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Buyer's Guides

On November 4, 2025, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein joined CNBC’s 

 to discuss Shopify’s breakout Q3 performance and its rapidly expanding role in the future of global commerce. His conversation wasn’t just about numbers—it was about vision. At Ventura Web Design & Marketing, we help brands transform that vision into real-world sales performance. Harley’s insights directly reinforce why 

Shopify remains the most powerful platform for eCommerce in 2026

—and why Ventura continues to build on it every day.

Shopify’s Explosive Growth: A Platform for Every Stage

“Every 26 seconds a brand-new entrepreneur gets their first sale on Shopify.” — Harley Finkelstein, CNBC

That single quote says it all. Shopify’s Q3 2025 results were record-setting: 

32% revenue growth, 32% GMV increase, and 18% free-cash-flow margin.

 From first-time sellers to global retailers, merchants are finding traction faster than ever.

For Ventura clients, this means you’re never “too small” or “too big.” Shopify powers solo founders launching their first product 

—on the very same infrastructure. Our job is to tailor that power to your brand’s scale: whether that means a clean, conversion-optimized store for a local Tampa boutique or a multi-store rollout with advanced fulfillment logic.

“If you know how to use email, you can set up a store on Shopify in under an hour.” — Harley Finkelstein

That statement embodies Shopify’s philosophy: 

reduce friction so creativity can flourish.

 While competitors complicate onboarding, Shopify keeps setup simple—and Ventura amplifies that simplicity with design expertise, SEO optimization, and automation.

Our clients don’t need to know code or manage servers. We handle the complex setup—so they can focus on products, storytelling, and sales. Finkelstein’s remark that “four or five entrepreneurs got their first sale while we’re talking” wasn’t hyperbole—it’s the real-time velocity of modern commerce.

The Rise of AI and “Agentic Commerce”

“We’re laying the rails for agentic commerce.” — Harley Finkelstein

Shopify’s next leap is what Harley calls 

—shopping powered by AI agents that can discover, compare, and even purchase on behalf of consumers. Through partnerships with 

OpenAI, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot

, Shopify is embedding AI into every layer of the buyer journey.

At Ventura, we’re preparing clients for this shift right now:

Structuring product data for AI discoverability and chat-based search.

Integrating Shopify’s AI Store Builder and semantic search tools.

Optimizing sites for conversational interfaces and smart-recommendation systems.

Imagine your store being surfaced by a voice assistant or chatbot that identifies exactly what a customer wants—then completes the purchase seamlessly. That’s not future tense; it’s already happening.

Modernizing Big Brands, Empowering Small Ones

“A lot of these very large enterprise brands… don’t want to build their own tech stack anymore.” — Harley Finkelstein

Shopify’s enterprise solution (Shopify Plus) is replacing legacy infrastructure across global brands because it removes the operational drag. That same modernization benefits Ventura’s mid-market clients. You don’t need to run servers or maintain custom codebases—Shopify handles it, letting you focus on brand and customer experience.

, which “started with us” and scaled to global success. That growth path mirrors what we see in Florida and beyond: local businesses using Shopify and Ventura’s design expertise to punch above their weight online.

“Right now we have about 12% of U.S. eCommerce market share… Shopify actually outpaces the overall eCommerce market.” — Harley Finkelstein

That leadership isn’t coincidence. Shopify’s streamlined UX, constant feature rollouts, and deep integration ecosystem are rewriting the playbook. Ventura’s development team makes sure clients always ride that wave—leveraging new Shopify capabilities the moment they launch.

 Shopify stores convert up to 36% better on average than competing platforms, and 

Shop Pay delivers checkout conversions 50% higher

 than guest checkouts (source: Shopify Data, 2025).

When your platform outperforms at checkout and expands faster than the market itself, your growth isn’t speculative—it’s statistical.

Why Ventura Chooses Shopify for Our Clients

Finkelstein’s CNBC appearance reinforced a truth we see daily: 

Shopify has become the default commerce engine for the AI era.

For Ventura Web Design & Marketing clients, that means:

Faster launches and lower maintenance costs.

Access to enterprise-grade features without enterprise-level complexity.

Future-ready infrastructure for AI shopping, multi-channel sales, and global scalability.

