
Blog

Switching to an e-commerce platform is rarely just a technical exercise – it’s an opportunity to build a competitive advantage. HI Engine brings a data-driven approach where competitor analysis, intelligent data structure design, and measurable results form the foundation for e-commerce growth. In this blog, we’ll explore how strategic data architecture can turn migration from a cost into a competitive advantage.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Ecommerce: A Strategic Analysis
For organizations ready to reimagine their Ecommerce operations within an AI-transformed landscape, the strategic imperative is clear: embrace AI-native infrastructure as the foundation for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the modern marketplace.

The Art of Collection Pages: Insights from Brancoy & Depict
At Brancoy, we believe collection pages are a key element in e-commerce success. In collaboration with Depict, we’re sharing our insights on how to design seamless, conversion-optimized collection pages that reflect a brand's identity and enhance the shopping experience. Together, we explore why these pages are crucial for driving sales and how to make them work harder for your brand.

Shopify Advanced vs. Shopify Plus: Which plan is best suited for the growth of your online store?
As your online store grows, choosing the right Shopify plan is critical. In this blog, we compare the key differences between Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus and help you decide which one best supports the next growth phase of your business.

How to Migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify? - A Comprehensive Guide to Moving Your Online Store
Are you considering migrating your online store from WooCommerce to Shopify? This guide will help you navigate the entire process, from preparation to a successful store launch.

How do different currencies work on Shopify?
Shopify offers online merchants a powerful multi-currency system that makes it easy and reliable to sell internationally. The system is based on one main currency and several display currencies that customers can view based on their location. When prices are displayed in a currency that is familiar to the customer, the shopping experience improves – and the transaction goes smoothly. In this blog, we will go over how to enable multi-currency, how exchange rates are updated, and what tax and reporting issues are important to consider when selling internationally.

What payment methods should you offer in an online store?
Payment methods in an online store can make or break a sale. Customers often abandon their shopping carts if their preferred payment method isn’t available. In this blog, we’ll explore why a variety of payment options is vital for conversions and how you can choose the right payment methods for different customer groups and markets – especially for your Shopify online store.

What is Shopify Checkout?
Shopify Checkout is a powerful tool for online merchants that makes shopping smooth, fast, and secure. It unifies the entire checkout process into one seamless experience – from shopping cart to checkout to order confirmation. In this blog, we’ll explore how Shopify Checkout improves the customer experience, supports multiple payment methods, and helps maximize conversions.

How does Shopify integrate with Google Analytics?
Combining Shopify and Google Analytics provides online retailers with a powerful tool for data-driven decision-making. By understanding how your customers navigate your online store and what factors influence their purchasing decisions, you can optimize your store's performance and increase sales. In this blog, we'll walk you through how to implement analytics in Shopify, what metrics to track, and how to use data to improve your results.

What is the customer journey in an online store?
The customer journey in an online store describes the customer's journey from the first contact to the time after the purchase. Understanding it helps identify areas for improvement and improve the shopping experience. By optimizing the customer journey, an online retailer can increase conversion, strengthen customer loyalty and grow their business.

What are the risks involved in starting an online store?
E-commerce offers an attractive growth platform for entrepreneurs, but behind the success lies a number of risks that can surprise the unprepared. Financial challenges, technical problems, information security threats and legislative requirements are all factors that need to be taken into account already in the business planning phase. In this blog, we look at the most common risks of e-commerce and provide practical tips for managing them – so that you can build a sustainable and profitable online business.

Can I move my online store to another platform?
Switching your e-commerce platform is no small decision, but when done at the right time, it can bring significant benefits to a growing business. A new platform can improve the customer experience, streamline internal processes, and enable expansion into new markets. In this blog, we’ll go over when it’s time to switch platforms, what to consider during the migration process, and how to get the most out of your transition – without unnecessary risks.

How to start your own online store?
Starting an online store is easier than ever, but the key to success lies in careful preparation. Before you start technical solutions, it’s important to think about your business plan, target audience, and competitive advantage – and make sure that all legal and practical requirements are in place. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most important steps in starting an online store, from idea to launch, and give you tips on how to build a strong foundation for a successful store.

