How To Sell Products On Shopify: A Complete Guide

Shopify has become a dominant force in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry, offering businesses and entrepreneurs a strong platform to fulfill their aspirations of becoming real-world product sellers.

We’ll walk you through the best way to sell products on Shopify. We’ll guide you through the fundamental techniques, tactics, and best practices for setting up your online store, locating products, enhancing your website’s conversion rate, and increasing traffic to succeed in e-commerce.

This tutorial will give you the information and understanding you need to get started, expand, and succeed in the online retail industry, regardless of whether you’re new to e-commerce or looking to improve your current Shopify business. 

Table of Contents:

Why should you sell products on Shopify? 

Selling products on Shopify offers a host of strong arguments that make it a desirable option for both established companies and budding entrepreneurs. Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider selling products on Shopify:

• User-Friendly Platform: Shopify is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. You don’t need advanced coding skills to set up and manage your online store.
• Versatility: Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, Shopify can accommodate businesses of all sizes and industries. Its scalability allows you to grow your store as your business expands.
• Customization Options: With the many customizable themes and templates that Shopify offers, you can build an online store that is both distinctive and branded and meets the needs of both your target market and your vision.
• Robust E-Commerce Tools: To assist you in efficiently managing and expanding your online business, Shopify provides a large array of integrated e-commerce tools, including order tracking, inventory management, and SEO optimization.
• App Store: The Shopify App Store provides access to numerous third-party apps and plugins that can extend the functionality of your store. You can integrate various tools and services to enhance your e-commerce capabilities.
• Global Reach: Shopify is a great option for companies looking to grow internationally because it enables you to sell to customers anywhere in the world and supports a variety of languages and currencies.
• Community & Resources: Join a thriving community of entrepreneurs and access a wealth of educational resources, including guides, forums, and webinars, to help you succeed on the platform.

In summary, Shopify’s combination of ease of use, customization, security, and a vast array of features make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to sell products online. Whether you’re just starting or seeking to grow your e-commerce presence, Shopify provides a solid foundation for building and expanding your online business.

Step-by-step to sell products on Shopify 

Step 1. Enroll in the free trial of Shopify

The free trial is your entry point into the world of Shopify. During this period, you’ll get to explore the platform’s features and capabilities. It’s a great time to get a feel for the Shopify interface, try out different themes, and see how the back-end admin panel works. Even though your online store won’t be open to the public until you select a paid plan, you can begin setting it up.

During this trial period, store owners should explore the platform’s features, familiarize themselves with the dashboard, and begin the process of setting up their store.

For a quick overview of how to get started with Shopify’s free trial, check out the video below.

Step 2. Decide which sales channels to use

Selecting the right sales channels is essential to your online business plan. Your primary sales channel is your online store, but you should also think about other channels like social media, online marketplaces, and in-person sales. 

When deciding on sales channels, consider where your target audience is most active and where your products are likely to gain the most visibility.

Example: Due to the importance of reaching a diverse audience, you should leverage multiple sales channels. You should set up your primary online store on Shopify, integrate with social media platforms for additional reach, and explore marketplaces to tap into existing customer bases. Here are some common productive sales channels for you to consider:

• Online Store: Your primary e-commerce website is hosted on Shopify.
• Social Media Platforms: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to sell directly to your social media followers.

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• Online Marketplaces: Increase your exposure by using Shopify integration to sell on well-known marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
• In-Person Sales: If you have a physical store or attend events, use Shopify’s Point of Sale (POS) system for seamless in-person transactions.
• Email Marketing: Create an email list and use it to send special offers and promotions.

Step 3. Assign funds

Establishing a budget is critical in ensuring that your e-commerce venture is financially sustainable. Your budget should cover various expenses, including the cost of your Shopify subscription, domain registration, marketing campaigns, and initial inventory or product sourcing. A well-defined budget helps you manage your finances effectively and avoid overspending.

Example: You should establish a comprehensive budget to cover various aspects of your e-commerce venture. This includes the monthly Shopify subscription, domain registration, product sourcing or creation costs, packaging materials, and a budget for marketing efforts to drive initial traffic to the store:

• Shopify Subscription: Monthly fee based on the plan you choose for hosting your online store.
• Domain Registration: The cost of registering and renewing a custom domain for your online store.
• Product Sourcing: Funds allocated for purchasing or creating the products you intend to sell.
• Marketing Budget: Set aside funds for advertising, social media promotions, and other marketing efforts to drive traffic to your store.
• Packaging & Shipping: Budget for packaging materials and shipping costs associated with fulfilling orders.

