How to Start Selling on Shopify
Are you thinking about selling on Shopify? Getting your eCommerce store up and running only takes a few simple steps, but the potential for success is immense. With Shopify, you can build a professional-looking internet storefront that's ready to take orders in no time, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out. In this blog post, we'll walk you through each step of the process, from setting up your Shopify account to promoting your store and everything in between.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a fully customizable eCommerce platform that empowers brands to create their own unique online storefronts. Unlike some other eCommerce marketplaces, Shopify offers complete control over your store's design, content, and functionality. This level of customization allows you to create a brand identity that resonates with your target audience.
How much does it cost to sell on Shopify?
Shopify offers three different pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes: Basic (recommended for solo entrepreneurs) at $39/month, Shopify (recommended for small teams) at $105/month, and Advanced (recommended for larger businesses) at $399/month. The basic plan provides everything you need to set up your store and start selling. If you require more advanced features, improved payment and shipment options, or additional tools for scaling your business, you can always upgrade your plan to Shopify or Advanced Shopify.
One significant advantage of using Shopify is its fee structure. Unlike selling on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, Shopify does not charge you any selling fees. Instead, you'll only incur payment processing fees, which are a standard cost associated with accepting online payments. This means you get to keep more of the profit from each sale for yourself, helping you maximize your earnings.
How to Sell on Shopify
Setting up your Shopify account and launching your online store is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started and ensure your store is optimized for success.
Step 1: Sign Up for Shopify
Start by visiting the official Shopify website (https://www.shopify.com/).
On the homepage, you'll find a prominently displayed "Start free trial" button. Click on it to begin the signup process.
The signup form will require you to provide essential information, including your email address, password, and store name.
After filling out the necessary details, click the "Create your store" button to proceed.
Step 2: Customize Your Store
Upon successful signup, Shopify will prompt you to answer a series of questions about your business. These questions will help Shopify tailor its recommendations to your specific needs, whether you're a first-time seller or an experienced entrepreneur.
Once you've provided this information, you'll be directed to your Shopify admin dashboard, where the magic happens.
Step 3: Choose a Theme
From your admin dashboard, navigate to the "Online Store" section in the left-hand menu.
Select "Themes" to explore the wide range of free and premium themes available in the Shopify Theme Store.
As you browse the themes, keep in mind that your choice will influence your store's overall look and feel. When you find a theme that aligns with your brand's identity, click "Add theme." Remember that you can customize the theme further to match your unique vision.
Step 4: Add Products
To start selling, you need to populate your store with products that showcase your offerings. Click on "Products" in the left-hand menu to begin this process.
Select the "Add product" button to create a product listing. Here, you'll input crucial product details such as the title, description, price, and images.
For products with various options like size, color, or quantity, you can set up product variants to provide customers with choices.
Once you've entered all the necessary information, click the "Save" button to add the product to your store.
Step 5: Configure Settings
Now it's time to configure various settings to ensure your store operates smoothly. Start by navigating to "Settings" in the left-hand menu, then click on "General."
Review and adjust essential settings, including your store name, address, and currency. These details will help your customers identify your brand and navigate through the purchasing process more easily.
Additionally, configure other settings, such as taxes, shipping options, and payment providers, to align with your business requirements and ensure a seamless customer experience.
Step 6: Set Up Domain
If you already have an existing domain, you can connect it to your Shopify store to maintain a consistent online presence. To achieve this, navigate to "Online Store" > "Domains" and click "Connect existing domain.
Follow the provided prompts to seamlessly link your domain to your Shopify store, ensuring that customers can find you easily on the web.
Step 7: Configure Legal Pages
Building trust with your customers is crucial for any eCommerce business. Under the "Settings" menu, go to the "Legal" section, where you can create and customize essential legal pages such as Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Refund Policy.
Utilize Shopify's free policy generator or consult with a legal expert to ensure that your policies align with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Transparent and well-crafted legal pages can enhance your credibility and protect both you and your customers.
Step 8: Launch Your Store
Once you've painstakingly customized your store, added your product catalog, configured settings, and established trust through legal pages, it's time to launch your store.
Within your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to "Sales channels" in the left-hand menu and select "Online Store."
Here, you'll find the option to "Disable password," allowing you to make your store accessible to the public. Confirm this action, and your store will be live for potential customers to explore and shop.
