Our team currently have just over 30 Shopify stores active and running. Our shopify experience is good. Big Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands naturally gravitated towards Shopify due to its comprehensive e-commerce features and ease of use. 

This article takes you through the building up your store, redesigning, theme customization, and targeted marketing and Shopify apps to install, 

It focuses on a good merchant experience and is quite a reliable source for people having a small business and willing to set up their business online and on an international level. 

Table of contents

- Introduction to Shopify other E-commerce Mechanisms
- Setting Up Your Shopify Store
- Optimising Product Page
- Marketing Your Store & Analysing Performance
- Additional Best Practices for E-commerce

Work with us, we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. We offer comprehensive content writing and expert guidance to ensure your Shopify store not only meets but exceeds your business requirements.

I. Introduction to Shopify Tutorial

Interesting facts about Shopify timeline

1. Before Shopify was a platform for creating online stores, it was an online store itself selling snowboards andit was called Snowdevil. ^[1]
2. ^‍Shopify is availbale in more than 20 languages Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, etc.
3. Shopify's payment service works in 15 countries including US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Impressive Shopify Stats

1. There are currently 2+ million merchants and 4.6 million live websites sing Shopify.
2. Shopify merchants drive record-high $9.3 billion in Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales .
3. ^‍Shopify earned $7.1 billion in total revenue in 2023, up 26% year on year.

Competitors of Shopify

Shopify is a platform for all types of businesses, big or small, whether they sell online, offline, or on social media. Shopify helps you sell products and grow your business. It supports:

• Physical Products
• Digital Products
• Services and Consultations
• Memberships
• Ticketed Experiences
• Classes and Lessons
• Rentals

Choosing the right platform for your business is crucial, so exploring different options and weighing their pros and cons is wise. The e-commerce backend industry is highly competitive.   Here are the major competitors:

• BigCommerce
• Salesforce
• Oracle
• SAP
• eComchain
• Commerce Guys

Service By Shopify

An Ecommerce website building platform, it provides the following services to its users:

• Payments
• Marketing Tools
• Shipping
• Customer Engagement Tools

Why Shopify

Now that we know more about the company’s core business and existence, let us start with the  what makes It the best platform for e-commerce and online earning.

In case it is not abundantly clear by now: Shopify allows individuals and businesses to create their own online stores in seconds and sell products directly to customers. This package is both cheap and affordable, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start an e-commerce business.

4 Shopify benefits that make it worth it

If you're reading this you already know ecommerce is booming,  more and more people are shopping nearly 23% year by year partner up with shopify experts who take on evey challenge.

Go To Market Fast Ease of Use

Shopify stands out for its user-friendly design and interface. Shopify platform offers customizable themes, from volume discount to cart discounts, it's all covered. The bulk price editing is a timesaver! intuitive central dashboard that enables users to manage their entire store with ease.

Low maintenance Shopify Never Crashes

As a host solution, Shopify provides robust security measures to safeguard customer data and ensure fast loading times. Shopify ensures your store looks professional and attracts customers.

Scalability: Shopify has the same goal as you: to generate more revenue.

Shopify's scalable pricing and features accommodate businesses at every stage of growth, offering extensive third-party support and integrations. Our shopify developers handle scalability of you website efficiently. Let our experts help you succeed!

Shopify Online Marketing: Empowering Brand Independence

Shopify has enabled brand independence with a suite of online marketing tools and integrations for your webshop, including SEO tools, email marketing platforms, and Facebook & Google Ads integrations. Instagram has redefined brand marketing. Together, these products have given rise to the D2C phenomenon.

Let's discuss the best marketing strategy for your Shopify store in a 30 call we will discuss combining several approaches to create a comprehensive plan that drives traffic, engages customers, and boosts sales. 

II. New to Shopify? Follow These Steps to Create a Shopify Store From Scratch

Step 1: Sign Up for Shopify

Joining Shopify is easy. They offer free services and a 14-day trial. Just visit their website and click "Get Started" to create your account.

