COVID-19 lockdowns sent the online shopping revolution into hyperspeed. Online retail sales increased by more than 32% in 2020, and sales in Q1 for 2021 are already up by 39%. In other words, it’s time to go digital or risk going out of business. And so to help smaller and new business owners stay ahead of the curve, OnDeck has created the complete guide to using the e-commerce platform Shopify.
Here’s a closer look at how Shopify can help your small business thrive in the digital retail space.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a subscription service e-commerce platform that helps business owners set up an online store and sell their products across multiple channels worldwide. It offers a wide range of apps and features for managing an online store, including marketing and SEO tools, custom domain names, and unified back-office tools for invoicing and inventory. Also, there’s Shopify A B testing services out there that allows you to use it to its full potential.
Why use Shopify?
Shopify is a user-friendly platform that’s ideal for small business owners looking to set up their first online store. It features 70+ customizable themes to bring your brand alive, while the drag and drop store builder requires zero coding or design skills.
Nearly 2 million businesses are already using Shopify, making it one of the world’s most popular standalone web store platforms. One study showed that Shopify merchants gross $3.8 billion a year. That works out at around $3,897 in average monthly sales per company. The profit margins for Shopify retailers can be as high as 20%.
How much does it cost to use Shopify?
The basic package is $29 a month and includes an online store with unlimited products, 24/7 customer support, and a feature to sell in five different languages. The $79 a month mid-sized business package comes with all the above, plus professional reporting analysis and international domains and pricing. The advanced Shopify plan costs $299 per month and comes with everything you need to run an online store servicing customers worldwide.
Getting set up on Shopify
Creating an online store can feel like a daunting task, especially for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. But one of Shopify’s major selling points is its usability. Even newbies can set up their online shop within two or three days. Stores with just a few products can be up and running in less than an hour.
So are you ready to transform your business into a 21st-century digital retailer? Then just follow the step-by-step guide below.
