Shopify Online Store 2.0: What It Is and Why You Should Upgrade Now

Shopify 2.0 stands for Shopify Online Store 2.0. It is also often abbreviated as OS 2.0. To put it simply, Online Store 2.0 is a major update of the Shopify platform that includes new theme architecture and more customization options.

E-commerce merchants can stick to Shopify 1.0 if they want, but many choose to migrate to Shopify 2.0. Let's consider the main differences between OS 1.0 and 2.0 before deciding whether to upgrade.

Shopify 2.0 offers a much sleeker user experience than Shopify 1.0. The default OS 2.0 theme, Dawn, follows the latest trends to create a satisfying UX. It is also optimized for mobile and includes such features as announcement bars and enhanced product pages that convert visitors into buyers faster.

Another major difference between Shopify 1.0 and 2.0 is faster loading speed. The Dawn is claimed to be 35% faster than the OS default theme, Debut.

Improved loading speed positively affects SEO ranking and user experience, resulting in higher conversion rates.

OS 2.0 is more customizable than OS 1.0. The updated theme editor allows building the layout of your e-store pages using content blocks (header, text, image, etc). This gives more flexibility and better control of every page of your store, as Shopify 1.0 allows you to customize the home page only fully.

Online Store 2.0 has more seamless integration with Shopify apps. Now you can add apps using the theme editor, without editing the theme code. Also, you can choose to which pages you add certain apps and where exactly on the page you want these apps.

In Shopify 2.0 you can manage metafields easier. Just in case you have not heard of this feature before, metafield is a custom field that allows you to add specialized information that cannot be added via standard means of the Shopify admin panel. It could be part numbers, files to download, launch dates, lists of ingredients, and many more.

In Shopify 1.0, merchants had to add metafields with the help of custom code, apps, or APIs. Shopify 2.0 empowers users to add metafields via the theme editor. What is more, you can choose between importing data or inputting it manually.

The benefits listed above may convince one that every e-store on Shopify should switch to OS 2.0. Indeed, Shopify 2.0 includes several major updates, offering new capabilities for e-commerce merchants and enhanced user experience for customers.

But before rushing to update your store, think about your customers first. What are their needs and preferences? Are they going to like the update or not?

For instance, if the majority of your customers are elderly, they might not appreciate a significant change in the look and feel of your store, as they tend to stick to something they are used to and often dislike the very modern design.

On the contrary, if your customers are younger people, they will admire the new, trendy look of your store.

So, the answer to the question "Will I benefit from upgrading to Shopify 2.0" is most likely "Yes", but first, think if your customers are going to like it or not.

If you decide to upgrade, there are three ways to do it. Pick one that fits you best:

1. You can download the Online Store 2.0 theme directly from the Shopify Theme Store.
   
   
2. Check if your current theme is updated to OS 2.0 and if it is, download the updated version. Just go to the Theme Store and find your theme there.
   
   
3. And the last way is manual migration. If you want to keep your current theme templates and enjoy the new architecture, here is how to do it.
   

The Smart Search Bar & Filters app by Searchanise is fully compatible with Shopify Online Store 2.0! Just in case you haven't met Searchanise before, we are a professional search & filter app that improves user experience and navigation in e-stores.

The only thing you need to do when switching from OS 1.0 to 2.0 is to reinstall filters on collections powered by Searchanise. Here is a detailed guide on how to set them up. All other app features will work automatically in your new theme.

If you are a new user, you don't have to make any extra steps at all, as our app works on all the themes automatically.

Hope the article helped to answer your questions about upgrading to Shopify 2.0. Enjoy the new opportunities and features it provides!