• To begin, visit the shopify.com website and click “Get Started.”
•  Fill out the sign up form to register. 
• Choose a store name during sign-up
• Enter the required details and afterwards tap the ‘Create your store now’ button. 

Your store name should be special; if it's already taken Shopify will request that you pick something else.

If you have an online business (Etsy, eBay, Amazon, or social media), you can easily connect them using the setup wizard.

Step 2. Add Your Products

Now that you have a Shopify account, you will be directed to your store’s admin screen where you can start customising your store’s appearance, uploading products, and setting up payment and shipping options.

• Navigate to your Shopify dashboard to start adding products.
• Customise each product with a unique title, description, photos and tags for better organisation. 

Step 3. Set up Shopify Payments

You can activate Shopify Payments with one click to start accepting payments right away or connect your own payment processor to your dashboard. 

Step 4. Set Up Shipping and Taxes

Under the Settings tab, set up your shipping methods and fees and your applicable sales tax information.

Once you've added all your products payments and shipping, you will be guided straight to your store administrator screen. it's time to design your store. Again, this is easy!

What Is Shopify’s Pricing in 2024?

Shopify offers three main subscription plans:

Shopify Plans

Basic Shopify: €21 per month + 1.9% and €0.25 per European credit card transaction. For iDEAL transactions, it's 0% and €0.29. Third-party transaction fees apply at 2% if you don't use Shopify Payments. Ideal for new e-commerce businesses with occasional in-person sales.

Shopify: €59 per month + 1.8% and €0.25 per European credit card transaction. For iDEAL transactions, it's 0% and €0.29. Third-party transaction fees apply at 1% if you don't use Shopify Payments. Perfect for growing businesses that sell online or in a physical store.

Advanced Shopify: €289 per month + 1.6% and €0.25 per European credit card transaction. For iDEAL transactions, it's 0% and €0.29. Third-party transaction fees apply at 0.5% if you don't use Shopify Payments. Great for scaling businesses that need advanced reporting.

Shopify Plus and Starter

In addition to the above plans, there are two more options worth mentioning: one for absolute beginners and one for webshops generating over €1,500,000 per year.

Here is the breakdown in columns and rows:

If you’ve considered contact us but haven’t pulled the trigger yet -  what would help you get past your hesitation and feel 100% re: both shopify store and the timing? 30 min no obligation call.

‍

How To Decide Between Shopify and Shopify Plus

Managing a big store Shopify Plus makes commerce better for every store owner.

But if you’re looking to truly stand out from the crowd, consider leveraging our Shopify Expertise. Our team can elevate your eCommerce website experience beyond the standard templates—free or premium

You've spent time and effort importing your products and setting up a Shopify store you can be proud of. But how do you hit the button and make your Shopify store live?

Step 5. Setting Up Your Domain and How to launch Shopify store with Shopify Launch Checklist

Option 1: Transfer an Existing Domain

1. From your Shopify admin, click ‘Settings’ in the left-side menu and select ‘Domains’.
2. Next to your ‘Primary domain’, click ‘Change primary domain’.
3. Select your desired domain and click ‘Save’.

Option 2: Buy a New Domain from Shopify

1. From your admin panel, click ‘Settings’ and select ‘Domains’.
2. Click ‘Buy new domain’ and enter your desired domain name.
3. Choose from the available extensions and click ‘Buy’ next to your preferred option.
4. Complete the payment and confirm the purchase.

Transferring an Existing Domain

1. Unlock the domain with your current provider and obtain a transfer authorization code.
2. In Shopify, go to ‘Online Store’ > ‘Domains’ and click ‘Transfer domain’.
3. Enter the domain name and the transfer authorization code.
4. Complete the transfer through your previous provider’s confirmation.

Connecting Your New Domain

1. Click ‘Connect existing domain’ in your ‘Domains’ section.
2. Connect the domain automatically or manually update the CNAME and A record to point to Shopify.
3. Verify the connection in your admin panel.

