Shopify merchants experience a 126% growth on average year-over-year. In fact, Shopify is now the third top e-commerce platform. There are currently over 427,000 websites on Shopify and 600,000 businesses.

Learning how to use Shopify could help you discover new business opportunities. Not sure where to start? Here’s the only Shopify tutorial you’ll ever need!

With these tips and e-commerce training, you can create your store and start drawing in customers. Then, you can boost business and improve your ROI. With e-commerce classes, you could even set your store up for lasting success.

Eager to get started? Create your e-commerce store with your Wizards of Ecommerce Shopify guide today!

1. Start a Trial

First, visit the Shopify website to start a free trial. Your free trial will last for 14 days. You can use the next two weeks to create and market your e-commerce store. 

The next 14 days can also help you determine if Shopify is the right platform for your business.

Get started by entering your email address here. Then, you’ll need to choose your store name. Your store name will become your website URL (storename.myshopify.com). 

Make sure to choose a store name that’s unique and easy to remember. Once you choose it, you can’t change it, so choose the name wisely.

You can always purchase a custom domain name (storename.com) if you choose to in the future.

Before you begin your free trial, you’ll need to provide Shopify with your:

• Business idea
• A unique store name
• An eye-catching, branded logo
• The products you plan on selling online
• Photos for each product

Take the time to gather these details before you get started. You’ll have an easier time creating your e-commerce store if you have the materials you need. 

2. Gather Research

Before developing and launching your e-commerce store, it’s important to gather research. Research can help you make more informed decisions moving forward. For example, it helps to learn about your target audience.

Then, you can design your store and market your products with those customers in mind.

In fact, about 73% of customers expect businesses to understand their needs and expectations. You can use customer research to personalize your store and offerings. Personalization can help you connect with your customers. 

You’ll have an easier time drawing in an audience of buyers as a result.

In fact, about 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands personalize experiences. Personalization can deliver eight times the marketing spend. It can even lift sales by 10% or more.

Determine who your customers are based on demographics and psychographics like:

• Age
• Gender
• Household income
• Location
• Language
• Education
• Pain points
• Buying behaviors
• Interests
• Hobbies
• Marital status

Research what your competitors are doing, too. Try to pinpoint opportunities and strengths you can use to your advantage. Then, use this Shopify tutorial to create your store with those strengths in mind. 

Otherwise, consider taking e-commerce classes. Completing your e-commerce training can help you better use the research you gather. 

3. Create Product Listings

As part of your e-commerce training, you’ll need to learn how to create and optimize your product pages. Stronger product pages can help you draw in more buyers. You can show consumers the unique value you can offer, which can boost sales. 

First, consider your product titles and descriptions. Make sure it’s clear what you’re selling. Try to avoid lengthy, winding descriptions, though.

Instead, keep it short and sweet.

Keep your target audience in mind as you create your pages. Then, highlight any incentives that can benefit your customers. For example, you can highlight free shipping.

Use bullet points and listings to improve readability. Write using shorter sentences and paragraphs, too. Then, help your descriptions stand out with a little storytelling.

Don’t neglect the photos you use. Make sure to use high-quality, eye-catching images. You can also use GIFs, 3D models, and videos. 

Then, choose your prices. Use competitive pricing to draw more people to your products.

4. Add Core Pages

Other pages can further enhance your Shopify website, including:

• An About Us page
• Policy pages (return policy, privacy policy, terms of service, shipping policy)
• An FAQ page
• A Contact Us page

Use your About Us page to tell your brand story and draw people to your business. Your brand story can help people recognize the value you can offer. You can connect with your target audience before directing them to your product pages, too. 

5. Customize Your Store

Once you have your core pages in place, you can start customizing your e-commerce store. 

First, visit the Shopify Theme Store and select a theme. 

Take a moment to consider your branding, too. A distinct brand can help you stand out from competitors.

Your brand includes your voice, tone, and personality.

It also includes visuals like your color palette, font styles, and logo.

You can set the typography, colors, and other page elements from your settings. 

6. Adjust Your Settings

You can also adjust your settings to customize your Shopify store. For example, you’ll need to set up your taxes and a shipping strategy. Make sure you charge the correct sales tax for your area.

Otherwise, set up your payouts and payment gateways. Consider how you’ll accept payments, too. 

7. Start Marketing

A strong marketing strategy can set your e-commerce store up for lasting success. You can use different marketing tactics, including:

• Content marketing
• Search engine optimization
• Pay-per-click advertising
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing

Use social media marketing to show off your products. Then, direct people to your Shopify product pages. Use engaging, enticing language to encourage people to start shopping.

Your marketing strategy will help you build a buzz around your products.

8. Launch

Once you use this Shopify tutorial, you can prepare to launch your new e-commerce store.

To go live, disable the password protection for your site (under Online Store > Preferences). Then, people can finally start buying your products!

Consider taking additional e-commerce classes for more ways to boost your business, too. 

Your Shopify Tutorial: 8 Simple Steps for Opening an eCommerce Store

Ready to establish your online store? With this Shopify tutorial, you can master the basics. Then, you can use your e-commerce classes to set your shop up for success. Click here Find Event Has been done

Want to set your online store up for lasting growth? We’re here to help.

Explore our upcoming classes today to get started.