Is it possible to start an online store without technical knowledge?
Technological advances and no-code platforms have made it possible for anyone to start an online store – even without a technical background. Digital commerce is growing rapidly, and online visibility is almost a necessity for small businesses. In this blog, we’ll explain what tools and platforms you can use, which features are most important to you, and when expert help can boost your online success.

What is an FAQ page and why is it worth having one?
An FAQ page is much more than just a list of questions and answers – it’s the cornerstone of online store customer service. It saves time, improves customer experience, and builds trust by providing customers with answers right when they need them. In this blog, we’ll go over why an FAQ page is a critical part of an online store, how it impacts sales, and how to create a great FAQ page for your Shopify store.

What is a meta description?
Meta descriptions are a small but powerful part of e-commerce SEO. They act as an advertisement in search results, enticing potential customers to click on your page – not your competitor’s. In this blog, we’ll go over why meta descriptions are so important, how to write an effective description for your Shopify online store, and how to measure its impact on sales.

Why ecommerce migration is so hard (and how data architecture changes everything)
Switching your ecommerce platform can be essential for growth – but it often feels chaotic, time-consuming and expensive. Why does this happen, and how can you avoid it? In this blog, we’ll dive into why most migrations fail – and how HI Engine changes the whole logic of the game. It’s not just about moving data to a new platform, but about a smart architecture that supports conversion, search engine visibility and growth from the start.

What are customer reviews and how are they used?
Well-collected and cleverly utilized feedback can increase conversions, improve search engine visibility, and build a brand more effectively than any campaign. But how should you collect reviews, where should you display them, and what to do about negative comments? In our latest blog, we go over practical tips for collecting, utilizing, and managing customer reviews – in a way that increases sales.

How long does it take to set up an online store?
Starting an online store is not a one-day project, but it can be a faster process than many people think. Typically, building an online store takes 2–8 weeks, depending on things like the size of the store, product range, and platform chosen. Especially for new entrepreneurs, ready-made platforms like Shopify offer a quick and cost-effective way to start selling.

Can I sell services in an online store?
Selling services online offers entrepreneurs an effective way to grow their business, reach a wider customer base, and free up time for doing things themselves. Online shopping is no longer just a playground for products – services can also be productized, priced, and easily sold digitally. In this blog, we will go over what services you can sell in an online store, how to build a functioning service store, and what legal considerations you need to take into account.

What is a meta description?
The meta description may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on how many users end up on your online store from search results. In this blog, you'll learn why meta descriptions are an important part of SEO, how to write effective meta descriptions for your Shopify online store, and how to measure their performance in practice.

Is Shopify a good platform for a small business?
Choosing an e-commerce platform is one of the most important decisions a small business owner makes when starting an online business. The right platform not only makes everyday life easier, but can also accelerate growth and improve customer experience. In this blog, we will delve into why Shopify is a particularly good option for Finnish small business owners – from ease of use to local integrations.

Is Shopify easy to use?
Starting an online store can seem complicated, but with the right tools, it can be surprisingly smooth. Shopify is specifically designed to make life easier for entrepreneurs – the platform is clear, user-friendly, and suitable for both first-time and experienced merchants. In this blog, we dive into why Shopify is one of the best solutions on the market for setting up and managing an online store.

Is Shopify good for selling services?
Although Shopify was originally designed for online sales of physical products, it is also excellent for selling services. The platform offers flexible tools that help you present your services in an attractive way and build a smooth sales process. With the right apps and a clear service description, Shopify can adapt to the needs of a wide range of service businesses – from digital courses to appointment-based services.

How to connect an online store to a brick-and-mortar store?
Today's consumer expects seamless shopping anywhere, anytime – whether online or in-store. That's why connecting the two worlds is no longer a competitive advantage, but a necessity. In this blog, we'll explore why an omnichannel strategy is important, how it can boost sales, and what solutions you can use to create a seamless customer experience.

