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Startup Shopify Theme Review: Made For D2C Stores!

August 21, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

Are you seeking a sleek, modern design, intuitive navigation, and powerful marketing tools working in harmony to drive sales and propel your business to new heights?

That’s exactly the potential of Shopify’s Startup theme! In this comprehensive review, I’ll uncover how this theme can be your secret weapon for D2C success.

Let’s jump right in!

Avada’s Verdict
Pros:
  • Stunning design with affordable prices
  • Customizable testimonials sections
  • Quick setup
  • Mobile-responsiveness
  • Simple navigation
  • Unlimited free trial
Cons:
  • Limited complexity for larger stores
  • Possible compatibility issues with third-party apps
Rating: 4.2/5⭐
Best For
D2C startups (fashion, beauty, home decor stores, or travel agencies) with small to medium inventory who want to showcase their premium products

Startup Shopify Theme Overview

startup shopify theme

Startup is a premium Shopify theme that so many merchants were drawn to for its polished look and features specifically designed for direct-to-consumer businesses. The testimonials section is great for building customer trust, and I love how easily to rearrange the homepage sections.

The navigation is straightforward, and the theme looks great on any device, which is important for reaching customers wherever they are. It can really help you create an appealing online store and connect with your audience.

5 Outstanding Features That Shopify Startup Theme Offers

Product Reviews

I’ve used the Shopify Startup theme, and I love how it handles testimonials. You can easily add customer quotes and photos using customizable sections and even create testimonial carousels or show star ratings. There’s also an option to integrate with social media platforms for even more social proof.

What’s really cool is that customers can leave reviews right on the product page, which helps build trust and shows potential buyers that others love your products.

Shopify startup theme Product Reviews

How this feature can be helpful for Shopify merchants:

  • Builds Trust and Credibility: Testimonials act as social proof, validating your products or services and encouraging new customers to make a purchase.
  • Improves Brand Reputation: Sharing positive customer stories highlights your commitment to customer satisfaction and reinforces your brand’s image.

Promotion Header Banners

I’ve found the Promotion Header Banner in the Shopify Startup theme to be a real attention-grabber. It sits right at the top of your store, making it the first thing visitors see. You can easily customize it to highlight special offers, new arrivals, or any other important message you want to convey.

Plus, the big call-to-action button makes it easy for customers to take the next step, whether it’s browsing a specific collection or making a purchase.

startup shopify theme

How this feature can be helpful for Shopify merchants:

  • Boost Conversions: By highlighting special offers and discounts right at the top of your store, you can grab visitors’ attention and entice them to take action.

I’ve seen the Recommended Products feature in action on the Shopify Startup theme, and it’s pretty neat. It suggests related products to customers based on what they’ve been looking at or buying right there on each product page. It’s a great way to encourage them to explore more of your store and potentially add more items to their cart.

Recommended Products feature in action on the Shopify Startup theme

How this feature can be helpful for Shopify merchants:

  • Enhance Product Discovery: Customers might not be aware of all the products you offer. The Recommended Products feature helps them discover items they might not have found otherwise, expanding their awareness of your catalog.
  • Improve User Experience: By providing personalized product suggestions, you create a more tailored and relevant shopping experience for your customers.
  • Boost Sales and Conversions: When customers see products that complement their current interests, they’re more likely to make additional purchases, leading to increased sales and revenue.

I really like how the Shopify Startup theme showcases featured products on the homepage. It’s visually striking and provides all the essential info at a glance. You can even add multiple images or a video to create a mini collection and really grab attention.

The product details are clearly displayed, including things like the title, price, and a short description. There’s also space for additional details like usage instructions, materials, and sizing.

The “Add to Cart” and “Learn More” buttons are strategically placed, making it easy for customers to take action. It’s a great way to highlight your best products and encourage sales.

Shopify startup theme Featured Products With Full Details

How this feature can be helpful for Shopify merchants:

  • Improve Navigation: Featured products act as a shortcut for customers to discover key items, reducing the need for extensive browsing.
  • Increase Conversions: By prominently displaying attractive products with clear calls to action, you can encourage impulse purchases and boost conversions.

Blog

The Shopify Startup theme has a built-in blog feature that I find really useful. It lets you create and manage blog posts right within your Shopify store, and the layout is clean and modern, matching the rest of the site’s design.

You can also easily share your blog posts on social media to reach a wider audience and boost engagement. It’s a great way to connect with customers and share valuable content related to your brand.

How this feature can be helpful for Shopify merchants:

  • Content Marketing: Create informative and engaging blog posts related to your products or industry to attract organic traffic and build brand awareness.
  • SEO Optimization: Optimize your blog posts for relevant keywords to improve your store’s visibility in search engine results.
  • Establish Authority: Share your expertise and insights through blog content, positioning yourself as a thought leader in your niche.

How Much Does the Shopify Startup Theme Cost?

If the Shopify Startup Theme catches your eye, it’s a one-time purchase of $240 for a license. The good news is, you can try it out completely free with an unlimited trial and customize the design with your own branding and products to see if it meets your expectations before making a financial commitment.

What Do Users Say About The Shopify Startup Theme?

What Do Users Say About The Shopify Startup Theme

The theme has 84% positive feedback from Shopify users. Users love its beautiful design and how easy it is to use and customize. The support team is also top-notch, always ready to help. However, some users have run into trouble with more advanced features, inventory updates, and compatibility issues.

