Why I Choose Shopify- How to Launch a Shopify Store in 10 Simple Steps

Shopify Layout by Sadé LlerrafWhy Shopify Is the Ideal Platform for First-Time Business Owners

Starting your own business is exciting but for me I had no idea where or how to start especially when you’re doing it all yourself. Whether you're a fashion designer, artist, side hustler, or small business owner, launching a professional online store is a huge step  if you are not very techy like me!

That’s exactly why Shopify is such a brilliant choice for beginners. It’s built for people who want to sell online without needing to be tech-savvy. With a user-friendly interface, easy drag-and-drop themes, and an entire ecosystem designed to support your growth, Shopify removes the stress so you can focus on what matters building your brand and making sales.

Here’s what makes it especially powerful:

• Customisable Themes – You don’t need to know any code. Choose from free or premium templates and tailor them to your brand’s look and feel.

• Built-in Social Media Connectors – Sync your products across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and more — so your customers can shop directly through your content.

• Third-Party Marketplace Syncing – If you're looking to build brand partnerships or wholesale deals, Shopify lets you connect to platforms and other marketplaces using available apps.

• Business in a Box – With built-in tools for inventory, orders, payments, shipping, analytics, SEO, and even email marketing, Shopify gives you everything you need in one place.

See below 10 simple, actionable steps to take you from idea to launch.

Step 1: Create Your Shopify Account

Start at www.shopify.com and sign up for their free trial.
You’ll be asked to:

• Name your store (don’t worry — you can change this later)

• Answer a few questions about what you're selling and your business stage

Once you’re in, you’ll land on your Shopify Dashboard — this is your HQ.

Step 2: Choose & Customise Your Store Theme

Go to Online Store → Themes and explore the theme library.
Start with one of Shopify’s free themes like Dawn, Craft, or Sense — clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to use. (I use dawn!)

Customising your theme:

• Upload your logo

• Choose your brand colours and fonts under “Theme Settings”

• Add a homepage banner or slideshow

• Rearrange sections using drag-and-drop blocks (no coding!)

Tip: Keep it visually clean. Highlight your best products front and centre.

Step 3: Add Your Products

Navigate to Products → Add Product

Fill in the following details:

• Product Title (clear, keyword-friendly)

• Description (highlight features, benefits, and what makes it special)

• Photos (use high-resolution, well-lit images — try 3–5 per item)

• Variants (e.g., size, colour options)

• Pricing (include cost + taxes)

• Shipping info (weight and size if needed for calculated rates)

• Inventory (track stock and set quantity limits)

Pro tip: Use Canva or Lightroom to edit your product images for a consistent aesthetic.

Step 4: Organise Your Collections

Collections are product categories that help customers find what they’re looking for. Examples:

• “T-Shirts”

• “Loungewear”

• “Best Sellers”

• “Gifts Under £30”

Go to Products → Collections → Create Collection
You can assign products manually or set rules to auto-assign them based on tags (e.g., "Product tag = Sweatshirt").

Step 5: Set Up Payments

Go to Settings → Payments

Choose payment methods:

• Shopify Payments (accepts credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay)

• PayPal

• Klarna or Afterpay (for "Buy Now, Pay Later" options)

Make sure to add your business bank account so you can receive payouts.

Step 6: Set Up Shipping

Go to Settings → Shipping and Delivery

You can:

• Offer flat rates (e.g. £3.95 UK shipping)

• Offer free shipping over a certain amount (great for conversions!)

• Set calculated shipping rates if using Royal Mail, Evri, etc.

Also decide:

• Do you want to ship internationally?

• Will you offer tracked or untracked options?

💡 Include a clear shipping & returns policy on your site — it builds trust.

Step 7: Connect to Social Media

Go to Sales Channels → Add Sales Channel

Connect your Shopify to:

• Instagram and Facebook Shops (via Meta)

• TikTok Shop (create product-tagged videos)

• Pinterest (turn pins into shoppable posts)

• Google Shopping (for search-based discovery)

You can also install connectors to:

• Etsy, Amazon, eBay

• Wholesale platforms like Faire or Abound

This multiplies your brand visibility and helps you build partnerships beyond just your website.

Step 8: Create Essential Website Pages

Go to Online Store → Pages → Add Page

Key pages to include:

• About Us – Tell your story and what makes your brand unique

• Contact Us – Include email, contact form, or WhatsApp

• FAQs – Answer common questions about shipping, sizing, etc.

• Returns Policy

• Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Shipping Policy (Shopify provides editable templates under Settings → Legal)

Step 9: Optimise for Mobile & Test Checkout

Preview your site on mobile and desktop (over 70% of traffic is mobile!)

Then, do a test purchase to make sure:

• Products add to cart correctly

• Checkout works smoothly

• Emails (like order confirmation) are being sent properly

Step 10: Remove Password & Launch Your Store

By default, your store is protected with a password upon entry. To go live, head to Online Store → Preferences → Disable Password 

Shopify has always been my go to because it gives you around the clock support and themes to help you build .

Take it one step at a time, be consistent, and most importantly, believe in your vision.