Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You Need an Under Construction Page
- Method 1: Using Password Protection
- Method 2: Publishing a “Coming Soon” Page
- Method 3: Utilizing Third-Party Apps
- Tips for Optimizing Your Under Construction Page
- Building Excitement Before Your Launch
- Conclusion
Introduction
Imagine you’re a Shopify merchant on the brink of launching a new product line or making significant updates to your store. You're excited but also aware that customers will be visiting your site, and you want to maintain a professional image during this transition. Did you know that 70% of consumers expect a “coming soon” page when a website is under construction? This statistic highlights the importance of properly managing your online presence, even when you’re not ready for business.
As the e-commerce landscape evolves, so does the need for online businesses to adapt and innovate. With Tevello, we empower Shopify merchants to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products seamlessly—and that includes maintaining your store’s professionalism while it’s under construction. In this blog post, we will explore the various methods on how to put your website under construction on Shopify, ensuring that you can manage customer expectations while you refine your offerings.
We'll dive into the importance of having an under-construction page, outline the steps to set it up, and provide insights on optimizing this experience for your visitors. Along the way, we'll emphasize our all-in-one approach with Tevello, which allows you to integrate courses and community engagement directly into your Shopify store. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to effectively manage your store's downtime and leverage it to build excitement for your upcoming launch.
Why You Need an Under Construction Page
When your Shopify store is undergoing changes, it's crucial to communicate this to your visitors. An under construction page serves several purposes:
- Maintaining Professionalism: A well-crafted under-construction page lets visitors know that you're making improvements, which can help preserve their trust in your brand.
- Building Anticipation: By informing your audience of upcoming changes, you can create buzz and excitement around your products or services. This is an opportunity to capture leads and keep your audience engaged.
- SEO Benefits: An under-construction page can help you maintain some level of SEO presence by allowing you to set a descriptive title and meta tags, which can aid in indexing while your site is being updated.
- Lead Generation: You can collect emails or other contact information from visitors who are interested in your products or services, allowing you to reach out once your store is live again.
- Customer Feedback: Engaging with your visitors through a feedback form can provide valuable insights that help you improve your offerings even before they are launched.
Now that we understand the importance of an under construction page, let’s explore the various methods to set it up in Shopify.
Method 1: Using Password Protection
One of the simplest ways to put your Shopify store under construction is by using the built-in password protection feature. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Access Your Store Admin
- Log into your Shopify admin panel.
- Navigate to Online Store and then select Preferences.
Step 2: Enable Password Protection
- Scroll down to the Restrict Store Access section.
- Check the box that says Enable password.
- Enter a password that you will share with select individuals who need access to your store.
Step 3: Customize Your Message
- In the Message for your visitors box, you can provide a brief message to inform visitors that your store is temporarily closed for updates. This could be something like, "We're making some exciting changes! Please check back soon."
Step 4: Save Your Settings
- Don’t forget to click Save at the bottom of the page to apply these changes.
Using password protection is a straightforward method, allowing only those with the password to view your store. It’s perfect for merchants who are making significant updates and want to control who can access their site during this time.
Method 2: Publishing a “Coming Soon” Page
If you prefer to keep your store visible while informing visitors that it’s under construction, you can publish a “coming soon” page. This can be done by either customizing your theme or using a specific app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Create a New Page
- From your Shopify admin, go to Online Store and select Pages.
- Click on Add page.
Step 2: Customize Your Page
- In the page editor, add a catchy headline, such as "Exciting Updates Coming Soon!" This will grab the attention of your visitors.
- Keep the copy concise and focus on a single call to action (CTA), like signing up for updates via email.
Step 3: Add Essential Elements
- Consider including a countdown timer to create urgency.
- Add social sharing options to encourage visitors to spread the word about your upcoming launch.
Step 4: Publish Your Page
- Save your new page and link it to your main navigation or set it as your homepage temporarily.
Using a "coming soon" page allows visitors to understand that your website is in transition while still engaging them with your brand. This method can be particularly effective for building anticipation and collecting leads.
