Shopify is quickly growing and becoming a business owner's favorite as an e-commerce platform. Shopify allows you to have your own customizable online storefront that can sell products in multiple places, with your own domain name (if you choose). You can manage everything right on the platform, and because it’s cloud-based you’re able to work from just about anywhere.
However, competition in the business marketplace is stiffer than ever, and sometimes, it may feel like you’re lost in an ocean of entrepreneurs all looking to make it. How do you stand out from the crowd? How do you make sure you’re seen in that ocean?
Careiginal shares their tips on how to launch a successful business of Shopify.
Personalization
First things first, and we say it all the time, is you have to have clear and personalized branding. Branding can include all aspects of your virtual storefront experience. From your logo, emails, tags, packaging, little inserts. Your storefront is more than just putting your product in a white shipping envelop and calling it a day. Really think about how you want your brand to stand out. If you can make your customers say "wow", they'll keep coming back to your store for more. Why? Because it shows that you actually care.
On top of a personalized brand identity, you'll also need personalized products. Think of Shopify like Etsy. Your items have to be unique and personalized to your store. Why? Because this allows your audience to grow and purchase from your storefront rather than buying the same item somewhere else. Instead of trying to make it big by copying someone else, be unique and give your audience a reason to come back and tell their friends about your store!
Site Design
Once you have your branding and products figured out, it's time to really think about how you want your store to look like. Shopify has some basic themes for free that you can choose from, however, if you really want to stand out we highly recommend checking out a customized theme. Why? Because it'll make you stand out from your competition.
You can check out custom themes directly on Shopify or a platform like Envato for just $50! That little investment can work wonders for your business!
But no matter what route you take for your theme, make sure your branding is consistent, you're using high quality photos and your user experience is quick and easy.
Marketing
Alright, you have the basics down so now it's time to start marketing your new storefront. A big place to start is social media. Depending on your products, we highly recommend Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and/or TikTok. Pick two platforms to start and grow from there, no need to try to master 4 social accounts at once.
Once you pick your platform, you'll want to start generating content that speaks to your audience. Who is your target audience? What does your ideal customer like? Really think about it! Every post you put onto your platforms should be speaking to them!
Pro Tip: Check out our blog on the Top 4 Design Tools for Beginners and Small Businesses to help get you started with content creation!
Accounting
Past the more fun aspects of business ownership, you still have to keep in mind the financial and accounting side of things to run a successful store. This includes how you're pricing your products too! Whats your profit? What do you need to make to break even? Whats are your short-term and long-term business goals? Figuring this out
Taxes. Don't forget about taxes! Depending on where you live, and what products you're selling, you may need to be charging your customers sales tax. You get this income in their order and then have to pay that to the government when you submit how much you've made in a quarter and how much sales tax was taken.
Plus, no matter what you're selling, as a business you owe taxes to the government based on the income of the business. You might even want to consider hiring a tax specialist come that time of year to help you out with all the numbers.
You Got This!
Shopify is a great platform for business owners and entrepreneurs alike to create an e-commerce store quick and have all the bells and whistles. With utilizing the right tools and focusing on being unique, your store will be successful in no time.
Need help with setting up your site, or still don't know where to start? Let's chat, Shopify has quickly become our new favorite platform for all things e-commerce and we are so ready to help take your biz to the next level!