Step 9: Promote Your Store
With your Shopify store live, the next crucial step is marketing and promotion. Your store's success relies heavily on your ability to drive traffic and convert visitors into customers.
Consider implementing a multi-channel marketing strategy that includes social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, and online advertising. Monitor your store's performance through Shopify's built-in analytics and be prepared to make adjustments to your marketing strategies as needed.
Other Tips and Tricks to Being Successful on Shopify
Now that your store is live, it's essential to explore additional strategies for success:
Find a niche or competitive angle: To stand out in the competitive eCommerce landscape, choose a niche you're passionate about and identify products in high demand that you can sell at a premium price.
Research your competition: Analyze your competitors to understand their marketing strategies, target audience, and pricing tactics. Use their successes to inspire your own eCommerce business.
Evaluate your idea: Before moving forward, ensure that your business idea is well-defined and aligned with your goals, whether you're pursuing eCommerce as a full-time venture or a side project.
Establish your target audience: Your target audience is the key to your eCommerce success. Conduct surveys and competitor analysis to create detailed buyer personas that guide your marketing efforts.
Run customer surveys: Engage with your target audience through surveys, usability tests, and feedback sessions to gain valuable insights into their preferences and needs.
Evaluate a competitor's audience: As you compete with established brands, focus on winning over your competitor's audience by emphasizing your unique value proposition and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Decide which products to sell: Consider your niche and target audience when selecting the products you want to sell. Determine whether you'll need to partner with manufacturers or pursue private label products.
Choose a business model: Explore different business models, such as dropshipping, private labeling, or holding inventory, depending on your financial resources and product offerings.
Find an in-demand product: The success of your eCommerce store is closely tied to the demand for your products. Research trends and market demand to ensure you're offering products that resonate with your audience.
Price your products: Pricing plays a significant role in attracting customers. Conduct thorough research and analysis to set competitive and profitable prices that appeal to your target audience.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Shopify
While Shopify offers numerous advantages for eCommerce entrepreneurs, it's important to be aware of its limitations as well. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons:
Pros of Shopify:
Shopify's user-friendly platform and customizable templates make it simple for anyone to set up an online store, regardless of their technical expertise.
Unlike marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify allows you to design a store that aligns perfectly with your brand's identity. You can create a unique online experience that fully immerses visitors in your brand's world.
Shopify charges only for its monthly subscription and payment processing fees, without additional selling fees. This fee structure means you retain a higher proportion of your sales revenue.
Shopify's extensive app store provides a wide range of apps that enhance your storefront's functionality. From order integration to countdown timers, these apps offer valuable tools for optimizing your store.
Shopify is suitable for a diverse range of entrepreneurs, including dropshippers, private label sellers, eBay vendors, artisans, and traditional brick-and-mortar brands looking to expand online.
Cons of Shopify:
While Shopify's Basic plan is reasonably priced, subscription costs can increase significantly as you scale your business. In addition, many apps in the Shopify ecosystem are not free, potentially adding to your monthly expenses.
Shopify offers a selection of 12 free themes, but these may lack advanced customization features available in paid themes. To achieve a highly customized look, you may need to invest in a premium theme.
In conclusion, Shopify is a robust eCommerce platform that empowers entrepreneurs to build and grow their online businesses. From its user-friendly setup process to its customizable themes and exceptional support, Shopify offers a comprehensive solution for sellers across various industries. However, it's essential to be mindful of the associated costs and limitations while leveraging the platform's strengths to create a successful online store. Whether you're embarking on your eCommerce journey or expanding your digital presence, Shopify can serve as a valuable asset on your path to online success. Good luck starting your Shopify journey!
Thank you,
Commerce Canal Team
Click here to learn about how Google’s Analytics service can help take your businesses online presence to another level.
Commerce Canal is a leading Amazon Agency and Walmart Agency. Additionally, we offer clients a vast selection of partnerships and services for all major eCommerce platforms. To view our partners, click here. To get in contact with us, click here.
In need of the newest analytics and marketing dashboard? With our partner Purvey.ai, all of your eCommerce data is simplified and centralized. To sign up for a FREE trial, click here. To see the list of integrations Purvey.ai offers, click here.