
Blog

Theme development on Shopify looks nothing like it did a year ago. Thanks to AI tools and platform improvements, what used to take weeks now happens in hours. But here's the interesting part: it's not really about building faster. It's about what happens when building stops being the hard part.

Shopify Migration Guide 2025 with AI
The Shopify Migration Guide 2025 with AI reveals how leading brands turn migration into a growth strategy. Instead of painful data transfers and lost traffic, AI-powered tools deliver cleaner data, preserved SEO, and optimized customer journeys.

The Strategic Imperative Behind 100+ Ecommerce Migrations: Why We Engineered a Data-First Approach
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.

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 does clear navigation in an online store affect sales?
E-commerce navigation isn't just a user interface issue – it directly impacts sales. A clear and intuitive structure guides customers smoothly from products to the shopping cart, while a confusing menu drives away potential buyers. In this blog, we'll discuss how to optimize your e-commerce navigation to support a better customer experience and higher conversion rates.

Should an online store offer multiple payment methods?
E-commerce payment options directly impact whether a customer completes a purchase or abandons their shopping cart. Offering your customers their preferred payment methods improves the checkout process and builds trust – directly impacting conversions and customer satisfaction. This blog explores why a diverse range of payment options is a critical competitive advantage and how to choose the right options for your target audience.

What payment methods do Finns prefer in online stores?
Finns still prefer bank card and online banking payments for online purchases, but the popularity of mobile payments and invoicing is growing rapidly among different customer groups. The availability of a suitable payment option significantly impacts online store conversion and customer experience. Payment must be smooth, secure, and timely. Learn which payment methods are currently most popular – and what trends online retailers should be following.

Why should you offer invoice as a payment method in your online store?
Offering invoice payments isn't just a payment method – it's a competitive advantage. In e-commerce, invoicing provides customers with flexibility and a sense of security, lowering the barrier to purchase and increasing conversion rates. When customers can buy now and pay later, average order value increases and customer satisfaction improves. This article explores why invoicing should be part of your payment strategy – and what to consider in its technical and financial implementation.

Why do product descriptions in online stores affect search engine optimization?
Online store product descriptions aren't just customer service – they're at the heart of search engine optimization (SEO). High-quality, keyword-rich, and customer-focused descriptions improve search visibility, increase traffic, and directly support sales. This article delves into how product descriptions impact search results – and how you can use them to gain a competitive edge.

What is the click-through rate (CTR) of search results?
Click-through rate (CTR) indicates how many people who see your online store's link in a search engine result also click on it. It's one of the most important metrics for evaluating your online store's visibility and the effectiveness of your search engine marketing. A high CTR brings more traffic, strengthens search engine rankings, and directly supports sales. This article will cover what CTR means, how it's measured, and most importantly – how to improve it.

What is dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a popular e-commerce business model where entrepreneurs sell products without having to store or ship them themselves. When a customer makes a purchase, the order is forwarded directly to the supplier, who then delivers the product to the end customer. This allows for the establishment of an online store with low capital and low risk – but it also requires careful planning, the right tools, and reliable partners.

What is ERP integration in e-commerce?
As e-commerce grows, manually managing individual operations is no longer sustainable – data must move automatically and in real-time between systems. ERP integration connects the e-commerce platform and the enterprise resource planning system, enabling seamless data flow between, for example, orders, inventory, customer information, and financial management.

How to manage inventory balance in online retail?
Efficient inventory management is the foundation of e-commerce growth and profitability. Up-to-date inventory levels ensure a smooth customer experience, prevent lost sales, and free up resources for strategic development. Multichannel sales and seasonal fluctuations, in particular, present challenges for Finnish e-commerce businesses, requiring the right tools, automation, and a proactive approach to inventory management.

Why choose Shopify as your e-commerce platform?
Setting up an online store is no longer just a technical project – it's a strategic business decision. One of the most important choices an e-commerce entrepreneur makes is the choice of platform. An e-commerce platform is not just a sales channel, but the cornerstone of the entire business, impacting everything from customer experience to growth and internationalization.

How does online store speed affect sales?
Shopify is fully compatible with the Finnish market, and it offers everything you need to start and run an online store – from a Finnish-language user interface to domestic payment and shipping methods. In this blog, we will go over why Shopify is an excellent choice for Finnish entrepreneurs, how it scales to different needs, and what it requires in practice.

How much does it cost to start an online store?
Starting an online store may seem simple at first, but there are many cost factors that are important to understand before you get started. Choosing a platform, website design, payment systems, and marketing form the foundation for a successful online store – and also the biggest expense items. In this blog, we’ll look at what the costs are, what hidden costs might surprise you, and whether starting an online store is even possible on a small budget.

What does HTTPS mean?
Web security has become a central concern in the digital world, and one of the most important means of protection is the HTTPS protocol. HTTPS encrypts the data transmission between a user and a website, preventing outsiders from intercepting or modifying the data. In this blog, we will explain how HTTPS works, why it is important for your business website, and how to easily implement it – whether it is an online store or an information-based site.

