Notes on How to Create a Successful Shopify Store

Introduction

• Presenter: Mike O'Brien
• Overview: Teaching viewers how to create a successful Shopify store that ranks on Google and maximizes profits.
• Audience: Targeted towards beginners and those skeptical about starting a store.
• Approach: Free tutorial with no upsells or additional courses.

Why Now is a Good Time to Start

• New features and integrations available.
• Opportunities to improve conversions.
• Suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to potential multi-million dollar businesses.

Getting Started

1. Shopify Setup

   • Extended trial period available via provided link.
   • Visit sandalmedia.com/shopify to sign up.
   • Create Shopify ID using email, Facebook, Google, or Apple.

2. Choosing a Plan

   • Consider sales volume when selecting a plan.
   • Basic plan recommended for beginners ($1 for first three months).
   • Upgrade options available later.

Adding Products

1. Creating Your First Product

   • Navigate to the "Products" tab to add a new product.
   • Example product: "Aurora Hub" (phone charger/SL lamp).
   • Upload title, images, and description.
   • Use Shopify's AI to generate product descriptions.
   • Set pricing and inventory details, including variants (e.g., colors).

2. Product Visibility

   • Ensure product is active for sales channels.
   • Organize products using collections and tags for better UX.

3. Gift Cards

   • Add gift cards as a product for additional sales opportunities.

Customizing Your Online Store

1. Selecting a Theme

   • Change the store theme via the "Themes" section in the dashboard.
   • Explore free and paid themes.
   • Publish the selected theme to make it active.

2. Editing the Theme

   • Use the customization editor to adjust layout and sections (e.g., featured products, testimonials, FAQs).
   • Add new sections such as image banners and collages.
   • Ensure the website is visually appealing on mobile.

Store Settings

1. Store Information

   • Edit store name, time zone, and billing information.

2. Payments

   • Set up multiple payment options (credit cards, PayPal, etc.).
   • Customize customer billing statement details.

3. Shipping and Delivery

   • Create shipping profiles, zones, and rates.
   • Provide estimated delivery dates.

4. Domain Name

   • Essential for visibility; consider purchasing a domain through Shopify.

Creating Discounts

• Set up promotional discounts (e.g., percentage off, free shipping).
• Encourage customers to use discount codes.

Marketing and Analytics

• Utilize Shopify's built-in marketing tools and analytics to track performance.
• Focus on strategies like abandoned cart recovery to increase conversions.

Adding Pages and Policies

1. Policies

   • Use templates to create return, privacy, and terms of service policies.

2. Creating Additional Pages

   • Create FAQ, About Us, and blog post pages using the Shopify editor.

Launching the Store

• Remove the password protection once everything is set up.
• Conduct test orders to ensure the purchasing process is smooth.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for viewers to share their plans and products.
• Call to action: Like and subscribe for more content.