Method 3: Utilizing Third-Party Apps
For those looking for more customization options, there are various apps available in the Shopify App Store that can help you create a professional under-construction or coming soon page. Here are a few popular options:
Step 1: Install the App
- Visit the Shopify App Store and search for "coming soon" or "under construction" apps.
- Select an app that fits your needs, install it, and follow the setup instructions.
Step 2: Customize Your Page
- Most apps offer drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to add elements such as images, countdown timers, and email sign-up forms.
- Customize the design to match your branding, ensuring a cohesive look even during the construction phase.
Step 3: Publish Your Page
- Once you’ve finished customizing, publish the page, ensuring it is set as your homepage or linked prominently in your store.
Using third-party apps can provide advanced features and flexibility, making it easier to create a unique under-construction page that aligns with your brand identity.
Tips for Optimizing Your Under Construction Page
Regardless of the method you choose, there are best practices to follow to ensure your under construction page is effective:
- Clear Messaging: Use a clear and concise message to inform visitors about what to expect. Let them know when they can return and what they can look forward to.
- Strong CTA: Always include a strong call to action, whether it’s signing up for updates or following your social media channels. This helps keep your audience engaged.
- Visual Appeal: Use eye-catching visuals that align with your brand’s aesthetics. High-quality images or videos can enhance the visual appeal of your page.
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure that your under construction page is mobile-friendly, as many visitors will access your site from their smartphones.
- SEO Considerations: Use SEO-friendly titles and descriptions to help your page get indexed by search engines, even while it’s under construction.
By following these tips, you can create an under construction page that not only informs but also excites your visitors about what’s to come.
Building Excitement Before Your Launch
Now that you have your under construction page set up, it’s time to turn this downtime into an opportunity. Here are some strategies to build excitement for your launch:
Leverage Social Media
Use your social media platforms to keep your audience updated. Share sneak peeks of what’s to come, behind-the-scenes content, or countdowns to your launch date. Engaging with your audience through social media can help maintain interest in your brand.
Offer Exclusive Previews
Consider offering exclusive previews or beta access to a select group of loyal customers. This not only fosters community but also provides valuable feedback that you can use to refine your offerings before the official launch.
Create Buzz Through Email Marketing
If you have an email list, use it! Send out engaging emails that provide updates on your launch, special offers, or exclusive content that will be available once your store is live. This is an excellent opportunity to build anticipation and keep your audience engaged.
Utilize Your Under Construction Page
Make sure your under construction page includes options for visitors to sign up for updates. This way, you can collect leads and notify interested parties when your store is fully operational again.
Conclusion
Putting your Shopify store under construction doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By utilizing password protection, creating a coming soon page, or using third-party apps, we can ensure that our customers are informed while we make necessary updates. An effective under construction strategy not only maintains our professionalism but also builds anticipation for what’s next.
As we navigate this process, we at Tevello remain committed to empowering Shopify merchants like you to enhance your online presence. Our all-in-one solution integrates seamlessly into the Shopify ecosystem, allowing you to manage courses, digital products, and community engagement—all while keeping your customers informed during transitions.
Are you ready to elevate your Shopify store? We invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today. Explore our powerful features and see how we can help you grow your business and build meaningful connections with your audience.
FAQ
Can I capture emails on my under construction page?
Yes! Including an email sign-up form on your under construction page is a great way to capture leads and keep your audience updated on your launch.
Will Google index my store during this phase?
Yes, by setting a clear title and SEO-friendly description on your under construction page, you can ensure that search engines index your page even while it’s under construction.
Can I preview my store without disabling the under construction page?
Using password protection allows you to preview your store without making it publicly accessible. Share the password with select individuals to gather feedback before your launch.
How can I build excitement for the launch?
Utilize social media, email marketing, and exclusive previews to engage your audience and build anticipation for your upcoming launch.
Will disabling under construction erase my settings?
No, your settings and collected data remain intact when you disable the under construction page. Your store will return to its previous state once the page is removed.
By following these best practices and utilizing the tools available, we can create a seamless and engaging experience for our customers, even when our store is under construction. Let’s embrace this opportunity to connect with our audience and prepare for a successful launch!