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Launching an online store is a cracking move for Australian small businesses looking to grow, and Shopify is one of the best platforms to make it happen. But a common question we hear is: How much does it cost to build a Shopify website for your small business? From platform fees to custom designs, the costs can vary depending on your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the key expenses involved in building a Shopify site in Australia, so you can budget smart and get your online business off the ground.
The foundation of your Shopify website is the subscription plan you choose. Shopify offers several plans, each with different features tailored to small businesses. Here’s a quick look at the main options (prices in AUD, approximate as of 2025):
Basic Shopify ($59/month): Ideal for new businesses, includes essential features like unlimited products, 24/7 support, and basic analytics.
Shopify ($149/month): Great for growing businesses, with added features like gift cards and professional reports.
Advanced Shopify ($549/month): Best for scaling businesses needing advanced analytics and lower transaction fees.
What to Consider: Most Aussie small businesses start with the Basic or Shopify plan. Factor in annual billing discounts (up to 25% off) to save a few bucks.
Pro Tip: A Shopify expert can help you pick the right plan to avoid paying for features you don’t need.
Your domain name (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com.au) is your online address. Expect to pay around $20–$50 per year for a .com.au or .au domain through providers like GoDaddy or Crazy Domains. Shopify also lets you buy domains directly, often at similar prices.
How to Save: Look for first-year discounts from domain registrars, but check renewal rates to avoid surprises.
Why It Matters: A local .com.au domain boosts trust with Aussie customers and helps with local SEO.
Your Shopify site’s look and feel depend on the theme you choose. Shopify offers free themes that are mobile-friendly and great for simple stores. Paid themes, available on the Shopify Theme Store or platforms like ThemeForest, typically cost $180–$450 (one-time fee).
When to Go Premium: Paid themes offer more customisation and unique designs, perfect for standing out in competitive markets like fashion or homewares.
Local Tip: Choose a theme optimised for Aussie shoppers, with features like local currency display and fast load times for regional customers.
For a tailored Shopify site that reflects your brand, you might need custom design or development. This can include:
Custom theme design: $2,000–$10,000+, depending on complexity.
App integrations (e.g., reviews, email marketing): $0–$50/month per app.
Advanced features (e.g., custom checkouts or product filters): $500–$5,000+.
Hiring a Shopify website development expert in Australia ensures your site is user-friendly, SEO-optimised, and built to convert. While DIY is an option, professional help saves time and avoids costly mistakes.
Budget Tip: Start with a premium theme and minimal customisations, then scale up as your business grows.
Once your Shopify site is live, you’ll have ongoing costs to keep it running smoothly and driving sales:
Apps and plugins: $0–$100/month for tools like Klaviyo (email marketing) or Loox (reviews).
SEO and content: $500–$2,000/month for professional SEO services or blog content to boost Google rankings.
Marketing (e.g., Google Ads, social media): $200–$2,000+/month, depending on your strategy.
Maintenance: $100–$500/month for updates, backups, and security.
Why It’s Worth It: Investing in SEO and marketing helps your store rank higher for searches like “buy [your product] Australia,” driving organic traffic.
Here’s a rough estimate for building a Shopify website for a small business in Australia:
Low Budget: $1,000–$3,000 upfront (Basic plan, free theme, minimal customisations) + $80–$150/month ongoing.
Mid-Range: $3,000–$7,000 upfront (Shopify plan, premium theme, some custom design) + $200–$500/month ongoing.
Premium: $10,000+ upfront (custom design, advanced features) + $500–$2,000/month ongoing.
Key Insight: Your costs depend on your goals, industry, and whether you DIY or hire professionals. Partnering with a Shopify development team can maximise your ROI by delivering a high-converting site.
Start small: Use a free or affordable premium theme and add customisations later.
Leverage free tools: Shopify’s built-in SEO and analytics tools are great for beginners.
Focus on essentials: Prioritise mobile optimisation and fast load times, as Aussie shoppers expect a seamless experience.
Hire experts strategically: A professional Shopify developer can save you time and money by avoiding common pitfalls.
Building a Shopify website is an investment in your small business’s future, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By understanding the costs and planning wisely, you can create a store that attracts Aussie customers, ranks well on Google, and drives sales.
Our team specialises in affordable Shopify development for small businesses in Australia, offering custom designs, SEO optimisation, and ongoing support to help you succeed. Get in touch today for a free quote and start building a Shopify store that takes your business to the next level!
