIY

Written on September 3, 2024. Posted in Shopify.

How to build a Shopify store:

Option 1: hire a Shopify website development company to handle everything for you.

Option 2: roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.

Both options might be a good decision – we all have different needs, budgets, and skill levels.

Is DIY a good way to go

Building your Shopify store yourself can be tempting, especially if you’re working with a limited budget. Some business owners choose to go the DIY route because:

It initially costs less

If you’re tight on funds, DIY can seem like the most affordable option. You won’t have to pay full prices of a Shopify website development company, which can save you a significant amount of money upfront. You need to pay a monthly Shopify fee, but also add Shopify apps for more functionality.

There’s more control

When you DIY, you have more control because you choose where goes what. But if you don’t know how to build converting pages and guide visitors towards a purchase, that’s not good. But more control means: you can make changes on the fly, experiment with different themes, and customize your site exactly how you want it – at your own pace.

But, with the right team and an excellent reporting process during development, you’re good to go. We always pay attention to the need for syncs and follow-ups.

They learn a lot along the way

If you’re someone who enjoys learning new skills, building your own Shopify store can be a rewarding experience. You’ll gain valuable insights into how the platform works, which can be helpful in making future updates or managing your store more efficiently.

DIY sounds like an ok option, but if you’re limited in knowledge, time or aren’t that proactive, you can find yourself in a problem.

Why is DIY Shopify development a lousy option

If you think: Oh, this is easy, and I can do it alone, here’s what might become an issue.

DIY is time-consuming

Building a Shopify store yourself can be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with web development or design. The time you spend learning and troubleshooting issues could be spent on other important aspects of your business, like marketing or product development.

Templates sound fun but usually you won’t get what you wanted.

Limited expertise

Unless you have a background in web development, there’s a good chance you’ll hit some roadblocks along the way. While Shopify is user-friendly, technical aspects – like coding, SEO optimization, and integrations aren’t easy. Usually, there’s a more complicated setup that requires professional knowledge and experience. This can lead to a less-than-professional final product.

Not as customized as you wanted

While Shopify offers plenty of themes and customization options, there are limitations to what you can do without advanced coding knowledge. You might find that your DIY store looks similar to others and lacks the unique branding that sets your business apart.

Why hire a Shopify website development company

Now, let’s talk about why hiring a Shopify website development company might be the better choice for your business. It can be pricey, but you can still find a good deal and a good ecommerce team to handle everything. Ecommerce pros:

Have the expertise needed

A Shopify website development company brings knowledge and experience along. They know the platform inside and out and will give you precisely what you need. At least we do. They can also offer valuable insights into ecommerce trends, helping you build a store that looks great and performs well.

Give unique and customized solutions

When you work with a Shopify website development company, you get a store that fits your brand. They can create a unique design and add custom features and functionality you can’t achieve with a DIY approach.

Make the shop ready on time

Hiring a Shopify website development company frees up your time to focus on what you do best – running your business. Instead of spending hours figuring out how to fix a technical issue or optimize your store, you can leave it to professionals who will do the job quickly and efficiently.

There when you need it

A significant benefit of working with a Shopify website development company is their ongoing support. If you need help with updates, troubleshooting, or scaling your store as your business grows, an ecommerce development company can support you every step of the way.

Downsides of hiring a Shopify website development company

For everything in business, there are always pros and cons.

Higher costs

One of the most significant drawbacks is the cost. Hiring a professional team can be expensive, especially for small businesses or startups. But if you look at it as an investment in your business rather than just a cost, it gives a completely different perspective.

Finding the right team

You need to find a Shopify website development company that has experience and is pleasant to work with. It would be nice if they were also fun. This can take time, but it’s worth the effort to ensure you work with a team that understands your goals and can deliver the desired results. Take a look at our Shopify services.

You know what to do

Shopify is a good ecommerce platform and a good choice, that’s for sure. So, should you go for a Shopify website development company or DIY way?

Although we would like to hear from you and talk about your project, the decision is 100% yours.

DIY is an excellent way to go if you have a limited budget, enjoy the learning process, and aren’t afraid of troubleshooting. It’s a cost-effective way to get your store up.

But, if you’re serious about your ecommerce brand and want a professional store built by people deep in ecommerce, a Shopify website development company is likely the better choice.

The investment can pay off in the long run with a higher-performing store, better customer experience, and ongoing support.

Whatever you choose, keep this in mind: your online store is the face of your business. So, it’s worth taking the time to consider which approach will give you the best results. If you need free advice or more information about the Shopify website development company process, contact us.