Starting an e-commerce business may seem like a daunting task. But, platforms like Shopify make the process easier, managing all of your commerce on one platform. Here is a guide to using Shopify that will help you understand the platform and help your business grow. 

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a great tool for business owners who are looking for a simple and effective way to run their e-commerce store. Shopify allows its users to run their business through one platform while selling in different places like online, mobile, in-person, or pop-up shops. It also is cloud-based making it easy to access at any time and in any location. 

Why Use Shopify?

-Shopify works with you:

Shopify works with the size of your unique business. As your business grows Shopify will adapt, making the process simple. 

-Shopify simplifies e-commerce:

Shopify removes unnecessary confusion. The platform is centralized and doesn’t require its users to navigate the many different aspects of e-commerce. This will make your experience easier and more efficient. 

-Shopify is a global platform:

Shopify is a global platform with users in 175 countries. Because of its wide user base, you can be sure that you will have access to Shopify and its services no matter your location. 

How to Get Started on Shopify

Getting started on Shopify is easy and can be done in only a few minutes!

1. Create an account: 

The first step in the process is to create an account. Go to the Shopify website and click “Start Free Trial.” 

You will then enter a password and create your unique store name. 

2. Set up your store: 

The website will prompt you with two questions: “Are you already selling?” and 

“What is your current revenue?” Answer accordingly. 

It will then ask which type of store you would like to create, a brick and mortar or online 

store. Select the online option. 

Finally, enter the personal information that the website asks for. 

3. Add products to your store:

Now that you have set up your store it is time to start selling!

Click on the button that reads “Add new product.” The website will then take you to a 

page where you can add a title, description, price, and other information. You can also add a picture of your product. 

If you have several items to list you may also want to consider creating different pages for groups of products. This can be done by adding a “collection.”

4. Customize your website:

Now that your website has been created and your first items are available, it is time for 

the fun part; customizing!

Go to the main dashboard section of Shopify and click “Customize the Look of Your 

Site.”

If you already have an idea of what you would like your website to look like then feel free to insert logos and colors that match this idea. If you aren’t so sure of the look you are going for then find the link “Visit the Theme Store.” Here you will find many free and premium themes to choose from. 

5. Setup your domain:

When you are satisfied with the look of your site you can then make it live by setting up 

your domain. 

Go to the dashboard and click on “Add a Domain.” You will either need to add an existing domain or make a new one. Remember that you must purchase the domain through Shopify if you are creating a new one. 

6. Payment processors:

Your next step is to set up a payment processing system.

Click on the tab titled “Payments” that is on the left side of the dashboard. 

You can choose from several different types of payment processors or choose the Shopify option. By doing this you can then accept payments from your shop and put them in your bank account.

After you have set this up you can finally launch your website and start selling your products!

Shopify Payment Plans

There are several different options to choose from when deciding which plan is right for your e-commerce business. 

-Basic Plan:

$29 per month

A great plan for new e-commerce businesses that have occasional in-person sales. 

-Shopify Plan:

$79 per month

A plan that works best for growing businesses already selling online or in-store.

-Advanced Plan:

$299 per month

This plan works well for businesses that are actively expanding and require advanced 

reports.

Promoting Your Shopify Store

Now that you have set up your store it is important to start promoting your content and products. 

-Create original content:

Use social media to create content to promote your products and services. This can be 

anything from an Instagram post to a Tik Tok explaining your business or showing off a new product. This is a great way to both get creative and advertise your business. 

-Use paid advertising:

Paid advertising is a great option for e-commerce businesses looking to promote their store. There are two effective types of advertising to consider:

Interest targeting can be used to target audiences that have interests that align with your business. 

Lookalike targeting is another means of advertising that reaches new customers who have similar habits and interests as your existing customers. 

-Use email campaigns:

Email is an easy way to reach out to your existing customer base and reach new customers. 

You can use pop-ups on your Shopify store urging customers to become a part of your loyalty program where they can gain access to exclusive sales or coupons. 

You can also send out monthly or weekly newsletters highlighting your business and products using services that are designed to send emails at precise times to best engage your audience. 

Is Shopify Right for You?

With over 2.1 million daily active users, Shopify is a great tool for anyone looking to dive into the world of e-commerce. Shopify makes the process of setting up and running an online store easy through its centralized platform. With such a simple platform to use you can spend more time on both advertising and your products. If this sounds promising then Shopify may be for you!

To learn  more about e-commerce and how to leverage Shopify for your business, visit Power Move Marketing. 

Author: Lindsay Pelliccia