Steps to Start a Shopify Store that SELLS (Easy Tips)

So, you're ready to start a Shopify store—but not just any store. You want one that actually makes sales. 💸

Good news: you don’t need to be a tech wizard or marketing genius to make it happen. In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to launch your Shopify store—the right way—so you're set up for success from Day 1.

Bonus: I’ve also created a FREE Shopify Starter Kit to help you launch faster and smarter. It includes a launch checklist, niche ideas, and beginner-friendly tips. 👉 [Grab it here by joining my email list!] 

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    Let’s get into it.

    Step 1: Sign Up for Shopify

    Start with the basics—create your account. Shopify offers a free trial so you can play around and build your store before committing.

    [Click here to start your free trial with Shopify] 

    Just follow the prompts to set up your dashboard. Don’t stress about getting everything perfect—you can tweak things later.

    Step 2: Choose a Product that Sells

    Before you start designing, think about what you're selling. The best Shopify stores solve a problem or meet a specific need.

    Quick product tips:

    -Focus on a specific niche (ex: dog gear, minimalist home decor)

    -Use free tools like Google Trends, TikTok, or Etsy to find what’s hot

    -Avoid saturated markets unless you have a unique angle

    Step 3: Pick a Store Name + Domain

    Choose something short, memorable, and relevant to your niche. Once you’ve got it, check if the domain is available.

    Inside Shopify:

    -Go to Settings > Domains

    -Buy a domain or connect one you already own

    Having a custom domain builds trust—and trust equals sales.

    Step 4: Select a High-Converting Theme

    Don’t just go for “pretty.” You want a theme that looks clean and converts visitors into customers.

    Shopify has plenty of free themes that are fast, mobile-friendly, and customizable.

    Tips:

    -Choose a theme with good product image support

    -Keep the layout simple and distraction-free

    -Prioritize speed over design bells and whistles

    Step 5: Add Your Products (and Make Them POP)

    When adding your products, think like a customer.

    Each product should have:

    -Clear, benefits-focused title and description

    -High-quality images (preferably lifestyle shots)

    -Pricing that makes sense for your niche

    Go to Products > Add product in your Shopify dashboard.

    Bonus points if you include reviews, product videos, or FAQs right on the page.

    Step 6: Set Up Payment + Shipping

    Make it easy for people to pay and get their stuff.

    -Go to Settings > Payments to enable Shopify Payments, PayPal, etc.

    -Then head to Settings > Shipping and delivery to create shipping zones and rates

    Even if you're dropshipping or selling digital products, you’ll still need to configure these settings.

    Step 7: Build the Key Pages

    Before launching, create these must-have pages:

    -Home – Clear, simple, and shows what you offer

    -Product Pages – With strong copy + clear CTAs

    -About Page – Builds trust and tells your story

    -Contact Page – Make it easy for people to reach out

    -Policies – Shopify can auto-generate return, privacy, and shipping policies

    You can create pages under Online Store > Pages and link them in your main menu.

    Step 8: Customize + Test Your Store

    Your store should be easy to use, mobile-friendly, and clear about what you’re selling.

    Checklist:

    -Is your logo uploaded?

    -Is your menu easy to navigate?

    -Do buttons work on mobile?

    -Is your checkout process smooth?

    Use Preview Mode and test your store like a real customer before going live.

    Step 9: Launch and Promote

    Now you’re ready to go live! Remove your password protection in Preferences, share your store link, and start promoting.

    Start with:

    -Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest

    -Friends + family

    -Niche Facebook groups or Reddit threads

    Bonus tip: Offer a limited-time discount or freebie to encourage your first few sales.

    Grab Your Free Shopify Starter Kit

    Want to make your store launch even easier?

    Download my FREE Shopify Starter Kit—it’s packed with tips, checklists, and beginner tools to help you launch faster and smarter.

    [Get on the Email List here to grab your FREE Starter Kit] 

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      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. I only recommend products and services that I believe in and think you’ll find valuable.

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