Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to sell on Shopify? Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that enables anyone to set up an online store and start selling on Shopify, regardless of their technical expertise. Whether you’re exploring startup ideas or want to know how to start a business, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of how to sell products on Shopify, even if you’re a complete beginner.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from setting up your Shopify store to adding products, customising your branding, configuring payments, and promoting your business. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to sell in Shopify and be well on your way to launching a successful online store. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Setting Up Your Shopify Store
The first step to sell on Shopify is creating your account. Here’s how to get started:
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Visit Shopify.com and click on the “Start free trial” button.
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Enter your email address, password, and store name. Your store name will become your default URL (e.g., storename.myshopify.com), but you can purchase a custom domain later.
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Fill in a few additional details, and your Shopify store will be created.
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Begin your 3-day free trial without the need for a credit card.
Once you’ve signed up, familiarise yourself with the Shopify dashboard. Set up your basic preferences, such as:
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Language
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Currency
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Time zone
These settings ensure that your store is tailored to your target audience and region.
Example: If you’re launching a handmade jewellery store, name it “SparkleCrafts” and set the currency to INR.
2. Adding Products to Your Shopify Store
Now that your store is set up, it’s time to start adding products. Shopify makes it easy to add products, whether you’re selling physical goods, digital products, or services. To add a product:
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Go to the “Products” tab in your Shopify admin and click “Add product.”
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Enter the product title, description, price, and upload high-quality product images.
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Specify the product variants, such as size, colour, or material, if applicable.
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Set the inventory quantity and configure shipping details.
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Assign the product to a collection for easy organisation and discoverability.
Repeat this process for each product you wish to sell on Shopify. If you have a large inventory, you can also utilise the bulk import feature using CSV files to save time.
When adding products, consider the following tips:
- Use high-quality product images that showcase your items from different angles.
- Write compelling product descriptions that highlight key features and benefits.
- Offer product variants, such as different sizes, colours, or materials, to give customers more options.
- Set competitive prices that reflect the value of your products and align with your target market.
Example: For a “Rose Gold Pendant”, provide multiple images, a detailed description highlighting craftsmanship, and set variants for chain lengths.
3. Customising Your Store for Branding
Your Shopify store should reflect your brand’s unique identity and style. Customising the look and feel of your store helps create a memorable shopping experience. Here’s how to do it:
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Visit the Shopify Theme Store and choose a theme that matches your brand’s style. You can select a free or paid theme based on your needs and budget.
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Customise your theme by:
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Uploading your logo
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Changing colours and fonts
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Adding banners or images that capture your brand vibe
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Make sure your design matches your brand’s personality—whether that’s clean and minimal, bold and vibrant, or elegant and luxurious. Example: A minimalist theme with pastel colors can enhance the appeal of a handmade skincare products store.
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Keep your branding consistent across all pages. A cohesive look builds trust and makes your store feel professional.
4. Setting Up Payments and Checkout
To start selling on Shopify, you need to configure your payment and checkout settings. Shopify offers various payment options to cater to different business needs and customer preferences. Here’s how to set up payments:
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Go to the “Settings” section in your Shopify admin and click on “Payments.”
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Enable Shopify Payments, which is the platform’s built-in payment gateway, or integrate with third-party payment providers like Razorpay, PayPal, or Stripe.
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Configure your checkout settings, such as enabling guest checkout, specifying the required customer information, and setting up shipping options.
Example: Integrate Razorpay to accept UPI, credit/debit cards, and net banking payments seamlessly.
For Indian merchants, Razorpay is a popular Shopify payment gateway that supports a wide range of payment methods, including UPI, credit/debit cards, netbanking, and digital wallets. Razorpay offers a seamless integration with Shopify through its plugin, making it easy to accept payments without any coding knowledge.
Additionally, if you plan to target international buyers, consider enabling multiple currencies to provide a localised shopping experience.
5. Promoting Your Shopify Store to Drive Traffic
Creating a stunning Shopify store is only half the battle. To sell on Shopify successfully, you need to drive traffic to your store and convert visitors into customers. Here are some effective strategies for promoting your Shopify store:
1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO):
Optimise your store for search engines (SEO) by using relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and meta tags.
2. Social Media Marketing:
Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to promote your products, engage with your target audience, and run targeted ads. Example: Run an Instagram ad campaign featuring your best-selling products to attract new customers.
3. Email Marketing:
Build an email list of subscribers and send targeted campaigns promoting new products, special offers, and exclusive discounts.
4. Influencer Collaborations:
Partner with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and gain exposure to new audiences.
5. Paid Advertising:
Invest in paid advertising channels such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to reach potential customers actively searching for products like yours.
6. Promotions and Discounts:
Offer promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs to incentivise purchases and encourage customer loyalty. Shopify has built-in features for creating discount codes and gift cards.
Related Read: How to Become Shopify Partner?
