Shopify supports over 2.3 million businesses globally, marking an increase of 39% year-over-year in 2023 Q4. and showcasing the surge in Ecommerce.
With the daily influx of new businesses on the platform, standing out and securing consistent
The marketplace is getting more competitive, as customers are more discerning and have higher expectations.
Thus, an impactful sales strategy is crucial for Shopify store owners' success.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about selling on Shopify and how you can increase your sales.
4 Quick Steps to Setup Your Shopify Store
Before you start selling, you need to ensure your store is set up for success.
Here are some essential elements to consider:
1. Choose the Right Shopify Plan for Your Business
Selecting the appropriate plan will depend on the size of your business and your requirements.
Take time to evaluate your options and choose the one that works best for your unique needs. Shopify offers various plans tailored to different business needs:
- Basic Shopify: Ideal for new businesses and startups looking to establish an online presence.
- Advanced Shopify: Geared towards larger enterprises that require advanced reporting and customization.
- Shopify Plus: Designed for high-volume businesses with complex requirements.
To make an informed decision, evaluate your business size, budget, and specific requirements.
For example, if you're just starting, Basic Shopify may suffice, but if you anticipate rapid growth, consider Shopify or Advanced Shopify for scalability.
2. Select a Memorable Domain Name
Your domain name is your brand's identity online, so it's essential to choose something distinctive and memorable.
When choosing a domain name:
- Aim for simplicity and memorability. A name that's easy to spell and remember is more likely to attract visitors.
- Keep it relevant to your brand or products. If you sell handmade jewelry, a name like "JewelCrafts.com" is more relevant than something abstract.
- Avoid hyphens, numbers, or special characters, as they can confuse potential customers and make your domain harder to remember.
For example, "BobsBakery.com" is a straightforward, memorable domain name for a bakery's Shopify store, conveying the essence of the business instantly.
You could also buy a memorable and short domain that does immediately explaint what you sell, like Qalo – silicone wedding rings.
You can get help finding the perfect domain name from Shopify.
3. Design a User-Friendly Website
Your website design should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for mobile devices.
Here's what you need to consider:
- Visually Appealing: Use high-quality images, pleasing color schemes, and a clean layout to create a visually appealing storefront.
- Easy Navigation: Ensure that visitors can easily find products, categories, and important information like shipping and returns policies.
- Mobile Optimization: With the increasing use of mobile devices, your site must be responsive and look great on smartphones and tablets. Shopify themes are usually mobile-friendly, but verify this when selecting a theme.
For instance, if you're selling clothing, a user-friendly design would feature clear product images, organized categories (e.g., Men's, Women's, Accessories), and a responsive layout that adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes.
Take a look at Taylor Stitch as an example of clean layout and clean product photos:
4. Implement Secure Payment Options
Providing secure payment options builds trust with your customers and protects your business from fraud.
Shopify offers robust payment processing options, and you should take advantage of them:
- Shopify Payments: This in-house payment gateway is secure and seamlessly integrated into your store. It simplifies the checkout process for customers.
- Third-Party Payment Gateways: Shopify supports a wide range of external payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Square. Choose those that align with your target audience.
For instance, by offering both Shopify Payments and PayPal, you provide customers with trusted and convenient payment options, enhancing their shopping experience and reinforcing their trust in your store.
What are Shopify Apps?
The Shopify App Store offers a wealth of tools to streamline your Ecommerce activities, from SEO management to email marketing, capturing reviews to tracking your analytics.
These apps are going to be the backbone to helping you grow sales, as the Shopify platform "out of the box" needs critical gaps filled.
That's where these Shopify apps come into play.
Here's a brief introduction to some essential categories of Shopify apps. Shopify has categorized them as follows:
How to Amplify Sales with Shopify Apps and Integrations
Leverage Shopify apps and integrations to significantly boost your store's functionality, user experience, and success.
Here is a overview of the most popular apps, as listed by leading agency Blend Commerce
- Klaviyo: An email and SMS marketing platform that specializes in advanced segmentation and personalized campaigns for Ecommerce businesses to enhance customer engagement and retention.
- SMSBump: A text marketing suite for Shopify stores that offers segmentation, automations, SMS campaigns, and analytics to drive sales and connect with customers.
