AutomationHow to Pause your Shopify Store
Last updated: October 17 2024
Need a break from your Shopify store without losing all your hard work? Pausing your store might be the perfect solution, allowing you to take a step back while keeping your data intact.
In this blog, you can learn how to temporarily put your store on hold and discover the benefits of Shopify’s “Pause and Build” plan. Read on to make informed decisions about your store’s future and ensure a smooth return when you’re ready!
How to Pause your Shopify Store
Step 1: Navigate to the Settings area
- Access your Shopify store’s admin dashboard using your credentials.
- Click on “Settings” in the bottom-left corner of the admin panel.
- In the Settings menu, click on “Plan”.
Step 2: Choose Pause and Build Plan
- Click ‘Deactivate store’ first
- Then, select Pause and build (at the Deactivate store pop-up).
Step 3: Review and Confirm
- Carefully read the details about the Pause and Build plan, including the reduced features and monthly fee.
- If you agree, click Switch to Pause and Build.
Note: You can reactivate your store after using the Shopify Pause And Build Plan, so make sure you understand the plan clearly before taking any action.
Common issues and how to deal with them
As you are trying to pause your Shopify store, there may be some obstacles or errors that you are likely to encounter
Store Still Active After Pausing:
- Check Payment: Ensure your most recent Shopify bill is fully paid. Unpaid bills can prevent pausing.
- Third-Party Apps: Some apps may interfere with the pause process. Temporarily disable them and try again.
- Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache and data, then retry pausing.
- Contact Support: If the problem persists, reach out to Shopify Support for assistance.
Unexpected Charges After Pausing:
- App Subscriptions: The “Pause and Build” plan still incurs charges for third-party apps. Uninstall unnecessary apps before pausing to minimize costs.
- Billing Cycle Timing: If you paused mid-billing cycle, you might see a prorated charge for the remaining days of that cycle.
Difficulty Reactivating Store:
- Payment Method: Ensure your payment method on file is valid and has sufficient funds.
- Plan Selection: You might be prompted to choose a new plan upon reactivating, as legacy plans may not be available.
Loss of Customer Trust:
- Lack of Communication: Abruptly pausing without informing customers can lead to confusion and lost sales. I once paused my store for a revamp without a clear notice, and returning customers were understandably annoyed. Always communicate any planned pauses beforehand.
SEO Impact:
- Extended Pauses: While short pauses have minimal impact, prolonged inactivity can hurt your search engine rankings. I noticed a slight dip in traffic after a 3-month pause, so I now prioritize shorter breaks or use a password page with a clear message during downtime.
Remember, Shopify offers flexibility in pausing your store, but it’s important to use this feature strategically and consider the potential consequences. Careful planning and communication are key to minimizing disruptions and ensuring a successful return when you’re ready to reopen!
FAQs
If I pause my Shopify store, can I still access my admin dashboard and make changes?
Yes, pausing your store only affects the storefront visibility for customers. You’ll still have full access to your admin to edit products, manage orders, and make other changes.
Will my customers be notified when I pause my Shopify store?
Shopify doesn’t send automatic notifications when you pause your store. It’s recommended to proactively communicate the pause to your customers through email, social media, or a banner on your website.
Can I still receive orders through my Shopify POS system while my online store is paused?
Yes, pausing your online store doesn’t affect your Shopify POS system. You can continue to process in-person sales and manage your inventory even while the online storefront is unavailable.
Will pausing my Shopify store impact my SEO rankings?
While a temporary pause shouldn’t significantly impact your SEO, extended periods of inactivity might affect your search visibility. It’s advisable to set up a password page with a clear message about your store’s temporary closure to avoid confusing visitors and search engines.
What happens to my app subscriptions and recurring charges when I pause my Shopify store?
Shopify’s “Pause and Build” plan includes a reduced monthly fee, but you’ll still be charged for any third-party app subscriptions. Review your app subscriptions and consider canceling those that are not essential during the paused period to avoid unnecessary costs.
In conclusion
This guide has shown you how to temporarily pause your Shopify store using the “Pause and Build” plan, allowing you to take a break while keeping your data and settings intact. Have you ever paused your Shopify store, or are you considering it? Share your reasons and experiences in the comments below!
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