The best part about starting a Shopify online store is that you do not need any technical skill whatsoever to start up one. Although it started as just an eCommerce platform, Shopify now has spread its reach to brick-and-mortar stores, particularly helping them develop a more hybrid eCommerce environment. Currently, thousands of various small, mid and large companies use Shopify to handle their online stores.
What sets this site apart from the others in its field?
Firstly, Shopify offers a complete set of tools to help its online stores. As mentioned above, it comes with an eCommerce planning tool, which helps you design the store layout so that it is easy to navigate and utilize all the features available on the platform. You will also be able to set up multiple payment options for your customers, as well as email marketing tools such as subscription management. Another great thing with Shopify is its inbuilt list building and inventory management tools. If you are planning to use its email marketing services, then setting up a lead form for your customers to sign up with is very easy; the only thing you need to do is to include an opt-in form with your contact details.
Preparing with Shopify
However, starting a Shopify online store does come with a number of challenges, such as getting an eCommerce merchant account. However, if you are prepared to invest time and effort in doing some research, then there are a number of merchant account providers that can offer you a reliable service. One of the most trusted providers is Shopify. Although it is relatively new in the eCommerce industry, Shopify already has a wide network of partners in different areas, which gives you an ample opportunity of getting an account. Besides, the eCommerce solution provided by Shopify is specifically designed for beginners and small business owners, which makes the process easy for them. Getting help from the company itself will enable you to understand how everything works, and this will make your endeavor much more successful.
The first and the foremost challenge that you will face while starting a Shopify online store is selecting the right eCommerce platform to use. As a beginner, there are many things that you will have to consider, which include the type of product that you want to sell, the type of customer you will cater to, as well as the location where you want your business to operate. Shopify offers several different options for your consideration, which include free shopping cart software, online stores, graphic designs, and custom domain names. Another important aspect is choosing the right payment options such as accepting all major credit cards, as well as PayPal and Google Checkout. As for the location, you can either open a virtual storefront or one based on a specific country or region.
Shopify & Third-Party Getaway
If you are planning to add an extra feature to your store such as shopping cart software, then you need to pay attention to the option called a third-party payment gateway. This service will allow you to accept all major credit cards, while also integrating your online checkout with various payment gateways like PayPal and Google Checkout. The process is quite simple, and it will definitely help you gain more exposure. All you have to do is sign up for a Shopify developer and you will be given access to a third-party Shopify payment gateway, which is able to integrate PayPal, Google checkout, and other popular payment methods.
Although this seems to be all you need to have an eCommerce business, there are a number of other things that you should consider, such as getting some marketing strategies, as well as training, support, and even marketing tools for your online store. These things will play a huge role in your success, and they are only obtainable from a reputable and experienced eCommerce company. Starting an eCommerce store can be a very profitable venture if you take the right steps and hire the right consultant or development team to handle the intricacies of setting up your online store. Shopify is one of the most reputable and experienced companies in this field, and they will definitely help you get started on the road to success.
Once you have signed up with a Shopify development company, you can already start working on your first Shopify product. You can either create your own unique product line or start selling off preexisting products. Whichever way you choose to go, it is vital that you have a well-laid out sales strategy. To make your online store popular and easy to find, you should choose an effective and easy-to-use payment gateway such as PayPal. Another great option is to use Google Checkout, which allows you to receive payments from customers, as well as monitor all the transactions that take place.
If you are new to eCommerce, then you must also be aware of the many advantages that are associated with using Shopify’s online stores. Using the features available in the Shopify platform such as drop-shipping and inventory management, it is easy to manage your products from the comfort of your home, while still making sales. If you are hesitant about using a payment gateway, then you can use a secure server to accept all major credit cards and electronic check submissions. This is one of the easiest ways to set up your online stores and make your product easy to locate and purchase. By doing proper research, you can choose a Shopify developer or consultant who can take care of all of your needs and provide you with an online store that is easy to navigate and successful in the long run.
