Enhancing Your Shopify Experience: Themes, Upgrades, and Ecosystem Optimization
Kurt Elster and the State of Shopify
Kurt Elster launched his ecommerce agency, Ethercycle, in 2009, and his first Shopify store in 2011. Known for his “Unofficial Shopify Podcast,” which started in 2014, Elster has become a prominent voice in the Shopify community of merchants, developers, and vendors.
In a recent conversation, Kurt Elster shared insights on the current state of Shopify, discussing themes, upgrades, user engagement, and the overall ecosystem.
Interview Highlights
Eric Bandholz: Tell our listeners who you are and what you do.
Kurt Elster: I run Ethercycle, specializing in Shopify migrations and custom themes. I also host “The Unofficial Shopify Podcast” with over 600 episodes.
Bandholz: What’s keeping Shopify ahead of the curve?
Elster: Shopify focuses on quality-of-life improvements and directly engages with users for feedback, leading to continuous enhancements for a user-friendly platform.
Bandholz: What are some recent updates?
Elster: Recent updates include Shopify’s native bundles app, increased variant limits, faster themes, and improved app integration.
Bandholz: Do you prefer established themes or developing your own?
Elster: Trusted themes from the Shopify theme store are preferred for reliability, customization, and future-proofing.
Bandholz: What are your recommendations for ADA compliance?
Elster: Accessibility is crucial, but achieving perfect compliance can be challenging. Operators should be aware of the risks and strive to improve accessibility wherever possible.
Bandholz: Can you think of an innovative Shopify seller that others could look to for inspiration?
Elster: Montana Knife Company stands out for their storytelling and successful product launches creating excitement and building a strong brand identity.
Follow Kurt Elster
Website: Ethercycle.com
Podcast: The Unofficial Shopify Podcast
Twitter: @Kurtinc
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long has Kurt Elster been involved with Shopify?
Kurt Elster launched his first Shopify store in 2011 and has been actively involved in the Shopify community since then.
2. What are some recent updates to the Shopify platform?
Recent updates include improvements in themes, increased variant limits, and smoother app integration for a better user experience.
3. Why is ADA compliance important for ecommerce websites?
ADA compliance ensures that websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and usability.
4. Can you recommend a trusted source for Shopify themes?
Shopify’s official theme store offers a selection of well-coded and reliable themes that are recommended for customization and future-proofing.
5. How can small businesses improve user engagement on Shopify?
Small businesses can enhance user engagement by storytelling, launching limited-edition products, and creating a strong brand identity like Montana Knife Company.
