With over 4.4 billion online stores on the platform and an average of 2.1 million daily active users, Shopify has cemented its position as a leading e-commerce platform globally
Millions are building their dreams on Shopify. Whether it’s a side hustle or a global brand, Shopify empowers businesses of all sizes. It’s known for being user-friendly, fast, and an all-in-one solution for creating an online store.
But the question remains: How to make a website on Shopify quickly and efficiently?
This article will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and successful launch to your e-commerce journey. We’ll break down the essentials into manageable steps, so you can go from concept to online storefront in no time.
Benefits of Using Shopify: Our Favorite Tools for Building an Ecommerce Website
1. User-Friendly Interface
A Free 3-Day Trial: Shopify offers a fully featured, world-class website builder that you can try for up to 3 days without needing a credit card. During this trial, you can access free stock photos from Shopify’s Burst stock photo library to design your website. You can also use a free theme as a template for your website design. Most importantly, you’ll get a free subdomain to see your website live before committing to web hosting and a domain name
No Coding Skills Required: Building a stunning website on Shopify doesn’t require any coding skills. However, if you have HTML and CSS knowledge, you can still edit these files for more advanced customization. For those who don’t, Shopify’s easy drag-and-drop WYSIWYG functionality allows you to design your website your way. Additionally, Shopify provides easy-to-follow tutorials to help you learn how to make a website to sell your products
2. A Fully Customizable Website Builder
Ability to Edit HTML and CSS for Advanced Customization: Shopify’s feature-rich website builder allows you to build an eCommerce store tailored to your needs. Whether you use product-sourcing apps or create your own products, Shopify enables you to build a website to sell your products both online and in-store. The platform offers various sales channels, apps, POS systems, and features that simplify the selling process.
3. Integrated Tools and Features
Access to POS Systems: Shopify provides access to POS systems, allowing you to sell your products in physical locations as well as online.
Secure Checkout and Fraud Analysis: Shopify ensures a secure checkout process for your customers and includes fraud analysis tools to protect your business from fraudulent transactions.
Planning Your Shopify Store
1. Define Your Business Goals
Determine the Purpose of Your Website
Before diving into Shopify, take a moment to solidify your website’s purpose. Are you launching an online store to sell products, offer services, or cultivate a brand community? Understanding your core objective will significantly impact design and functionality choices later.
(US Retail E-commerce Market, 2020-2030)
We’ve included a glimpse at the top US Retail Ecommerce forecast for the next decade (2020-2030). Analyze these trends – does your industry align? If it does, how can you strategically compete? If not, how can you leverage Shopify’s platform to showcase your unique value proposition?
By defining your industry and website’s purpose, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the setup process with clarity and confidence.
Set Specific Goals for Your Online Store
Once you’ve determined the purpose, set specific, measurable goals for your online store. These could include:
- Revenue Targets: How much do you aim to earn in the first month, quarter, or year?
- Customer Acquisition: How many new customers do you want to attract within a certain timeframe?
- Conversion Rates: What percentage of visitors do you aim to convert into paying customers?
- Brand Awareness: How do you plan to increase your brand’s visibility and recognition?
2. Research and Budgeting
Explore Themes and Apps
Shopify offers a wide range of themes and apps to help you customize your store. Spend some time exploring the Shopify Theme Store and the Shopify App Store to find options that align with your brand and business needs. Look for themes that offer the design and functionality you require, and consider apps that can enhance your store’s capabilities, such as marketing tools, inventory management, and customer service features.
Estimate Costs for Themes, Apps, and Additional Services
- Themes: Shopify offers both free and paid themes. Paid themes typically range from $140 to $180, but prices can vary.
- Apps: Many apps offer free plans with basic features, but you may need to upgrade to a paid plan for advanced functionality. App costs can range from a few dollars per month to several hundred dollars, depending on the app and its features.
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Choosing the Right Shopify Plan
1. Overview of Shopify pricing plans
When planning your Shopify store, understanding the different pricing plans and selecting the one that best fits your business needs is crucial. Shopify offers a range of pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes and stages of growth. Here’s an overview of the available plans:
Pricing ranges from $19 to $299 a month with even higher price tags for enterprises. However, there’s a free three-day trial and you can get an entire month for $1 to give a thorough test-drive before you commit.
Aside from that, you may need to spend money on product photography, editing, branding, and a Shopify theme if you don’t like the free options.
Other than that, a Shopify free trial (and eventual subscription) is all you need.
But what if you’re ready for more? Here’s a comparison of some higher-tier plans I put together to help you decide what might be the best fit for your growing business.
2. Factors to Consider When Selecting a Plan
Choosing the right Shopify plan depends on several factors, including your sales volume, the features you need, and your budget. Here are some key considerations:
Sales Volume
Features Needed
Budget
Wondering how much Shopify will cost you? Check out these estimated monthly costs for each pricing plan.
Level
Starter
Intermediate
Advanced
Enterprise
Monthly Sales Volume
Up to $1,000
$1,000 – $10,000
$10,000 – $50,000
$50,000+
Plan
Basic Shopify
Shopify
Advanced Shopify
Shopify Plus
Monthly Plan Cost
$19
$49
$299
$2300
Transaction Fees
2.9% + 30¢ per sale
2.6% + 30¢ per sale
2.4% + 30¢ per sale
2.15% + 30¢ per sale
Apps & Add-ons
$0-$20
$20-$50
~$100
>$200
Marketing Budget
$50
$200
$500
$1000
Estimated Total Cost
$100-$114
Up to $500
$1000-$2000
> $5000
Caution: Consider Shopify Plus if your business consistently surpasses €750,000 in annual sales and requires the robust features and scalability this premium plan offers (starting at $2,300 per month). The pricing reflects the advanced functionalities that benefit high-volume businesses
Building and Launching Your Shopify Store
In this article, we’ve streamlined the process for you! Our detailed guide breaks down setting up your Shopify store into just four easy-to-follow steps. This simplifies the process and gets you started on your e-commerce journey in no time. Let’s dive in!
