Looking for Feedback

Topic summary

Small-batch skincare brand on a lower Shopify plan seeks actionable design, marketing, and analytics feedback to grow online beyond in‑person sales.

  • Analytics pain points: limited 90‑day lookback, lost view of total inventory value, and no clear cause for a Sept 1 traffic spike. Struggles to act on metrics; considers a simple weekly insights summary. Recommended focus: sessions, conversion rate (percent of visitors who purchase), add‑to‑cart rate, returning customer %, AOV (average order value), top traffic source/product.

  • Site/content feedback: Improve product photography (less blur/AI‑like), standardize image sizes, and add a clear tagline under the hero (e.g., “Handcrafted skincare, small batches”). Create a dedicated About page, simplify policy pages, use a domain email, and implement verifiable reviews (Judge.me, Yotpo, Google). Set up Google Search Console, Merchant Center, and Business Profile.

  • Conversion/UX: Stop cart redirect; use a slide cart/drawer with a free‑shipping progress bar and complementary product suggestions. Add quick product benefits and need‑based collections (e.g., Dry Skin Solutions, Gifts Under $25). Minor CSS hover effect code was shared; a YouTube link was provided for photo tips.

  • Outcomes: Merchant will add an About page; remains unsure about review apps and email change. Discussion ongoing; no final resolution.

Summarized with AI on December 10. AI used: gpt-5.

Hi folks, I have the Shopify page just above starter tier so I’m a little limited.

I was hoping folks could take a look and tell me anything they notice that I could change with the lower tier setting that would improve it. I have repeat customers but I do in person events to attract folks. I want to segway into more online sales. For my brand I would love to hear what would match in terms of marketing as well! I make my own skincare products.

Also I find it hard to work with metrics. Anything folks could suggest to improve looking at what’s truly valuable? I mostly look at visitor rate and it’s been hard to see even if folks back out with something in the cart. When I first joined the metrics seemed easier and I could also see my total inventory worth. Can’t anymore even after asking the support group.

Sorry there’s a lot to unpack here. Opening up the table to criticism soI can grow.

2 Likes

What you think would match*

Hey! I totally get what you mean about the metrics being confusing. Shopify’s analytics look simple at first, but once you start trying to figure out what actually matters for growth it becomes overwhelming.

Since you’re doing skincare and shifting more online, the main numbers I’d personally focus on (especially on the lower plan) are things like:

Weekly basics that actually matter:

  • Total sessions

  • Conversion rate

  • Top traffic source

  • Top product by sales

  • Returning customer %

  • Average order value

Most of the other stuff is noise when you’re still growing online.

Here’s an example of how I break it down for myself every week:

Sample weekly snapshot I use:

  • “Traffic up 12% this week, mostly from Pinterest”

  • “Conversion rate slightly down (1.8% → 1.5%) — maybe checkout flow needs checking”

  • “Top product this week = X”

  • “Returning customers made up 28% of sales — good sign there”

  • “AOV up by $3 — product bundles probably helped”

Just having those few points makes it way easier to understand what’s working without digging through all the Shopify dashboards.

Quick question for you — would something like a simple weekly email summary like that (plain English, 5–6 insights, no dashboards) actually help you?
Not trying to pitch anything, just genuinely curious because a LOT of small stores say they struggle with exactly what you mentioned.

I can mock one up based on your store metrics so you can see if it’s useful.

1 Like

I would work on product images. Use less a.i.-like photography and ease up on the blur effect. It’s nauseating.

Looks like you’re missing an About Us page. The “Our Story” section is on the Contact Information page.

The announcement bar says “soaps” instead of something like “soap bars”, unless that’s how people in SLC speak.

Testimonials and reviews page doesn’t seem to be actual verified input from sources like judge.me or Yotpo.

You need a business email. Gmail just screams unprofessional.

I’d go through the policy pages and update. It looks like there’s a ton of unnecessary stuff in the privacy policy. Don’t over-complicate it.

@Raj0802

Hi,

It helps a little bit but I find even when I know the metric I cannot get it into practice. I’ve tried like crazy to work with the conversion rate but it seems subpar for results. What I can generate at best seems questionable. I even had my fiancee who is a getting his Masters as a data specialist to try to help me and he find the platform very non-intuitive and we are not sure if we came to real data or not. I hate I can only look back like 90 days. I had a huge spike of visitors on Sept 1st but now I cannot see why. Supposedly it states if I had something setup for recording it would have saved that. I think small businesses would buy your assistance to set these up for recording of metrics. You could follow up to see if they wanted a new snapshot and new metrics to better see their new situation/growth and what to focus on next.

Thanks so much for spending the time to answer me! I appreciate the experienced insight on valuable metrics.

