Shopify stores engineered for search and conversion

Cost depends on whether the theme is custom or adapted, the size of the catalogue, the integrations and whether data is being migrated. Shopify's subscription, app fees and payment charges are separate running costs. We give a specific proposal after a growth audit, with the build and running costs set out.

A new store on an adapted theme can launch in a few weeks. A custom theme typically takes two to three months, and a migration with a large catalogue, customer accounts and integrations takes longer. Data quality in the old store is usually what determines the timetable.

Only if you need what it adds: deeper checkout customisation, more automation, wholesale features, multiple expansion stores and higher API limits. Many stores trade well on standard plans for years. We recommend Plus when a specific requirement justifies the fee, not as a default for a growing brand.

Partly. All plans can adjust branding, payment and shipping options. Adding fields, content or custom logic to the checkout steps is done through extensions and is largely reserved for Shopify Plus. The checkout code itself cannot be freely edited, which is a deliberate trade for stability and security.

Shopify's infrastructure is fast, so slowness nearly always comes from the theme and apps. Each app can add scripts to every page, and uninstalled apps often leave code behind. Oversized images, large sliders and several tracking tags add to it. An audit usually finds removable weight quickly.

When you need a checkout Shopify does not permit, complex B2B pricing and quoting beyond its features, heavily configurable products, or complete control over URLs and hosting. It can also be costly where its own payment service is unavailable in your country. In those cases WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce or a custom build may fit better.

It covers the fundamentals well: fast hosting, automatic sitemaps, canonical tags and editable metadata. Its limits are a fixed URL structure, duplicate product paths through collections and a modest blogging tool. None prevents strong organic performance, but they need handling in the theme and collection setup.

A good paid theme is a reasonable start for a new store with a limited budget. A custom theme makes sense when the brand needs a distinct experience, when speed matters commercially or when workarounds on a bought theme have accumulated. We often adapt first and rebuild once the store proves itself.

Collaborator access to the store or, for a migration, access to the current platform and its data exports. We also need analytics and Search Console access, brand assets, a list of the systems Shopify must connect to and a named person who can make decisions on catalogue and content.