Are you interested in selling goods online or writing the next great ebook? Could your new hobby become your next big side hustle? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you've probably come across Shopify. But what exactly is Shopify, and more importantly, how does it work? Well, no need to fear because we have put together the ultimate guide to this all-in-one e-commerce platform so you can take your business to the next level.
Shopify is cloud-based software that is packaged as a service shopping cart solution and allows businesses to set up an online store with little to no hassle. For starters, this e-commerce platform provides users with multiple pricing plans to choose from, making it a suitable option for businesses of all sizes. There are also plenty of integrations to help grow your business.
Acting as cloud-based software, Shopify offers its users monthly subscriptions with access to an admin panel where you can enter your store info, add products and even process orders. The software is also extremely straightforward to use and only comes with a small learning curve for first-timers.
For those who love having plenty of options to choose from, Shopify has a wide selection of free and purchasable design templates to make your store as stylish as you'd like, varying from clean and modern to fun and vibrant. The platform's templates can be tweaked to your liking by using any of Shopify's editing tools available at your disposal.
Now that your account is made and your template looks great, the next question is what can I sell on Shopify? For starters, you can provide your customers with handcrafted goods, beauty supplies, home goods, outdoor gear, clothing, digital products, online classes, events, gift cards, ebooks, and much more. So, in other words, what can't you sell through Shopify?
But even with this great versatility, Shopify might not be for everyone. Like with everything, it's always important to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision. The pros are easy to use, low startup cost, beautiful themes, good for dropshipping, and lots of support options. What about the cons? Limited functionality, costly add-ons, transaction fees, and strained customer support.
If Shopify still sounds like a great option for your business, then you're probably now wondering how to use Shopify. Well, there are seven basic ways for you to get the most out of your Shopify subscription, and we've broken them down for you right here.
Starting with number one, look into Shopify Payments. If you choose to use Shopify's in-house payment processors, Shopify Payments, you can actually have the transaction fees waived. Transactions add up, so if you can use Shopify Payments and get those fees waived, that sounds great. Just make sure you read through your terms of service before you count on enabling that feature, as there might be some fine print to consider.
Next, utilize Shopify themes and templates. Shopify is best known for its ease of use and modern web design. And at Merchant Maverick, we're big fans of the drag and drop sections editor, which makes it easy to update your template and design. But let's say you want even more control over your site's design, well Shopify lets you change your template design by editing your site code for all you coders out there.
Become multi-channel with Shopify POS or Omni channel. For all my marketing nerds out there, when you sign up for Shopify's e-commerce store, you'll automatically gain access to Shopify POS. Whether you have a brick and mortar or a pop-up shop, this software will make running your business easy with its in-house POS system. However, if you are becoming a multi-channel merchant who sells in-person as well as online, Shopify is definitely a great option for you.
How about selling digital? Selling digital products allows you to benefit from all the perks of selling online while eliminating one of the biggest downsides: shipping. By using Shopify's native digital product features, you can sell downloadable merchandise to customers anywhere. This includes marketing your mp3 files and distributing printables, videos, or even ebooks to your clientele. Customers can instantly download your digital products directly from your site, taking your business right into the modern age.
Start a blog. Maintaining a blog can work wonders for your business. Not only does it give your customers a way to connect with your brand, but it also allows you to provide them with valuable content that they'll want to stick around for. Plus, a blog can help improve your SEO rankings, increase traffic to your site, and give your business a more personal touch.
In conclusion, Shopify is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that provides businesses with an easy and hassle-free way to set up an online store. With multiple pricing plans, plenty of integrations, and a wide selection of design templates, Shopify is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, by utilizing Shopify Payments, themes and templates, becoming multi-channel, selling digital products, and starting a blog, you can make the most out of your Shopify subscription and take your business to the next level.
Try Shopify for free for 14 days