How to Start a Shopify Store in 12 Steps

One big advantage of using Shopify is how simple it is to create your own online store. Shopify guides you through everything, from setting up your store and designing it to stocking it with products and keeping it running smoothly.

Over time, many small companies have faced uncertainties, like closures or being bought by bigger companies, which left customers unsure of what to expect.

But with Shopify, you can be sure your website will work well and be easy to use. That’s because Shopify’s popularity means there are experts available to take care of the technical stuff.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 easy steps to start your Shopify store. We’ll cover everything from picking your niche and products to launching your store and getting the word out. Whether you’re a small retailer looking to go online or a new entrepreneur with a cool idea, this guide is for you.

Step 1: Define Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is a crucial first step in starting your Shopify store. It’s like finding the right key to unlock success. When you know who you want to reach, your marketing becomes much more effective. This means finding new customers is easier, and you’re more likely to turn visitors into buyers. Here are three key aspects to consider:

You can make an audience of any size or attribute, depending on what products you plan to sell. However, there are three main categories to look at as a new ecommerce entrepreneur:

• Demographics: Start by defining the basic characteristics of your ideal customers, such as age, gender, occupation, education, and income.
• Location: Consider where your customers are located. This helps you focus on specific geographic regions and serve them better.
• Interests: Dive into the psychographics of your audience, including attitudes, personality traits, opinions, and lifestyle choices.

If you already have a product:

Identify who’s currently buying your product. What are their characteristics? How old are they? Use this information to create a buyer persona that you can incorporate into your business plan. This persona will guide your website content and marketing campaigns.

If you don’t have a product:

Think about the people you know best. For instance, if you’re passionate about pets and understand the needs and preferences of pet owners in their 40s and 50s, that could be your target audience. Use your familiarity with this group to shape your future product and marketing strategies.

Step 2: Select Your Products

Choosing the right products to sell is a critical step in starting your Shopify store. Finding those winning products can be a bit of a puzzle, but if you have a clear idea of your target audience, you’re off to a great start. 

The good news is that there are numerous ways to discover products that can be profitable, whether you plan to manufacture, resell, or use dropshipping.

Here’s how you can identify products with potential:

1. Appeal to Enthusiastic Hobbyists: Consider products that passionate hobbyists or enthusiasts might be interested in. When people love a particular hobby or interest, they’re more likely to spend money on related products.
2. Follow Your Passion: If you’re passionate about a certain niche, consider selling products in that area. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your business, making it more enjoyable for you and appealing to customers who share your passion.
3. Capitalize on Trends Early: Stay on the lookout for emerging trends and hot items. Being one of the first to offer trending products can give your store an edge.
4. Explore Online Marketplaces: Check out popular online marketplaces to see what’s in demand. This can give you valuable insights into what products are currently popular.

Remember, on Shopify, you can sell a wide range of products and services, including both physical and digital items. The possibilities go beyond just products and can include memberships, consultations, fonts, installations, event tickets, and digital gift cards.

Don’t limit your exploration—keep searching for your unique niche. The opportunities are endless, and with the right products, your Shopify store can thrive

Step 3: Create Your Shopify Account

Now, let’s walk through the process of signing up for your Shopify account. This is where you lay the foundation for your online store.

Visit Shopify’s Website

Go to the Shopify website, and you’ll find a button that says “Start free trial.” Click on it to kickstart the signup process.

Enter Your Information

You’ll be prompted to provide some basic information:

• Email Address: Use an email you can easily access.
• Create a Password: Make it secure and memorable.
• Store Name: Choose a name that represents your business well. This name will also become your default Shopify domain (e.g., yourstorename.myshopify.com).

Pro Tip: While brainstorming your store name, take a peek at existing Shopify stores for inspiration. It can help you come up with a memorable and unique name.

Welcome to Your Shopify Dashboard

After completing the signup process, you’ll land in your Shopify admin dashboard. This is where the magic happens – where you’ll build your store from the ground up.

Get Your Custom Domain

As a next step, consider getting a custom domain that reflects your business. Having a unique domain not only adds professionalism but also boosts your online visibility through improved SEO.

Design Your Store

Think about your store’s design, layout, and features. Shopify offers a variety of themes, both free and paid, designed for different industries and styles. Explore your options and select a theme that matches your brand and goals.

Pro Tip: You can change your theme anytime you like, so don’t stress over this decision too much at this stage.