- FOURSIXTY: A marketing tool that allows businesses to create shoppable Instagram and user-generated content, turning social media interactions into sales opportunities.
- Octane AI: A conversational AI platform designed to automate and personalize customer interactions for e-commerce stores, enabling quizzes, surveys, and FB Messenger & SMS marketing.
- Gorgias: A helpdesk platform tailored for Ecommerce sites, integrating with Shopify to centralize customer service by managing all communication channels in one place.
- LoyaltyLion: A loyalty platform that integrates with Ecommerce stores to create custom loyalty programs, increasing customer retention and encouraging repeat purchases.
- PushOwl: A web push notification app for Shopify stores, which helps to re-engage visitors with targeted and timely push messages.
- ReCharge: A subscription billing platform that enables Ecommerce stores to set up and manage subscription products and services, providing a consistent revenue stream.
- REVIEWS.io: A feedback and review management tool that collects and displays customer reviews, helping businesses build trust and increase conversion rates.
Here are two ways to do it:
1. Install and Configure Must-Have Apps
After identifying the apps relevant to your business, it's crucial to install and configure them correctly.
Step 1: Browse the App Store
Search for the desired app in Shopify's App Store and click "Add app." You can search by particular brand, or a non-branded search like “Reviews app”:
Step 2: Install and Authenticate
Follow the prompts to install the app.
You may need to authenticate your Shopify account to grant the app access.
Step 3: Setup Configuration
Each app will have its settings and configurations.
Take time to customize them to align with your business needs.
Step 4: Customize your store’s theme and layout
Ensure the app integrates seamlessly with your store's theme and layout. Customization may be necessary to maintain a cohesive look and feel.
For instance, if you're installing an email marketing app like Klaviyo, you would configure it to automate email campaigns for abandoned cart recovery and welcome emails, tailoring them to your brand's voice and style.
2. Integrate with Third-Party Tools
Beyond Shopify's native apps, integrating with third-party tools can provide valuable insights and expand your marketing reach. Here are some key integrations:
- Google Analytics: Integrating Google Analytics enables you to track visitor behavior, conversion rates, and traffic sources. This data can inform marketing strategies and website optimization efforts.
- Facebook Pixel: By integrating the Facebook Pixel, you can track and analyze user interactions with your site, optimize ad campaigns, and retarget visitors on Facebook and Instagram.
To integrate Google Analytics, for instance, you'd generate a tracking code in your Google Analytics account and add it to your Shopify store's settings.
For Facebook Pixel, you'd create a pixel in your Facebook Business Manager and add it to your store.
5 Tips on How to Select Shopify Products
Your Ecommerce success hinges on not only what you sell but also how you merchandise and market your products.
Here are the tips that you’ll need to explore on the critical aspects of product selection and presentation to maximize your online store's profitability:
1. Identify Profitable Niche Markets
Before you even think about sourcing products, it's essential to identify profitable niche markets.
These are specific segments of the market with high demand and potentially less competition.
Here's how to do it:
- Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to uncover trends and unmet needs. Tools like Google Trends, industry reports, Jungle Scout, and social media listening can help identify emerging niches.
- Keyword Analysis: Utilize keyword research tools to discover popular search terms related to your industry. Look for long-tail keywords that indicate specific customer needs.
For example, if you're in the fitness industry, you might discover a niche in "at-home workout equipment for small spaces."
This niche targets people living in apartments or smaller homes who seek fitness solutions tailored to their space constraints.
2. Source or Create High-Quality Products
Once you've pinpointed your niche, the next step is sourcing or creating high-quality products that cater to your audience's needs:
- Supplier Selection: Choose reputable suppliers or manufacturers who can consistently provide quality products. Consider factors like reliability, shipping times, and product warranties.
- Product Development: If you're creating your products, invest in research and development to ensure they meet the highest standards. Test prototypes and gather feedback to refine your offerings.
For instance, if you're in the beauty industry, sourcing premium organic skincare products from trusted suppliers can set your store apart from competitors selling generic, low-quality options.
Shopify put together a comprehensive guide to finding a supplier for your product.