6. Analysing Data, Making Adjustments, and Scaling Your Store
As you start selling on Shopify, it’s important to track your results and make data-driven decisions. Shopify offers a range of analytics and reporting tools to help you understand your sales, traffic, and customer behaviour.
Here are some key metrics to track:
Sales:
Keep an eye on your daily, weekly, and monthly sales to identify trends and opportunities.
Traffic:
Use Google Analytics to track your store’s traffic and see which channels are driving the most visitors.
Conversion Rate:
Monitor the percentage of visitors who make a purchase, and test ways to improve it such as offering free shipping or optimising your product pages.
Average Order Value:
Look for ways to increase the average amount customers spend per order, such as offering bundles or upsells.
Use A/B testing:
Use A/B testing to experiment with different product page layouts, pricing strategies, and promotional offers to optimise conversions.
Tweak Product Pages:
Tweak your product pages based on performance insights. If a product has high traffic but low sales, try improving the images, rewriting the description, or adjusting the price.
Based on your analytics, look for opportunities to optimise and scale your store. Continuously refine your approach to improve your store’s performance and drive more sales.
As your business grows, consider scaling your Shopify store by:
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Expanding your product range and introducing new product categories.
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Implementing advanced features like customer loyalty programs, subscription models, and personalised recommendations.
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Exploring additional sales channels, such as marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay) and social commerce (e.g., Facebook Shops, Instagram Shopping).
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Investing in inventory management and order fulfilment solutions to streamline your operations and deliver a seamless customer experience.
Conclusion
Starting an online store and learning how to sell in Shopify may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and tools, anyone can succeed in e-commerce. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-equipped to set up your Shopify store, add products, customise your branding, configure payments, and promote your business effectively.
Remember, success in e-commerce requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Continuously monitor your store’s performance, gather customer feedback, and make data-driven improvements to optimise your sales and grow your business.
If you’re still unsure about how to start an online store on Shopify, take advantage of Shopify’s free trial to explore the platform and familiarise yourself with its features. With dedication and the right strategies, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a thriving online business.\
Related Read: Shopify Dropshipping Guide for Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a business license to sell on Shopify?
The requirement for a business license depends on your location and the nature of your business. Some countries, states, or local governments may require you to obtain a business license or permit before selling on Shopify. It’s essential to research the specific requirements for your area and comply with all applicable regulations. In India, you don’t need a business licence to start selling on Shopify initially. However, it’s recommended to register your business as you grow, especially for payment gateway setup and taxation compliance.
2. How do I handle returns and refunds on Shopify?
Shopify allows you to set up and manage your store’s return and refund policy. You can specify your policy details, including the return window, acceptable conditions for returns, and refund processing time. When a customer requests a return, you’ll receive a notification in your Shopify admin, and you can process the return and refund accordingly.
3. What payment methods are supported on Shopify?
Shopify supports a wide variety of payment methods to suit both your business needs and your customers’ preferences. These include:
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Credit and debit cards
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PayPal
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Apple Pay and Google Pay
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Shopify Payments
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Local payment methods, such as UPI, NetBanking, or digital wallets, depending on your location
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Third-party payment providers like Razorpay, Stripe, or 2Checkout
Shopify Payments, the platform’s own payment gateway, is available in several countries and allows you to accept payments directly without the need for a third-party provider.
4. How long does it take to set up a Shopify store?
The time it takes to set up a Shopify store varies depending on factors such as the complexity of your products, the level of customisation you require, and your familiarity with the platform. On average, setting up a basic Shopify store can take a few hours to a couple of days. However, fully customising your store, adding products, and configuring settings may take longer.
5. What’s the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
Shopify is the standard e-commerce platform suitable for most small to medium-sized businesses to launch and grow an online store. Shopify allows theme-based customisation and supports apps for added functionality. It provides 24/7 support via live chat and email. For example, a local fashion boutique selling regionally with a limited team and moderate order volume.
Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is an enterprise-level solution designed for high-volume merchants and large businesses. It’s an advanced solution designed to support brands that need more power, flexibility, and support. Shopify Plus offers advanced features, dedicated support, and greater customisation options, but it comes with a higher price tag. For example, global sportswear brand using Shopify Plus to handle thousands of orders daily across multiple countries
6. How do I track orders and shipments on Shopify?
Shopify provides a centralised order management system that allows you to track and fulfil orders efficiently. When an order is placed, you’ll receive a notification in your Shopify admin. You can view order details, update order statuses, and generate shipping labels directly from the platform. Shopify also integrates with various shipping carriers, enabling you to track shipments and provide customers with real-time updates.
7. What’s the best Shopify plan for beginners?
For beginners, the Shopify Basic plan is often the most suitable option. It offers all the essential features needed to create and manage an online store, including unlimited products, 24/7 support, and a secure checkout process. As your business grows and you require more advanced features, you can easily upgrade to higher-tier plans like Shopify or Advanced Shopify.
