Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Put Your Shopify Store Under Construction?
- How to Put Shopify Store Under Construction
- Tips for Optimizing Your Under Construction Page
- Conclusion
- FAQ Section
Introduction
Have you ever passed by a store that's coming soon and noticed how they pique your interest with a "Coming Soon" sign? This not just builds anticipation but starts the brand awareness journey even before the store is open. The same strategy can be applied to your online store. In the bustling world of eCommerce, where competition is just a click away, starting your marketing and brand awareness efforts early can give you a crucial head start. This blog post will delve into why and how to put your Shopify store under construction, essentially setting up a "Coming Soon" page that can serve multiple purposes, from generating leads to starting your SEO efforts early.
Why Put Your Shopify Store Under Construction?
Setting up your Shopify store under construction has several advantages:
- Brand Awareness: Just like a physical store, an under-construction page starts building your brand's digital presence. It tells your potential customers that something exciting is coming their way.
- Lead Generation: Use this opportunity to start collecting emails by integrating your page with email marketing tools like MailChimp or Klaviyo. This way, you have a ready audience to announce your launch.
- SEO Head Start: Google indexes your "Coming Soon" page, which means you start building your site's SEO footprint. A well-optimized under construction page can help you hit the ground running when you fully launch.
How to Put Shopify Store Under Construction
There are primarily two ways to set your Shopify store under construction: via password protection or using a Shopify app. Here's how to do both:
Method 1: Password Protection
Shopify offers a built-in feature to password-protect your store. This is the easiest way to set your store under construction without needing any additional apps:
- Access Preferences: From your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to 'Online Store' and then to 'Preferences'.
- Enable Password Protection: Scroll down to the 'Password protection' section and check the option to enable it.
- Customization: Customize the message that will appear on your under-construction page. Although options are limited, it’s straightforward and quick.
- Save: Don't forget to hit the save button to activate the password page.
Method 2: Using Shopify Apps
For more customized "Under Construction" or "Coming Soon" pages, consider using Shopify apps. Apps like PageFly, Coming Soon, and Under Construction offer a range of templates and features like countdown timers, email capture forms, and more. Here’s a general guide to using these apps:
- Select and Install an App: Find a suitable app from the Shopify app store and install it.
- Customize Your Page: Use the app’s editor to customize your coming soon page. Add various elements as required, such as email signup forms, a countdown timer, social media links, etc.
- Publish: Once you’re satisfied with the design and content, go ahead and publish your under construction page.
Tips for Optimizing Your Under Construction Page
To make the most out of your "Coming Soon" page, here are some optimization tips:
- Engaging Headline and Clear Message: Use a bold and engaging headline that aligns with your brand. Clearly state that something exciting is on the way.
- Email Signup Form: Include an email signup form to start building your mailing list. Offer an incentive for signing up, like exclusive deals or early access.
- SEO: Optimize your page for SEO by including relevant keywords in your title and description. This helps your page get indexed and start ranking sooner.
- Social Proof: If applicable, include testimonials or endorsements to build trust from the get-go.
- Social Media Links: Encourage visitors to follow you on social media for updates.
Conclusion
Putting your Shopify store under construction is not just about building anticipation; it's a strategic move to start your marketing, lead generation, and SEO early. Whether you choose to use Shopify's built-in functionality or an app for more customization, make sure your "Coming Soon" page reflects your brand and entices visitors to stay connected. Remember, the goal is not just to inform about what’s coming, but to start building relationships with your future customers.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I customize the Shopify password page? A1: Yes, to a certain extent. Shopify allows you to customize the message and the appearance of the password page through the theme editor.
Q2: Do I need coding skills to create an under-construction page using apps? A2: No. Most Shopify apps for creating under construction or coming soon pages offer drag-and-drop editors, making it easy for anyone to design a page without coding skills.
Q3: Should I start SEO efforts during the under construction phase? A3: Absolutely. Use this phase to optimize your coming soon page and start gaining visibility on search engines. This can give you an SEO advantage once you fully launch.
Q4: Is it free to use Shopify apps for creating an under-construction page? A4: It depends on the app. Some offer free plans with basic features, while others may require a subscription for more advanced functionality.
Q5: How long should I keep my store under construction? A5: It varies, but make sure not to prolong it excessively. Use this time effectively for building your email list and SEO, but aim to launch as soon as you're ready to capitalize on the generated interest.
