The startups guide to Shopify
Introduction
One of the initial questions a brand owner will ask themselves when creating the brand will be, what platform should I use to build and manage my eCommerce website? It's tricky, right?
After being served tons of adverts on socials, Squarespace, Wix, web flow and shopify all come to mind. Or your tech-savvy/venture backer may suggest the likes of Magento, salesforce, Shopify Plus and even woo-commerce. Where on earth do you start?
From experience, id says Shopify fits the bill for 95% of direct-to-consumer brands from startup to conception through to the launch of an MVP. Shopify Plus takes care of the rest regarding enterprise scalable solutions for fast-paced, high-growth brands.
I've put together the top key things you should know about Shopify:
Shopify is a fully hosted e-commerce platform.
One of the most significant advantages of Shopify is that it is a fully hosted e-commerce platform. This means you don't need to worry about managing servers, security, or other technical aspects of running an online store. Instead, Shopify takes care of everything, allowing you to focus on your business.
Shopify offers customizable templates and themes
To help you build a unique and professional-looking website, Shopify offers a variety of customizable templates and themes. Custom solutions are also an option; that's our bread and butter at Pluro, and to set the record straight, you have total design flexibility with Shopify, so if you want a tailored website, you've got it.
Shopify has a range of valuable features
Shopify offers a range of valuable features that can help you run your online store more efficiently and effectively. These features include no code editors, an analytics dashboard to measure KPIs and various Integrations.
Shopify has a large app store
Shopify has an extensive app store with hundreds of apps and plugins. Stay clear of front-end plugs for simple website features and focus on tech that adds value to the operation. Reporting/heat mapping, subscriptions etc.
Now that we've covered the basics of Shopify, here are some actionable tips for startups looking to set up an online store:
Tip 1: Choose the right template or theme
When choosing a template or theme for your online store, choose one that fits your brand and product offerings. You want your website to look professional and inviting, and a well-designed template or theme can help you achieve that.
Tip 2: Take advantage of Shopify's features
Shopify offers a range of useful features that can help you run your online store more efficiently and effectively. Take advantage of these features to save time and improve your business operations.
Tip 3: Utilize the app store
Shopify's app store has hundreds of apps and plugins that can help you enhance your online store's functionality and improve your business operations. Take some time to explore the app store and find the apps that can help you grow your business.
Tip 4: Join the Shopify community
Finally, consider joining the Shopify community to connect with other users, experts, and developers. The Shopify community can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate the world of e-commerce.
Conclusion
We hope these tips have been helpful in your journey to set up an online store with Shopify. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please get in touch with me at hello@pluro.co.uk.
P.S. Here are some resources to help you get started with Shopify:
Shopify website
Shopify Help Center
Shopify App Store
Shopify Community Forums
