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It’s essential to understand the cost of building a Shopify website to enable informed decision-making. This allows you to create a realistic budget and ensure that the launch of your online store is on a solid financial foundation.

Here are the pricing options for Shopify:

• Standard Plan: This plan costs $39 per month, but you can save by opting for an annual payment, which comes to $29 per month.
• Plus Plan: Priced at $105 per month, or $79 per month annually.
• Pro Plan: The Pro Plan costs $399 per month or $299 per month annually.
• Enterprise Plan: This plan offers custom pricing with advanced features and specialized support services.

Understanding the Total Cost of Building a Shopify Website

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shopify Website?

Hosting

Hosting costs vary widely, starting from as low as $2.49 per month and reaching upwards of $1,000 per month. The price is influenced by factors such as website traffic volume and additional services like automated backups.

Every website requires hosting to store its files, and obtaining a domain name is essential, costing between $15 to $81 per year. Hosting has two main types:

1. SaaS Ecommerce Platform Hosting

Ecommerce platforms like Shopify eliminate the need to install, manage, or host a domain independently. All necessary features are included in your monthly subscription.

Included in every Shopify plan is secure hosting, offering:

• Unlimited bandwidth eases concerns about increased costs with higher traffic.
• Level 1 PCI compliance, safeguarding customer data.
• Rapid servers and automatic updates to ensure you’re always up-to-date.
• SSL certificate to support security and customer confidence.
• Dependable content management system.
• Unlimited email forwarding capabilities.

Note: You’ll only need to purchase and register a domain name separately. However, you can use Shopify’s domain name generator to find available domains.

2. Self-Hosted Ecommerce Website

Platforms like WooCommerce and Magento are free but require users to manage their hosting and domain separately. Costs for self-hosted websites include hosting accounts (starting at $7.99 per month), domain registration ($15 per year), and SSL certificates ($69 per year). 

Some hosting providers may offer free domain names and SSL certificates as part of their packages, with prices starting at $2.75 per month.

Note: The one drawback of self-hosting is that you’ll need to upgrade the hosting plan as the website traffic grows. A self-hosted website can cost $1000-$2000 per month if you end up as a high-volume website. 

Hosting Cost Estimates:

Payment Processing

• Every Shopify plan includes Shopify Payments, allowing you to accept credit cards, debit cards, and popular options like Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and G Pay.
• Shopify Basic plan charges a processing fee of 2.9% plus 30¢ per transaction for online credit card payments. The Advanced Shopify plan has a lower fee of 2.4%. (lower fees with higher-tier plans).
• Accepting in-person payments incurs lower fees due to reduced fraud risk.

Note: Integrating Shopify’s Shop Pay as a checkout alternative streamlines the purchasing process for customers by utilizing stored payment and shipping information. Furthermore, data shows that users of Shop Pay experienced a notable 35% increase in purchases compared to those who did not utilize Shop Pay.

Ecommerce Web Design

Shopify provides a quick and cost-effective means of getting your website up and running. Shopify themes come equipped with integrated tools for adjusting layout, colors, style, and other settings.

These templates come preloaded with all the essentials for launching your store, including:

• Homepage
• Product pages
• Shopping cart
• Checkout page
• FAQ
• About pages

Shopify Themes offers a selection of over 100 free themes and paid themes to help you find the perfect aesthetic for your store. Themes are categorized based on features like video and 3D product displays, prominent imagery, extensive inventories, minimalist design, and

Themes are available at various price points ranging from free to over $180, depending on your selection.

Custom Development

• Customizing storefronts or tweaking Shopify themes may require assistance from developers.
• Costs vary depending on the complexity of the customization. Some agencies charge over $100,000 for extensive customization, while others may charge between $5,000 and $20,000.
• Shopify’s Experts marketplace offers custom design and development services starting at $550, providing a more affordable alternative to in-house development.
• Total costs: Vary based on the scope of work, ranging from $550 to over $100,000.

Add-Ons and Extension

• Shopify consists of a vast App Store with solutions for various needs, from email marketing to social media selling.
• Many free and free trial apps exist, catering to basic functionalities.
• Paid apps typically involve monthly subscriptions, with costs varying depending on the app’s features and complexity.
• Custom apps built specifically for your ecommerce store can cost upwards of $5,000, depending on the developer’s experience.

Business Costs

While it’s possible to start with as little as $100, you’ll need to invest more to start your ecommerce business.

As per Shopify’s latest findings, most small business proprietors spent approximately $40,000, with around 9% of this sum directed toward online business requisites. (Shopify users typically allocate an average of $38,000, while non-Shopify users tend to spend around $41,000.)

