How to Sell on Shopify in 2024: A Beginners Guide

2024 is shaping up to be a massive year for e-commerce, and if you’re not selling on Shopify, you’re leaving money on the table.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established brand looking to expand your online presence, Shopify is the platform that's been turning side hustles into six-figure businesses.

But let's be real: just slapping your products onto Shopify isn’t enough. You need a solid strategy to turn your store into a sales-generating machine.

This guide for beginners will explain you on how to sell on Shopify in 2024. We're not just going to talk about setting up a store; we’re diving into the nuts and bolts of what it takes to thrive!

Why Shopify Is a Game-Changer in E-commerce?

Shopify isn’t just another e-commerce platform; it’s the powerhouse behind over 1.75 million merchants globally. In 2023, Shopify merchants were responsible for generating over $444 billion in global economic activity . Let that sink in.

The platform offers everything from a user-friendly interface to powerful tools for SEO, marketing, and inventory management. It's scalable, reliable, and the go-to choice for those serious about building a profitable online business. If you've been on the fence about starting your Shopify journey, consider this your sign to dive in.

Why Sell on Shopify? The Ultimate Platform for E-commerce Success

Ease of Use

Let’s start with the basics: Shopify isn’t just another e-commerce platform; it's designed for ease of use without compromising on power. In 2024, setting up an online store needs to be as intuitive as possible.

You shouldn't need a computer science degree to launch a store, and Shopify gets that. With its drag-and-drop store builder and a wide variety of themes, you can get a professional-looking store up and running in no time—no coding required. Shopify's interface is built for simplicity, meaning that even if you're a total newbie, you can navigate through the setup process like a pro.

Scalability and Flexibility

Whether you’re just starting with a small inventory or planning to scale into a massive online retailer, Shopify grows with you. With its flexible pricing plans and robust features, it's suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about server maintenance or security issues, as Shopify handles all of that on the backend. This means you can focus on what you do best—selling your products.

As your store expands, Shopify’s app ecosystem provides endless customization options. From advanced analytics to SEO tools and payment gateways, you can add functionalities that match your growth pace. This scalability is precisely why brands like Gymshark and Kylie Cosmetics continue to use Shopify as their primary platform .

Integration and Tools for Every Step

Shopify is not just about hosting your store; it's an all-in-one e-commerce solution. It integrates seamlessly with various third-party tools, including email marketing software, CRM systems, and social media platforms. This integration capability is crucial in 2024, where omnichannel marketing and sales are key to capturing a broader market share.

From abandoned cart recovery to multi-channel selling on social media and marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify offers tools that help you not just sell but excel.

Built-In SEO and Marketing Tools

We all know that visibility is crucial in e-commerce, and this is where Shopify shines. It comes packed with built-in SEO features like customizable title tags, meta descriptions, and a solid URL structure, making it easier for your store to rank on Google. Additionally, Shopify supports blogging directly on the platform, which is a game-changer for driving organic traffic.

The platform also offers robust marketing tools, including automated email campaigns, discount codes, and even Facebook and Google ad integrations. Shopify is designed to help you market your products effectively and reach your target audience right where they are.

Comprehensive Payment Options

Shopify offers multiple payment gateways, including its own Shopify Payments, which comes with no transaction fees. This flexibility allows customers to pay the way they want, whether it’s through credit cards, PayPal, or even cryptocurrencies. Offering diverse payment options is crucial in 2024 when customers expect convenience and security at checkout.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing Your Shopify Plan

Before diving into the store setup, you need to pick the right Shopify plan that aligns with your business goals. Shopify offers several pricing tiers, starting from the basic plan for beginners to Shopify Plus for established brands needing advanced features. I

f you're just starting out, the Basic Shopify plan is generally sufficient. It provides all the essential features you need to set up your store, including unlimited products, 24/7 support, and basic reports. 

Ecom Experts’ Tip: If you’re uncertain about which plan suits you best, start with the Basic plan. You can always upgrade as your store grows. Remember, it's more important to get started than to get everything perfect from day one.

Setting Up Your Domain and Store Name

Your domain and store name are crucial for branding and SEO. Your store name should be unique, memorable, and reflective of your brand. Once you've decided on a name, secure your domain.

Shopify allows you to purchase a custom domain directly through their platform or connect an existing one. In 2024, having a custom domain is non-negotiable for branding and credibility.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Choose a domain name that's short, easy to spell, and includes a keyword relevant to your niche. This can boost your store's SEO and help it rank higher in search engine results.