Bonus tip: Find a Great Domain Name

A custom domain name can set your Shopify store apart, giving it a stronger brand presence and a more professional look. Learn more about setting up your Shopify store in the Shopify support guide.

Transitioning to Shopify from Other Platforms

Speak with our Shopify experts today, and let us take care of everything for you. Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Contact our Shopify experts today for a free consultation!

Since most people are on digital platforms the company can market their products using digital marketing and increase their sales. If you are interested in learning more and upskilling, check out Groove Digital Sprints & Recipes to know more. 

Shopify Customisation: Tailoring your store to fit your brand

Customising your Shopify theme goes beyond aesthetics like brand colours and fonts. It's about personalising every aspect of your store. It's essential to ensure that your customizations also extend seamlessly to the mobile version of your site. Don’t waste hours on trivial issues. Let our experts handle them for you

III. Designing and Customizing Your Shopify Store

Step 6. Choosing and Installing a Shopify Theme

To find a theme that matches your needs, we recommend the following:

1. Browse Themes

• Log into your Shopify account and access the Theme Store at themes.shopify.com. Choose from over 180 themes, including many free options.
• Use filters to narrow your search by price, popularity, industry, or features.

2. Evaluate the Theme

• Click on the theme’s preview image to view more details like responsiveness and other features.
• Scroll to read reviews from other store owners to gauge their experiences and satisfaction with the theme.

3. Preview the Theme

• Click ‘View Demo’ located under the green ‘Preview Theme in Your Store’ button to see the theme in action.
• If available, explore different styles of the theme by clicking on style options.

4. Install the Theme:

• Once you've decided, click the green button to install the theme.
• Confirm your choice by clicking ‘Publish as My Shop’s Theme.’
• Remember, you can switch themes later if you decide the current one isn’t the perfect fit.

5. Manage Your Themes:

• After installation, Shopify will notify you, and you’ll have the option to go to your Theme Manager.
• The Theme Manager allows you to view your active (published) theme and manage other (unpublished) themes you may use for tes

Attention business owners & Founders: full funnel retail Experience

Starting with WordPress in 2006, we initially stepped into e-commerce with WooCommerce. However, as Shopify gained traction, we recognized its superiority. The backend experience is much more merchant-friendly. 

That's why we now offer a free 30-minute consultancy for Shopify store owners generating $10,000 to $100,000 per month. We'll identify why your store isn't converting, the most common mistakes, and how to build a winning full-funnel strategy. 

IV. Marketing and Promotion Strategies; How Shopify Learned To Love Advertising

Effective Shopify marketing demands the same skills and effort as any other e-commerce platform. In 2024, I'm always thrilled when a client moves their website to Shopify.Because we now substantial business it will bring.There's nothing better for an e-commerce brand right now. Shopify offers simplicity, a vast array of apps to enhance your store, and easy integrations with marketing tools.

V. Shopify Growth and Customer Engagement

Key Shopify Strategies for Boosting Customer Retention In the article from Shopify, it's highlighted that email marketing holds the highest order conversion rate compared to any other marketing source.

• Customer Accounts: Facilitate repurchases with post-purchase account creation.
• Enhanced Support: Provide proactive and responsive customer service.
• Loyalty Programs: Motivate repeat purchases with rewards.
• Engaging Emails: Send valuable follow-up communications to deepen relationships.
• Incentives for Return: Offer discounts or credits for the next purchase.
• Feedback Collection: Gather insights to improve products and services.
• Streamlined Returns: Simplify the returns process to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Subscription Services: Encourage regular purchases with subscription models.
• Handle Complaints Effectively: Turn negative experiences into positive outcomes to foster loyalty.

GA4 Integration for Shopify: Analyzing Store Performance with Google Analytics

Are you planning to set up GA4, eCommerce Events, Facebook Pixel, Conversion API, Google Tag Manager, and G-Ads Conversion API Tracking to boost your business sales?

