· By Make Them Chat
Template or Custom Shopify? Let’s Get Real About What Your Boutique Actually Needs
When launching your boutique, you face a big question: quick template or custom design? Templates get you online fast, but custom designs boost sales. Here’s how to know exactly when each makes sense.
When Templates Work Great
Templates are perfect when you:
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Need to launch ASAP without drama
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Have your cash tied up in your first big inventory buy
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Are still figuring out exactly who your customers are
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Want to test before investing heavily
Shopify’s theme store and Canva templates let you go from zero to selling in days.
Shop boutique-ready Canva templates
Signs Your Template is Holding You Back
Templates rock...until they don’t. Here’s what to look out for:
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Good traffic, but meh conversion rates
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New collections don't fit neatly into your template
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Generic product pages that don’t reflect your brand’s vibe
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High mobile bounce rate because your layout feels outdated
Real Results: Custom Design Pays Off
Clients who've switched from templates to custom Shopify designs saw:
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30% drop in mobile bounce rates
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27–35% boost in average order values
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25% more add-to-cart actions—fast
One client recently added a custom "complete the look" feature and average orders jumped $47 in two weeks. Real results, fast.
Grow from Template to Custom (Without Stress)
Think of your website like building a killer wardrobe:
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Start with basics (a solid Shopify template).
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Add statement pieces (custom features as you grow).
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Finally, build your dream closet (fully custom design) when your revenue supports it.
We had a client go from template to fully custom in under a year, doubling their conversion rate by the holiday season. You can totally do that too.
Max Out Your Template (Until You’re Ready to Switch)
Boost results from your template by:
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Getting scroll-stopping product photography
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Writing unique product descriptions in your voice
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Creating standout homepage graphics with Canva or Photoshop
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Keeping your colors, fonts, and styling consistent
What to Focus On When You Go Custom
Skip fluff and prioritize:
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A homepage clearly showing who you are and why you rock
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Product pages highlighting fit, fabric, and style
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Smooth mobile checkout experience
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Smart recommendations to increase average order value
FAQs
Q: How do I know I’ve outgrown my template?
A: When sales slow down, your site hits 75–100 products, or you pass $100K yearly revenue.
Q: How long does a custom site take?
A: Typically 4–6 weeks from start to finish.
Q: Can I start with a template and upgrade later?
A: Absolutely! Most of our custom clients started with templates.
Ready to Make Your Move?
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Need to launch ASAP? → Grab a Canva Template
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Ready for a site built for growth? → Let’s Chat Custom