All the latest news from the world of Shopify in July.
As you’ll know by now, keeping our readers in the loop with all things web development. We understand that staying ahead of the latest technological advances means that you can produce more innovative and thought-provoking websites. If you’re not a developer, it also means that we can advise you on how any changes in software will benefit your website and also your business.
So, we guess these blogs are pretty much a win for everyone involved.
In this blog, we are talking about all the latest news from the world of Shopify. From advances in the platform and technology to any information we have about future developments. Luckily for you, there’s been plenty going on, so let’s have a chat about it.
Shopify Editions
The tricky thing with these blogs is finding a place to start, especially when it’s been a busy month. But Shopify Editions seems like the perfect place.
With Shopify Editions, the platform is attempting to simplify the job of developers everywhere. They show that they understand how difficult staying on top of updates and the latest tools can be, especially whilst you’re out in the world building more awesome websites. Essentially, Editions is set to provide a fix to that problem.
Twice a year, Shopify will release an Editions experience which will provide a new way for developers to view the latest integrations, API updates and products that their clients will need to optimise their website.
Offering a sort of one-stop exploration tool will reduce wasted hours looking for specific updates and products and allow the developers out there to focus on building mind-blowing websites.
What will developers get from the instalment of Editions?
The first Editions experience focuses on optimising the relationship between consumer and merchant. With advice on how to build meaningful relationships and how to leverage those connections to create repeat custom. Shopify has called it Connect to Consumer (C2C) and believes that the tools they have highlighted for developers to browse will be able to build relationships that will last the test of time.
The focus of the Connect to Consumer (C2C) Editions turns to how businesses can optimise what they have to reach the audience they are looking for and, once they’re there, how to keep them coming back for more. With this in mind, the Shopify boffins offer their suggestions as to the products that solve the questions asked by the pandemic.
They have poured time into learning all about the Shopify customer retention funnel so that your business or your developer doesn’t have to! As an added bonus, they have even broken each chapter down into manageable pieces, meaning that you can walk through what your eCommerce website needs at your own pace.
The Connect to Consumer edition focuses on the following headings and provides a selection of products for each one.
- Finding customers
- Converting shoppers
- Creating your story
- Building relationships
- Handling your business
- Scaling and building
eCommerce at Create8
At Create8, it’s no secret that we live and breathe eCommerce web design. We think there’s no job more rewarding than working alongside an innovative brand to build a successful website. Whether you are creating something from the ground or expanding your business, we are here to help, and no job is ever too big or small for our team of creatives.
We create websites that set your business apart from the competition and keep your customers coming back time and time again. But, you don’t just have to take our word for it; check out some of the fantastic eCommerce websites we have built recently. Why not have a look around and see if anything catches your eye? Maybe we will inspire you to get in touch.
Backend logic brought to you with Shopify Functions!
As well as Shopify Editions, the end of June brought us the Shopify Functions update. With Editions, Shopify is attempting to streamline the developer’s workload, with Functions, they are trying to keep them on their toes.
Understanding that every business requires a different set of solutions to the problems it faces is critical as a developer. It has to be mentioned that solving every problem as a platform alone is virtually impossible for Shopify, and that’s where great web developers and Functions come into play.
Essentially, Functions is an innovative new way that developers can change backend Shopify logic with custom code. Therefore, helping developers to solve the unique problems their clients face.
What will businesses get from the instalment of Functions?
If we are honest, for the tech-savvy amongst us, Functions seems like an incredibly beneficial step in Shopify functionality for all merchants. Traditionally the front-end optimisation of Shopify was flexible, and the database layer could be accessed via APIs and metafields. However, the backend of application logic was a set-in-stone sacred place.
This is no longer true!
How will it benefit business?
Well, one of the best examples of the Shopify Functions upgrade can be found when we look at discount codes and promotions. The Shopify data highlights that businesses that leverage Shopify Scripts see an increase of up to 20% in sales.
One problem. Shopify Scripts was only available to those on Shopify Plus and, therefore, only to the most prominent merchants on the platform. Scripts also required a high technical coding ability to be customised and used to their full potential.
Not anymore.
Functions allows businesses to offer customisable discounts with much more flexibility than Scripts. Oh, and it’s available to all customers, not just Shopify Plus, which is a bonus too! What makes Functions truly game-changing is that it’s usable by those who have relatively minimal knowledge, meaning that marketers and campaign managers will be able to install the app and configure it directly from the admin functions. No code, no stress, lots of sales.
It’s time to Unite!
This month Shopify announced something we’ve been patiently waiting for; that was, of course, Shopify Unite.
This time around, however, Unite will be all about making connections in person and, therefore, will be taking place in three separate locations across the globe. The two-day events will be making their mark in London, Toronto and Melbourne and are set to be bigger and better than we’ve seen before.
Starting on the 12th and 13th of September in London, the Shopify Unite events are all about bringing the community together and allowing developers to have their input into the long-term development and growth of the platform.
As well as being a brilliant place to meet like-minded people and share ideas, thoughts and processes, Shopify Unite is also a great strategic move for the business. By creating a community ecosystem, the platform can leverage the know-how of its most loyal developers to gauge the likely success of any proposed integrations.
Personally, we love that the Shopify Unite events are hitting the road, and we are invested in the idea of them being as accessible as possible for those who want to attend. Although the running order of the days is yet to be revealed, we imagine there’ll be lots of great speakers and news you won’t have heard anywhere else.
So, would we see the benefit of attending if you’re a developer and you’re mad about eCommerce? Well, yes, why not! You can’t put a price on your sector contacts, right?
We’ve seen Shopify Editions come to the forefront of understanding what our clients need and, in turn, providing developers with a one-stop-shop for all things integration related. Functions has come to the platform and created functionality as we’ve never known before, meaning businesses can have all the features they imagined and a little more if they hire a great developer. Finally, the launch of Shopify Unite has sent us eCommerce fanatics into a frenzy as we prepare to hear more about the schedule.
The developments we have mentioned are what make Shopify such a fantastic eCommerce product. As the platform looks to improve its offering and support constantly, as a merchant, you know you’re in safe hands and that your end goals are going to be at the top of Shopify’s priorities.
If you are considering hiring a web development agency specialising in Shopify web builds, you needn’t look any further.
At Create8, we build eye-catching Shopify websites that drive conversions and repeat sales for all our clients. When you choose us, you are choosing an experienced and innovative team of creatives who put the goals and aspirations of your business at the forefront of all of our work. We support our clients from the beginning of every project and champion collaboration throughout.
If you want to learn more about us or request a price for your project, get in touch. We can’t wait to hear from you.
