How to Change Background Color on Your Shopify Website

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Importance of Background Color in E-commerce
3. Choosing the Right Background Color to Match Your Brand Identity
4. Navigating the Theme Settings to Modify the Background Color
5. Using Pre-made Themes or Templates for Easy Background Customization
6. Tips and Tricks for Creating a Cohesive Design with Your New Background Color
7. Understanding Compatibility and Responsiveness of Different Background Colors
8. Analyzing User Engagement and Conversion Rate with Different Background Colors
9. Incorporating Visual Elements and Graphics with Your New Background Color
10. Showcasing Examples of Successful E-commerce Stores with Unique Background Colors
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that 90% of snap judgments made about products are based on color alone? In the vibrant world of e-commerce, the colors we choose for our online stores can significantly influence customer perception and purchasing decisions. As Shopify merchants, we have the unique opportunity to leverage color psychology to enhance our brand image and boost user engagement. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by changing the background color of our website.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of background color in e-commerce, how to effectively change the background color on your Shopify website, and best practices to ensure your color choices resonate with your target audience. Whether you're a seasoned merchant or just getting started, understanding how to customize your store's appearance can help you create a more engaging shopping experience.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our all-in-one app simplifies the process of creating online courses and digital products, seamlessly integrating into your Shopify store. Let's dive into the details and see how we can elevate your store’s design!

Understanding the Importance of Background Color in E-commerce

The background color of your website is more than just a design choice; it plays a crucial role in the overall user experience. Here are a few reasons why background color matters:

1. Brand Identity: Your choice of color reflects your brand's identity. Colors can evoke emotions and perceptions, influencing how customers view your brand. For instance, a vibrant red may convey excitement and urgency, while a soothing blue can foster trust and reliability.
2. User Engagement: A well-chosen background color can enhance readability and draw attention to essential elements on your page, such as product images and calls-to-action. Conversely, a poor color choice can lead to a cluttered and uninviting design, causing potential customers to leave your site.
3. Conversion Rates: Studies have shown that colors can impact conversion rates. A/B testing different background colors can help identify which colors lead to higher engagement and sales.
4. Visual Cohesion: Consistency in color usage across your website contributes to a polished and professional appearance. Ensuring that your background color aligns with your branding and product offerings creates a cohesive look that enhances user trust.

To illustrate this point, let’s consider a Shopify merchant selling eco-friendly products. A soft green background may reinforce their commitment to sustainability, while a stark white backdrop could give a more clinical feel that might not resonate with their target audience.

Choosing the Right Background Color to Match Your Brand Identity

When deciding on the background color for your Shopify store, consider the following factors to ensure a harmonious and appealing design:

1. Color Psychology

Different colors evoke different emotions and associations. Here are a few common colors and their psychological impacts:

• Red: Energy, urgency, passion
• Blue: Trust, calmness, reliability
• Green: Growth, health, nature
• Yellow: Optimism, warmth, creativity
• Black: Sophistication, elegance, luxury
• White: Simplicity, cleanliness, clarity

2. Brand Color Palette

Take into account your existing brand color palette. Your website's background color should complement your logo and other branding elements. For instance, if your brand colors include earthy tones, a beige or light green background could enhance your store's aesthetic.

3. Target Audience

Consider your target audience when selecting a background color. Younger audiences may be drawn to vibrant and bold colors, while an older demographic might prefer more subdued tones.

4. Accessibility

Ensure that the background color provides sufficient contrast with your text and other design elements to promote readability. Tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker can help you assess the accessibility of your color choices.

Navigating the Theme Settings to Modify the Background Color

Changing the background color of your Shopify store can be done easily through the theme settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

• Log in to your Shopify account.
• From the Shopify admin, click on Online Store in the left-hand sidebar.

Step 2: Select Your Theme

• Click on Themes from the submenu.
• Find the theme you want to customize and click the Customize button.

Step 3: Modify Theme Settings

• In the theme editor, locate the Theme Settings tab.
• Look for options related to Colors or Background.

Step 4: Choose Your Background Color

• Click on the color picker or enter a hex code to specify your desired background color.
• If you want to apply this color to all pages, ensure that the “Apply to all” checkbox is selected.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

• Preview your changes to ensure everything looks good.
• Once satisfied, click Save to apply the changes to your store.

By following these steps, you can easily adjust the background color of your website without any technical skills. If you’re ready to get started, install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify and start your free trial with Tevello today!

Using Pre-made Themes or Templates for Easy Background Customization

Shopify offers a variety of pre-made themes that come with built-in customization options. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to change your background color, consider using these themes:

1. Debut: A versatile theme that allows for easy customization of background colors and layouts, suitable for any type of store.
2. Brooklyn: Perfect for modern apparel stores, it includes options to change background colors that complement product images.
3. Narrative: Ideal for storytelling-focused brands, this theme allows for a visually immersive experience with customizable background colors.

