How to make your online sales soar with Shopify

Are you ready to get your products online and start selling? Find out why thousands of small and large businesses have chosen Shopify to take their business to the next level.

Consumers are constantly looking for faster and more convenient ways to shop, and recent events have certainly brought this to the fore. Between the first and second quarters of 2020, eCommerce in the retail sector in the UK rose from 20.3% to 31.3%. During much of this time, many of our non-essential retailers were forced to close, which has led to a rise in specialist, luxury or artisan items becoming available only online. Therefore, now is the time to get out there and compete.

Although the humble website is considered an essential part of promoting a business, it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, the advancement of platforms such as Shopify has allowed retailers to adapt quickly to this growing trend in ecommerce, providing a one-stop shop to get up and running as quickly as possible.

So how does it work?  

Since its inception 10 years ago, Shopify is now the leading commerce platform for those looking to set up an online store. Shopify suits all sizes and types of industry, from the entrepreneur to the established business, with retailers selling anything from physical and digital products, to memberships and ticketed experiences.

Shopify’s popularity comes as no surprise when you consider the range and depth of services it offers. Even entrepreneurs who have yet to finalise their product, brand or logo will find plenty of ideas and practical support via Shopify’s many free tools, guides and blog. Shopify can help you decide on the right business name, a customised web address, and how to boost your brand using ad campaigns and social media. And with over seventy store themes to choose from, sellers can be assured their store will look attractive and professional.

Beyond the initial online store set-up, Shopify provides ongoing support via the use of reporting and analytics. Sellers have access to a dashboard that tracks sales, orders and site traffic, helping gain insight into which products sell well and which don’t. Sellers can also discover where their customers are coming from and how they found the online store.

A homegrown success story

Shopify has helped over 1 million businesses in 175 countries around the world make over $200 billion USD in sales, including global clothing brand, Gymshark, based right here in Birmingham! Gymshark recently achieved unicorn status (a £1 billion valuation), a feat that fewer than 25 British companies have achieved since 2001. In just eight years, Gymshark saw unprecedented growth through its range of expertly engineered, fitted sportswear. 

Our quick guide to getting you up and running as quickly as possible

Shopify offers a 14-day free trial which should give you plenty of time to build a store and start uploading some products before you commit. You can continue to add products at any time and make improvements to your design, so you don’t have to do it all on day one!

1. Add your product or service

You need to think about how to create an enticing product photo and description. It’s important to consider who you are trying to sell to and pre-empt common questions and concerns about your product.

2. Create your key pages

You can add new pages at any time, but you should start with a Contact page, About page, FAQ page, and Policy pages. These pages should include information that enables customers to get to know more about you, the history of your business, and build trust in your brand.

3. Customisation

Shopify offers a collection of free and paid-for themes. Choose a theme that best suits your brand ethos, but also the size of your catalogue. Consider whether there are any built-in features you require, such as a search bar that autocompletes queries, or a news section. Remember, your theme can be changed at any time, so don’t feel the need to spend too long on this!

Select whether you want to offer free shipping options, a flat rate fee, or perhaps a variable rate depending on where in the world the customer is located and how quickly they need to receive their purchase. Shopify offers real-time carrier rates, providing plenty of choice for your customers.

There’s so much to consider when starting a business or looking to expand online. Today, however, online commerce platforms such as Shopify have made it easier than ever to hit the ground running. If you need help or advice on how to boost your online business, STEAMhouse is here to help.

STEAMhouse offers support, advice and workshops led by industry experts, and is ideal for turbo-charging your budding idea, start-up or small business. Get in touch or apply to join today! Alternatively, join our mailing list to receive regular tips and advice.