“When you look at the brands that consumers love, the ones they’re talking about—all those brands are on Shopify.” — Harley Finkelstein

We couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re a boutique in Tampa or a multi-store operation serving customers worldwide, Ventura’s Shopify-focused team builds stores that convert, scale, and thrive in the AI-driven commerce landscape of 2026 and beyond.

 — a Tampa-based agency specializing in Shopify web design, eCommerce solutions, and digital marketing for growing brands.
Contact Ventura today to build your next Shopify success story.

Why Everyone Is Choosing Shopify in 2026

Use redirects whenever you change a page’s address or retire a product, so visitors (and search engines) end up on the right page instead of a 404 error.

, type the new destination (e.g., /tshirts).

Open a new browser tab and visit your‑store.com/shirts. You should land instantly on your‑store.com/tshirts.

Redirects help preserve your site's traffic and SEO rankings by guiding visitors and search engines to the correct page when a URL changes or a product is removed. Instead of hitting a frustrating 404 error, users are smoothly taken to a relevant page, improving their experience and keeping your site reliable.

You’re all set! Repeat the steps for any other pages you’ve moved or renamed.

Prefer a video tutorial? We've got you covered:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n0CqiVkuvs

How to Set Up Redirects on Shopify

Ridge.com stands as a stellar example of what's possible with Shopify's platform when design and functionality are expertly balanced. In this case study, we delve into how Ridge has created an exceptional user experience with strategic content placement, innovative design techniques, and conversion-focused elements that drive results. 

Below, we break down each section with detailed analysis and practical lessons that combine conversational insights with technical expertise. Let's get started!

1. Navbar – Simplified Navigation Improves UX and Conversions

Ridge's navbar demonstrates the power of restraint in UX design. Rather than overwhelming visitors with numerous options, they've implemented a focused approach:

 makes primary categories immediately visible while secondary pages are tucked into dropdown menus.

 position the logo prominently without competing with navigation elements.

 ensure high-contrast icons make the cart and search functions instantly recognizable.

 ensures the navbar adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.

Keeping the site navigation minimal and focused can significantly boost user engagement and conversion rates. For example, 

top navigation menu on a landing page doubled the conversion rate (sign-ups jumped from 3% to 6%)

 by eliminating distractions. This supports the idea that a clean, intuitive navigation helps users focus on primary actions, improving their experience and likelihood to convert.

2. Hero Section – Above-the-Fold Design Increases Engagement & Conversion

This hero section exemplifies how high-impact imagery and concise messaging work together to establish brand identity and drive action:

 ensures critical information and CTAs appear before any scrolling is required.

 arranges the product image, headline, and call-to-action button to guide the eye naturally.

 maintains images' impact across device sizes through smart cropping and positioning.

 uses font weights and sizes to create clear distinction between primary and secondary messaging.

A well-designed hero section (the content immediately visible on page load) is critical for capturing user attention. 

above-the-fold content gets about 57% of users’ viewing time

, indicating how crucial that area is for engagement. In practice, this means a compelling hero image or message with a clear call-to-action can hook visitors early, reducing bounce rates and encouraging them to explore further – ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.

3. Features Section – Visual Storytelling & Scannable Content Enhance Comprehension

Ridge's features section demonstrates how to effectively communicate product benefits through a combination of visual and textual elements:

 presents benefits in digestible chunks with clear visual separation.

 uses custom icons to create visual interest while reinforcing key messages.

 provides enough detail without overwhelming visitors.

 use uniform padding and margins to create a sense of order and professionalism.

Combining visuals with easy-to-scan text improves how well users understand product features. 

 people retain 65% of information when it’s paired with relevant images

, versus only 10–20% retention for text alone after three days. Moreover, using concise, scannable copy is proven to boost usability – one study showed that 

web content written to be concise and scannable improved measured usability by 124%

. Together, these findings illustrate that clear icons/imagery and bullet-point texts in a features section help users quickly grasp benefits, leading to more informed and confident purchase decisions.

4. Best Sellers – Social Proof Boosts E-commerce Sales

The best sellers section leverages the psychological principle of social proof while showcasing product photography excellence:

 arranges products to maximize visual impact while maintaining page flow.

 uses uniform lighting, angles, and composition to create a cohesive collection.

 places price, reviews, and availability for quick scanning.

 use subtle animations to provide feedback and encourage exploration.

Showcasing “Best Sellers” leverages social proof, a psychological phenomenon where people follow the actions of others. 