Step 4. Establish a few collection pages

Collection pages are like virtual storefronts that organize your products into categories. They help customers navigate your store, making it easier for them to find products of interest. Create collection pages based on the types of products you offer, and use descriptive titles and images to make these categories visually appealing and easy to browse.

Example: If you understand the need for a well-organized storefront, you can create collection pages on their Shopify store. These pages are designed to categorize products logically, making it easy for customers to browse and find items of interest. Here are some common collection pages of a Shopify store:

• Featured Products: A collection showcasing your top or featured products.
• New Arrivals: Highlighting the latest additions to your product catalog.
• Product Categories: Organize items into logical categories such as “Apparel,” “Accessories,” or “Home Decor.”
• Seasonal Collections: Pages dedicated to products relevant to specific seasons or holidays.
• Best Sellers: A collection showcasing your most popular and best-selling items.

Step 5. Include a few sellable items

Populating your online store with products is a crucial step. Each product listing should be meticulously crafted, with high-quality images, detailed and engaging product descriptions, competitive pricing, and accurate stock information. Ensure that your product range aligns with your chosen niche and target audience.

Example: You should curate a diverse range of sellable items for your store. Here are some product ranges in a specific niche:

• Handmade Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets crafted with unique designs.
• Artisanal Home Decor: Hand-painted vases, custom wall art, and decorative candles.
• Organic Skincare Products: Natural soaps, moisturizers, and facial serums.
• Custom Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with custom prints or embroidery.
• Gourmet Food Items: Specialty chocolates, artisanal coffee blends, and organic spices.

Step 6. Launch your online shop on Shopify

Your store’s launch is an exciting milestone. Before going live, thoroughly test your website to ensure that all aspects are functioning correctly. Check for any technical issues, ensure that the checkout process is smooth, and review product listings for accuracy and completeness. After this, you can officially launch your store to the public.

Example: With your collection pages curated and products ready for sale, you should announce the opening on your Instagram or other social media accounts, enticing followers to visit your online store and experience the joy of your products.

Step 7. Place a trial order and activate it

To ensure a seamless customer experience, place a trial order in your store. This lets you verify that payment processing and order fulfillment work as expected. Once you’ve successfully placed and processed an order, you can activate your store, allowing real customers to start making purchases.

These steps represent the foundation of your e-commerce journey on Shopify. Keep in mind that building a successful online store is an ongoing process that involves continuous improvement, marketing, and customer engagement. As you progress, regularly analyze your store’s performance, gather customer feedback, and adapt to evolving market trends to optimize your business on Shopify.

9 tips to apply before selling products successfully on Shopify 

• Select a market niche or competitive viewpoint: Defining your niche is crucial because it helps you focus your efforts and differentiate your business. Think about what niche, underserved, or more specialized goods or services you can provide in comparison to larger markets. Identifying a niche allows you to target a specific audience with tailored offerings.
• Decide your target market: The perfect clientele who are most likely to make a purchase from your business make up your target market. Understand their demographics (age, gender, location), psychographics (interests, values), and buying behavior. Develop detailed customer personas to guide your marketing efforts.
• Select the merchandise to sell: Carefully research and choose the products you’ll sell. Analyze market demand, profit potential, and competition. Consider the sourcing and supply chain for your products, and ensure they align with your chosen niche and target market.
• Establish a web store: Your online store is the face of your business. Use Shopify’s platform to create a professional, visually appealing, and user-friendly website. Customize the design, layout, and branding elements to reflect your business identity. Make sure the shopping experience on your website is seamless, loads quickly, and responsive.
• Select your sales channels: Determine where you will sell your products. Besides your online store, explore additional sales channels like social media platforms, online marketplaces, and in-person sales (if applicable). Different channels have distinct requirements and advantages, so choose the ones that align with your business strategy.

• Configure payment processing: Set up secure and reliable payment processing on your Shopify store. Shopify provides multiple payment gateway options, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe, and more. Ensure that the payment process is user-friendly, offers multiple payment methods, and complies with security standards.
• Select your shipping options: Plan your shipping strategy carefully. Decide on shipping rates, carrier services, and delivery options. Offer transparent shipping information to customers and consider factors like shipping costs, delivery times, and international shipping if applicable. Optimize your shipping process to meet customer expectations.
• Market your goods: Create a strong marketing strategy to attract customers to your store and increase traffic. Make use of a variety of marketing channels, such as SEO, paid advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, and content marketing. Create compelling product descriptions and excellent product photos to successfully present your offerings.
• Continually enhance your offerings: E-commerce is dynamic, so regularly review and enhance your product offerings. Pay attention to customer feedback, analyze sales data, and monitor market trends. Stay informed about your competitors and adapt to changing consumer preferences. Consider expanding your product range, offering seasonal promotions, and staying up to date with industry developments.

