Essential Guide: How to Put Your Shopify Store Offline

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Your Options
  3. Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Your Shopify Store Offline
  4. Strategic Considerations and Tips
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQ About How to Make Shopify Store Not Live

Are you contemplating taking your Shopify store offline but unsure how to proceed without affecting your business negatively? Whether it’s for maintenance, a redesign, or a well-deserved break, managing your Shopify store’s online presence skillfully is crucial. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about putting your Shopify store offline effectively. By understanding the technical steps and strategic considerations, you can ensure a smooth transition for your store, regardless of the reason behind the decision.

Introduction

Imagine powering through the initial stages of setting up your Shopify store, only to realize you need more time to refine your offerings, or perhaps you’re planning a grand re-launch. Maybe, you’re embarking on a much-needed vacation and want to ensure your store is not left unattended. The reasons for taking your Shopify store offline are varied and entirely valid. However, the process might seem daunting, especially if maintaining your SEO rankings and providing a seamless customer experience are top priorities.

This guide aims to demystify the process of taking your Shopify store offline. You'll learn not only the “how” but also the strategic “why” behind each method. Whether it's your first time lunching into the Shopify universe or you're a seasoned merchant looking for temporary closure, this blog will be your comprehensive resource. Let’s dive into a world where transitioning your online presence is a calculated, informed decision rather than a tech puzzle.

Understanding Your Options

Shopify offers multiple paths for merchants looking to temporarily or permanently take their store offline. Each option serves different needs and comes with its set of considerations.

Going Offline Temporarily

Password Protection: Shopify allows store owners to enable password protection, making the site accessible only to those who have the password. This option is perfect for stores under construction, undergoing a makeover, or those that wish to limit access to a select audience.

Pause and Build Plan: For merchants who need a break from selling but still want to work on their store, Shopify’s Pause and Build plan is an ideal solution. At $9 USD per month, it significantly reduces your operational costs while keeping the backend accessible for tweaks and changes.

Taking Your Store Completely Offline

Deactivate Your Store: In situations where you wish to completely shut down your store, either with the intention of re-opening in the future or moving on, Shopify facilitates store deactivation. This step is irreversible through standard means on the platform and requires consideration of outstanding financial obligations and customer communications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Your Shopify Store Offline

Let’s break down the technical process of each method to ensure you can implement your choice confidently.

How to Enable Password Protection

  1. From your Shopify admin, navigate to Online Store > Preferences.
  2. Scroll down to the Password protection section.
  3. Check the option to Enable password.
  4. Enter your desired password. Remember, this is the password you'll share with any visitors you wish to grant access to your store.

How to Utilize the Pause and Build Plan

  1. Go to the Settings menu from your Shopify admin.
  2. Select Plan and permissions or Account.
  3. Find the Store Status section and click on Pause.
  4. Review the terms and confirm by selecting Pause and Build.

How to Deactivate Your Store

  1. Within Shopify admin, navigate to Settings > Plan and permissions.
  2. Scroll down to Store Status and select Sell or close store.
  3. Choose Close store, enter your password for confirmation, and proceed as instructed.

Strategic Considerations and Tips

Transitioning your store’s operational status is more than just pressing a few buttons. Here are some strategic tips to ensure a smooth process:

  • Communicate: Let your customers know about the temporary unavailability of your store well in advance. Use social media, email newsletters, and an announcement on your store's landing page to share the news and the reason behind it.
  • Maintain SEO Rankings: Even while offline, you want to ensure your store remains SEO-friendly. Customizing your password page or maintenance mode page with relevant keywords and engaging content can help retain your search engine rankings.
  • Backup Important Data: Before making any significant changes to your store, including taking it offline, ensure you have a complete backup of your store’s data.
  • Re-evaluate Subscriptions and Apps: An excellent time to assess the utility of paid subscriptions and apps is when you’re considering taking your store offline. It might help reduce unnecessary expenses during the downtime.

Conclusion

Whether it’s for redesigning your store, focusing on inventory management, or simply taking a well-deserved break, putting your Shopify store offline is a strategic decision that, when done correctly, can save you time and resources. By following the outlined steps and considerations in this guide, you can ensure a seamless transition for your business. Remember to communicate clearly with your customers, safeguard your SEO efforts, and consider the financial implications of going offline.

FAQ About How to Make Shopify Store Not Live

Q: Will I still be charged if I put my Shopify store offline?
A: If you opt for the Pause and Build plan or password protect your store, you will be subject to the associated fees. Completely deactivating your store cancels your Shopify subscription.

Q: Can I still access my Shopify admin if I put my store offline?
A: Yes, through the Pause and Build plan, you retain access to your admin area, though some functionalities, like the checkout process, will be disabled.

Q: How long can I keep my Shopify store on the Pause and Build plan?
A: Shopify’s policies may vary, so it’s best to check the latest terms directly on Shopify’s Help Center or contact their support for up-to-date information.

Q: What happens to my domain if I deactivate my store?
A: If you bought your domain through Shopify, you might wish to transfer it if you plan on using it elsewhere. If your store is completely deactivated, your domain will remain inactive until you decide to use it again or transfer it.

App Stack