Managing product updates in Shopify can be deceptively time-consuming. Manually adjusting inventory levels, prices, descriptions, or adding new variants can quickly overwhelm a growing e-commerce team. With spreadsheets, CSV imports, and repeated clicks in the Shopify admin, there’s plenty of room for errors and inefficiencies. Fortunately, the rise of automation tools means there’s a better way. By integrating Shopify with Make (formerly Integromat), some retailers have reported saving up to 70% of the time spent on product updates, unlocking opportunities to focus on revenue-generating activities instead.
This article explores why automating Shopify product updates is vital, how the Make platform can turn tedious workflows into seamless processes, and what steps store managers, operations leads, and decision-makers can take to capitalise on automation’s potential. It’s written with a practical focus, offering insights into planning, implementation, and potential pitfalls, all delivered in an accessible, professional style.
What Is the Current Challenge with Shopify Product Updates?
For many store owners, each product update involves exporting CSV files, editing them offline, then reimporting them – hoping nothing breaks. This manual approach slows productivity, consumes resources, and can introduce costly mistakes. According to the Automation.com E-commerce Study 2024, automated product updates can reduce listing errors by up to 95% compared to manual processes. On top of that, these repetitive tasks distract staff from more strategic responsibilities. As Andrew Youderian, an e-commerce thought leader, puts it, “The ROI on automating product updates is immediate – from time savings to reduced errors, it’s a game-changer for online retailers.”
In essence, the challenge boils down to wasted time and recurring data inconsistencies. Having to manually adjust hundreds (or thousands) of products, variants, or prices can delay crucial marketing initiatives or hamper the ability to respond swiftly to market shifts.
Overview of Make Integration Potential
Make, formerly known as Integromat, is a versatile workflow automation tool that connects with an ever-growing list of applications – including Shopify – via powerful modules and APIs. By creating scenarios (Make’s term for automated workflows), you can move data between different platforms and trigger actions in Shopify based on schedules, events, or other logic. The beauty is that you don’t need coding expertise to get started. In fact, many businesses see immediate benefits by setting up just a few simple scenarios that handle their most repetitive tasks. The Make Customer Success Data 2023 report found that businesses using Make for Shopify integrations save an average of 20 hours per week on repetitive tasks. Imagine putting those extra hours back into product development, marketing, or customer care.
According to Ezra Firestone, a renowned Shopify expert, “The key to successful e-commerce automation is starting small, measuring results, and gradually expanding your workflows.” This step-by-step approach ensures smooth adoption and quick wins, helping your team see the value of automation early on.
Brief Outline of the 70% Time-Saving Claim
The notion of cutting product update times by 70% may sound ambitious, but it’s grounded in real-world results. This figure often arises when merchants integrate Shopify with Make and set up multiple workflows, covering tasks like:
- Automated inventory updates across multiple sales channels
- Bulk price adjustments for seasonal promotions
- Mass editing of product descriptions and images
- Scheduling product availability during launches or flash sales
By chaining these tasks into fully automated processes, store managers reclaim hours of their day. Rather than trawling through spreadsheets, they can rely on Make’s scenarios to synchronise data accurately and instantly.
Understanding Automation in E-commerce
Automation in e-commerce involves using software and tools to handle routine processes. Instead of staff manually updating a spreadsheet, the system does it. Instead of waiting for someone to notice when inventory drops below a threshold, an automated workflow can send an alert or reorder stock. It’s not about replacing human roles, but freeing talented team members to focus on tasks that require creativity and strategy. In fact, the Shopify Plus Automation Report 2022 observed that e-commerce businesses using automation report an average 25% increase in productivity.
In the context of Shopify, automation can touch nearly every aspect of running an online store, from adjusting product data to sending post-purchase messages. However, product updates often yield some of the highest returns because they’re so frequent and labour-intensive. Neil Patel, a digital marketing expert, highlights it well: “Automation is essential for scaling e-commerce operations. With tools like Make, Shopify merchants can eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on growth.”
Make + Shopify Integration: The Basics
What is Make (formerly Integromat)?