Remember that success in e-commerce requires an ongoing commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and adaptability. By following these tips and maintaining a customer-centric approach, you can build a successful Shopify store that thrives in a competitive online market.

Which are trending products to sell in 2024 on Shopify?

Trending products can change quickly due to evolving consumer preferences, emerging trends, and seasonal demand. However, we can provide some insights into these product categories for 2024:

• Lip Stain: Beauty and cosmetic products have always been popular, and lip stains continue to be in demand for those looking for long-lasting and vibrant lip color.
• Matcha: Health-conscious consumers are showing increased interest in matcha, a type of green tea known for its health benefits. Products related to matcha, like matcha powder and accessories, may see continued demand.
• Power Tool Accessories: With more people taking on DIY projects at home, power tool accessories could remain a sought-after category in 2023.
• Dog Toys: Pet-related products, including dog toys, have experienced consistent demand as pet ownership continues to rise. Consumers often seek ways to keep their pets entertained and happy.
• Shot Glasses: Depending on the market and trends in entertaining, shot glasses can be a popular choice for home bars, gifts, and special occasions.
• Costume Shoes: Costume parties, cosplaying, and themed events remain popular, which can drive demand for costume shoes.
• Slipcovers: Home improvement and redecoration projects may contribute to the demand for slipcovers, especially as people seek to refresh their living spaces.
• Wall Plates & Covers: Decorative wall plates and covers can be part of interior design trends, appealing to those who want to enhance the look of their homes.
• Baby Shirts: Baby and children’s clothing are consistently in demand, making baby shirts a viable product category for e-commerce.
• Curtain & Drape Rings: As homeowners look to update their interior decor, curtains and drape rings can play a role in customizing window treatments.
• Cabinet Knobs & Handles: Home improvement and kitchen remodeling projects often involve updating cabinet hardware, making cabinet knobs and handles a potentially trending product.

It’s essential to keep in mind that product trends can vary by region, and consumer preferences may change over time. To determine the best products to sell in 2024, conduct market research, stay updated on industry news, and use tools like Google Trends to identify current and emerging trends in your target market. Additionally, consider seasonal trends and consumer behavior throughout the year.

How much does it cost to sell products on Shopify?

Depending on the plan you select, selling goods on Shopify can cost anywhere from $5 to $399 per month, depending on the pricing plan you select. The primary price plan that Shopify offers are as follows:

• Shopify Lite: For companies looking to sell goods on social media or an already-existing website, this $9/month plan is appropriate. A comprehensive internet store is not included.
• Basic Shopify: Priced at $29 per month, this plan provides essential features for starting a new online store. It includes the ability to create an online store with unlimited products, two staff accounts, and access to Shopify’s Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Shopify: This plan costs $79 per month and offers more advanced features, including gift cards, professional reports, and abandoned cart recovery.
• Advanced Shopify: Priced at $299 per month, this plan is suitable for businesses with high growth and more substantial sales volume. It includes advanced report building, third-party calculated shipping rates, and up to 15 staff accounts.
• Shopify Plus: Large companies and high-volume enterprises are the target market for Shopify Plus, an enterprise-level solution. Shopify Plus pricing is customized and based on the particular requirements of the company.

In addition to these monthly plan costs, you should also consider other potential costs, including:

• Transaction Fees: You might pay extra transaction fees for every sale that is made using a payment gateway other than Shopify Payments, depending on the plan you have selected.
• Credit Card Processing Fees: Shopify Payments and other payment gateways may charge processing fees for each credit card transaction.
• Domain Registration: If you want a custom domain for your store, you’ll need to register and potentially renew the domain, which can cost around $14-20 per year.
• Apps & Add-Ons: While Shopify offers a range of built-in features, you may choose to use third-party apps or add-ons to enhance your store’s functionality. The cost of these apps can vary.

Conclusion

As you venture into this exciting realm of digital entrepreneurship, remember that success on Shopify requires dedication, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of your target audience. The tips and steps outlined here serve as a roadmap, guiding you toward a flourishing online store. Yet, the journey is ultimately yours to shape and mold, based on your unique vision and the needs of your customers.

Stay attuned to industry trends, be responsive to customer feedback, and embrace the opportunity for growth. By continuously refining your offerings, staying resilient, and providing exceptional customer experiences, you’re well on your way to establishing a successful online business on Shopify.

May your Shopify store be a hub of innovation, a source of inspiration, and a pathway to prosperity in the dynamic world of e-commerce. With determination and the right strategies, the possibilities for your online business are limitless. So, go forth, create, and thrive on Shopify, where your e-commerce dreams can become a remarkable reality.