How do I ensure that my online store works on mobile?
More and more Finns are shopping directly on their phones, so mobile-friendliness in an online store is no longer an optional feature – it’s a necessity. In this blog, we’ll go over why mobile optimization is important, how to test your store’s functionality on different devices, and what pitfalls to avoid to improve the customer experience.

Do I need to do marketing for my online store?
In the digital competition, simply setting up an online store is not enough – visibility and customer flow can only be achieved through active marketing. In this blog, we will delve into why marketing is vital, which channels work best, and how to measure the effectiveness of your efforts.

How to make a simple online store?
Starting an online store requires more than just a product range – you need a clear plan, a working platform and an understanding of customer-centric commerce. In this blog, we will go through the most important steps to build a successful online store from scratch – easily, without any technical knowledge.

What is Shopify Theme Editor?
Shopify Theme Editor is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that allows you to customize the look and feel of your online store without any technical knowledge. It allows you to build and customize the look of your store in real time, quickly responding to seasonal changes, promotions, or customer needs. In this blog, we dive deeper into how the Theme Editor works in practice and what benefits it brings to Finnish online retailers.

What is A/B testing in an online store?
A/B testing is one of the most effective ways to improve your ecommerce conversions and customer experience. It allows you to use data to determine which changes to your site produce the best results – whether it’s the color of your buy button, the structure of your product page, or the smoothness of your checkout process. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of A/B testing and give you tips on how to get started with your Shopify online store.

What is shopping behavior tracking?
Tracking shopping behavior is a cornerstone of e-commerce development. When you understand how your customers interact with your site, you can make informed decisions that improve the user experience and increase sales. In this blog, we'll explain why tracking is important, what metrics to track, and how to get started with a Shopify online store.

What should you consider when choosing an e-commerce platform?
The cost of an e-commerce platform directly affects the profitability and growth of your business. The monthly fee alone doesn't tell the whole story – it's important to also consider licensing fees, payment service costs, add-on modules, and maintenance costs. Choosing the right platform will help you control costs and support your business goals in the long term.

Does Shopify work on all browsers?
Browser compatibility is the foundation of any e-commerce store’s functionality – it ensures that your customers have a smooth shopping experience, no matter what browser or device they’re using. Poor browser compatibility can drive away potential buyers, but Shopify eliminates this concern by providing a platform that works flawlessly across all major browsers and devices.

What does Shopify theme mean?
Your Shopify theme is the backbone of your online store’s appearance and functionality. It determines how your store looks and how customers navigate your site – from the layout of your homepage to the checkout process. A well-chosen theme saves you time, adds a professional look, and directly impacts your customer experience and sales. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how Shopify themes work, how to choose the right one for your business, and what you should know about customizing and updating them.

What is a domain and why does an online store need one?
A domain is not just a technical detail – it is your online store’s digital business card and an important part of your entire business strategy. A properly chosen domain name improves brand discoverability, supports search engine optimization, and builds trust in the eyes of customers. In this blog, we dive into the meaning of a domain, the selection criteria, and why a domain name can be one of the most important decisions when setting up your online store.

What is search engine optimization (SEA) and why is it worth doing?
Search engine advertising is one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers at exactly the right time – when they are searching for your products or services. In this blog, we will go over what search engine advertising is, why it is worth investing in, and how to build an effective advertising campaign that supports the growth of your online business.

How to improve online store speed?
Online store performance is not just a technical detail – it is directly related to customer experience, conversions and search engine visibility. A slow website will drive away customers even before the shopping cart is full. In this blog, we will delve into what factors slow down online stores, how to fix them and what tools you can use to ensure speed in the future.

How to improve the Google visibility of an online store?
Search engine visibility for your online store isn't just about marketing – it's a lifeline. With the majority of Finns starting their shopping journey through Google, being at the top of search results can make the difference between who sells and who gets ignored. In this article, we'll go over the most effective ways to improve your online store's discoverability, build customer trust, and grow sales in the long term.

Can a small entrepreneur have an online store?
Light entrepreneurship offers a low-threshold way to try out a business idea without your own business ID or the burden of bureaucracy. Starting an online store as a light entrepreneur is a flexible and cost-effective option, especially in the early stages of a business – and with the right tools, it can quickly grow into a profitable entity.

