How to Start an Online Store With Shopify

Wondering how to start an online store with Shopify? You are in the right place.

Shopify is an eCommerce platform for building online stores that runs online and also offline. It requires no web development elements like third-party themes, hosting, or domain names because it sells these in its subscription packages.

For you to start an online store with Shopify, here is a simple guide:

Step 1: Register for Shopify

To start with Shopify the first step is to register on Shopify and pick your store name.

The name you choose should be easy to remember, unique, and also relevant and relating to what you are planning to sell.

Shopify offers a 14-day trial after which you will have to subscribe to a paid plan.

 

To complete the registration, you will be required to fill two forms; one that requires you to tell Shopify a little about yourself and the other that requires you to add an address so you can get paid.

Step 2: Purchase Your Domain

Once you register and get a Shopify account, you will require a domain name for your online store. For the free trial period, you can use a free domain that comes with a Shopify extension.

But if you want a unique domain, you will need to purchase one.

You should take your time choosing which domain name best fits your store since it reflects what your online store would appear to the customers.

To buy a new domain navigate on your Shopify dashboard to the domain section and then to build a new domain. You may opt to purchase your domain later but you will have to wait until your Shopify appears ‘myshopify.com’.

Step 3: Adjust Your Settings

Next crucial thing is to go to the settings sections to make improvements on the title and Meta description of your online store to ensure the store starts off right.

Here you may also connect your store to Google Analytics to easily track your online store’s traffic.

Besides, you should also protect your storefront with a password to ensure no one purchases a product without it being ready.

The final but most important thing is to navigate to the payments settings tab to connect your store with a payment option (a bank account or PayPal).

Step 4: Select a Theme for Your Store

Next is selecting a theme that resonates with your online store. The theme influences how your online store will look and feel to your visitors.

The theme should be simple to use and attracting to potential customers.

You can opt to choose a paid theme though starting with a free theme is still okay.

To choose a theme click on the ‘‘themes’’ tab and then to ‘visit theme store’ to check on the available options.

Step 5: Fine-Tune Your Policies and Pages

Before starting to add products to the store, ensure you have added all the important aspects of an online store to your store. Ensure you have a contact us page to allow customers with queries to easily contact you.

It is also important to have a shipping page where you should specify if the shipping is free or paid for.

Also, ensure to have well spelled out terms and policies and a standard privacy policy.

Step 6: Add Your Products and Categories

Once you get everything organized in your online store, you may go ahead and start adding products to it.

It is important to ensure you categories your products to make it easy for your customers when they come looking for a specific product.

To add a product to your Shopify online store, go to products on your dashboard and click on ‘‘Add Product’’. Then fill in the details about the product you are listing. The details include the product name, type, vendor, collection, description, and also tags.

Step 7: Start marketing and selling

Once you get some products in your online store, you are ready to go.

But just like any business, you should market your online store. And one of the best marketing strategies is to use social media outlets to let people what they can find on your online store.