If your Shopify store feels basic, read this
Why most stores blend in, and how to break the mould
February 28, 2025 / Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
So, you built a Shopify store – now what?
Shopify is one of the best platforms for ecommerce. Its themes make it easy to get started – and for many brands, that’s the right move. But if your store still feels like a generic demo or hasn’t been tailored to your customer journey, you’re leaving conversions on the table.
Because here’s the truth: customers don’t remember just another Shopify site. They remember experiences. They remember brands that feel different.
That’s where HRVST comes in. Whether we’re customizing a theme or building one from scratch, we create high-performing Shopify sites that don’t just sell products – they sell a brand experience. If you want your store to stand out, here’s how.
1. Choose a theme that works – then customize the hell out of it (within reason)
Most Shopify themes are a starting point, not the finish line. If your store still looks like the demo version of a theme, it’s time for an upgrade.
How to do it right:
Pick a theme that fits your business model, not just your aesthetic. A great fashion layout won’t work for a subscription brand.
Modify layouts, sections, and navigation to reflect your brand story – not just a generic product grid.
Upgrade the user flow. Default navigation isn’t designed for your customers. Custom menus, filters, and predictive search make all the difference.
2. Build a brand, not just a storefront
A well-designed Shopify store isn’t just visually appealing – it’s recognizable. Every touchpoint should reinforce your brand, not just display products.
How to do it right:
Typography that speaks your brand language. Fonts say as much about your brand as your logo does.
A defined colour system that feels intentional. Beyond your main palette, think hover states, buttons, and CTA contrast.
Branded microinteractions. Small touches – like hover animations or page transitions – make a store feel elevated.
3. High-quality product visuals (because looks sell)
Ecommerce is visual-first. If your site is filled with bland grids and overused stock, you’re missing a chance to immerse your customers.
How to do it right:
Custom photography over stock. Show details, textures, and real-world use.
Video where it matters. Lifestyle clips, product demos, or subtle banner motion all boost engagement.
Interactive product pages. 360° views, zoom effects, autoplay motion – anything that brings the product to life.
4. Navigation that feels effortless
If users have to think too hard about how to find something, they won’t. Seamless navigation makes shopping feel easy.
How to do it right:
Simplify menus. Too many categories? Use filters instead of overwhelming nav.
Use mega menus (when it makes sense). Big catalogs benefit from structured, scannable layouts.
Predictive search is a must. Customers should find what they need – fast.
5. Mobile-first everything
Mobile traffic dominates Shopify stores. If your site isn’t built for thumbs, not just clicks, you’re losing people before they even scroll.
How to do it right:
Larger tap targets. No one likes misclicking.
Swipeable elements. Carousels, image galleries, and filters should feel built for mobile.
Speed matters. Optimized images, compressed scripts, and Shopify’s CDN should be working together.
6. Social proof that works overtime
Customers trust other customers more than they trust you. Use that to your advantage.
How to do it right:
Highlight reviews where they matter – product pages, cart, even ads.
Use photo and video testimonials. A real person using your product? Powerful.
Leverage real-time sales notifications. Seeing others buy builds confidence (and a little FOMO).
7. Make checkout a no-brainer
Checkout is where most stores lose the sale. Streamline it.
Offer a one-page checkout. Shopify’s one-click checkout is a game-changer.
Make express payment methods clear – Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay.
Reduce distractions. No pop-ups or exit offers here. Just let them check out.
8. Get a second opinion
If you built your store yourself, respect. That’s no small feat. But even the best DIY builds hit a ceiling.
That’s when a second opinion from an agency that lives and breathes Shopify makes all the difference.
Final word: Your Shopify store should feel like your brand – not a template
It should be intuitive, high-end, and built to convert. And that’s exactly what we do.
HRVST builds custom Shopify sites that break the template mold and create a seamless shopping experience from homepage to checkout. Is your store almost there – but not quite?
If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s time for a serious upgrade.
Ask yourself:
Does my store feel like a brand or just another online shop?
Are customers navigating with ease – or getting lost?
Is it built for mobile, or just a squished-down desktop version?
Are product pages pulling their weight?
Is my checkout process simple, fast, and conversion-focused?
If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s time for a serious upgrade.
Whether you're:
Launching a new Shopify store and want to do it right
Running a store that’s doing okay but could be doing way better
Frustrated with slow sales or confusing navigation
Feeling like your brand isn’t shining through
Ready to scale and need a site that grows with you
Not sure if your Shopify store needs a full overhaul or just a few smart upgrades?
We’ll help you figure out what’s holding it back – and what to do about it. Let’s talk.