Selecting and Customizing Your Theme

Shopify offers a range of free and paid themes tailored for different industries. When selecting a theme, consider factors like mobile responsiveness, speed, and customization options.

In 2024, over 60% of e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices, so a mobile-friendly design is essential. Themes like "Dawn" and "Impulse" are highly recommended for their flexibility and speed optimization.

Once you’ve selected a theme, customize it to match your brand. This includes uploading your logo, choosing a color scheme, and setting up your homepage. Focus on creating a seamless user experience with clear navigation, high-quality images, and compelling copy.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: If you're looking to stand out from the crowd with a customized theme, Ecom Experts can implement custom solutions tailored to your brand, ensuring that your store stands out from the pack!

Adding Products and Crafting Product Pages

Now, it's time to populate your store with products. Go to the "Products" section in your Shopify dashboard and click "Add product." Fill in the product details like title, description, pricing, and images. Your product pages are crucial for both user experience and SEO.

• Product Titles: Keep them concise yet descriptive, including relevant keywords (e.g., "Organic Cotton T-Shirt – Eco-friendly Apparel").
• Product Descriptions: Write unique and engaging descriptions that highlight the benefits and features of your products. Include relevant keywords naturally to improve SEO.
• High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images with multiple angles and zoom functionality. In 2024, e-commerce stores with high-quality visuals have seen a 30% higher conversion rate (Source: Shopify’s Internal Data 2024).

Ecom Experts’ Tip: If you have a large product catalog, importing products in bulk via CSV files can save time. 

Setting Up Payment Gateways and Shipping

To start selling, you need to set up payment gateways. Shopify Payments is the easiest option, as it integrates seamlessly with your store and doesn't charge extra transaction fees. Additionally, you can enable other payment methods like PayPal, Stripe, or even cryptocurrency options.

Next, configure your shipping settings. Shopify allows you to set flat rates, calculated shipping rates, or free shipping based on order value. In 2024, offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount has proven to be a powerful incentive for increasing average order value (AOV).

A report by the National Retail Federation found that 75% of shoppers expect free shipping, and it influences their purchase decision.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Offer multiple payment options to cater to different customer preferences. For shipping, use clear and straightforward shipping policies to set the right expectations for your customers.

Shopify SEO Optimization: Getting Your Store Found

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for attracting organic traffic to your store. Here’s how to set up your Shopify store for SEO success:

• Optimize Your Homepage: Use the primary keyword ("Shopify Store") in your homepage title, meta description, and header tags (H1, H2). Ensure your homepage content is informative, engaging, and keyword-optimized.
• Create Keyword-Rich Collections and Product Pages: Organize your products into collections and optimize them for keywords. For example, if you sell eco-friendly apparel, create a collection titled "Eco-Friendly Clothing" and use related keywords in the collection's description.
• Optimize URLs: Shopify automatically generates URLs for your pages, but you can customize them to be clean and keyword-friendly. Instead of "https://yourstore.com/collections/all-products," use "https://yourstore.com/eco-friendly-clothing" to improve SEO.
• Install SEO Apps: Shopify offers several apps like "Smart SEO" and "SEO Manager" that help automate and enhance your store's SEO. These tools assist with meta tags, schema markup, and sitemap generation, ensuring your store is fully optimized for search engines.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: SEO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment. By optimizing your Shopify store's structure, content, and technical aspects, you can improve your rankings on search engines and attract more organic traffic.

Integrating Essential Shopify Apps

Shopify’s app ecosystem is one of its biggest strengths. Here are some essential apps to integrate into your store for enhanced functionality:

• Email Marketing Apps: Use apps like Klaviyo or Omnisend to automate email marketing campaigns, helping you stay connected with customers and drive repeat sales.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Apps like "Abandoned Cart Recovery" can help you recover lost sales by sending automated emails to customers who leave products in their cart without completing the purchase.
• Upsell and Cross-Sell: Apps like "Bold Upsell" or "Frequently Bought Together" can help increase the average order value by recommending related products during the checkout process.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: While apps can add valuable functionality to your Shopify store, be mindful of their impact on site speed. Choose apps that are well-coded and have positive reviews for performance.