Make is a no-code/low-code workflow automation platform. You can connect your Shopify store to countless apps, services, or databases, allowing data to flow back and forth automatically. Whether you need to sync inventory from a supplier’s feed or update product details from a remote CSV, Make can handle the job.
How does Make connect with Shopify?
Make uses Shopify’s secure API to perform actions such as creating or updating products, managing variants, or adjusting inventory. You set up a ‘Scenario’ in Make, choose Shopify as a module, and define what happens when certain events occur (for example, a file is updated in Google Drive or new product data arrives in a shared folder).
What processes can be automated?
Everything from bulk price updates to real-time inventory synchronisation can be automated. Specific tasks might include removing out-of-stock products, adjusting descriptions or tags for different seasons, and updating multiple fields (like titles, meta descriptions, or vendor details) in one fell swoop.
Technical prerequisites
While Make is user-friendly, it helps to have a basic understanding of how Shopify stores product data. You’ll also need credentials to create a private app (in older Shopify versions) or a custom app (in newer versions) to grant Make the necessary permissions. For most users, this setup is straightforward, but larger retailers might involve their IT teams for best practices.
Key Benefits of Automating Shopify Product Updates
1. Time Savings
According to the McKinsey Digital Transformation Survey 2023, 67% of high-performing businesses use automation for customer-facing e-commerce processes. By automating product updates, merchants eliminate repetitive tasks, free up valuable staff time, and gain the agility to respond quickly to market changes. This is where the 70% figure becomes tangible: hour-long tasks can be reduced to just minutes.
2. Error Reduction and Consistency
Human error is natural, but it can be devastating when customers see incorrect prices or inaccurate stock data. Automated updates ensure accuracy by handling every step consistently. This leads to fewer complaints, refunds, or awkward conversations with disappointed shoppers.
3. Real-Time Inventory Synchronisation
If you sell across multiple channels (Shopify, marketplaces, or wholesale), Make can push or pull inventory data in real-time. This prevents overselling, reduces the time staff spend on manual stock adjustments, and keeps your brand image professional and trustworthy.
4. Scaling Without Additional Headcount
One of the most compelling reasons to automate is that it allows your business to scale without continually hiring more staff to manage administrative tasks. Whether you launch new products regularly or run frequent promotions, your workflows scale effortlessly.
5. Focus on Higher-Value Tasks
With product updates on autopilot, your team can channel their energy into growth-oriented initiatives – such as developing new product lines, improving your website’s UX, or creating engaging marketing campaigns. As Kurt Elster, a renowned Shopify consultant, says, “When implemented correctly, Make can transform how Shopify merchants handle inventory, pricing, and product information across their entire business.”
Implementation Guide: Setting Up Make for Shopify
- Create a Make Account: Sign up at make.com. You can start free and upgrade as needed.
- Connect Shopify: Generate API credentials within your Shopify admin (under ‘Apps’ in the newer interface). Paste these keys into your Make scenario’s Shopify module.
- Design Your Scenario: Specify triggers (e.g., “When a Google Sheet is updated” or “When a CSV is added to Dropbox”) and actions (“Update product in Shopify,” “Send Slack message,” etc.).
- Set Conditions: Filter for certain SKUs, product types, or price ranges. Use Make’s branching logic if you need multiple paths.
- Test Thoroughly: Before going live, test your workflow with sample data. Check logs and adjust if you spot any problems.
- Turn On & Monitor: Enable the scenario. Keep an eye on Make’s run history for errors. As tasks become routine, you’ll notice significant time savings.
Security is a priority, so be mindful of how you store and handle API keys. Ensure you apply role-based permissions, and if you need advanced security, consider IP allowlisting or additional controls offered by Shopify.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
- Bulk Product Imports and Updates: A fashion retailer might upload a spreadsheet of new seasonal items each month, letting Make automatically create those listings in Shopify with correct titles, prices, images, and tags.
- Automated Pricing Adjustments: A merchant running weekly flash sales could schedule scenarios to roll out new sale prices at midnight and revert them at the sale’s end.