How to Set Up Shopify Store in Just 4 Parts
Managing and Growing Your Store
1. Analytics and Reporting
Use Shopify Analytics to Track Performance
Shopify provides a robust suite of analytics tools that allow you to monitor and evaluate your store’s performance. By leveraging these tools, you can gain valuable insights into various aspects of your business, helping you make informed decisions to drive growth.
Monitor Key Metrics
To effectively manage and grow your store, it’s essential to keep an eye on several key metrics:
#1. Traffic
- Visitor Count: Track the number of visitors to your store to understand your reach and identify trends.
- Traffic Sources: Determine where your traffic is coming from, such as search engines, social media, or direct visits, to optimize your marketing efforts.
#2. Sale
- Total Sales: Monitor your total sales to gauge overall performance and set revenue targets.
- Conversion Rate: Analyze the percentage of visitors who make a purchase to identify areas for improvement in your sales funnel.
- Average Order Value (AOV): Track the average amount spent per order to understand customer purchasing behavior and identify opportunities to increase sales.
- Customer Retention: Measure the percentage of repeat customers to assess customer loyalty and the effectiveness of your retention strategies.
- Cart Abandonment Rate: Monitor the rate at which customers add items to their cart but do not complete the purchase, and implement strategies to reduce cart abandonment.
- Product Performance: Analyze which products are performing well and which are not to make informed decisions about inventory and marketing.
2. Customer Support and Engagement
Effective customer engagement is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering loyalty. Shopify offers several tools to help you stay connected with your customers:
Live Chat
- Instant Assistance: Provide real-time support to your customers through live chat. This immediate interaction can help resolve issues quickly, answer questions, and guide customers through the purchasing process.
- Personalized Experience: Use live chat to offer personalized recommendations and assistance, enhancing the customer experience and increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Email Support
- Follow-Up Communication: Use email support to follow up with customers after their purchase, address any concerns, and gather feedback. This helps build trust and shows that you value their business.
- Automated Responses: Set up automated email responses for common inquiries to ensure timely communication and efficient handling of customer queries.
3. Scaling Your Business
Explore Additional Sales Channels
As your business grows, expanding your reach through additional sales channels can significantly boost your sales and brand visibility. Shopify makes it easy to integrate with various popular platforms, allowing you to tap into new customer bases and diversify your revenue streams.
#1. Amazon
#2. eBay
#3. Social Media Platforms
By exploring and integrating additional sales channels, you can maximize your store’s potential and reach a broader audience, driving more traffic and sales.
Consider Upgrading Your Shopify Plan
As your business scales, your needs will evolve, and it may be beneficial to upgrade your Shopify plan to access more advanced features and support. Here are some considerations for upgrading:
#1. Advanced Reporting
- In-Depth Analytics: Higher-tier plans offer more comprehensive reporting tools, providing deeper insights into your store’s performance and customer behavior.
- Custom Reports: Create custom reports tailored to your specific business needs, helping you make data-driven decisions.
#2. Enhanced Support
- Priority Support: Access priority customer support to resolve issues faster and receive personalized assistance.
- Dedicated Account Manager: Some plans offer a dedicated account manager to help you navigate challenges and optimize your store’s performance.
#3. Additional Features
Additional Resources and Support
1. Shopify Community and Forums
Participate in the Shopify Community for Tips and Advice:
Engaging with the Shopify community can be incredibly beneficial for both new and experienced store owners. The community forums are a treasure trove of information where you can:
2. Educational Resources
▶️▶️▶️ Shopify Mastery: Free Tips & Tricks from WizCommerce to Boost Your Sales
By actively participating in the Shopify community, you can gain valuable insights and support that can help you navigate the complexities of running an online store.
3. Hiring Experts
Consider Hiring Shopify Experts for Advanced Customization and Development:
As your business grows, you may require advanced customization and development to meet your specific needs. Shopify Experts are professionals who specialize in various aspects of Shopify, including:
Your E-commerce Journey Starts Now!
Congratulations! You’ve completed the essential roadmap to launching a successful Shopify store. This guide has equipped you with the key steps to navigate your e-commerce journey:
- Found Your Foundation: You’ve signed up for a Shopify plan tailored to your business needs.
- Built Your Storefront: With a customized design, compelling product listings, and secure payment options, your store is ready to impress customers.
- Optimized for Visibility: You understand the power of SEO and can take steps to attract organic traffic.
- Expanded Your Reach: You’ve explored the potential of integrating with popular sales channels, opening doors to new audiences.
- Ready for Growth: You’re aware of the vast resources offered by Shopify – from educational materials to expert support – empowering you to take your store to the next level.
Remember, building a thriving online business is an ongoing adventure. Keep exploring, learning, and adapting to propel your Shopify store forward. The world of e-commerce awaits your unique offerings – it’s time to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and watch your online empire blossom!
FAQs
To begin making your website on Shopify, you’ll need to sign up for a Shopify account and choose a plan that fits your business requirements. This involves evaluating the different features offered by each plan and selecting one that aligns with your current needs and budget.
Yes, you can integrate additional sales channels such as Amazon, eBay, and various social media platforms when making a website on Shopify. This multi-channel approach allows you to expand your reach and access a broader audience, which can lead to increased sales and brand awareness.
Grace is a creative writer at WizzCommerce, specializing in e-commerce and Shopify content. She creates compelling articles that help merchants optimize their Shopify stores and drive success in the competitive online marketplace.
