Portfolio Or Service Site On Shopify???

Catalogue, Portfolio, Service Site, or E-Commerce? Let’s Clear This Up

Ever been confused about the difference between a catalogue site, a portfolio site, a service-based site, and a full-blown e-commerce store? You’re not alone. It’s one of those things people assume is obvious—until they actually need web development to build one. So, let’s break it down.

The Key Differences

• Catalogue Site: Think of this as a digital shop window. It showcases products, but there’s no checkout. Great if you’re just showing off what you sell but not so great if customers actually want to, you know… buy them.
• Portfolio Site: Primarily used by creatives and service providers, these sites highlight past work rather than selling directly. Ideal for photographers, designers, or agencies looking to impress clients.
• Service-Based Site: If you offer a service (consulting, coaching, repairs, etc.), this type of site gives customers the info they need and a way to contact you. Sometimes it includes booking or inquiry forms.
• E-Commerce Site: The full package—showcasing, selling, and handling transactions all in one. If you want people to click ‘Buy Now’ instead of ‘Call for Pricing,’ this is what you need.

The Big Secret They Don’t Want You to Know…

Here’s where it gets fun. Most people assume that Shopify is only for e-commerce. But guess what? Catalogue sites, portfolios, and service-based sites can all be built on Shopify—and often, it’s a better choice than traditional web builders. Why?

• Cost Efficiency – No need for expensive custom builds or bloated CMS systems.
• Ease of Use – You don’t need to be a developer to manage your site.
• Low Maintenance – Shopify takes care of hosting, security, and updates.
• Speed & Performance – Shopify sites are lightning-fast and mobile-friendly by default.
• Growth Potential – Need to add e-commerce later? No problem. You’re already on the best platform for it.

But What About SEO?

Ah yes, the old "Shopify isn’t good for SEO" myth. Let’s put that to rest. Shopify comes with all the SEO essentials: fast-loading pages, mobile optimisation, automatic sitemaps, and easy meta customisation. Sure, you need to be smart about structuring content and using the right keywords (just like any platform), but the idea that Shopify is somehow bad for SEO is outdated nonsense. The reality? With the right approach, Shopify sites rank just as well, if not better than any other platform.

Don’t Believe Us?

We like to put our money where our mouth is. The service-based site you’re reading this on right now? Yep, built on Shopify. Turns out, it’s not just for online stores—it’s for smart businesses that want a stress-free website that actually works.

Thinking of a new site? Whether it’s a service, portfolio, catalogue, or e-commerce build, let’s chat. We’ll make sure it’s done right—the first time.