Thinking about starting a Shopify store and curious about the costs?
Whether you’re leaning toward a DIY setup or considering a custom design, this guide will walk you through the basics. We’ll cover everything from domain registration to more advanced features, so you can get a sense of what to expect.
Keep in mind, these are just estimates—costs will vary depending on your specific needs.
Let’s break it all down, so you can plan your budget and get your online store up and running smoothly.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shopify Website?
The cost of Shopify website development varies widely. For a basic setup, expect to pay around $500 annually. However, if you need custom designs, advanced features, or specialized apps, the cost can climb into tens of thousands per year, depending on the complexity and scale of your project.
Simple stores with standard features are more affordable, while complex setups with custom functionalities will cost more. Additional costs might include costume themes, third-party apps, or ongoing maintenance.
If you’re looking for a unique design or specialized features, be prepared for a higher investment. The final price is influenced by the level of customization and the extent of functionality you want for your store.
5 Factors That Influence Shopify Website Development Cost
When setting up a Shopify website, the cost can vary significantly based on a range of factors. Every detail, from the complexity of your design to the specific features you want, influences the overall price.
By understanding these different elements, you can manage your budget more effectively and make well-informed decisions for your store. Here are the main factors that influence Shopify website development costs.
1. Shopify Fee
When setting up a Shopify website, your first step is to create an account. Shopify offers a 1$/month trial period, giving you a chance to explore the platform and its features before making any financial commitment.
Once the trial ends, you’ll need to choose a subscription plan to continue using the service. You have two main payment options: monthly or annually.
The annual plan provides a discount and can be more economical in the long run compared to paying monthly. This can be a great way to save money if you’re planning to use Shopify for an extended period.
The image above shows a detailed comparison of the different plans available: Basic, Shopify, Advanced, Plus; including their costs and features so it will help you understand what each plan offers and choose the one that best fits your business needs and budget.
2. Domain Registration
When setting up your Shopify website, one thing you can’t skip is choosing a domain name. This usually costs between $10 and $30 per year, depending on the name’s uniqueness.
Short, memorable names often cost more, and .com domains tend to be pricier since they’re in such high demand. Think of it as a small investment that pays off in helping your brand stand out.
When picking a domain name, keep it short, simple, and easy to spell. Try to avoid numbers, dashes, or anything that’s tricky to remember. A great domain name makes it easier for people to find and remember your store, which helps your business grow.
If you’re wondering, does Shopify host websites? Yes, Shopify does host your website and makes things easier by locking in your domain cost, no matter how much traffic you get.
Unlike platforms like Magento or WooCommerce, where more traffic can mean higher hosting fees and extra resources, Shopify gives you predictable domain pricing. This means fewer surprises, so you can focus on growing your store instead of worrying about extra expenses.
If you’re still undecided about the perfect name, don’t sweat it.
Shopify allows you to start with a temporary domain, so you can get your store up and running and figure out the best name later. It’s flexible, which gives you room to build your business while working on your brand identity.
In short, picking the right domain is an essential part of building a successful online store. Shopify’s predictable pricing, along with its flexibility, makes it easy to choose a domain that supports your brand without worrying about unexpected costs.
3. Website Theme/ Design
Website design is a key part of building your Shopify store. While you can use free themes, opting for a premium or custom design can give your site a unique look that better reflects your brand.
Shopify Theme Store offers a wide range of premium themes to choose from, typically costing between $140 and $450, providing a more polished appearance than free options.
If you want something truly unique, a custom design can cost between $2,000 and $3,000. The exact price will depend on how detailed and specific your design needs are.
Custom designs can offer more flexibility and creativity, allowing you to create a site that stands out and fits your brand perfectly.
Choosing the right design option can significantly impact how your site looks and functions. Investing in a premium or custom design might be worth it if you want a standout website that captures your brand’s essence and meets your business goals.
4. Add-ons and Apps
To boost your Shopify store’s functionality, you can install a variety of apps from Shopify’s app store. Shopify apps are tools that extend the features and capabilities of your store, helping you manage everything from marketing to customer service.
There’s no limit to how many apps you can add, so feel free to choose what works best for your store’s needs. Whether you’re looking for tools to increase sales, improve customer experience, or simplify management, there are options available for every goal.
Some key apps to consider are:
- Email Marketing
- Customer review & Testimonial
- Live Chat & Customer Support
- Upselling and Cross-selling
- SEO Optimization
These can help with important tasks like marketing, managing inventory, or improving customer service.
You’ll find different pricing options for these apps: some are free, others offer a free trial for a limited time, and many require a monthly or annual fee. By picking the right apps, you can make sure your store has all the features it needs to run smoothly and grow.
5. Custom Development
Custom development for your Shopify store can be a game-changer, similar to choosing a custom theme. It allows you to integrate features and functions that fit your specific needs perfectly.