Start Adding Products

With your domain and theme set, it’s time to start adding products, configuring payment gateways, and setting up shipping options. These steps will help you transform your Shopify store into a fully functional e-commerce powerhouse.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on setting up a Shopify account:

Step 4: Customize Your Shopify Store Theme

Creating an attractive online store is like rolling out the red carpet for your customers. It can make a big difference in drawing in shoppers and boosting sales. Shopify gives you the tools to make your store look stunning. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose Your Theme

Go to the “Online Store” section in your Shopify admin dashboard.

Click on “Themes” to see the options available.

2. Considerations When Choosing a Theme

Paid themes offer more features and flexibility. They often provide better support, security, and updates. Paid themes give your store a unique look because they’re less commonly used.

Some themes are designed for specific industries like fashion, beauty, or home goods. You can preview how your site will look with a theme, even if you’ve added products and content.

3. Customize Your Theme

Use the Theme Editor, accessible from your Shopify admin dashboard. This tool lets you make changes like layout, fonts, and colors with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

For more intricate tweaks, you can directly edit your theme’s code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This requires technical know-how but offers greater design control.

Note: Some themes have limits on customization. Paid themes often offer more advanced options compared to free themes.

A well-designed store is a game-changer. It builds trust, boosts sales through user-friendly design, and creates a positive shopping experience. Your store’s design should:

• Reflect your brand identity.
• Make customers feel comfortable and confident while shopping.
• Enhance your brand’s image.

If design isn’t your strong suit, seek feedback from friends, colleagues, or fellow Shopify store owners in your niche. Networking within your industry can be beneficial.

Step 5: Add Products to Your Shopify Store

Once you’ve chosen a theme and customized your store’s appearance, it’s time to populate your shop with products. 

Before diving into adding products, make sure you’ve covered these basics:

• Niche Decision: Know your niche or product focus.
• Target Market: Identify your ideal customers.
• Product Sourcing: Secure your products from a supplier or be in the process of doing so.

To get started, log in to your Shopify admin dashboard, and navigate to the ‘Products’ section. Then, follow these steps:

1. Enter Product Details

For each product, provide the following essential information:

• Product Title
• Description
• Price
• Images
• Inventory and Shipping Details

Remember to be thorough and accurate to help customers make informed buying decisions.

2. Prioritize High-Quality Images

Quality product photos are crucial. In fact, they can make or break your store. Consider these points:

• Most of your store’s visible space consists of product photos.
• Professional, high-quality images are a must.
• If you can’t take your own photos, explore services like Soona for professional results.

3. Craft Product Descriptions with SEO in Mind

Product descriptions serve a dual purpose: they inform customers and improve SEO. Keep these tips in mind:

• Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from your niche research.
• Ensure your descriptions are both descriptive and attention-grabbing.

Your product descriptions often appear in search engine listings, so they need to be top-notch.

4. Organize Products into Categories and Collections

Make shopping easier for your customers by creating logical categories and collections. You can do this in the “Collections” section of your Shopify admin dashboard, grouping products by type, price range, or any criteria that makes sense for your store.

5. Prioritize Navigation

A clear, intuitive navigation structure is essential. It helps customers quickly find what they’re looking for, which increases the chances of them making a purchase.

6. Use Tags and Filters

In addition to collections, consider using tags and filters to further refine your product organization. Tags can label products based on specific attributes (e.g., color, material), and filters allow customers to sort and view products based on these attributes. These features enhance the user experience and encourage exploration.

7. Enhance Collection Presentation

Don’t forget to make your collections enticing with:

• Appealing Images
• Informative Descriptions

These elements communicate the theme or purpose of each collection, encouraging customers to explore further.

Step 6: Set Up Your Payment Gateway

Once you’ve nailed down your store’s style and design, the next crucial step in launching your Shopify store is configuring your payment gateway. This is where you make it easy for your customers to pay you for your fantastic products.

Why Payment Gateways Matter Payment gateways are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, processing transactions and collecting payments from your customers. Shopify offers a variety of payment gateway options, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, and Stripe. They all support major credit cards, making it convenient for your customers to pay in their preferred way.

Here’s How to Set Up Your Payment Gateway:

• Access Your Settings: Go to the “Settings” section in your Shopify admin dashboard.
• Navigate to Payments: Within “Settings,” you’ll find the “Payments” tab. Click on it to begin the setup process.
• Default Option: Shopify Payments: If you’re in a supported country, Shopify Payments is the default choice and easy to set up. It seamlessly integrates with your store.
• Third-Party Options: If you prefer a third-party payment gateway like PayPal or Stripe, don’t worry—it’s still straightforward. Follow the instructions provided to connect your chosen payment account to your Shopify store.