@Maximus3

The policy is from Shopify. It suggests I put it in there when I first created the site… so wanted to cover my bases.

My favorite stores use gmail. That’s surprising to hear you feel that way about it.

I will for sure make an About Us page! Totally forgot to move mine from the starter bundle. Thanks!

I do not think anyone knows those review sites…I think they would turn me off personally. I’ve never heard of anyone using those to check products. Maybe I can get some BBB accreditation though or something folks locally look at.

Yeah I’m from the NE but there and here we just say soaps. Even if I list soap bars on my application for local events I’m listed as soaps lol. If I say soap bars I notice people also pause in absorbing but if I say soaps it flows. I sell a ton in person but it is important for sure to know that online is different for marketing.

@Traveler7

Anyone can put fake reviews. What stands out is if the reviews is clickable, and verifiable. Apps that have widgets and carousels, star ratings, apps that send out an email to the customer requesting a review. Apps that are linked to the Shop App sales channel that has the Shop check mark. You can even interegrate Google reviews into your store. No matter what you use, just make sure it’s authentic and verifiable.

Speaking of Google… Have you signed up for Google Search Console, Google Merchant Center, Business Profile, etc? If not I highly recommend it. Put your business on the map.

For email, it’s always recommended that you use the domain as your email host. Info@YourStore.com or Support@Website.com Your local sunday market vendors may use gmail and th t’s fine, but so do scammers. Be better. Be official. Invest.

And I want to emphasize the images. That’s the first thing people look at. https://youtu.be/eoKMUoiD5us?si=Wrtk5JCxdQokzovQ

Hey @Traveler7

You’ve got repeat customers from in-person events, which means your products work and people like them. That’s huge. Now let’s talk about what’s stopping your online sales from matching that success.

Your product pages have inconsistent sizing and layouts. That looks sloppy and unprofessional, even if your actual products are great. Standardize your product images and page structure so everything looks cohesive. People judge quality by presentation, especially with skincare where they’re putting it on their bodies.

You’re making your own skincare, soaps, serums, body butter, shampoo, all of it. That’s not just products, that’s craft and care and intention. But your store isn’t communicating that emotional connection. Show the handmade aspect, talk about your ingredients and process, explain what makes your stuff different from mass-produced skincare. People buying handmade want that story. Give it to them.

Your cart is redirecting people to a separate page when they add something. That’s killing conversions. They were browsing your soaps and serums, getting interested, they add an item, and suddenly they’re somewhere else. Most people abandon right there because you’ve disrupted the flow.

Switch to a slider cart that opens on the same page. Skincare customers typically need multiple products anyway, a soap and a body butter, a serum and a shampoo. Keep them engaged and make adding more items feel natural instead of jarring.

Add a progress bar in that cart showing how close they are to free shipping or a discount. When someone sees they’re fifteen dollars away, they’ll grab another bar of soap or a small serum to hit it. Without that visual indicator, they don’t even know the opportunity exists.

Show complementary products right in the cart. Someone adds soap, show them your body butter. Someone grabs shampoo, suggest a serum or another hair product. These are natural pairings that help them build a complete skincare routine.

Don’t install separate apps for cart features. You’re already on a limited plan budget-wise. Something like iCart does it all in one place, keeps costs reasonable while giving you the functionality you need.

On the metrics side, abandoned cart tracking usually requires a higher tier plan or specific apps. If you can’t see who’s abandoning with items in cart, focus on the metrics you can access. Visitor rate, conversion rate, average order value, top-selling products. Those tell you enough to make smart decisions. Track which products people buy together at your in-person events and replicate those pairings online with your cart recommendations.

Hi @Traveler7 ,
Your store already has a warm, inviting vibe - great start. Here are a few easy improvements you can make even on the lower Shopify tier:

1. Homepage
Add a simple line under your hero image like: “Handcrafted skincare made in small batches.”
It immediately tells new visitors what you offer.

2. Product Cards
A small hover effect makes the site feel more premium. Add this in base.css:

.card-wrapper:hover, .product-card:hover {
  background:#f5f5f5;
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  transition: .25s ease;
}

3. Product Pages
Add quick benefits (e.g., “for dry skin,” “handmade,” “gentle ingredients”).
These help conversions a lot.

4. Collections
Consider adding shopper-focused groups like “Dry Skin Solutions” or “Gifts Under $25.”

5. Email Signup
Give a reason to subscribe, e.g.: “Get skincare tips + exclusive offers.”

6. Metrics to Focus On
Just track:

  • Sessions
  • Add-to-cart rate
  • Conversion rate
    These tell you 90% of the story.

Your branding and photos already match your niche well — you just need clearer messaging and small UX touches to help visitors understand your products faster.