- Inventory Synchronisation Across Channels: Make can link a central stock database (or ERP) to multiple Shopify stores, ensuring each channel always displays accurate stock counts.
- Product Image Management: Whenever new images appear in a shared folder, Make can attach them to relevant SKUs in Shopify, even resizing or renaming them along the way.
- Seasonal Product Updates: For holidays, Make can bulk-update product descriptions and meta tags to highlight festive promotions without any manual work.
- Special Offers and Promotion Automation: Timed events like “Buy One, Get One” or bundling offers can be triggered automatically, sending alerts to marketing and customer service teams.
Measuring ROI and Productivity Improvements
When automating, it’s crucial to track outcomes. Common metrics include:
- Time Saved: Log how many hours team members used to spend on manual product updates and compare that with the new approach.
- Error Rate: Monitor refunds, price discrepancies, or stock miscounts and note any improvements after automation.
- Sales Velocity: By rapidly adjusting products in line with promotions, you might see faster uptake of new launches or campaigns.
- Customer Satisfaction: Fewer mistakes often lead to better shopper experiences. Keep an eye on reviews or support tickets.
Over the long term, these metrics illustrate how automation supports revenue growth and fosters operational resilience. The Internet Retailer Technology Investment Survey 2024 found that 78% of successful e-commerce brands consider workflow automation a high priority. The data suggests you’re investing in not just a short-term fix, but a strategic necessity.
Challenges and Limitations
No technology is without constraints. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Learning Curve: While Make doesn’t require coding, it can take time to learn best practices for intricate workflows or data structures.
- API Limits: Shopify imposes rate limits. If you’re updating a massive product catalogue in one go, you may need to pace your updates or implement batch processing within Make.
- Platform Changes: Shopify updates its APIs and admin experience regularly. Ensure your workflows remain compatible, especially if you rely on specific data fields.
- Cost vs. Volume: Make’s pricing tiers are based on operation counts. For extremely large stores, you’ll need to balance monthly fees with the time saved.
- Complex Product Structures: Product variations, custom fields, or multiple storefronts demand careful scenario design to avoid confusion.
Occasionally, manual interventions may still be needed, especially for one-off tasks or highly creative product descriptions. Automation should supplement – not entirely replace – a thoughtful merchandising strategy.
Advanced Integration Possibilities
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can extend your scenarios:
- CRM and ERP Connections: Sync customer data or order histories with third-party systems.
- Conditional Workflows: Use filters to target products above or below a certain price, or route updates differently based on SKU categories.
- Webhooks and Real-Time Triggers: Make can react instantly when a product is updated in Shopify, pushing changes to other apps.
- API Considerations: For highly customised or unique data workflows, you can invoke advanced API endpoints in Shopify or external platforms.
This flexibility is key for merchants who manage extensive product catalogues or must coordinate data across multiple business units.
Training Your Team
Your staff should understand how the automation works so they can monitor it effectively. Consider:
- Documentation: Write a short user guide explaining how each scenario is set up, when it runs, and how to pause or modify it.
- Change Management: Communicate early and explain how automation will free team members from tedious duties. Reassure them their roles evolve rather than disappear.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Even the best workflows need periodic checks. Allocate time each month or quarter to review scenario logs and performance.
Remember, automation is a continuous process. Teams should be empowered to refine and improve scenarios as they learn new ways to save time and reduce errors.
Cost Analysis
Make Pricing Tiers: Plans range from free (with limited operations) to enterprise-level offerings with high-volume capacity. Most mid-sized e-commerce businesses find a comfortable tier without exceeding monthly budgets. Since businesses using Make for Shopify integrations save an average of 20 hours per week (Make Customer Success Data 2023), the cost-to-savings ratio is often compelling.
Comparing Costs to Manual Processes: Salaries, overtime, and the risk of errors can add up. Automation offers a quantifiable reduction in labour hours, even if you invest in a higher Make plan.
Maintenance Expenses: While scenarios typically run themselves, factor in occasional adjustments when Shopify or your other apps release major updates.
