How to Customize Coming Soon Page Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why You Need a Coming Soon Page
3. Creating a Coming Soon Page on Shopify
4. Best Practices for an Effective Coming Soon Page
5. Examples of Effective Coming Soon Pages
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ Section

Introduction

Imagine gearing up for the grand opening of your Shopify store or launching a new product line, only to realize that your audience has no idea what's coming. A compelling "Coming Soon" page can be your best ally in generating buzz, capturing leads, and building anticipation among prospective customers. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just stepping into the world of ecommerce, knowing how to customize a Coming Soon page on Shopify can set the stage for a successful launch.

In this post, we'll explore what makes a Coming Soon page so vital, how you can create and customize one on Shopify, and tips to maximize its effectiveness. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive guide to craft a highly engaging and functional Coming Soon page that captures audience interest and drives engagement.

Why You Need a Coming Soon Page

Build Anticipation

A well-crafted Coming Soon page is more than just a placeholder. It's a teaser trailer that generates excitement for what's to come. By sharing sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes looks, or enticing descriptions, you can keep your audience intrigued and make sure they’re eagerly awaiting launch day.

Capture Leads

One of the most significant advantages of having a Coming Soon page is the ability to collect email addresses and build a pre-launch mailing list. This ensures you have a ready audience to market to as soon as you go live.

Gauge Interest and Feedback

A Coming Soon page allows you to test the waters. Use it to solicit feedback or measure interest in different aspects of your upcoming launch. This can provide invaluable insights and help you make necessary adjustments before the big day.

Maintain Professionalism

First impressions matter. A Coming Soon page can provide an air of professionalism and preparedness, ensuring that you’re making a positive impact from the start.

Creating a Coming Soon Page on Shopify

There are two common methods to create a Coming Soon page on Shopify: using Shopify’s built-in password protection feature or creating a dedicated landing page via theme customization and apps. We’ll explore both.

Method 1: Using Shopify’s Built-in Password Protection

Step 1: Enable Password Protection

1. Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Preferences.
3. Scroll down to the Password protection section and check Enable password.
4. Choose a password and write a message to visitors explaining what’s coming soon.
5. Click Save.

Step 2: Customize the Password Page

1. Go to Online Store > Themes.
2. In the Current theme section, click Customize.
3. From the top dropdown menu, choose Password page under the Other category.
4. Use the theme editor to customize the header, footer, and body content of your password page.
5. Add elements like email sign-up forms, social media icons, and custom messages to enhance engagement.

Method 2: Creating a Temporary Theme for Your Coming Soon Page

Step 1: Duplicate Your Theme

1. Go to Online Store > Themes.
2. In the Current theme section, click the Actions dropdown and select Duplicate.

Step 2: Publish the Duplicated Theme

1. In the Theme library, find your duplicated theme.
2. Click the Actions dropdown and select Publish.
3. Now, your duplicated theme is the active theme.

Step 3: Customize the Homepage as a Coming Soon Page

1. Click Customize next to your duplicated theme.
2. Use the theme editor to design a single-page layout that serves as your Coming Soon page.
3. Add sections such as an email sign-up form, countdown timer, product teases, and social sharing buttons.

Using Shopify Apps

Shopify has various apps that make creating a Coming Soon page easier and more customizable. Some popular apps include:

• Under Construction Coming Soon: A drag-and-drop builder with pre-made templates.
• Pre-launcher / Coming Soon: Allows for detailed customization of your Coming Soon page.
• GemPages: An all-around page builder that provides enhanced customization.

Best Practices for an Effective Coming Soon Page

Engaging Headline

Your headline should be a captivating one-liner that immediately grabs attention. It should succinctly convey what’s coming and why it’s exciting.

Clear Messaging

Keep your copy concise and focused. Explain what’s coming, when it’s coming, and why it’s worth waiting for.

Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Whether it’s encouraging visitors to sign up for your email list or follow you on social media, make sure your CTA is clear, prominent, and compelling. Use contrasting colors and bold fonts to make it stand out.

Visual Appeal

High-quality images or videos can significantly enhance your Coming Soon page. Use them to offer sneak peeks, product teasers, or behind-the-scenes looks.

Countdown Timer

A visual countdown creates a sense of urgency, reminding visitors that your launch is just around the corner. This can boost excitement and engagement.

Social Proof and Sharing Options

Encourage visitors to share your page with their networks by including social sharing buttons. Testimonials, pre-launch reviews, or mentions in the media can also add credibility and build trust.

Email Sign-Up Form

Make it easy for visitors to leave their contact information by integrating a user-friendly email sign-up form. Consider offering an incentive, like a discount code or exclusive early access, to encourage sign-ups.

Examples of Effective Coming Soon Pages

Depology: Collect Email Addresses

Depology uses a large countdown timer and urgency-driven language like "Be the first to try them." Their page includes an email opt-in form to notify customers when products are available.

Fashion Nova: Offer a Product Preview

Fashion Nova’s Coming Soon page allows visitors to explore upcoming collections with detailed images and pricing. This engages customers and keeps them on the site.

Purelei: Encourage Pre-orders with Benefits

Purelei offers preorders for their new products at an early bird price, incentivizing early engagement and building anticipation.

Conclusion

A Shopify Coming Soon page is an indispensable tool for creating buzz and capturing leads ahead of your launch. By following this guide, you can build and customize a page that not only informs but excites your audience. From using built-in Shopify features to leveraging external apps, you have several options to craft a page that aligns with your brand’s ethos and marketing goals.

FAQ Section

Q: Why do you need a Coming Soon page? A: It helps in generating excitement, capturing leads, gauging customer interest, and maintaining professionalism before your official launch.

Q: How long should a Coming Soon page be? A: It should be relatively short and focused, offering only the most relevant and compelling information, including what’s coming, when, and why it matters.

Q: What do you write on a Coming Soon page? A: Include a captivating headline, concise messaging, clear call-to-actions, visual elements like images or videos, a countdown timer, social proof, and an email sign-up form.

Implement these strategies, and you’ll set yourself up for a successful and buzz-worthy launch.