Choosing the Right Payment Gateway:

• Customer Preferences: Consider what payment options your customers prefer. Ensure your chosen gateway aligns with their expectations.
• Fees and Costs: Each payment gateway comes with its own fee structure. Some charge higher fees than others. Research the costs and transaction fees to find the best fit for your business.

For instance, Stripe offers flexibility, allowing payments on third-party websites and even social media platforms. However, keep in mind that Stripe may cost you an extra 1%-2% per transaction compared to Shopify Payments (as of the current writing).

Before launching your store, it’s essential to test your payment gateway. Go through the entire purchasing process to make sure everything runs smoothly and your customers won’t encounter any hiccups when they’re ready to buy.

Step 7: Perfect Your Shipping Setup

Shipping is the backbone of any successful e-commerce venture. It affects customer satisfaction and your bottom line.

In your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to “Settings,” then click on “Shipping and Delivery.” This is where the magic happens.

Think of shipping zones as specific geographic areas where you provide shipping services. Customize your strategy for different regions and customer preferences.

For instance, you might find it less profitable to ship bulky items from the East Coast to the West Coast. So, set up your shipping zones accordingly.

Now, let’s talk about rates. You have options here:

• Flat-Rate Shipping: Charge a fixed fee, regardless of order size.
• Calculated Shipping Rates: Set rates based on factors like weight, order total, or destination.

Finding the sweet spot between covering your shipping costs and offering attractive rates is key. Balance is your friend.

Variety is the spice of life. Provide customers with multiple delivery options, such as standard, expedited, or overnight shipping. This flexibility caters to different needs and enhances the shopping experience.

Consider third-party shipping apps and integrations to streamline your shipping process. They can automate label creation, package tracking, and returns management. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution, explore platforms like Linnworks, which seamlessly integrate with Shopify.

Compare carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Evaluate their rates and services to find the best fit for your specific needs. This step can significantly impact your overall shipping efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Step 8: Nail Your Tax Setup

As an ecommerce maestro, getting your taxes right is non-negotiable. You want to charge the right taxes on your products, and Shopify is here to make it a breeze.

Start in your Shopify admin dashboard. Click on “Settings,” then head over to “Taxes.” It’s where you’ll work your tax magic.

Tailor your tax settings to your location and the tax rules that apply to your business. Shopify can be your tax-savvy assistant:

• Let it automatically calculate taxes based on your store’s location.
• Or, if you need, set up custom tax rates for specific regions.

Certain products or customers might get a tax break. Shopify has your back here too. Create tax exemptions for specific products or customer groups to ensure you only apply taxes where they belong.

Tax laws can be tricky and changeable. Research your local tax laws thoroughly and consider consulting a tax pro to make sure you’re charging the correct amount of tax on your products. Different places can have different rules and rates, so staying in the know is essential.

Once your tax settings are dialed in, Shopify will automatically add the right taxes to your customers’ orders during checkout. Here’s the kicker: it’s your responsibility to collect those taxes and send them to the right tax authorities. Keep meticulous records, meet your tax deadlines, and file those returns on time.

By setting up your taxes correctly and staying clued in about local tax laws, you’ll keep your ecommerce store on the straight and narrow, steering clear of any potential legal or financial hiccups.

Step 9: Create Essential Pages for Your Shopify Store

Your Shopify store needs certain pages to share crucial information with your customers and meet legal requirements. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key pages you should create:

About Us

• This page tells your brand’s story, mission, and values.
• Share your company’s background, product inspirations, and what makes you unique.

Contact Us

• Make it easy for customers to reach out with questions, concerns, or feedback.
• Include contact info like email, phone number, and address (if applicable).
• Add a contact form for convenient communication.
• Set clear expectations for response times (e.g., 24-48 hours).

Shipping & Returns

• Inform customers about your shipping policies, delivery times, and return procedures.
• Clearly state shipping rates, estimated delivery times, and any special options.
• Explain your return and refund policies.

Privacy Policy

• A legal requirement for most online stores.
• Explains how you collect, use, and protect customer data, including personal and payment info.
• Consider using a template or legal guidance to ensure compliance.

Terms of Service

• Outlines rules and guidelines for using your online store.
• Covers payment methods, order cancellations, and other terms.
• You can use a template or seek legal advice to create a comprehensive document.

Creating Your Pages

• Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
• Click on “Online Store,” then select “Pages.”
• Click “Add page” to create each page.
• Add relevant content and format it to match your store’s design.

By including these essential pages in your Shopify store, you’ll enhance the user experience and stay legally compliant. Don’t forget the importance of clear communication and transparency with your customers!