Properly establishing and  tracking  is crucial for accurate data collection and performance analysis. With expertise across multiple platforms, we ensure your Shopify store tracks key metrics seamlessly, from page views and add-to-cart actions to completed purchases. This comprehensive setup not only improves sales tracking but also enhances remarketing accuracy, driving higher ROAS and lowering CPC. Let us help you optimize your tracking for maximum impact.

5 ways to establish trust on Shopify-store websites

1. Showcase Social Proof

Use reviews and ratings prominently. Positive feedback from satisfied customers helps new visitors feel confident in making a purchase.

2. User-Centric Website Design

Ensure your website is easy to navigate. Provide clear contact options so visitors can easily reach out with questions.

3. Leverage Social Proof in Advertising

Use trust badges to show security and reliability. Leverage user-generated content (UGC) in your ads; seeing real customers using your products builds trust.

4. Add a Blog

Regularly update your blog with informative and valuable content. This positions your brand as an authority and helps build a loyal audience.

5. Offer Multiple Communication Channels

Make it easy for customers to contact you via live chat, email, or phone. Prompt and helpful responses build trust and improve customer satisfaction.

Top companies that use Shopify for their e-Commerce Business

Join the top Shopify companies seeing off-the-chart results

Nestle Nescafe 

Utilises Shopify to sell products and share online recipes, enhancing customer engagement.

Gymshark

Features a minimalist theme on Shopify, simplifying the shopping experience for fitness enthusiasts.

Louis Vuitton

Offers luxury fashion and lifestyle products on a user-friendly Shopify platform with efficient navigation.

Tesla

Sells cars and lifestyle products through a sleek Shopify store, designed for easy navigation and engagement.

Allbirds

Promotes sustainable fashion through its eco-friendly Shopify store, emphasising its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Decathlon

Provides a one-stop-shop experience for sporting goods on Shopify, with clear categories and easy navigation.

Red Bull

Sells its energy drinks and merchandise on a straightforward Shopify platform, ensuring a seamless user journey.

Kraft Heinz

 Manages one of the largest Food and Beverage Shopify stores, showcasing its extensive product range.

Netflix

Leverages Shopify to sell exclusive merchandise related to its popular shows, appealing to a global fanbase.

Kylie Cosmetics

Uses seasonal and product-tailored Shopify themes to promote and sell its beauty products.

Want to grow your Shopify store? Don't forget about SEO!

"Building" an online business is incredibly easy (making a logo, a website, adding products, etc). Driving traffic profitably is incredibly challenging. Most Shopify brands have no clue how to rank on Google, No one will click on your website in Google if it doesn't have any information.  By optimising your store for search engines, you can attract more organic traffic and ultimately drive more sales. Here's how to effectively set up your strategy, along with an overview of common issues that affect rankings for your Shopify store.

How to address the technical limitations in Shopify to improve your store’s search visibility.

Think what Shopify Apps to Use?

Choosing the right Shopify apps can significantly boost your business growth and customer engagement. From marketing and SEO to customer support and inventory management, the right apps can streamline operations and enhance your store's performance.

What Do Shopify Apps Do?

Shopify apps extend the functionality of your store, allowing you to add features and tools that aren't included in the basic platform. They can help with SEO, social media integration, email marketing, customer reviews, loyalty programs, and more.

How Do I Add Apps to Shopify?

Adding apps to Shopify is straightforward. Simply go to the Shopify App Store, search for the app you need, and click the "Add app" button. Follow the on-screen instructions to install and configure the app for your store.

Is a Shopify App Worth It?

Yes, Shopify apps are worth it as they can provide essential functionalities that drive traffic, improve customer experience, and increase sales. Investing in the right apps can lead to significant returns and streamline your e-commerce operations.

recommended Shopify Apps for Your Store

For a Dutch Sneaker retailer called Sneaker Request, we designed and developed a webshop in Shopify with improved functionality and an eye on sales.

Development Shopify Costs for Creating a Shopify Website

While you can opt to build your own Shopify website, the process is time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A more efficient option is to hire an external party to create your Shopify website. This allows you to focus on what you do best—running your business!

