Have you been dreaming of launching an online business?
Ready to get started with your very own e-commerce store?
In case you didn’t know, it is easier than ever to get started and set up with a professional looking online store. Shopify is one popular platform that makes it a breeze to easily set up an online store within minutes.
If you’re ready to start a Shopify store, read on. Below we’ll go over the most important steps to start a successful Shopify store.
1. Register For Shopify
First of all, you’ll need to register on the Shopify platform and pick your store name.
Be sure to pick a name that is short and easy to remember, but that is also unique. Make sure it is relevant to the products you plan to sell, but that it can also grow with your business if you decide to expand.
Shopify offers a 14-day free trial to start with but after the trial, you’ll need to pick a plan. The Basic Shopify plan will be ideal for most beginners.
You can view the full details of the different options on the Shopify pricing page.
2. Buy Your Domain
If you’re serious about building a successful Shopify store, you need to use your own domain name, as it will help your store appear more professional. Of course, take your time when choosing your domain name.
To buy your new domain you will need to navigate from your Shopify dashboard to the “Domains” Section, then to “Buy New Domain”
You can also buy your domain later on. However, until you do your Shopify store will appear as [storename].myshopify.com instead.
3. Fine-Tune Your Settings
Next, you’ll need to go into the “Settings” section of your Shopify store. On this page, edit your titles and meta description to make sure your store SEO is started off right. You can also connect your store with Google Analytics.
Additionally, you should password protect your storefront, as this will ensure no one buys a product from your store until it is ready.
Finally, navigate to the “Payments” tab to connect either a Paypal account or bank account with your store.
4. Choose a Store Theme
Next, you need to choose your store theme. The theme will be the overall “shell” of your store and will influence the look of your entire site design.
You can choose a premium paid theme if you would like, but to start with a provided free theme will do fine. To choose your theme you need to click on the “Themes” tab and then click on “Visit Theme Store” to see the options available to you.
5. Edit Your Policies and Pages
Before you add your products, you need to create some other important store content. You should create a Contact Us page and a Shipping page. Decide whether shipping will be free or if it will be calculated with each sale.
Additionally, take the time to edit your terms and conditions, return policy and standard privacy policy.
6. Add Products and Categories
Finally, it is time to add your products and categories. Go to the products tab and click “Add Product” to get started.
From this page, you will fill in the details about the product you are listing including product name, description, type, vendor, collections, and tags.
After adding products to your store, you may want to check out the Dropified make money with Shopify apps list to make the most of your site.
When You Start a Shopify Store It’s Only the Beginning
By now you should know how to start a Shopify store and get started out on the right foot. With Shopify, it’s easier than ever to start selling online.
However, there are still more things to do. Now that you’ve launched the store, it’s time to start attracting customers and selling your way to success.
Need more tips and how-to guides? Check out more insights and articles in our guides section now.