Why Your Business Needs a Shopify Store (And How to Start One!)
Are you thinking of taking your local business online in 2025? We won’t say you are late in the game since many businesses have only recently realized the benefits of pivoting to the eCommerce model.
According to statistics, Shopify merchants have generated more than $444 billion globally. If this were combined into one company, it would be the seventh largest company in the world in terms of revenue, above BP and Volkswagen. So, even if you are a little late in the game, you still stand a chance to carve a niche for your brand.
But when is the right time to take the plunge? And what does it take to get started? Let’s break it down.
Who Needs a Shopify Store? (Spoiler: Probably You!)
If you sell anything, be it physical products, digital downloads, subscriptions, or even services, you can benefit from a Shopify store. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Shopify’s drag-and-drop interface makes setting up a store easier than setting up a social media account.
- Scalability: Whether you’re just starting or already generating thousands of orders, Shopify grows with you.
- Global Reach: With built-in international payment gateways, shipping integrations, and multilingual capabilities, you can sell anywhere in the world.
- Built-in Marketing Tools: From SEO optimization to email marketing and social media integrations, Shopify helps you attract and retain customers.
In short, if you have something to sell and want a simple yet powerful platform to do it, Shopify is your best bet.
When is the Right Time to Start a Shopify Store?
Many business owners wait for the “perfect” moment to launch, but the truth is—the sooner, the better. Here’s when you know it’s time:
- You’re seeing demand but don’t have an online store yet. Your potential customers are searching for you online, and if they don’t find you, they’ll find someone else.
- Your brick-and-mortar business needs a digital boost. If you only sell in-store, you’re leaving money on the table. An online store makes sales happen 24/7.
- You’re tired of marketplace fees. Selling on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay is great, but those fees eat into your profits. A Shopify store gives you control over pricing, branding, and profits, ensuring you can scale your business without having to depend on marketplaces while paying exorbitant fees just to be listed on the platform.
- You’re ready to scale. If you’ve been selling on Instagram, WhatsApp, or through DMs, it’s time to upgrade to a real e-commerce setup.
The online marketplace is already abuzz, with reports suggesting that 875 million people purchased from a Shopify store in 2024. That’s 1 in 4 of the total 2.71 billion online buyers! So, while the best time to start a Shopify store may have been yesterday, the next best time to get started is today!
How to Create a Shopify Store (Without the Headaches)
Setting up your Shopify store is easier than you think. Here’s how it works:
1. Sign Up for Shopify
Visit Shopify’s website, enter your business details, and start a free trial. Shopify offers different pricing plans, so you can explore the features before committing. No credit card is required for the trial, allowing you to test the platform risk-free.
2. Pick a Theme & Customize It
Shopify provides a variety of free and premium themes designed for different industries. Choose a theme that aligns with your brand’s identity and customer experience goals. Once selected, use Shopify’s intuitive editor to tweak the layout, colors, fonts, and other design elements to match your branding.
3. Add Your Products
Uploading your products correctly is crucial for conversions. Follow these steps:
- Use high-quality images: Clear, well-lit photos build trust and attract buyers.
- Write compelling product descriptions: Highlight benefits, key features, and unique selling points.
- Set competitive pricing: Research similar products and factor in costs, profit margins, and competitor pricing.
- Categorize and tag products: Make navigation easier by organizing your store into collections.
4. Set Up Payments & Shipping
To start accepting payments, Shopify integrates with multiple payment gateways, including:
- Shopify Payment Gateway (preferred for easy setup and lower transaction fees)
- PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay
- Buy Now, Pay Later options like Klarna and Afterpay
- Shipping setup depends on your business model. You can:
- Offer free shipping (absorbing the cost into product pricing)
- Use flat-rate shipping
- Integrate with real-time carrier rates
- Set up local pickup or delivery for nearby customers