Step 10: Supercharge Your Shopify Store with Helpful Apps

Shopify offers a treasure trove of apps to turbocharge your online store, making it easier to run, attract customers, and boost profits. Here’s a quick overview:

• SEO Tools: Boost your store’s search engine visibility with tools like Plug in SEO and SEO Manager. These tools work wonders

• Email Marketing Apps: You can build a loyal customer base by running targeted email campaigns. Some top choices for email marketing apps are Klaviyo and Omnisend.

• Inventory Management Apps: Simplify stock management and automate order fulfillment with apps like Linnworks, Stocky, and SkuVault.

To get these apps, navigate to your Shopify admin dashboard. Click on “Apps” and then select “Visit the Shopify App Store.” You can explore the app store to find solutions that suit your needs. Follow the installation instructions provided for each app.

Why Install Shopify Apps? By adding these handy apps, you’ll supercharge your store’s capabilities, making it easier to manage, more attractive to customers, and ultimately, more profitable. It’s a win-win for your business!

Step 11: Launch Your Store

After successfully completing the previous steps, it’s time to take the big leap and make your Shopify store go live. Here’s how to do it:

• Head over to your Shopify admin dashboard.
• Navigate to “Online Store.”
  
• In the “Themes” section, find your selected theme.
• Click on “Actions,” then hit “Publish.”

And there you have it! Your store is officially live and open for business. Customers can start placing orders right away.

However, remember, launching your store is just the beginning of your exciting e-commerce journey. To drive sales, you’ll need customers, and to get customers, you need to generate traffic.

This is where the magic of promotion and brand-building comes into play. Get ready to take your store to the next level!

Step 12: Promote Your Store

When you’ve set up your Shopify store, the next crucial step is to explore various marketing channels that can help you attract customers and boost sales. This entails considering both traditional and digital approaches, ranging from social media to influencer collaborations, paid advertising, and search engine optimization (SEO).

As a Shopify store owner, it’s essential to approach marketing strategically. Begin by conducting short experiments on each of the marketing channels you’ve identified. These experiments should help you gain insights into which channels are most effective for your specific business and target audience. Experimentation involves trying out different approaches, tracking metrics, and analyzing results.

Through your experiments, you’ll likely discover 2-3 marketing channels that prove highly profitable for your business. These are the channels where you observe the most engagement, conversions, and sales. Once you’ve identified these top-performing channels, it’s time to focus your efforts and resources on them to maximize their impact.

Now, let’s delve into some of the most common marketing channels that successful ecommerce businesses use:

Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are particularly effective for ecommerce due to their visual nature.

To get started, create a content calendar to schedule posts consistently. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and direct messages promptly. Adapt your social media strategy to your target audience and the latest platform trends.

For example, if your products cater to a younger demographic, consider platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels. Older audiences with greater purchasing power may respond better to Facebook ads.

Influencer Collaborations

Influencer marketing can be a highly effective strategy for expanding your reach and building your brand in the ecommerce space. However, it’s crucial to select influencers who align with your brand values and messaging.

When collaborating with influencers, clearly define the terms of the partnership, including the type of content they will create, how they will promote your products, and the compensation they will receive. Ensure that the influencer’s content resonates with your target audience.

Paid Advertising

Paid advertising is a fundamental component of any ecommerce marketing strategy. When done correctly, it can drive significant traffic to your website and increase your revenue.

To start with paid advertising, you must understand the different advertising platforms available, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Beginners can benefit from introductory guides to learn the basics and optimize their campaigns for success.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Many online shoppers turn to search engines like Google during their buying journey. To tap into this valuable source of organic traffic, you’ll need to focus on search engine optimization (SEO). This involves optimizing your store’s online presence to appear higher in search engine results for relevant keywords.

Pay special attention to product descriptions, titles, and meta descriptions. Keyword research tools like Ubersuggest or Keyword Surfer can assist you in identifying relevant keywords. Keep in mind that SEO is a long-term strategy that requires patience and ongoing efforts.

Final Thoughts 

Shopify is a great choice for people who want to start a small business and make money online quickly, even if you’re new to this or looking for a new challenge. The best part is that you don’t need any previous experience with online selling or building websites.

With Shopify, you can easily create an attractive and efficient online store because it has all the necessary features built-in. It simplifies the process of starting an online business and provides you with the essential tools right from the start.

However, it’s important to remember that running an online store is an ongoing commitment. You’ll need to provide a great shopping experience for your customers and work on growing your business.

If you need more guidance, sign up for my online business coaching.