THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT SHOPIFY
The main categories to know how Shopify works
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows users to create and manage their own online stores. Founded in 2006, Shopify quickly gained popularity thanks to its ease of use and robust features. Whether you're a sole trader or an established business, Shopify offers tools suited to all experience levels. The platform is designed to simplify the online selling process, allowing users to focus on what they do best: selling products.
Shopify's simplicity lies in its intuitive user interface. Users can easily customize their online store using pre-designed themes, add products, manage inventory, and track orders. Furthermore, Shopify offers a variety of tools to help users optimize their store for search engines, which is essential for attracting new customers. In short, Shopify is an all-in-one solution for anyone wanting to launch an e-commerce business without worrying about the technical aspects.
In addition, Shopify offers advanced features such as payment processing, shipping management , and social media integration. With these tools, users can easily create a seamless shopping experience for their customers. Whether you want to sell physical goods, services, or digital products, Shopify has the features you need. This flexibility is one of the reasons why Shopify has become a preferred choice for millions of merchants worldwide.
The advantages of Shopify for businesses
Shopify offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to launch an online store. One of Shopify's key strengths is its ease of use. Even without technical skills, you can create and manage your online store without difficulty. The platform provides a simple and intuitive dashboard that allows you to manage all aspects of your business, from adding products to managing orders .
Another significant advantage is the security offered by Shopify. The platform uses advanced security protocols to protect your business and customer sensitive information. This includes data encryption and PCI compliance, meaning you can confidently accept online payments. Security is a crucial aspect of e-commerce, and Shopify ensures its users are well protected.
Finally, Shopify offers a wealth of customization options. With hundreds of themes and apps available, you can create an online store that perfectly reflects your brand. Whether you want a minimalist design or something bolder, Shopify lets you personalize your site to your liking. Plus, the platform is scalable, meaning you can easily add features as your business grows.
Shopify features
Shopify stands out for its numerous features that simplify managing an online store . Among the most popular is inventory management, which allows users to track their products in real time. You can easily see how many items you have in stock, receive alerts when stock levels are low, and even automate certain restocking processes. This reduces the risk of stockouts and helps you manage your products more efficiently.
Another important feature of Shopify is its payment integration . The platform supports a variety of payment gateways, allowing you to accept payments by credit card, PayPal, and other secure methods. Shopify also makes it easy to manage taxes and shipping costs, allowing you to configure shipping options based on your location and your customers' preferences. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience for your customers.
In addition, Shopify offers powerful analytics tools . You can track your store's performance using detailed dashboards that show you essential information such as traffic, sales, and customer behavior. This data helps you make informed decisions about how to optimize your store and increase sales. With these features, Shopify gives you all the keys to success in the world of online commerce.
Shopify's different pricing plans
Shopify offers several pricing plans to suit every user's needs. The Basic plan is ideal for small businesses just starting out in online commerce: it includes product, order, and customer management, access to themes, and Shopify checkout. It's currently priced at €25/month annually, often with an introductory offer of €1/month for 3 months for new merchants. Card fees via Shopify Payments start at 1.5% + €0.25 online (or 2% if you use a third-party payment provider).
For businesses that need additional features, Shopify also offers intermediate and advanced plans. The Grow plan is suitable for growing teams (more advanced reporting, more employee accounts). It's currently priced at €66/month annually, with card fees starting at 1.3% + €0.25 online (and 1% if you use a third-party provider).
Finally, the Advanced plan offers more tools and higher limits (advanced reporting, internationalization features, more employee accounts). Annually, it starts at €289/month, with card fees starting at 1.1% + €0.25 online (and 0.6% with a third-party provider). For very high-volume businesses or those with complex needs (B2B, multiple markets, advanced checkout customization), Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 USD/month with a 3-year commitment.
Note: If you primarily sell through social media or messaging, the Starter plan is available for €5/month (it doesn't include all the features of a full online store). In any case, prices vary depending on the region and current promotions: always refer to the official "Plans and Pricing" page.