3. Craft Compelling Product Descriptions
Your product descriptions are your virtual salespeople. They should provide potential customers with all the information they need to make a purchase decision. Here's how to craft compelling product descriptions:
- Highlight Benefits: Clearly communicate how the product solves a problem or fulfills a desire. Use persuasive language to emphasize the benefits.
- Detailed Specifications: Include detailed product specifications such as size, material, and usage instructions.
Consider an example in the tech niche: If you're selling noise-canceling headphones, your description should not only mention the technical specifications but also emphasize the peace and focus these headphones can provide in noisy environments.
4. Create Visually Appealing Product Images
Visual appeal is paramount in Ecommerce.
High-quality images can make or break a sale.
Here's how to ensure your product images shine:
- High Resolution: Use high-resolution images that allow customers to zoom in and examine product details.
- Multiple Angles: Provide multiple images showcasing the product from different angles to give customers a comprehensive view.
For fashion retailers, displaying clothing items on models from various angles, along with close-up shots of fabric textures and details, can help customers envision themselves wearing the products.
For example, here is the Saxx Underwear product page, where you can see high quality product photos, and zoom in to get more detail on the fabric:
5. Implement Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews and ratings are invaluable in building trust and confidence in your products. Here's how to effectively implement them:
- Easy Review Submission: Make it simple for customers to submit reviews and ratings through user-friendly interfaces.
- Moderation and Transparency: Monitor and moderate reviews to ensure authenticity. Display both positive and negative reviews, as long as they are genuine.
In the context of an online bookstore, showcasing customer reviews and star ratings for each book not only helps customers make informed choices but also fosters a sense of community and trust among readers.
5 Effective Strategies for Ecommerce SEO
Mastering Search Engine Optimization for your Shopify store is critical to ensure visibility, attract organic traffic, and drive sales.
Below are the critical steps to achieve effective Ecommerce SEO for your Shopify website.
We covered more in-depth content on Ecommerce SEO here.
1. Conduct Keyword Research
Keyword research is the cornerstone of a successful SEO strategy.
It involves identifying the search terms potential customers use when looking for products or services. Here's how to do it:
- Use Keyword Tools: Utilize tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to discover relevant keywords. For instance, if you sell handmade jewelry, you might discover keywords like "artisan jewelry," "handcrafted necklaces," or "unique jewelry pieces."
- Competitor Analysis: Analyze your competitors' websites to uncover keywords they are ranking for. This can provide valuable insights into your niche.
- Long-Tail Keywords: Don't overlook long-tail keywords, which are more specific and often have less competition. For instance, "vintage silver pendant necklace" is a long-tail keyword.
Here’s a detailed guide to Keyword Research from SEMrush.
2. Optimize Product Titles and Descriptions
Once you've identified your target keywords, it's time to optimize your product titles and descriptions:
- Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Include your target keywords in product titles and descriptions but ensure it reads naturally and provides valuable information to the user.
- Highlight Unique Selling Points: Use descriptions to emphasize what sets your products apart. Mention materials, craftsmanship, and any unique features.
For example, if you sell organic skincare products, a product description could highlight the use of natural ingredients, cruelty-free production, and the specific benefits of each product.
Here is how Plant Mother targets “retinol serum” with their product:
3. Create SEO-Friendly URL Structures
Shopify allows you to customize your URL structures, which can impact your SEO efforts:
- Clean and Descriptive URLs: Ensure your URLs are concise, descriptive, and include relevant keywords. For instance, https://example.com/handmade-jewelry/silver-pendant-necklace.
- Avoid Duplicate Content: Be cautious about duplicate content issues by setting up canonical URLs to indicate the preferred version of a page.
An example of an SEO-friendly URL would be for a product page: https://example.com/product-category/product-name.
Here is Google’s guidelines for ideal URL Structure.
4. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are crucial for SEO as they signal the authority and trustworthiness of your site. Here's how to build high-quality backlinks:
- Content Marketing: Create valuable, shareable content like blog posts, guides, or infographics that other websites would want to link to.
- Outreach: Reach out to industry influencers, bloggers, and websites in your niche to establish partnerships or guest posting opportunities.
