Start Your Online Store with a Shopify Free Trial
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Getting Started with Shopify
- Creating a Shopify Account
- Selecting Store Features
- Choosing Products to Sell
- Setting Business Location
- Creating Shopify ID
- Choosing a Shopify Plan
- Plan Options
- Recommendations for Beginners
- Payment Options
- Extending the Free Trial
- Setting up Your Online Store
- Online Store Setup Tutorial
- Conclusion
Getting Started with Shopify
In today's digital age, having an online store is essential for businesses of all sizes. Shopify is a popular platform that allows you to easily create and manage your own eCommerce website. With its user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, Shopify has become a go-to choice for entrepreneurs looking to launch their online stores. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting started with Shopify, including creating an account, selecting store features, choosing products to sell, setting your business location, and more. So, let's dive in!
Creating a Shopify Account
The first step to getting started with Shopify is to create an account. Simply visit the Shopify website and click on the "Sign Up" button. You will be prompted to enter your email address and create a unique password. Once you have provided these details, click on "Create Shopify ID" to proceed.
Selecting Store Features
Once you have created your Shopify account, you will need to select the features you want for your online store. Shopify offers various options, such as selling products online, adding a buy button to an existing website or blog, selling on online marketplaces, and syncing your store with social media platforms. Choose the option that suits your business goals and click on "Next" to proceed.
Choosing Products to Sell
Next, you will need to decide what kind of products you want to sell on your Shopify store. Options include products you buy or make yourself, dropshipping products, print-on-demand products, digital products, and services. If you're not sure yet, you can select "I'll decide later" and move on to the next step. It's important to carefully consider the products you choose to ensure they align with your target market and business objectives.
Setting Business Location
In order to accurately set up your Shopify account, you will need to select your business location. If you're running your eCommerce business from your home and don't have a separate physical location, you can use the country of your home address. However, if you have already registered your business as a legal entity or have a physical office or storefront, make sure to use the appropriate country in this step.
Creating a Shopify ID
Now it's time to create your Shopify ID, which will serve as your login credentials. You can choose to sign up with your email address, an existing Apple account, your existing Facebook login, or your existing Google account login. Enter your new password and click on "Create Shopify ID" to proceed.
Choosing a Shopify Plan
Once you have created your Shopify account and selected the necessary settings, it's time to choose a Shopify plan. Shopify offers several plan options, including Basic, Shopify, and Advanced, each with different features and pricing. Based on the information you provided during the setup process, Shopify will make a plan recommendation for you.
For beginners, we recommend starting with the Basic plan, as it provides all the essential features you need to start and grow your online store. It's important to note that the first three days of your trial period are completely free. After the trial period ends, you will be charged one dollar for the first three months. You can choose to pay monthly or annually, and payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Extending the Free Trial
If you want to extend your Shopify trial from three days to three months, you can take advantage of a special promotion. After creating your Shopify account, you will see a black window on the side that says "Switch to a paid plan and get the first three months for one dollar." By clicking on "Pick your plan," you can access this promotion and enjoy three months of using Shopify for almost free. This extended trial period allows you ample time to explore and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Setting up Your Online Store
Now that you have chosen your plan and extended your trial period, it's time to start setting up your online store. To make the process quick and easy, we recommend following a complete online store setup tutorial. This tutorial will guide you through each step of launching your online store, from customizing the design to adding products and setting up payment gateways. By following this tutorial, you'll be able to create a professional and user-friendly eCommerce website that attracts customers and drives sales.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to get started with Shopify and are now on your way to launching your online store. Shopify offers a wide range of features and flexibility to suit businesses of all types and sizes. With its intuitive interface and powerful tools, you can create a professional eCommerce website that drives sales and helps your business grow. So, don't wait any longer – start your Shopify journey today and unlock the potential of selling online.
Highlights:
- Shopify is a popular platform for creating and managing eCommerce websites.
- Creating a Shopify account is the first step in getting started.
- Selecting the right store features and products is crucial for success.
- Choosing a Shopify plan depends on your business needs and budget.
- Extending the free trial is possible to get three months at a minimal cost.
- Set up your online store by following a comprehensive tutorial.
- Shopify offers a range of features to help your business grow.
FAQ
Q: Can I change my Shopify plan after I've selected one?
A: Yes, you can change your Shopify plan at any time within your Shopify dashboard. Simply go to the "Billing" section and choose the plan that suits your needs.
Q: Can I sell on multiple sales channels with Shopify?
A: Yes, Shopify allows you to sync your store with platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Google, among others. You can expand your reach by selling on various online marketplaces.
Q: Is it possible to migrate my existing business to Shopify?
A: Absolutely! If you're already selling online on another platform or have a physical store, Shopify offers an option to migrate your existing business seamlessly.
Q: Can I customize the design of my Shopify store?
A: Yes, Shopify provides a wide range of customizable themes and templates. You can choose a design that reflects your brand and easily customize it to create a unique online store.
Q: What payment methods are accepted on Shopify?
A: Shopify supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You can choose the payment gateway that suits your customers' preferences.
Q: Can I sell both physical and digital products on Shopify?
A: Absolutely! Shopify allows you to sell a wide range of products, including physical goods, digital products, and even services. You can easily manage and fulfill orders through your Shopify dashboard.