How to Start a Shopify Online Store: Step-by-Step Guide

Starting your own online store has never been easier, thanks to platforms like Shopify. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or looking to move your brick-and-mortar store online, Shopify offers everything you need to build, run, and grow your business. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the step-by-step guide to launching your Shopify store, and then help you decide whether you need a Shopify Plus agency to assist you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Shopify Store

Getting started is super simple. Just head over to shopify.com and sign up for a free trial. Shopify offers a 3-day free trial with no credit card required, so you can explore without commitment.

You’ll also pick a plan later depending on your business needs. Plans start at just $29/month, but don’t worry—you won’t be charged until the trial ends.

Step 2: Pick a Unique Store Name

Choosing the right name is more important than you think. Your store name is your brand identity. Keep it catchy, relevant, and easy to remember.

Want to see if your name is available? Use Shopify’s domain checker right in your dashboard or sites like GoDaddy.

Step 3: Choose a Stunning Shopify Theme

Shopify’s Theme Store is full of free and paid options. Free themes are great for starting out, but paid themes offer more customization and polish.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s:

Mobile responsive
Fast loading
Aligned with your brand style

Need something totally custom? That’s where a Shopify Plus agency can come in handy later.

Step 4: Customize Your Store

Time to make your store feel like you. Shopify’s editor lets you easily change:

Fonts and colors
Logos and banners
Navigation menus and homepage sections

Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a designer to make it look great.

Step 5: Add Products to Your Store

Go to the Products section and start adding your items. Each product should include:

A clear title
High-quality images
A compelling description
Variants like sizes and colors
Prices and inventory tracking

Pro tip: Use persuasive copy and real-world benefits to drive conversions.

Step 6: Set Up Essential Pages

You’re building trust here. Make sure your store includes:

About Us: Tell your story
Contact Page: Include phone, email, or a form
Shipping & Return Policy: Avoid misunderstandings
Privacy Policy & Terms: Required for most payment gateways

Step 7: Configure Your Shipping Settings

Under Settings > Shipping and Delivery, configure:

Local delivery or pickup options
International rates if you ship globally
Real-time carrier rates (e.g., UPS, DHL)

Flat rates are easiest for beginners, but advanced users may use zones or conditional pricing.

Step 8: Set Up Payment Gateways

Head over to Settings > Payments to enable:

Shopify Payments (no transaction fees)
PayPal
Stripe or other third-party options

Set your currency and test with the “Bogus Gateway” if needed.

Step 9: Test Your Store Before Launch

Don’t go live without testing! Here’s a quick checklist:

Place a test order
Browse your store on desktop and mobile
Check for broken links or typos
Ensure page speed is fast

Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights for performance tips.

Step 10: Launch Your Shopify Store

You did it! Now click “Remove Password” under Online Store > Preferences to go live.

Next steps:

Announce it via email and social media
Run paid ads (Meta, Google)
Collect early reviews and testimonials

Do You Need a Shopify Plus Agency?

What is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is the enterprise version of Shopify, designed for high-growth businesses. It offers:

Advanced automation with Shopify Flow
Custom checkout experiences
Unlimited staff accounts
Dedicated account managers

Pricing starts around $2,000/month.

When to Consider Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus is worth considering if:

You process thousands of orders monthly
You need advanced integration (ERP, CRM)
You want to automate marketing or operations
You plan global expansion or B2B selling

Benefits of Hiring a Shopify Plus Agency

Here’s where it gets interesting. A Shopify Plus agency helps you unlock all the power of the platform.

What they bring:

Design & development expertise
Custom themes and advanced features
SEO, CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization), and UX support
Ongoing performance monitoring

Think of them as your Shopify pit crew—keeping everything running smoothly so you can focus on growth.

Signs You Can Do It Without an Agency

If you’re just starting out, your product line is small, and your budget is tight, then you probably don’t need an agency just yet.

Shopify is designed for DIY entrepreneurs. Master the basics first—then bring in the pros when you start scaling.

Final Thoughts

Starting a Shopify store might feel overwhelming at first, but once you break it down step by step, it’s totally doable—even if you’re not tech-savvy. Follow this guide, take your time, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

And when the time is right, upgrading to Shopify Plus with the help of an experienced agency could be the game-changer your brand needs.

1. Is Shopify good for beginners?

Absolutely. Shopify is user-friendly and doesn’t require any coding knowledge, making it perfect for first-time sellers.

2. How much does it cost to start a Shopify store?

You can start with as little as $29/month after the free trial. Costs increase with paid apps, themes, and optional upgrades like Shopify Plus.

3. Can I upgrade to Shopify Plus later?

Yes! You can start on any basic plan and upgrade to Shopify Plus when your business scales.

4. How long does it take to launch a store?

If you’re ready with your products and branding, you can launch a simple store in a single day. More complex stores may take a few weeks.

5. Can a Shopify Plus agency help increase sales?

Definitely. They can optimize your store for conversions, implement advanced features, and help you scale efficiently.