Miksi yritys tarvitsee verkkosivut?
Digitaalinen aikakausi on tehnyt verkkosivuista yrityksen tärkeimmän käyntikortin – kanavan, jonka kautta asiakkaat löytävät, tutustuvat ja tekevät ostopäätöksiä. Hyvin rakennetut verkkosivut eivät ainoastaan lisää yrityksen näkyvyyttä verkossa, vaan myös parantavat asiakaskokemusta ja tukevat tehokasta digitaalista markkinointia. Tässä blogissa pureudumme siihen, miksi verkkosivut ovat niin keskeisiä nykyaikaiselle liiketoiminnalle ja miten ne voidaan hyödyntää täysimääräisesti liikenteen, konversioiden ja kasvun tukena.

The best website platform for interior design products
When selling home decor products online, your choice of ecommerce platform directly impacts your brand visibility, customer experience, and business growth. Shopify is a particularly popular choice in the home decor industry, thanks to its visually stunning themes, ease of use, and scalability. In this blog, we’ll look at why Shopify is a great fit for selling home decor products—and what else online retailers should consider when choosing a platform.

What is search engine marketing?
Nowadays, simply having a website is no longer enough – the most important thing is to make sure that potential customers can find it. Search engine marketing is an effective way to increase visibility, drive quality traffic to your website, and increase sales. In this blog, we will explain how businesses can successfully utilize both paid advertising and search engine optimization (SEO) – even on a small budget.

The best website platform for cosmetics
Selling cosmetics online requires a platform that supports a strong visual identity, a smooth shopping experience, and business growth. Shopify excels in these areas – it’s easy to use, visually customizable, and packed with features that make it a great choice for cosmetics brands in particular. In this blog, we’ll go over why Shopify is perfect for an online cosmetics store and how Brancoy leverages it in their client projects.

Can a business name have an online store?
A business name is a popular and agile way to start an online store in Finland. But what are the legal, tax and practical issues involved? In this blog, we will go over how a business name and an online store fit together, what registrations you need, how taxation works and what platforms you should consider. If you are planning to start an online store with a business name, this guide is for you.

How does online store speed affect sales?
A slow-loading online store isn’t just annoying – it’s a risk to your business. Today’s consumer doesn’t wait, and every extra second can mean a lost sale. In this blog, we’ll dive into why site speed is so important, how it impacts conversions and search engine visibility – and most importantly, how you can improve the performance of your online store, especially on the Shopify platform.

What does Google visibility mean?
For an online store owner, good visibility on Google is not just an added advantage, but often a decisive factor in the success of your business. When potential customers are searching for products or services, your store should be found right then – and with the right search terms. In this blog, we will explore why Google visibility is particularly important for Finnish online stores, what factors affect search rankings, and how you can effectively improve your discoverability – even without a technical background.

What is the difference between Shopify and other ecommerce platforms?
Starting an online store starts with one of the most important choices: finding the right platform. There are many options – including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento – and they vary significantly in terms of usability, technical requirements, and cost. In this blog, we’ll compare the most popular platforms and explain why Shopify can be a particularly good choice for a new online retailer.

How to upgrade a Shopify store from an existing online store?
Shopify is a modern and scalable e-commerce platform that provides entrepreneurs with easy-to-use tools to grow sales and go global. Its strengths include diverse integrations, a mobile-optimized user experience, and powerful marketing features. In this blog, we will delve into how to migrate your online store to Shopify step by step – smoothly, securely, and without sales interruption.

Is Shopify a good platform for a beginner?
Absolutely. Shopify is designed specifically for users who don’t have a technical background – but who have a strong desire to start selling online quickly and easily. It offers a clean interface, ready-made tools, and a managed environment that frees you up to focus on your business. In this blog, we’ll go over why Shopify is a great platform for beginners, what it offers right out of the box, and how you can build a successful online store from scratch – without a single line of code.

How do I ensure secure payment in an online store?
The success of online shopping is built on customer trust – and the security of payment systems plays a key role in this. Every payment transaction contains sensitive information, the protection of which is not only a technical obligation, but also a business necessity. In this blog, we will look at how online retailers can ensure payment security, which payment methods Finnish consumers prefer and how to communicate reliability to customers in the right way.

What is the Shopify admin panel?
The Shopify admin panel is the most important tool for an online merchant – the place where you manage everything from products to orders and marketing to reporting. The interface is clear and easy to use, and it allows you to run your store efficiently from one centralized view. In this blog, we will go over the structure of the admin panel, its key features, and the best tips for using it as efficiently as possible.

Shopify Advanced vs Plus – which one to choose?
Shopify offers subscription options tailored to different stages of growth, with Advanced and Plus designed for successful and fast-growing online stores. Advanced already offers comprehensive tools for reporting, pricing, and shipping costs, while Shopify Plus takes online stores to the next level with deeper automation, scalability, and customization. In this blog, we’ll delve into the differences between these two tiers, their usage needs, and when Shopify Plus is really worth the investment.

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.

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.