How to create your online store on Shopify
Creating your online store on Shopify is a quick and easy process. It all starts with signing up on the platform, where you'll need to provide some basic information about your business. Once registered, you'll have access to a dashboard where you can begin customizing your store. Shopify offers a step-by-step guide to help you set up your store, whether you're a beginner or experienced in e-commerce.
The first step is to choose a theme for your store. Shopify offers a wide range of free and paid themes, allowing you to select the one that best reflects your brand. Once you've chosen a theme, you can customize it by adding your logo, changing colors, and configuring fonts. This allows you to create an online store that stands out and captures your customers' attention.
After setting up your store's appearance, you can start adding products. Shopify makes it easy to add descriptions, images, and prices for each of your products. You can also organize your products into collections for easier browsing. Finally, don't forget to set up your payment and shipping methods so your customers can shop securely and receive their products quickly. In just a few steps, your online store is ready to welcome your first customers!
Best design practices for your Shopify store
The design of your Shopify store is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. One best practice is to choose a clean and professional design. Avoid cluttered elements that can distract visitors. A minimalist design, with high-quality images and clear text, helps create a pleasant user experience. Make sure your store is easy to navigate, with well-defined categories and filters to help customers find what they're looking for.
Another important practice is to optimize your store for mobile devices. With more and more customers shopping online via their smartphones, it's essential that your store is responsive. Shopify offers mobile-friendly themes, but also ensure that your images and buttons are easily clickable on smaller screens. Smooth navigation on mobile devices can significantly increase your conversion rates.
Finally, don't forget to incorporate trust elements into your design. Add customer reviews, testimonials, and logos of trusted partners to reassure visitors about the quality of your products and services. Clearly displayed money-back guarantees and return policies can also boost customer confidence. By applying these best practices, you'll create an attractive and professional online store that will encourage customers to buy.
We have written a comprehensive guide to optimize your Shopify store and achieve excellent results very quickly.
Apps and integrations to improve your Shopify store
Shopify has a vast ecosystem of apps and integrations that can enhance your store's functionality. These apps cover a variety of areas, including marketing, inventory management, sales analytics, and customer service. For example, you can use email marketing apps to send newsletters and promotions to your customers, or retargeting tools to re-engage visitors who didn't make a purchase.
Another popular category of apps focuses on sales optimization. Tools like upsell apps and product recommendations can help increase your customers' average order value. By suggesting complementary products or discounts on sale items, you can encourage customers to spend more. These features can significantly improve your revenue and maximize your profitability.
Furthermore, integration with social media platforms is essential for promoting your store. Shopify makes it easy to integrate your social media accounts, allowing you to sell directly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This omnichannel approach helps you reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your store. By using the right apps and integrations, you can transform your Shopify store into a powerful sales engine.
Marketing strategies to promote your Shopify store
To succeed in online business, a solid marketing strategy is crucial. One of the first steps is to optimize your store for search engine optimization (SEO). This involves using relevant keywords in your product descriptions, titles, and image alt tags. By improving your visibility in search engines, you can attract targeted organic traffic to your store without spending money on advertising.
Another effective strategy is social media marketing. Create accounts for your store on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Regularly share engaging content, such as product photos, customer testimonials, and special offers. Don't hesitate to interact with your followers and answer their questions. An active social media presence can not only attract customers but also build brand loyalty.
Finally, consider using paid advertising to reach a wider audience. Facebook and Google Ads are popular options for targeting potential customers based on their interests and online behavior. You can create specific campaigns for products or promotions, making sure to track performance to optimize your ads. By combining SEO, social media marketing, and paid advertising, you can develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that propels your Shopify store to success.
Shopify user support and training services
Shopify understands the importance of providing excellent user support, which is why the platform offers several support services. You can access a comprehensive knowledge base that covers almost every aspect of running an online store. This resource is ideal for users who want to find answers to their questions without having to contact support.
In addition, Shopify offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. This means that no matter what time you need help, a team of professionals is available to assist you. Whether you have technical issues or questions about managing your store, Shopify's support is responsive and efficient, allowing you to resolve your problems quickly so you can stay focused on your business.
For those looking to deepen their knowledge, Shopify also offers training resources. Webinars, video tutorials, and blog articles are available to help you better understand the platform and get the most out of its features. These resources can be especially helpful for new users who want to familiarize themselves with how Shopify works and learn strategies for success in e-commerce.
