Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How to Put Your Shopify Store Offline: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Communicating with Your Customers and Team
- Conclusion
- FAQ About How to Make Shopify Store Not Live
Ever stumbled upon a Shopify store that was undergoing maintenance or not quite open for business yet? As a Shopify store owner, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to take your store offline temporarily or adjust its online presence. Whether it’s due to inventory updates, site overhaul, or just a seasonal break, knowing how to put your Shopify store offline effectively is an essential skill for any eCommerce entrepreneur.
Introduction
Did you know that Shopify powers over 1.7 million businesses around the globe? With its vast user base, it's no surprise that many store owners look for ways to manage their store’s availability seamlessly. Perhaps you're remodeling your digital storefront, want to pause sales while on vacation, or need to finalize some backend tweaks before going live. Regardless of the reason, Shopify provides flexible options to accommodate your needs. In this post, we’ll dive deep into understanding how to put your Shopify store offline—guiding you through various methods, including using password protection, opting for the Pause and Build plan, or even deactivating your store temporarily. Learn strategies for how these actions impact your store, essential considerations before making your store unavailable, and how to communicate with your customer base during this period.
Why Would You Want to Take Your Shopify Store Offline?
At first glance, taking your online store offline—even temporarily—may seem counterintuitive. Why halt sales and online presence? The reasons are many and varied. From embarking on a significant website redesign or updating your inventory to taking a well-deserved break, the necessity arises more often than you’d think.
How to Put Your Shopify Store Offline: A Step-by-Step Guide
Password Protection: The Quick Fix
One immediate way to control access to your Shopify store is through password protection. This method doesn’t make your store invisible but rather restricts the view to those with the password. Perfect for those final edits before you officially go live, or when you need to make quick updates without fully closing down shop.
Steps:
- From your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to Online Store > Preferences.
- Scroll down to the Password protection area, check the box to enable it.
- Enter a password that will be shared with users you want to grant access to your store.
- Optionally, customize the message that appears on the password page to inform or engage your visitors.
- Click Save.
Pause and Build Plan: For Longer Breaks
If your goal is to take a step back from selling while still working on your store, Shopify’s Pause and Build plan might be for you. Priced at a reduced subscription fee, this option deactivates your checkout, meaning customers can browse but not purchase.
Considerations:
- Your store’s checkout and certain functionalities like POS, discounts, and third-party integrations will be inactive.
- You can still access your Shopify admin and edit products.
Deactivating Your Shopify Store: A Temporary Goodbye
When a longer hiatus is needed, or you’re considering a more permanent closure, deactivating your Shopify store is the route to take.
Before deactivating:
- Ensure to back up important data.
- Settle any outstanding invoices or subscriptions.
- Consider the impact on ongoing customer orders or services.
Deactivation is reversible, but it’s vital to understand the full scope of this action before proceeding.
Communicating with Your Customers and Team
Taking your store offline, irrespective of the method, requires clear communication. Update your customers via email, social media, or even a custom message on your store’s landing page. Transparency builds trust, and keeping your audience informed can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a positive one.
Conclusion
Whether you're taking a brief hiatus, revamping your Shopify store, or contemplating a longer break, Shopify offers the flexibility to match your needs without severing ties with your hard-earned customer base. By choosing the method that best suits your situation, you can ensure that your store’s offline period is just a pause, not an end to your online business journey. Remember, taking your store offline is also an opportunity—a chance to refine your brand, improve user experience, and come back stronger.
FAQ About How to Make Shopify Store Not Live
Q: If I pause my Shopify store, will I still be charged? A: With the Pause and Build plan, you will be charged a reduced monthly fee of $9. You won't be charged if you fully deactivate your store.
Q: Can I still access my Shopify admin if my store is paused? A: Yes, on the Pause and Build plan, you can access your admin panel and make changes to your store. However, your checkout will be deactivated.
Q: How do I unpause my Shopify store? A: Simply log in to your Shopify admin, navigate to the Plan section, and choose a new plan. Your store will reactivate, allowing customers to make purchases again.
Q: What should I consider before deactivating my Shopify store? A: Review potential impacts on SEO, existing customer orders, subscriptions, and how you will manage or transfer your domain. Planning ensures a smoother transition for both you and your customers.
Understanding how to manage your Shopify store's online presence effectively is crucial for any eCommerce business. By carefully selecting your offline strategy, communicating with your customers, and planning your next steps, you can ensure your Shopify journey is successful, regardless of the pauses and developments along the way.