The data strongly supports its effectiveness

93% of shoppers read online reviews before buying, and products with just five reviews have a 270% higher purchase probability than those with no reviews.

 By highlighting popular items or customer favorites, an e-commerce site reassures new customers with the choices of others, increasing trust and often boosting conversion rates as shoppers gravitate toward proven, well-reviewed products.

5. Breakout Design Promo – Stunning Visuals Engage Scrolling Users

An unexpected, playful image of doughnuts adds visual excitement to the page:

 makes colors stand out from the rest of the site’s palette.

 highlights a more lighthearted brand personality.

 re-engages visitors with a fresh, eye-catching element.

Inserting a visually distinct “breakout” section (a promotional banner or graphic that stands apart from the normal layout) can recapture user attention as they scroll. 

even skimmers will pause when encountering an engaging visual

; in one example, a simple but striking graphic got people to “stop in their tracks to learn more." This kind of pattern-interrupt in the page design re-engages users who might otherwise speed past content, increasing the likelihood they notice the promo offer and click through – ultimately

 improving on-page engagement and conversions

6. Shop by Categories – Structured Categorization Improves Product Discovery

Categories are grouped in a straightforward grid that helps visitors find what they need:

 attaches a clear product photo to each category.

 lets shoppers self-select based on their interests or needs.

Organizing products into clear categories greatly enhances users’ ability to find what they need. In a 

100% of test shoppers relied primarily on category navigation

 as a fallback. This demonstrates that a well-structured category menu is the preferred path for discovery. By providing intuitive “Shop by Category” options, an e-commerce site like Ridge.com guides customers to relevant products quickly, improving their shopping experience and increasing the chances of conversion (since frustrated users who can’t find items are more likely to leave).

7. Luxurious Wedding Bands Promo – Niche Targeting Boosts Conversion Rates

The high-quality image here presents a more luxurious feel for these sentimental products:

 implies importance and emotional value in the photography.

 focuses on a niche audience seeking premium or commemorative items.

 makes the section stand out from other product promos on the page.

Tailoring promotions to a specific niche audience (e.g. a section for “Luxurious Wedding Bands”) can drive higher engagement and conversions among that segment. 

Marketing research shows that segmentation pays off

80% of companies that used targeted marketing segmentation reported increased sales

​. By speaking directly to a well-defined group – in this case, customers shopping for premium wedding bands – Ridge.com likely increases relevance and appeal for those users. This relevance leads to higher click-through and conversion rates, as niche customers respond better to content curated for their interests and needs.

8. Shop by Collection – Curated Displays Aid Buyer Decision-Making

The big text and a custom grid layout shows off various styles or colorways:

 using a 4-column grid followed by a 2-column grid to add visual variety.

 using large headings to call attention to each collection.

 letting visitors see the full range of design options in one place.

Offering “Shop by Collection” groupings helps shoppers navigate choices without feeling overwhelmed. Psychological studies on consumer choice reveal that too much variety can hurt sales – 

a large assortment (24 options) attracted more lookers

whereas a limited selection (6 jams) led to a 30% purchase rate​

. The lesson is that curated collections make decision-making easier by presenting variety with guidance. By browsing collections, customers can explore a diverse range of products in manageable chunks, increasing their likelihood of finding something they like and making a purchase (versus being paralyzed by an unstructured flood of options).

9. Bold Suitcases Promo – Discounts and Urgency Drive Buyer Action

This section features high-resolution photos of Ridge suitcases in bold colors, helping to highlight the major product line:

 mentions a 44% discount that appeals to deal seekers.

 list features to answer common shopper questions.

 reduce uncertainty about size, materials, or functionality.

Featuring a time-sensitive discount (like a bold promotion on suitcases) taps into urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out), which are powerful conversion drivers. 

64% of shoppers say discounts speed up their decision to buy a product​.

 A limited-time sale or a strong discount message on Ridge.com’s suitcase promo likely creates a sense of urgency, nudging indecisive visitors to act now rather than later. This leads to faster conversions and can lift sales during the promotion period, as customers don’t want to miss the deal.

10. Ridge Carry-Ons – Trust Signals Increase Purchase Confidence

This section is dedicated for carry-ons; emphasizes risk-free purchasing under the heading text:

 includes free shipping and a lifetime guarantee that ease buyer concerns.

 uses a 99-day free trial to signal confidence in the product’s quality.

 makes shoppers feel secure about investing in higher-priced items.