The research underscores that profitability for online ecommerce takes time to materialize. Thus, opt for an ecommerce platform that doesn’t consume your entire budget yet equips you with essential tools for success.

What Determines the Cost of a Shopify Website?

The cost of your Shopify website can vary greatly, depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that influence the final price tag:

• Design Complexity: Do you envision a simple, clean website or a feature-rich, highly customized storefront? Complex design elements and custom functionalities will naturally cost more.
• Functionality: The features and functionalities you want your website to have, such as integrations with third-party apps, payment gateways, and advanced product display options, will affect the cost.
• Development Time: The amount of time required to develop your Shopify website directly correlates with the cost. Complex websites with extensive features will take longer to build which can cost more.
• Third-Party Apps: Shopify offers a vast library of apps to extend your store’s functionality. While many basic apps are free, premium apps with advanced features typically require a monthly subscription fee.
• Your DIY Skills: Are you comfortable building the website yourself using Shopify’s templates, or will you need to hire a Shopify implementation partner? Taking the DIY route can significantly reduce costs.
• Content Creation: High-quality product descriptions, engaging blog posts, and captivating visuals can significantly enhance your store’s appeal but add to the overall cost.
• SEO and Marketing: An effective marketing strategy elevates the investment required for constructing an ecommerce website, whereas SEO stands as a critical factor in driving traffic and enhancing sales.
• Selecting an ecommerce Company: Opting for a seasoned and proficient ecommerce company can cost you more but proves its value. The greater the team expertise, the more refined your Shopify ecommerce website will become.

Let’s see how the Shopify pricing plan is defined and the expenses involved in creating a fully operational ecommerce website.

A standard Shopify website with moderate functionality typically demands an investment ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Included in such a pricing package are:

• Website Hosting (for up to 1 year)
• Professionally crafted content
• A contact form with five fields
• Ecommerce website design capable of accommodating 30 products

As an approximation, a comprehensive ecommerce Shopify website possessing stellar design and exceptional features may cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000. Such a package typically includes:

• Website Hosting
• Product Catalog
• Email Marketing (via Mailchimp)
• Custom Payment Gateways
• Advanced Products Filtering
• Abandoned Cart Recovery Feature
• Email Notifications and Invoices
• Professionally curated content

6 Best Shopify Website Development Companies

1. Klizer – Best for Shopify Design, Development, Migration & Integration

Klizer is an ecommerce agency specializing in Shopify and Shopify Plus development, dedicated to creating customer-centric online store experiences. With years of expertise and over 500 completed projects, their team prioritizes Shopify design, development, migration, and marketing services to assist businesses effectively.

They provide streamlined Shopify implementations for businesses to enhance profitability. This process includes comprehensive analysis and well-crafted architecture, including mobile-friendly and user-centered design principles. They also streamline integrations with third-party applications like ERP, CRM, and payment gateways.

Features:

• Design & Development: Experts in creating visually stunning and highly functional Shopify stores. From customizing pre-made templates to building bespoke designs from scratch, Klizer ensures that your online store stands out and resonates with your target audience.
• Customization: Klizer understands the importance of customizing Shopify stores to align with your brand identity and business goals. Whether you need custom features, integrations, or workflows, Klizer provides personalized solutions to meet your specific needs.
• Migration: Klizer handles the entire migration process, ensuring that your data is transferred securely and without any disruptions to your business operations.
• Quality assurance (QA): Rigorous testing protocols are employed to identify and rectify any issues before your site goes live, guaranteeing a smooth and error-free user experience.
• Support & Maintenance: From regular maintenance and updates to troubleshooting and technical support, Klizer ensures that your Shopify store remains optimized and performs at its best.

Testimonials

2. Quanrio – Best for Shopify Design & Development

Quanrio is a reputable Shopify website development company known for its comprehensive services and commitment to delivering exceptional results. Here are some features and associated costs:

• Custom Design: Quanrio offers custom design services customized to each client’s unique brand identity. Costs for custom design start at $2000 and can vary based on the complexity of the design and the number of revisions required.
• Advanced Functionality: Quanrio specializes in implementing advanced functionality on Shopify websites, such as custom product configurators, subscription models, and multi-channel integrations. Costs for advanced functionality depend on the project-specific requirements and are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
• Ongoing Support: Quanrio provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the smooth operation of Shopify websites. Support packages start at $100 per month and include regular updates, security monitoring, and technical assistance.

