How to Build a Shopify Store in 6 Simple Steps

Shopify is an excellent platform for launching your business online. Regardless of whether you are a big merchant or opening a small online store, this eCommerce business tool has something for everything for online businesses. 

Merchants can even sell on social media platforms like Instagram with a Shopify store. Some of the major reasons companies prefer it are that it is easy to use, provides numerous themes and apps and has a simple dashboard.

Additionally, based on the online store size, you can choose from different pricing strategies. Trying to build a Shopify store for the first time can be tricky.  A leading UK eCommerce agency can tailor bespoke online stores that drive user engagement, sales, and ROI.

Why Build Shopify Stores for Your Business?

Shopify allows any business to start, manage, and grow their online store easily. It is counted among the best ecommerce platforms 2024 as it allows you to choose from a range of mobile-responsive themes and standard pricing. For example, companies trying to start an online store can choose from the following plans for the eCommerce platform:

• Basic Shopify monthly plan price – £22
• Shopify monthly plan price – £60
• Advanced Shopify monthly plan price – £230
• Shopify plus minimum – £1540 per month, depending on your business circumstances.

Additionally, you do not have to pay set-up fees on top of these price plans. You can also transfer the custom domain name for existing shops to Shopify. Various benefits of using Shopify are:

• It is a hosted service, meaning you do not have to pay separately for hosting. Self-hosting also makes it more secure and reliable.
• There are various themes to choose from. This ensures faster building of the online store, as a Shopify theme compatible with the business needs can be quickly customised.
• The Shopify admin dashboard has a simple user interface, which makes it convenient for non-technical users to learn how to use it. You can easily activate Shopify payments, manage inventory, and create landing pages for your marketing campaigns.
• Integrating Shopify apps can help quickly extend the functional features of the eCommerce site. You can use the Shopify app store for order fulfilment, advanced reporting, managing sales channels, automating shipping labels and other types of extensions.
• Companies get comprehensive 24/7 support services with a Shopify account.

Here are 6 Steps to Build a Successful Shopify Store

Step 1 – Choose a Unique Business Name 

The business name plays a pivotal role in portraying your brand to customers. It is necessary to come up with a unique name that clearly represents the business products or niche. Additionally, the name should be short, simple, and easy to remember for customers.

Step 2 – Register Your Shopify Store

eCommerce success is not usually a piece of cake, but choosing the Shopify platform can start you off on the right foot. The first step is obvious: you must browse the official Shopify website and register for the online store. 

This part involves entering the store name and email address, and you are ready to begin with a 14-day free trial. You can choose the default Shopify payment provider, add PayPal or more payment options at this step. For example, the Shopify payment gateway offers sales channels that let you add Amazon Pay or credit cards to offer greater flexibility to customers. Bear in mind Shopify’s transaction fees for using their own (or any other) payment gateway.

Step 3 –  Create Appealing Store Design 

The Shopify theme store offers a rich selection of free and paid themes or design templates that can simplify the work involved in setting up Shopify stores. However, it is essential to tailor the Shopify theme according to the target audience, business products, and industry vertical.

Many online store merchants neglect designing Shopify themes but later regret it. Beautiful mobile responsive website designs help maintain and enhance an online presence. A Shopify agency can create appealing online Shopify stores that ensure greater credibility and drive sales.

Step 4 – Add Items You Want to Sell

One of the most important steps in learning how to build a Shopify store is adding items for sale. This can be time-consuming and also costly, but if you operate multiple sales channels and already have items listed on other multi-vendor marketplace platforms, it will be child’s play. With the help of cross-listing software, you can fast-track the process and start selling. 

While listing products and services, it is essential to write Search Engine Optimised descriptions so your products can be found easily by search engines such as Google. You also need to customise product photos and names and add SEO-friendly details that help with greater visibility in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). 

Step 5 – Plan Marketing and Manage Content

Strong content helps build a successful Shopify store, allowing customers to make well-informed purchasing decisions. This also leads to better user experiences and lower product returns. You need to ensure that the store has the following:

• The “Contact Us” page must provide greater clarity on several ways the customers can connect with the customer service team.
• Do not hide product information; try to enlighten customers with a 360-degree view of what you are dealing with.
• Update shipping costs, policies, and terms.
• Give complete information on privacy policies, returns, and refunds.

It is also necessary to promote your store opening on various social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest. The right marketing strategy can help you easily connect with potential customers. You can also use apps from the Shopify store basics to integrate new functional features.

Step 6 – Launch Your Shopify Store

After completing all the above steps, you are now ready to launch the store and benefit from the fruits of your labour. Don’t be nervous about the launching process; it may seem daunting, but it’s time to start selling! 

In Summary: Building Shopify Stores

Shopify is the right platform to launch or grow your online store. The platform helps you with several day-to-day eCommerce operations, from secured payment gateways to various handy apps. 

At chilliapple, we offer world-class eCommerce website development services. We can help you build your dream store on Shopify with end-to-end theme customisation. As a leading Shopify agency, we ensure the entire process is a breeze for you, and you receive seamless service.