Overall, it’s a great theme, especially if you’re looking for something visually appealing and user-friendly, but be aware of potential limitations if you need more advanced functionality.

4 Presets of Shopify Startup Theme

The Shopify Startup theme offers four different presets. Each preset comes with its own unique design and color scheme, allowing you to choose one that best aligns with your brand’s aesthetics and vision.

Tech

startup shopify theme

The Tech preset of the Shopify Startup Theme features a visually striking combination of dark colors, highlighted by bright, high-contrast details. This color scheme emits a cool and fashionable feel that is sure to impress your customers and leave a memorable impact.

The attention-grabbing design of this theme is perfect for businesses looking to make a bold statement and stand out from the competition, like equipment or tools stores.

Home

startup shopify theme

Regarding the Shopify Startup Theme, the Home preset is an excellent option for those seeking a more relaxed and welcoming vibe than the Tech theme. 

It features eye-catching, uppercase fonts and a color scheme that combines white and blue-black hues. It’s particularly fitting for businesses with smaller product catalogs, like home decor and furniture, that want to draw attention to their offerings.

Cloth

startup shopify theme

The Startup Theme offers another excellent preset option called Cloth, which is particularly suited for businesses involved in clothing and apparel. This preset boasts a refined and elegant design, which makes it an excellent choice for those who seek a gentle and sophisticated look for their website. 

With its visual aesthetics, Cloth is sure to attract potential customers, making it an ideal choice for any fashion-oriented business.

Travel

startup shopify theme

The Travel preset stands out with its contemporary and lively aesthetic. This particular version features a sleek and minimalist design that effortlessly compels customers to take action. 

This preset is particularly well-suited for companies operating in the experiential sector, such as travel agencies. Its modern look and feel make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to project a dynamic image that resonates with their target audience.

Who Is Shopify Startup Theme For?

  • The Shopify Startup Theme is ideal for
  • Shopify businesses that sell high-end products and aim to establish a solid online presence. 
  • D2C startups who are looking to showcase their premium products in a visually appealing and professional manner. 
  • Fashion, beauty, home decor stores, or travel agencies.

Where To Purchase The Startup Shopify Theme?

The Shopify Theme Store is the ideal destination for purchasing themes for your Shopify store. You can access the store directly from your Shopify admin dashboard or visit the Shopify website to browse the available options. 

Or you can find the Startup theme on the developer’s website, Pixel Union. By clicking “Try theme,” you’ll be effortlessly redirected to the theme’s page in the Shopify Theme Store, where you can easily purchase and install it for your online store.

Startup Shopify Theme: Customer Support

The Startup Shopify Theme developer offers several customer support options to ensure users get the help they need. They provide extensive documentation and FAQ pages, perfect for quickly finding answers to common questions.

For more specific issues, users can submit support tickets through a form. The team strives to respond promptly and efficiently. However, live chat support isn’t currently available.

While the support team is knowledgeable about the theme itself and can assist with customization and technical problems, their expertise might not extend to general Shopify questions or third-party app integration.

3 Successful Stores Using Shopify StartUp Theme

Notsu

startup shopify theme

Notsu, a brand specializing in desk tools, is a prime example of how effectively the Shopify Startup Theme can be used. Their website showcases a clean and organized catalog, creating a professional and inviting feel.

Notsu strategically uses contrasting blue and orange tones to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression on their visitors. This demonstrates the theme’s flexibility in accommodating unique branding choices and creating a visually striking online presence.

Checkpup

startup shopify theme

Checkpup, a company providing pet health test kits, leverages the Shopify Startup Theme to create a website that exudes trust and tranquility. The harmonious blue-and-white color scheme evokes a sense of calm, perfect for a brand catering to pet owners concerned about their furry companions’ health.

OGTOG

startup shopify theme

OGTOG also uses the Shopify Startup Theme to create a visually appealing online presence. Their homepage embraces a simple yet effective design, utilizing a neutral beige background with vibrant green accents to add a touch of energy. This color combination captures attention and generates a sense of excitement, leaving a positive impression on visitors.

The overall design of OGTOG’s website feels well-crafted and thoughtfully executed, reflecting the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to a positive user experience.

Other Shopify Themes By The Developer

Empire

startup shopify theme

The Shopify Empire theme has a one-time payment of 340 USD. The theme offers four professional designs for high-volume stores. It prioritizes visually captivating product showcases and an organized layout to establish customer trust. Besides, fade-in effects add creativity to the homepage section.

Tailor

startup shopify theme

The Shopify Tailor Theme is a premium choice for fashion brands that wish to convey a unique story. This theme is priced at $320 and guarantees a professional website with an elegant and sophisticated feel. The Tailor Theme boasts an array of features that cater to the needs of fashion brands, including customizable fonts, colors, and layouts. 

Grid

startup shopify theme

The Shopify Grid Theme is a highly sought-after masonry-style theme perfect for contemporary brands. This theme is an excellent choice for businesses looking to create a modern and seemingly excellent-appealing online store that stands out from the rest. Its sophisticated look is sure to captivate visitors and leave a lasting impression. With only $260, you can easily own it.

Ending Words

The Shopify Startup Theme helps D2C startups create stunning, user-friendly online stores. It’s customizable, mobile-friendly, and has great support. It’s the foundation for a thriving e-commerce business.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.