3. Mandasa – Best for Design, Development & Integration

Mandasa is a leading Shopify development agency known for its expertise in creating visually stunning and user-friendly ecommerce websites. Here are some features and associated costs:

• Responsive Design: Mandasa designs Shopify websites that are fully responsive and optimized for all devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across desktop, mobile, and tablet platforms. Costs for a responsive design start at $1500 and may vary based on the project’s complexity.
• SEO Optimization: Improve the visibility of Shopify websites in search engine results. SEO packages start at $500 and include keyword research, on-page optimization, and content creation.
• Integration with Third-Party Apps: Integrates Shopify websites with third-party apps and tools to enhance functionality and streamline business operations. Costs for app integration vary depending on the specific project requirement and the complexity of the integrations.

4. Siguro – Best for Customization & Website Development

A trusted Shopify development company is known for its creative approach to website design and development. Here are some features and associated costs:

• Customizable Templates: Tailored to match each client’s brand identity and aesthetic preferences. Costs for template customization start at $1000 and may vary based on the extent of customization required.
• Ecommerce Features: Features such as product variants, inventory management, and order processing automation. Costs for ecommerce features depend on the specific requirements of the project and are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
• Performance Optimization: Enhances Shopify websites for speed, performance, and scalability, guaranteeing an ideal user experience and stimulating conversion rates. Services start at $500 and include code optimization, image compression, and caching implementation.

5. Onerity – Best for Design & App Development 

Onerity is a reputable Shopify development agency known for its focus on user experience and conversion optimization. Here are some features and associated costs:

• User-Centric Design: Focuses on user experience, usability, and conversion optimization. Costs for user-centric design start at $2500 and may vary based on the complexity of the design and the number of revisions required.
• Conversion Rate Optimization: To maximize the effectiveness of Shopify websites in converting visitors into customers. Costs depend on the specific goals and metrics of the project and are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
• Integrated Marketing Solutions: Onerity integrates Shopify websites with marketing automation tools, email marketing platforms, and social media channels to create a cohesive marketing strategy. Costs vary depending on the scope and complexity of the integrations.

6. Codeaegis – Best for Custom App Development 

Known for its expertise in creating scalable and feature-rich e-commerce websites, Here are some features and associated costs:

• Scalable Architecture: Codeaegis designs Shopify websites with a scalable architecture that can accommodate growth and expansion. Costs for scalable architecture start at $2000 and may vary based on the size and complexity of the website.
• Custom App Development: Develops custom Shopify app store to extend the functionality of Shopify websites and meet specific business requirements. Costs depend on the scope and complexity of the app and are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
• Multi-Channel Selling: Codeaegis integrates Shopify websites with multi-channel selling platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Facebook to reach a broader audience and increase sales opportunities. Costs vary depending on the number of channels and the complexity of the integrations.

Recommended Read: Shopify Store Development

Cost to Build a Shopify Website

Each aspect contributes to the overall expense – from design complexity to functionality requirements and ongoing Shopify platform fees. By considering these various factors, businesses can create a Shopify website that aligns with their goals and budget. 

While the cost may vary based on individual needs, investing in a quality website is essential for long-term success. Thus, when asking, “How much does it cost to build a Shopify website?” remember to prioritize value and functionality to achieve optimal results.

FAQ

What payment gateways does Shopify support, and are there any transaction fees?

Shopify supports multiple payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and its native Shopify Payments solution. Transaction fees vary depending on the selected payment gateway and your Shopify plan. Shopify Payments charges no transaction fees for using their service, but third-party payment gateways have their own transaction fees.

Can I use my own domain name with Shopify, and how do I set it up?

Yes, you have the option to use your own domain name with Shopify. To set it up, navigate to your Shopify dashboard, go to “Online Store” > “Domains,” and follow the prompts to add your domain. You’ll need to adjust DNS settings with your domain registrar to connect your domain to your Shopify store.

Do I need coding skills to customize my Shopify store, or can I rely on pre-made templates?

You don’t need coding skills to customize your Shopify store, as the platform offers a range of pre-made templates and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. If you require extensive customization beyond the capabilities of templates, hiring a Shopify developer or learning some basic coding skills may be necessary.

Can I migrate my existing website to Shopify, and how complex is the process?

Yes, you can migrate your current website to Shopify. The complexity of the migration process depends on factors such as the size of your website, the platform you’re migrating from, and the extent of customization required. Shopify provides tools and resources to assist with migration, and you can also enlist the help of Shopify experts for a seamless transition.