Back in the day, when I was looking for a website platform to build a product based business, Shopify was the obvious choice. As my focus changed to Surface Pattern Design I questioned whether Shopify was still the best website platform to use. After all considerations, the answer is still yes.
Let me explain why.
FAMILIARITY
A lot has to be said about working from your comfort zone. Since I’ve had my Shopify website for over 10 years now, starting from scratch on a brand new platform seemed unnecessary.
I’ve asked other Surface Pattern Designers about their website preferences and they all have their favorites. After investigating some on that list, even if I was starting over, I’d still choose Shopify.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
To be honest, I've run into lots of issues that I couldn’t work through alone, so I’ve relied on Shopify Customer Support many times.
Just this week I was on a Live Chat with a Support Agent for at least an hour. We shared screenshots back and forth. He created short tutorial videos on the spot. He assured me that we’d find a solution together so I would be confident doing this particular task on my own.
I’ve been on Live Chats with many online companies and Shopify, hands down, is the best I’ve worked with!
VERSATILITY FOR GROWTH
Although Shopify lets you easily set up a platform for showcasing your Surface Pattern Designs, it also allows you to offer more for your customers.
You may choose to take advantage of their e-commerce option to set up a portion of your website for selling art prints and/or manufactured or handmade goods using your designs.
In my experience, once my shop was set up and the payment information was provided, receiving and fulfilling orders was pretty seamless.
Likewise, if blogging is something you’d like to add to your services, the option is easy to include on your site.
FREE WEBSITE THEMES AVAILABLE
From the beginning I have used one of their free themes. The term “Theme” refers to the design template. A template just gives you a place to start so you aren’t looking at a blank page.
The page designs that come with the template are not set in stone. You can change them up any way you’d like
I use the CRAFT THEME for my site but I didn’t start out with that theme. Changing to a different theme later is simple so you aren’t stuck with your first choice if you change your mind.
Using a free template theme is a great way to start.
IN CONCLUSION
At times, I’ve questioned whether Shopify is and will continue to be the best platform for me to use for my Surface Pattern Design business.
The answer to that question always comes around to a resounding “yes” in my book.
Although I was not familiar with the website setup at first, or navigating any changes they have made over the years, I’m confident with my choice. I can woulda, shoulda, coulda all day long but that sort of self-talk doesn’t move me forward.
I always appreciate good customer service! Unfortunately it seems to be getting watered down or dismissed all together by many online and storefront businesses. Shopify gets an A in my book for the Customer Support service they continue to provide.
As I consider various ways to grow and change my business, I appreciate that my Shopify website can grow and change with it. This not only includes adding or subtracting a blog or e-commerce shop, but I can also easily changing the Theme template if necessary.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the idea of creating your website?
Does “create a website” keep getting pushed down on your list of business goals for this year?
I get it!! I really do!
So I have TWO things to ask you….
1) What questions are still whirling in your mind right now about creating a website for your Surface Pattern Design business? I'm on the other side of this email so ask away and I'll do my best to answer them for you.
2) Would you like to join me as I teach a simple to understand, walk-me-by-the-hand online course to help you create your very own website? If the answer is yes then CLICK HERE to join the others on the waitlist who are feeling the same way as you!
If you have anything to add I'd love to hear your thought!