STEP-BY-STEP Beginner's Guide For Your Shopify Store

Starting your own online store might sound overwhelming, but with Shopify, it’s actually super beginner-friendly. Whether you’re selling handmade products, dropshipping, or launching a digital product, Shopify gives you all the tools to go from idea to open in no time.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to launch your first Shopify store—even if you have zero experience. Plus, I’ve got a free Shopify Starter Kit you can download to make the process even easier.

Enter your email here to grab your free Shopify Starter Kit + join my newsletter

    Built with Kit

    Step 1: Sign Up for a Free Shopify Trial

    Let’s start with the basics.

    Go to Shopify and start your free trial. No credit card required upfront, so you can test the waters risk-free.

    You’ll pick a store name, add your email, and create a password. Don’t stress if your store name isn’t perfect—you can always change it later.

    Step 2: Pick a Theme & Customize Your Store

    After signing up, Shopify drops you into your dashboard where you can start building your store’s look.

    -Go to Online Store > Themes

    -Browse free themes (I recommend starting with “Dawn”)

    -Click Customize to change colors, fonts, and layout

    You don’t need to know code—just drag and drop sections, upload your logo, and add some images. If you’re not sure how you want your store to look, check out similar stores in your niche for inspiration.

    Step 3: Add Your Products

    Now it’s time to stock your digital shelves.

    -Go to Products > Add Product

    -Add product title, description, and photos

    -Set price and “compare-at price” if you want to show a discount

    -Add product variants (like sizes or colors)

    -Organize them into collections (like “New Arrivals” or “Best Sellers”)

    Tip: Write product descriptions that highlight benefits, not just features.

    Step 4: Set Up Shipping & Inventory

    -Go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery

    -Set up shipping zones (domestic, international)

    -Choose flat rates or real-time carrier rates

    -Decide if you want to offer free shipping (customers love that)

    Also, manage your inventory under each product listing. You can set limits or let Shopify track quantities automatically.

    Step 5: Set Up Payments & Legal Pages

    To get paid, set up your payment processors:

    -Go to Settings > Payments

    -Enable Shopify Payments (fastest + lowest fees)

    -Connect PayPal, Apple Pay, or other options as needed

    Then, go to Settings > Policies and use Shopify’s built-in generators to quickly create:

    -Privacy Policy

    -Terms of Service

    -Refund & Return Policies

    -Shipping Policy

    These pages build trust and are required by many payment gateways.

    Step 6: Make It Mobile-Friendly

    Before launching, preview your site on both desktop and mobile. Most customers shop on their phones now, so make sure everything looks good, buttons work, and the checkout process is smooth.

    Step 7: Install Helpful Apps

    Head to the Shopify App Store and install a few beginner-friendly tools:

    -Email marketing app (like Klaviyo or Shopify Email)

    -Product reviews app (like Judge.me)

    -Countdown timers or popups for urgency

    -SEO booster or analytics tools to track growth

    Apps can help you boost sales, gather customer data, and improve user experience.

    Step 8: Launch Your Store!

    Before going live, double-check:

    -Product links and images

    -Mobile experience

    -Checkout process

    -Shipping rates and payment methods

    -Store password (remove it under Preferences)

    When everything’s ready, remove the password and share your store with the world!

    Bonus: Download the Free Shopify Starter Kit

    Want a step-by-step printable checklist to help you stay organized and avoid missing anything?

    Grab my free Shopify Starter Kit by entering your email here.

      Built with Kit

      Final Thoughts

      Starting a Shopify store in 2025 doesn’t require coding, big budgets, or tech know-how. You just need a product, a bit of hustle, and the right steps—and now you’ve got those!

      Start your free Shopify trial here and take the first step toward building your dream online business.

      Disclaimer:  This page contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

      Back to blog