ROI Timeline: Many merchants see results within the first month of implementing a few carefully chosen automations. A full rollout may take a quarter, but the time and cost savings accumulate quickly.
Security and Compliance Considerations
Shopify and Make both employ secure protocols, but you have responsibilities too:
- API Credentials: Safeguard them. Limit permissions where possible and rotate keys if staff roles change.
- GDPR & Privacy: If you handle European customer data, ensure you comply with local regulations. Only process necessary information in your workflows.
- Backup and Recovery: Consider maintaining a backup of product data. Automation can update items in bulk, so having a rollback plan is always wise.
These precautions keep your customer and business data safe, maintaining trust and regulatory compliance.
Alternative Solutions Comparison
It’s useful to understand how Make stacks up against other options. Below is a quick look at three common solutions for Shopify product updates:
| Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Native Tools | Included in Shopify No extra monthly fees Simple CSV import/export | Manual & time-intensive Limited bulk automation Advanced features locked behind higher plans |
| Zapier | Easy to set up Integrates with many apps Popular with non-technical users | Higher costs at scale Limited support for large batches Less flexible branching logic |
| Make.com | Advanced workflow builder Handles large volumes Detailed error handling & logging Cost-effective for complex automations | Requires initial learning API usage can be tricky at first Modular pricing (operations-based) |
The right choice depends on your store size, complexity, and budget. For many mid-range to enterprise Shopify merchants, Make offers a sweet spot of flexibility, cost, and advanced automation features.
Future-Proofing Your Automation
Shopify regularly updates its platform, so keep these best practices in mind:
- Maintain Flexibility: Structure workflows so they’re easy to modify if product fields change or new business needs arise.
- Watch for Shopify Updates: Subscribe to Shopify’s developer changelogs. If any API endpoints or field names evolve, adapt promptly.
- Use Modular Scenarios: Break large automations into smaller, more manageable pieces so they’re simpler to debug and update.
This proactive approach ensures your automation strategy can adapt as your business or the platform evolves, safeguarding long-term efficiency gains.
FAQ Section
How long does it take to implement Make with Shopify?
Many merchants set up basic automations within a day or two. Larger, more complex builds might span a couple of weeks. Start with smaller workflows, test thoroughly, then expand.
Do I need coding skills to set up these automations?
No. Make offers a visual scenario builder, so you can create sophisticated workflows without writing code. However, familiarity with Shopify’s data structure (e.g., products, variants, metafields) helps.
Can I automate product updates across multiple Shopify stores?
Yes. Make scenarios can connect to multiple stores, updating them simultaneously or individually. This is especially valuable for businesses operating separate regional sites.
What happens if my automation fails mid-update?
Make includes detailed error logs and allows you to retry failed tasks. You can also build in steps to back up data or send alerts on error, helping you fix issues swiftly.
Is this suitable for small businesses or just enterprises?
Both. Smaller shops often see a fast ROI because they free up crucial time. Larger enterprises appreciate the scalability and deep integration possibilities. Make scales with your business needs.
Video: How to Automate Shopify Product Updates
For a step-by-step introduction, watch this concise tutorial on setting up a Shopify + Make integration. It demonstrates how you can configure product update workflows without touching a line of code:
Conclusion
Automating Shopify product updates using Make can save a remarkable amount of time, ease the burden on your team, and ensure a more accurate and consistent product catalogue. From quick, real-time updates to scheduled overnight changes, automation keeps your store dynamic, error-free, and primed for growth. The evidence is clear: 78% of successful e-commerce brands consider workflow automation a high priority (Internet Retailer Technology Investment Survey 2024), and there’s no reason your business shouldn’t reap the same benefits.
Curious about taking this step? EXPRE can support your automation journey – from scoping out the best approach to fine-tuning advanced workflows. Our team has guided numerous Shopify merchants in streamlining their processes with Make, boosting productivity, and driving better customer experiences. Get in touch to learn how we can tailor an automation solution that fits your store’s unique needs. Free your team from mundane tasks, and focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional products, service, and growth.