If you would like assistance in creating or redesigning your Shopify store , this is the place.
Conclusion and summary of Shopify's advantages for businesses
In conclusion, Shopify is a powerful and accessible solution for anyone looking to launch an online store. With its ease of use, comprehensive features, and exceptional customer support, Shopify allows entrepreneurs to create and manage their online store without any hassle. The platform is designed to scale with your business, offering tools and integrations that help you grow.
The benefits of Shopify extend far beyond simply creating an online store. With its customization features, third-party apps, and marketing capabilities, Shopify empowers you to design a unique and engaging shopping experience for your customers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced e-commerce entrepreneur, you'll find resources and tools to help you succeed.
In short, if you're planning to launch or grow your online business, Shopify is an option worth serious consideration. With all the advantages it offers, this platform can be the springboard you need to achieve your business ambitions. Join the millions of satisfied Shopify users and start building your online success today!
How to get started with Shopify?
Start by clarifying your offering: who are you selling to, what problem are you solving, and how is your product different? Then open your Shopify account, choose a modern Online Store 2.0 theme, and create a simple site architecture: a clear homepage, obvious categories, well-designed product pages, and pages for "About," "Contact," and policies (shipping, returns, privacy). Set up payments (Shopify Payments is the simplest), VAT, and shipping (a free shipping threshold and an express option are sufficient to start), then add only two or three useful apps to avoid overloading the site.
To study everything in detail, here is our article on creating your Shopify store in 7 steps .
How to make your first sale on Shopify?
Your first sale rarely comes from a stranger: start by approaching your close circle (potential customers, colleagues, community) with a simple offer and a flawless product page. Ensure that the shopping cart and checkout are seamless on mobile: visible buttons, a clear summary, shipping costs and delivery times displayed early, and no surprises at the last click. Create a limited-time welcome code, offer a small incentive with a minimum free shipping threshold, and send a short email that links directly to a dedicated landing page (not the homepage).
On the acquisition side, start simple: a test advertising campaign with a single promise, a single visual, and a single landing page. On social media, prioritize usage demonstrations and proof (reviews, before/after) rather than slogans. After each visit without a purchase, leverage abandoned cart recovery and product visit retargeting. The goal isn't volume, but identifying the "message + page" combination that converts at the best cost.
Can a beginner make money on Shopify?
Yes, provided you approach your store as a business project and not just a website. Profitability comes from the following equation: gross margin per order, acquisition cost, conversion rate, and repeat purchase rate. A beginner who chooses a clearly defined niche, a product with a sufficient margin, a transparent customer journey, and a manageable acquisition channel can achieve profitability even with a low volume. The classic pitfall is piling on apps, features, and advertising budgets without first proving product-market fit.
Take it one step at a time: validate market interest with a small inventory, improve the product description and customer service, then reinvest initial profits in what's already working (visuals, content, targeted advertising, loyalty emails). Prioritize a clear offer, credible positioning, and polished execution over a scattered catalog and vague promises.
How to get paid on Shopify?
The easiest way is to activate Shopify Payments: you accept major cards and wallets, configure your bank account for transfers, and benefit from unified tracking of payments, refunds, and disputes. You can choose immediate or delayed authorization and capture, manage refunds from the admin panel, and view payout reports for your accounting. Third-party providers are possible, but they often add extra fees and complicate tracking.
What are the benefits of Shopify?
Shopify lets you focus on business, not technology. Hosting, security, updates, and scalability are all handled for you. Optimized checkout , the app ecosystem, Online Store 2.0 themes, visual page editing, and metafields make it easy to build a fast and well-structured website. For growth, you have key tools at your disposal: international marketplace management, in-store sales with POS, automations, marketing integrations, and reporting.
In practical terms, the main advantage is speed of execution: you quickly launch a solid foundation, improve it weekly, test messaging and offers, and then scale once the business model is proven. Whether you're a beginner or experiencing rapid growth, the infrastructure remains the same: reliable, high-performing, and compatible with best practices in UX, SEO, and conversion.