When using pre-made themes, take advantage of the built-in customization options to easily change the background color without needing to edit any code. However, if your theme doesn’t support your desired customization, you can always edit the code to make more specific changes.

Tips and Tricks for Creating a Cohesive Design with Your New Background Color

Once you’ve selected a new background color, consider these best practices to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing design:

1. Limit Your Color Palette

Stick to a limited color palette to avoid overwhelming your visitors. Choose two or three primary colors that work well with your background color to create a harmonious look.

2. Use Contrasting Colors for Text and CTAs

Ensure that text and call-to-action buttons stand out against your background color. High contrast improves readability and can lead to higher conversion rates.

3. Regularly Test and Iterate

Regularly test different color combinations to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing can help you discover the most effective background color for driving engagement.

4. Seek Feedback

Don’t hesitate to ask your customers for feedback on your website’s design. Understanding their preferences can guide your decisions moving forward.

Understanding Compatibility and Responsiveness of Different Background Colors

When changing your background color, it’s essential to consider how it looks across different devices and screen sizes. The color that looks great on a desktop may not have the same effect on mobile.

1. Check Responsiveness

After changing the background color, preview your website on various devices to ensure it looks good everywhere. Pay attention to how the color interacts with images and text on different screen sizes.

2. Use Media Queries

If you find that certain background colors do not look good on mobile devices, consider using CSS media queries to apply different background colors based on screen size. This way, you can ensure an optimal user experience across all devices.

Analyzing User Engagement and Conversion Rate with Different Background Colors

To understand the effectiveness of your chosen background color, it's crucial to analyze user engagement and conversion rates. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Use Analytics Tools

Tools like Google Analytics can help track user behavior on your site. Monitor metrics such as bounce rates, time spent on pages, and conversion rates after implementing a new background color.

2. A/B Testing

Create two versions of your store with different background colors and use A/B testing to determine which version performs better. Ensure you divert traffic evenly between the two versions to get accurate results.

3. Iterate Based on Data

Use the data collected from your analytics tools and A/B testing to iterate on your design. If one background color leads to significantly higher engagement, consider adopting it as your primary choice.

Incorporating Visual Elements and Graphics with Your New Background Color

Your website's background color should harmonize with other visual elements, including images, graphics, and logos. Here are a few tips for integrating these elements effectively:

1. Use High-Quality Images

Ensure that images stand out against your background color. High-quality images with appropriate contrast can enhance user engagement and create a professional appearance.

2. Create Visual Hierarchy

Use background colors strategically to create visual hierarchy. For example, a lighter background can be used for product descriptions, while a bolder color can highlight promotional banners.

3. Utilize Graphics and Patterns

Incorporating subtle patterns or graphics can add depth to your background without overwhelming your visitors. Just ensure that these elements don’t distract from your primary content.

Showcasing Examples of Successful E-commerce Stores with Unique Background Colors

To inspire your design choices, let’s take a look at a few notable e-commerce brands that effectively use background color:

• ASOS: The online fashion retailer uses a minimalist white background to allow their vibrant clothing items to stand out, creating a clean look that enhances product visibility.
• Etsy: Etsy’s soft, pastel background complements the handmade and vintage items listed on their platform, evoking a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Nike: Known for its sleek branding, Nike incorporates dark backgrounds that create an immersive experience, emphasizing their athletic apparel and footwear.
• Club Monaco: This high-end fashion brand uses a neutral beige background that exudes elegance, aligning perfectly with its sophisticated brand identity.
• Paper Source: A retailer specializing in stationery, Paper Source employs a playful and colorful background that reflects creativity and joy, appealing to its target audience.

Conclusion

Changing the background color of your Shopify website is a powerful way to enhance your brand identity, improve user engagement, and potentially increase conversions. By understanding the significance of color psychology, carefully selecting your background color, and implementing best practices for design, you can create a more inviting shopping experience for your customers.

At Tevello, we strive to empower Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience. If you are ready to elevate your e-commerce strategy and create engaging online courses or digital products, start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today. Together, we can take your Shopify store to new heights!

FAQ

Q1: How do I change the background color of my Shopify store?
A1: You can change the background color through your Shopify admin. Navigate to your theme settings and locate the colors section to select or enter a new background color.

Q2: Can I apply a different background color to specific pages?
A2: Yes, Shopify allows you to edit liquid templates if you want to apply custom background colors to specific pages, products, or collections.

Q3: What is the best color for my Shopify background?
A3: The best background color depends on your brand identity and target audience. Consider color psychology and ensure the color complements your branding.

Q4: How can I test the effectiveness of my background color?
A4: Use A/B testing to compare different background colors and analyze user engagement metrics through analytics tools to determine which performs better.

Q5: What if I’m not comfortable editing code?
A5: If you're unsure about editing code, consider using Shopify’s pre-made themes with built-in customization options, allowing you to change the background color without technical skills.