Prominent trust signals such as free trial periods and money-back guarantees reduce the risk perceived by customers, which in turn boosts conversions. 

 for a digital product​. Similarly, offering a free trial can dramatically increase sign-ups – 

 than a purchase option with only a guarantee​. These findings show that when an online store assures customers they can “try before they commit” or easily get a refund if unsatisfied, it builds trust and lowers the barrier to purchase. Ridge.com’s free trial or guarantee on carry-on luggage likely reassures buyers, leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

11. Influencer Partnership – Influencer Marketing Boosts Brand Trust and Reach

A collaboration with a well-known tech influencer lends credibility:

 introduces fans of MKBHD to the brand through a trusted voice.

 keeps the product central while the influencer serves as an endorsement.

Leveraging influencer content is proven to expand brand reach and build trust with consumers. 

 are more likely to buy a product recommended by a social media influencer they trust. This effectiveness is why brands invest in influencer partnerships – not only do influencers introduce the brand to new, relevant audiences, but the audience also views the recommendation as more authentic and credible than traditional ads. In practice, an influencer collaboration (like Ridge.com featuring an influencer with their products) can increase brand awareness and trust simultaneously, resulting in more traffic and conversions driven by the influencer’s endorsement.

12. New Phone Cases Promo –  Product Badges Draw Attention

Each phone case card has a badge labeled BRAND NEW to spark curiosity:

 stays consistent with other product sections.

 makes the site feel current and engaging.

Highlighting a product as “New” has a strong psychological impact by invoking curiosity and the appeal of novelty. 

 demonstrate how powerful this can be: adding a “New” badge on product listings led to a 

for an online retailer. Shoppers are naturally attracted to new offerings; the label signals that the item is the latest or trending. Thus, Ridge.com’s “New Phone Cases” breakout promo likely grabs user attention more effectively, leading to higher click-through and purchase rates for those items due to the novelty effect.

13. Additional Features Section – Consistent Design Reinforces Brand Trust and Conversions

This remaining features recap reinforces the brand’s core benefits:

 repeats icons or short blurbs to maintain consistency.

 means the design is simple and accessible.

 makes visitors remember the product’s unique qualities.

Maintaining a consistent design and brand message across the site reinforces user trust, which in turn positively impacts conversions. 

 that companies with strong, consistent branding have seen 

 compared to those without cohesive branding​. The consistency in fonts, colors, imagery, and tone of messaging signals professionalism and reliability – users feel more confident that they are dealing with a credible, stable brand. By extending Ridge’s clean, unified design into the additional features section, the site not only looks polished but also instills trust, making visitors more comfortable completing purchases.

14. Footer – A Well-Structured Footer Supports SEO and Usability

How This Shopify Store Sold $50M

Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify can be one of the best decisions for long-term growth. Shopify offers greater flexibility, an expansive app ecosystem, and a modern user experience. But a poor migration can cost you valuable data, loyal customers, and hard-earned search engine rankings.

This step-by-step guide shows you how to make the switch smoothly, while safeguarding your business every step of the way.

Every successful migration starts with planning. Before touching a single setting, make sure you know what you’re moving and what must be replaced.

Automated tool (LitExtension, Cart2Cart, Matrixify)

Hiring a professional agency like Ventura Web Design & Marketing

List critical BigCommerce features you rely on (e.g., bulk pricing, custom fields).

Document all installed apps so you can identify Shopify equivalents.

Export product, customer, and order data.

Save SEO metadata (titles, descriptions, URLs).

Archive your BigCommerce theme and content for reference.

With preparation complete, it’s time to set up your new home on Shopify.

Create your Shopify account and choose a plan.

Select a theme (free or premium) that aligns with your brand.

Configure key settings such as currency, taxes, shipping, and payment gateways.

Use a migration tool (recommended) to move products, customers, and orders.

Or, import manually using CSVs through Shopify Admin.

Check that products display correctly with descriptions, variants, and images.

Reconcile pricing, inventory, and stock levels.

One of the biggest risks in migration is losing search traffic. Protecting SEO must be a top priority.

Map old BigCommerce URLs to new Shopify URLs. Example: 

Add redirects in Shopify Admin → Navigation → URL Redirects.

Why Everyone Is Choosing Shopify in 2026

How to Set Up Redirects on Shopify

How This Shopify Store Sold $50M

How to Migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify Without Losing Data or SEO