Shopify
October 8, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Shopify's Online Store 2.0 Platform

Tom Rees
October 8, 2024

For online merchants, the tools and platforms they rely on play a crucial role in shaping customer experiences and driving business growth. On June 2021, Shopify introduced Online Store 2.0 at the Shopify Unite, an annual Shopify developer event. Shopify Online Store 2.0 is a platform, offering a robust and scalable solution designed to help businesses grow in the current competitive digital landscape. Online Store 2.0 has supercharged the capacity for true customisation of the look, feel and operation of a Shopify store. But what exactly makes Shopify Online Store 2.0 so essential?

What is Shopify Online Store 2.0?

Shopify Online Store 2.0 also stands for Shopify 2.0. It is a latest version of Shopify’s online store platform that includes new set of tools, new theme architecture and more customisation options. With enhanced Shopify development features like editor store flexibility, theme architecture updates, and app block capabilities, Shopify 2.0 is designed to make running an online store more efficient.

Key Differences Between Shopify and Shopify Online Store 2.0

Shopify Online Store 2.0 offers:

  1. Sections Everywhere: Shopify sections are now available across all pages, not just the homepage. This enables merchants to add or customise sections on every page of the store and personalise every aspect of a store.
  2. App Block Integration: Apps now integrate more seamlessly with your theme editor, which simplifies management and reduces breakage of code.
An app block being added to a product page.
  1. Improved Theme Architecture: Developers can easily build custom themes and integrations that are easier to maintain and update. It is also easy for non-developers to customise all pages.
The updated theme editor in action.
  1. Metafields Flexibility: A metafield is the space for you to add custom information about a particular asset. With this new theme editor, merchants can now easily add dynamic content, like product specifications or unique blog data, without needing custom code.
Shopify Comparison Table
Features Shopify 1.0 Shopify Online Store 2.0
Sections Limited to homepage Available on all pages
Theme Customisation Basic Advanced with app blocks
App Integration Requires coding One-click integration
Loading Speed Slower Up to 35% faster with Dawn theme
Metafields Complex setup Easy management via theme editor

By providing these enhanced features, Shopify online store 2.0 empowers merchants to build more dynamic, customisable storefronts thus obtaining more satisfied visitors and a lower bounce rate.

How Shopify Online Store 2.0 Supports SEO and CRO?

SEO and CRO are critical for any eCommerce business, and Shopify 2.0 makes significant role in supporting both.  The new version has improved loading speed that positively affects SEO ranking and user experience, resulting in higher conversion rates. Shopify 2.0’s dynamic rendering also allows for a smoother mobile experience, which is essential as more users shop on mobile devices.

Additionally, the platform’s conversion rate optimisation (CRO) capabilities are impressive.  Studies says that that personalised content can increase conversion rates by up to 20%, making these features a huge win for merchants looking to drive more sales to their stores.

Migrating to Shopify Online Store 2.0: Is It Right for Your Store?

For store owners considering migrating to Shopify Online Store 2.0, the question is whether the benefits outweigh the effort required for migration. If your store relies on custom apps or heavily modified themes, migration will require some work, but the long-term benefits—such as better SEO, CRO, and scalability—are well worth it.

At WIRO, we’ve worked with brands like Duke+Dexter, WrightBrothers, and Che Studios migrate to Shopify 2.0, ensuring a seamless transition with improved performance and long-term scalability of the business.

Case Study: Successful Migration Stories

Che Studios: Building for Scale with Shopify 2.0

Che Studios, is a contemporary men's fashion brand known for its unique streetwear designs.

We've been working with Ché Studios for over 5 years now, first when the brand launched in 2019 and then in 2023, where we redesigned their site with Shopify Online Store 2.0 to overhaul their customer experience (CX) and provide a technical foundation that was scalable.

TEAM QUOTE Custom Quote Block

"Tom and the WIRO team have been a delight to work with and have delivered us a fantastic new eCommerce site. They’ve given great collaborative service and strategic advice throughout the relationship." - Joshua - Che Studios

Miss Me: Enhancing User Experience and Growth

Another successful migration story is Miss Me, a well renowned fashion brand, known for their denim collections, particularly jeans as well as other women's clothing and accessories from Los Angeles.

WIRO have worked with Miss Me on Shopify 2.0 redesign, delivering a redesigned site focused on enhancing the customer buying journey. Since the migration, the site has seen substantial improvements in both page speed and user experience.

TEAM QUOTE Custom Quote Block

"WIRO provided an exceptional service, from start to finish and continue to support us on a Growth Retainer after our initial Shopify 2.0 rebuild. They demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and dedication in redeveloping the Miss Me eCommerce experience." - Patrick- Miss Me

Conclusion

Shopify and Shopify Plus’s flexibility is truly revolutionised with the launch of Shopify online store  2.0. If you’re looking to future-proof your online store, Shopify 2.0 offers unmatched flexibility, scalability, and an user-friendly eCommerce solution. Its support for SEO and CRO makes it an indispensable tool for any brand looking to establish and grow their online presence.

At WIRO, we specialise in guiding eCommerce brands through platform transitions, ensuring a smooth upgrade to Shopify 2.0. Brands like Che Studios, Miss Me, Duke + Dexter and Wright Brothers have already experienced the benefits of migrating to Shopify 2.0, and the results speak for themselves.

Ready to learn more about upgrading your store to Shopify Online Store 2.0? Contact WIRO today!

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