Which e-commerce platform is right for a small business owner?
Shopify is a secure and easy-to-use e-commerce platform that meets the needs of modern businesses. It offers businesses effective security solutions and a seamless user experience, making it a reliable choice for Finnish online retailers as well.

Is Shopify reliable?
Shopify is known for its user-friendliness, but its strong focus on security also makes it a great choice for online stores. The platform protects both business owners and customers’ data with modern security solutions, such as SSL certificates and two-factor authentication. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how Shopify keeps your online store secure — and why it’s the number one choice for many entrepreneurs.

Does a company need to have an online store?
Digitalization has made e-commerce a key tool for companies to expand into new markets, improve customer experience, and build new business models. But what does scaling e-commerce really require, and how can it be integrated into a comprehensive growth strategy? In this blog, we dive into the role of e-commerce as a business accelerator – concretely and practically.

What program should I use to create an online store?
This is a question that comes to mind for every entrepreneur who wants to take their business online. Starting an online store can seem complicated at first, but choosing the right software will make the journey clearer and more efficient. In this blog, we’ll go over the most important things to consider when choosing an e-commerce platform – and why your choice can make a huge difference in the growth of your business.

Can I connect my Shopify online store to external applications?
Shopify offers powerful and flexible ways to connect external applications that can improve customer experience and streamline different aspects of your business. In this blog, we'll explain how integrations work in practice, what benefits they bring, and how Brancoy can help you build functional and scalable solutions for your online store.

How to provide customer support on a Shopify online store?
Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for building online stores – but success doesn’t come from technology alone. Customer support is an essential part of a functioning and scalable online store. In this blog, we’ll go over how to build a Shopify online store’s customer service, what tools to use, and how automation can take the customer experience to the next level.

How do you do internal linking correctly?
Internal linking is one of the most powerful yet often underutilized ways to optimize your website for search engines. It not only helps search engines understand your site’s structure, but it also significantly improves the user experience. In this blog, we’ll explore how internal linking supports your SEO strategy, what kind of anchor text you should use, and how to build a working link hierarchy that serves both search engines and people.

What is search engine advertising (SEA)?
Search engine advertising (SEA) is an effective way to reach customers right when they are searching for your products or services online. Unlike organic visibility, advertising puts your business at the top of search results immediately – and often right when a purchase decision is imminent. In this blog, we will go over how search engine advertising works, why it is worth investing in and what are its best practices.

Why is search engine optimization worth doing?
Search engine optimization, or SEO, helps your website rank higher in Google and other search engine results. When your website is optimized, it attracts the right audience – those who are actively searching for the products or services you offer. SEO is a key part of sustainable and effective digital marketing.

Does Shopify offer SEO tools?
Shopify makes SEO easy, even without deep technical knowledge. The platform includes several useful SEO tools that help your online store be better found in search engines. Here's a look at what Shopify offers and how these tools support long-term visibility.

Does Shopify offer reporting tools?
Shopify's reporting tools provide online merchants with valuable insights to help them grow their business. Whether it's sales, customer behavior, or inventory management, clear reports and visual analytics help you make data-driven decisions and support online store growth.

Why is search engine optimization worth doing?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool for increasing online visibility. It helps a company rank higher in search results, reach new customers, and drive traffic to its website. When implemented correctly, SEO supports sales and strengthens a brand's position in the digital competition - in the long term and cost-effectively.

HTTP or HTTPS: What's the difference?
HTTP and HTTPS differ significantly in terms of security and reliability. The encryption protocol provided by HTTPS makes it essential for websites looking to protect user data and improve search engine visibility. Online security is more important than ever, and implementing HTTPS is a step in the right direction.

What size business is Shopify suitable for?
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world, and for good reason. It offers an easy-to-use and comprehensive solution for businesses looking to start and grow their online store without in-depth technical knowledge. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, Shopify scales with your business and gives you the tools to succeed in the digital marketplace.