How to Sell on Shopify Without Inventory

Understanding Dropshipping and Print on Demand

If you’re looking to sell on Shopify without the hassle of managing inventory, dropshipping and print on demand (POD) are two popular methods to consider. Dropshipping involves selling products directly from a supplier to the customer without holding the inventory yourself.

In this model, you act as the middleman, and the supplier handles storage, packaging, and shipping. Print on demand, on the other hand, allows you to sell custom-designed products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, with production and shipping handled by a POD provider after each sale.

In 2024, dropshipping and POD have become increasingly viable due to improvements in supplier quality and shipping efficiency. According to a report by Statista, the global dropshipping market is expected to reach $476.1 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 28.8%.

How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify

1. Choose a Niche: Start by selecting a niche that has demand but is not overly saturated. Tools like Google Trends, Oberlo, and AliExpress can help you identify trending products.

2. Find Reliable Suppliers: Quality suppliers are the backbone of a successful dropshipping business. Shopify apps like Oberlo and Spocket provide access to a wide range of products and suppliers. Look for suppliers that offer fast shipping, quality products, and good customer service.

3. Set Up Your Store: Import products into your Shopify store using the dropshipping app of your choice. Customize product titles, descriptions, and images to make them unique and appealing to your target audience.

4. Market Your Products: Once your store is set up, focus on marketing your products through social media, Google Ads, and email marketing to drive traffic and conversions.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Although dropshipping is a low-risk way to start selling on Shopify, it requires careful management of supplier relationships and customer expectations. 

How to Start Print on Demand on Shopify

Print on demand is perfect for creatives and brands wanting to sell custom products without managing inventory. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Products: Decide on the types of products you want to offer, such as T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or phone cases. Shopify apps like Printful and Printify allow you to create and sell custom-designed products.

2. Design Your Products: Use design software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create unique designs for your products. If you're not a designer, consider hiring a freelance graphic designer.

3. Integrate with Shopify: Connect your POD app (e.g., Printful, Printify) with your Shopify store. This integration allows automatic order processing, meaning when a customer places an order, the POD provider handles production and shipping.

4. Set Your Pricing: Ensure your pricing covers production costs, shipping fees, and your desired profit margin. A 2024 survey by Printful revealed that 45% of POD sellers have a profit margin of 20-30%.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: With print on demand, product quality and shipping times are crucial. Choose a reputable POD provider that offers high-quality products and reliable shipping. 

Maximizing Profits Without Inventory

Selling on Shopify without inventory requires a strategic approach to maximize profits:

• Optimize Your Product Pages: Ensure your product pages are optimized for SEO and conversion. Use high-quality images, compelling descriptions, and customer reviews to build trust.
• Leverage Marketing Channels: Utilize social media advertising, influencer marketing, and content marketing to drive traffic to your store.
• Offer Bundles and Upsells: Increase the average order value by offering product bundles, discounts, and upsell opportunities.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Remember, the key to success in dropshipping and print on demand is differentiation. Focus on creating a unique brand identity and customer experience that sets you apart from the competition.

Driving Traffic to Your Shopify Store

Leveraging Social Media Marketing

In 2024, social media continues to be a dominant force in driving traffic to e-commerce stores. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest are not just for social interactions; they are powerful marketing channels.

Here’s how to use social media to attract potential customers to your Shopify store:

• Instagram Shopping: With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram has become a prime platform for product discovery. Set up Instagram Shopping for your Shopify store, allowing users to shop directly from your posts. According to a 2024 report by eMarketer, 70% of shoppers look to Instagram for product inspiration.
• Facebook Ads: Utilize Facebook’s advanced targeting options to reach your ideal customer base. Start with dynamic ads that automatically show relevant products from your Shopify store catalog to people who have shown interest in similar items.
• TikTok Marketing: TikTok’s influence on e-commerce has skyrocketed. Use TikTok Ads or collaborate with influencers to promote your products. A 2024 TikTok marketing study found that 80% of users have made purchases based on TikTok content.
• Pinterest Shopping Ads: Pinterest is a visual discovery engine, making it perfect for promoting products. Set up Pinterest Shopping Ads to showcase your products to users actively searching for ideas and inspiration.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: A well-rounded social media strategy not only drives traffic but also builds brand awareness. Focus on platforms that align with your target audience's preferences.

SEO for Organic Traffic

SEO is a game-changer when it comes to driving organic traffic to your Shopify store. In a landscape where over 63% of shopping experiences begin online, optimizing your store for search engines is non-negotiable.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: SEO is a long-term strategy that requires consistency and quality. By producing valuable content regularly, you can build authority in your niche and improve your store’s organic search rankings. 

Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing is a direct and effective way to keep your audience engaged and drive traffic back to your Shopify store. Here's how to leverage email marketing to boost your sales:

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Email marketing is an opportunity to build lasting relationships with your customers. Craft compelling email content that resonates with your audience and drives them to take action.

Collaborations and Influencer Marketing

Partnering with influencers and other brands can expand your reach and attract new customers. Influencer marketing has evolved in 2024, with more focus on authentic collaborations and micro-influencers.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Authenticity is key in influencer marketing. Choose influencers who genuinely resonate with your brand and can create content that reflects your brand values.

Running Promotions and Discounts

Promotions and discounts are powerful tools for attracting traffic and encouraging sales, especially for new Shopify stores looking to gain traction.

Ecom Experts’ Tip: While discounts can boost sales, use them strategically to avoid eroding your profit margins. Focus on creating promotions that add value for your customers while aligning with your business goals.

Enhancing the Customer Experience for Higher Sales

Customer experience is the linchpin of e-commerce success. In 2024, customers expect a seamless and personalized shopping journey. Studies show that 73% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that provide a smooth customer experience. Here’s how to deliver just that:

Ecom Experts’ Tip: A seamless and personalized customer experience can significantly boost your conversion rates and customer loyalty. Ecom Experts can help you implement advanced features like custom checkout options and personalization tools to enhance your store's user experience.

Implementing Upselling and Cross-Selling Strategies

Upselling and cross-selling are proven strategies to increase your store's revenue. In fact, upselling techniques can increase sales by 10-30% on average. Here's how to incorporate them effectively:

Ecom Experts’ Tip: Properly executed upselling and cross-selling can significantly boost your AOV without feeling pushy. 

Scaling Your Shopify Business

Once your store is running smoothly and generating consistent sales, it's time to think about scaling. Scaling involves expanding your operations to reach a wider audience and increasing your revenue streams:

• Explore New Markets: Use Shopify's multi-language and multi-currency features to sell internationally. Set up localized stores and offer shipping to new regions to tap into global markets. According to a 2024 report by Statista, cross-border e-commerce sales are projected to reach $4.8 trillion, making it a lucrative opportunity for expansion.
• Invest in Paid Advertising: As you scale, consider investing in paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram. Paid ads can drive targeted traffic to your store and accelerate growth.
• Leverage Influencer Collaborations: Scale your marketing efforts by partnering with influencers who can promote your brand to a larger audience. Influencer collaborations can boost brand awareness and drive sales.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Selling on Shopify in 2024 is more than just listing products and hoping for sales. It's about creating an optimized, customer-centric experience that not only attracts visitors but converts them into loyal customers. From setting up your Shopify store with SEO-friendly themes to maximizing sales through upselling, cross-selling, and leveraging Shopify apps, every step plays a crucial role in driving your e-commerce success.

To recap, starting with a solid foundation is key. Ensure your store is well-structured with optimized product listings, compelling visuals, and a seamless checkout process. Dive into strategic marketing efforts—both organic and paid—to drive targeted traffic. Remember, customer experience is the new battleground in e-commerce. The more you can personalize and streamline the shopping journey, the higher your conversion rates and customer retention will be.

If you're ready to take your Shopify store to the next level but feel overwhelmed by the technicalities, consider partnering with Shopify experts. Ecom Experts specializes in optimizing Shopify stores for peak performance—whether it’s enhancing site speed, customizing themes, or implementing advanced checkout solutions. We're here to help you build a Shopify store that not only looks great but also drives growth.

FAQs

Q1. How do you sell on Shopify successfully in 2024?
A1. Optimize your store for SEO, use high-quality product images, leverage social media, and provide excellent customer service.

Q2. Is it hard to get sales on Shopify?
A2. It can be challenging without a strategy, but with SEO, marketing, and a seamless shopping experience, you can attract and convert customers.

Q3. How profitable is it to sell on Shopify?
A3. Profitability depends on your niche, pricing, marketing, and customer retention. With a solid plan, many sellers find success.

Q4. How to set up SEO for my Shopify store?
A4. Use relevant keywords, optimize product titles and descriptions, improve site speed, and submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.

Q5. Can I sell on Shopify without inventory?
A5. Yes, use drop shipping or print-on-demand services to sell products without holding inventory.