This process includes designing, launching, and maintaining a store that reflects your unique requirements.
Costs for custom development can range significantly. You might spend a few thousand dollars for basic customizations, or it could exceed $100,000 for more advanced solutions.
The price also depends on whether you choose to work with a freelancer or a specialized agency. Top-tier developers or well-known agencies often charge more because of their experience and expertise.
Investing in custom development means your store will have exactly the features you need and stand out from the competition. Check out our guide on outsourcing Shopify development services for more details on this.
Shopify Development Cost Examples
To help you understand better, let’s consider three hypothetical businesses of different sizes that have paid to build a Shopify store:
1. Small Business
A local bakery with a modest online presence might invest around $300 – $1,800. This budget covers:
- Domain Registration: $10–$30 annually.
- Shopify Plan: $19 monthly.
- SSL Certificate: Included with Shopify.
- Shopify Apps: around $0-$100 monthly for basic features.
- Website Design and Development: Prebuilt Themes: $0–$400.
Total Estimated Cost: Around $300-$1800 annually.
2. Medium-Sized Business
A growing fashion retailer could spend between $6,000 and $25,000. This includes a more advanced design, additional custom features, and professional services to optimize the store for better performance and user experience.
- Domain Registration: $10–$30 annually.
- Shopify Plan: usually $49–$299 monthly.
- SSL Certificate: Included with Shopify.
- Shopify Apps: Shopify plan ranging from $400 to $500 monthly for more advanced features.
- Website Design and Development:
- Prebuilt Themes: $0–$400.
- Custom Design: More advanced custom work costing $5,000–$15,000 for a sophisticated design and additional functionalities.
Total Estimated Cost: Around $6,000–$25,000 annually.
3. Large Business
A major e-commerce brand with extensive product lines and high traffic might invest $50,000 to over $100,000. This budget allows for a fully customized store, advanced integrations, and ongoing support to handle complex needs and large-scale operations.
- Domain Registration: $10–$30 annually.
- Shopify Plan: $2000 monthly for extensive features.
- SSL Certificate: Included with Shopify.
- Shopify Apps: up to $1000 monthly for enterprise-level features.
- Website Design and Development: Custom design: High-end custom development costing $15,000–$100,000+ for complex requirements and high traffic support.
Total Estimated Cost: Around $50,000–$100,000+ annually
Each scenario reflects different levels of investment based on your business size and needs.
Small businesses may focus on essential features and basic setup, while medium-sized businesses typically invest in advanced designs and additional custom features.
Large enterprises often require complex solutions and high-level support to handle extensive operations and high traffic.
Understanding these costs can help you make an informed decision about the best approach for setting up your Shopify store.
Should I Pay Someone to Build A Shopify Store?
This is a common question many people ask. The answer depends on your budget and what you hope to achieve.
If you can afford it, hiring an expert is often a great choice. Professionals can set up your store to be visually appealing and functional, saving you time and trouble.
Experts know Shopify inside and out, and they can add features that meet your business goals. This might be tricky to do on your own, and their experience can help avoid costly mistakes.
Of course, if you’re confident in your DIY skills and working with a tight budget, building the store yourself is entirely possible. Shopify offers plenty of resources and templates to help you create a professional-looking site.
Today, there are many agencies and freelancers who specialize in Shopify development, giving you plenty of choices. Whether you go professional or DIY, the important thing is to make sure your store meets your needs.
If you’re considering professional help, our team at Tigren is here to assist. We offer Shopify development services and can work with you to create a store that stands out and supports your goals.
Feel free to reach out to us to discuss how we can help you build the perfect store!
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, understanding the costs of Shopify website development involves looking at various factors. Your budget, the complexity of the features you need, and the choices you make about design and functionality all play a role.
Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for basic setups to several thousand for more advanced features. Remember, ongoing expenses like hosting, domain names, and app integrations also contribute to the total cost.
Carefully considering your needs and planning your budget can help you get the most value from your investment. By making informed choices, you can create a Shopify store that aligns with your business goals and stands out in the competitive online marketplace.
FAQs
How much does a Shopify website cost per month?
The cost of a Shopify website per month typically ranges from $35 to $45 for a basic setup. However, if you require custom designs or advanced features, costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching thousands of dollars, depending on your specific needs and requirements.
How much does it cost to hire a Shopify developer?
Hiring a Shopify developer can range from a few thousand dollars for basic customizations to over $100,000 for advanced solutions. The exact cost depends on whether you choose a freelancer or a specialized agency and the complexity of your project.
Is it worth it to hire a Shopify expert?
Hiring a Shopify expert is often worth it. They can save you time, help you avoid costly mistakes, and design a store that aligns with your business goals more effectively. Their expertise ensures that your store is set up for success and optimized for your needs.