The cost of having a Shopify website built can vary widely, depending on the functionalities you need. On average, the cost ranges from €2,000 to €20,000, highlighting how much prices depend on your specific requirements. We will discuss your needs and provide advice to ensure your project fits within your budget. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Basic Shopify Website: €1,500 – €5,000

For this price range, we will choose a theme together and utilize its built-in options. No additional functionalities or custom designs are necessary at this stage. We create the Shopify website and provide a short training session so you can maintain the site yourself.

Pro Shopify Website: From €5,000

Ideal for more advanced businesses that may already have a website and want to transition to Shopify. This package is perfect for those with a steady income stream looking to invest in future growth. We’ll select a theme that aligns with your brand identity and provide a CMS training session so you can manage your content and website.

Custom Shopify Website: From €10,000

For those wanting the best of the best, a custom theme tailored perfectly to your brand and specific functionalities is necessary. This involves building a website from scratch, excluding unnecessary features for maximum speed and efficiency. This option is ideal for taking your business to the next level and beyond! By working with us, you can save time and ensure a professionally built Shopify website that meets your business needs and goals.

VI. 3 key lessons to avoid site launch disasters - Shopify Store

Checklist for a successful launch 3 critical aspects:

1. Functionality Testing: Double-check all technical features, including checkout processes, payment gateways, and shipping options. Ensure that all links work correctly, forms submit properly, and the site loads efficiently on different devices and browsers.
2. Content and Design Review: Check your site for any content errors, such as typos, grammatical mistakes, or outdated information. Also, review the overall design for consistency in fonts, colours, and images to ensure the site reflects your brand perfectly.
3. Performance Monitoring: Prepare to monitor the website's performance closely throughout the launch day. Keep an eye on load times, check for broken pages, and be ready to quickly address any unexpected traffic spikes or technical issues. Using tools like Google Analytics will help you track visitor behaviour and site efficiency in real-time

Shopify community forum to get help

Looking for more inspiration pr insights? Engaging with the Shopify community can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the best free templates and how to customise them to fit your brand perfectly. See what Shopify Partners Slack Community is up to and/or follow Shopify community on   X (formerly twitter).

Check out a masterclass thread by our friend Alex, a Shopify expert, by following the link below

Free Shopify Templates: Are Pre-Built Shopify Stores Legit?

Create your online store effortlessly with Shopify's customisable templates. Free Shopify templates offer a quick and easy way to get your store up and running. However, many question their legitimacy and quality. Pre-built Shopify stores can be a great starting point, especially for new businesses. They are designed by professionals and often come with essential features and integrations. 

V. Final Thoughts e-Commerce Platforms Comparison: Shopify, Global e, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Joomla 

• Shopify is a multinational company that empowers shopkeepers worldwide to sell their products globally. Other platforms may be either too complex to start quickly or lack the scalability to grow a business efficiently.
• WordPress WooCommerce is essentially a blog trying to be an e-commerce platform, requiring too much customization to be efficient for ECommerce. Unless you're really keen on some specific features it offers, I'd stick to Shopify.
• Magento feels like a high-maintenance luxury car. If you want to design a landing page, you need to use code and paste it into a page or create a custom page template in the theme. Stick to Shopify for a smooth, easy-to-manage experience.
• Wix and Squarespace are great for simple, visually appealing websites but can fall short on advanced e-commerce functionalities and scalability.
• Joomla, while powerful and flexible, has a steep learning curve and requires significant technical expertise to manage effectively.

For a balanced approach that offers ease of use, scalability, and comprehensive e-commerce features, Shopify is the best choice.

Professional Shopify Website Development Tailored to Your Needs

Creating a Shopify website can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with coding. Hiring an external party can save you time and ensure a professional result. Costs vary based on the required functionalities, ranging from €2,000 for a basic setup to over €10,000 for a fully customized site. By working with us, you can focus on your business while we create a Shopify site that aligns perfectly with your brand and goals.

Ready to elevate your online store? Contact us today for a free consultation!