For instance, if you're in the fashion industry, creating a comprehensive guide on "2023 Fashion Trends" and promoting it to fashion-related websites can earn you valuable backlinks.
Brian Dean shares 7 backlink strategies that helped him generate 1.6 million backlinks from his site.
5. Monitor and Improve SEO Performance
SEO is an ongoing process, and monitoring your performance is essential:
- Google Analytics: Regularly check Google Analytics to track your organic traffic, bounce rates, and conversions. Identify areas for improvement.
- SEO Tools: Use SEO tools to monitor keyword rankings and website health. Adjust your strategy based on insights and changing trends.
For instance, if you notice a drop in organic traffic for a particular product category, revisit the product descriptions, keywords, or backlink strategies for that category to improve performance.
5 Essential Content Marketing for Shopify
Content marketing stands as a powerful tool to connect with your audience, foster engagement, and drive conversions.
Here, we explore the five essential components of an effective content marketing strategy tailored specifically for your Shopify store.
1. Blog to Attract and Engage Customers
Blogging is a cornerstone of content marketing for Shopify, enabling you to create valuable, relevant, and informative content to attract and engage customers. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Educational Content: Craft blog posts that educate and inform your audience about topics related to your products or industry. For example, if your Shopify store sells outdoor gear, you could publish articles on "Essential Camping Gear for Beginners" or "Tips for Hiking in Rainy Weather."
- SEO Optimization: Ensure your blog posts are optimized for search engines by including relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and internal links to your products or other blog posts.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Whether it's once a week or twice a month, set achievable goals and stick to them.
2. Craft Compelling Blog Posts
Creating compelling blog posts is an art form that involves captivating your audience's attention and providing real value. Consider the following:
- Engaging Headlines: Craft attention-grabbing headlines that pique curiosity. For instance, "10 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets That Will Transform Your Cooking."
- Quality Content: Deliver well-researched, in-depth content that thoroughly addresses the topic. Include images, infographics, and statistics to enhance readability.
- Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Encourage readers to take action, whether it's signing up for a newsletter, exploring your product catalog, or sharing the post on social media.
For example, a blog post about Sweet Proteins by Oobli explains the nuance and science behind their product, both educating but also selling customers on the benefits of the Oobli product.
3. Implement A Content Calendar and Strategy
A well-structured content calendar and strategy keep your content marketing efforts organized and aligned with your business goals:
- Content Calendar: Plan your blog post topics, publication dates, and promotional strategies in advance. Tools like Google Calendar or Trello can help you schedule and track your content.
- Content Strategy: Align your content with your brand's mission and values. Consider the needs and preferences of your target audience when deciding on content themes.
For instance, if your Shopify store specializes in pet food, your content calendar might include seasonal guides like “National Pet Dental Health” month, which is actually a real thing (thank you Sundays for Dogs for the heads up on this!)
4. Maximize User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful asset that can boost trust and authenticity:
- Customer Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews and showcase them prominently on your product pages.
- Social Media Sharing: Feature UGC, such as customer photos and testimonials, on your social media profiles to demonstrate real-life product experiences.
Consider a Shopify store selling fitness equipment liked Jacked Up Fitness.
Sharing customer success stories and transformation photos on social media can inspire and motivate others to make purchases, as well as sharing consistent behind-the-scenes on their social accounts:
5. Use Video and Visual Content
Visual content, including videos and images, is highly engaging and can convey information more effectively:
- Product Videos: Create product demonstration videos to show how your products work or how they can solve specific problems.
- Infographics: Design infographics to simplify complex information or showcase product features in a visually appealing format.
For instance, if you run a Shopify store selling Japanese swords (Katana), you can create a lot of video content showing the product, how to use it, unboxing, product comparisons and more.
See how the brand Mini Katana has created a huge advantage in their distribution with their YouTube content:
Conclusion
Achieving success on Shopify demands ongoing learning and flexibility.
Staying proactive is essential.
Start implementing the strategies discussed in this guide to amplify your sales, connect with your audience, and take your business to new heights.
If you're ready to take your Shopify store to the next level, don't hesitate to book a demo to see how a quiz can be tied into your product, and explore how these strategies can be tailored to your unique business needs.
