Shopify Dropshipping Tutorial Notes

Introduction

• Host: John
• Overview: Step-by-step guide to creating a successful Shopify dropshipping store for beginners (updated for 2024)
• Importance of dropshipping: No experience needed, remote work, low budget
• Example: Building a women’s fashion store using AliExpress as the supplier.

Understanding Dropshipping

• Definition: Selling products online without holding inventory.
• Process:
  • Customer purchases from your store.
  • You order from the supplier (AliExpress) who ships directly to the customer.
  • Profit is the difference between selling price and product cost.
• Automation: The process is fully automated.

Key Questions Addressed

• What is Dropshipping?
  • A method to sell products without inventory.
• Main Supplier:
  • AliExpress: Cheap prices, widely used by dropshippers.
• Starting Costs:
  • Shopify registration costs $32/month.
  • Current special: $1/month for the first 3 months.
  • Additional costs for apps (currency converter, reviews) approximately $30/month.
  • Marketing costs: Start with organic methods, then paid marketing (~$100).

Types of Dropshipping Stores

1. Branded Stores:
   • Focus on specific niche (e.g., women’s clothing).
   • Easier targeting and branding potential.
   • Example: Women’s fashion store.
2. General Stores:
   • Sell various unrelated categories.
   • Example: Stores like Walmart or Amazon.
   • Allows testing of a wide range of products.

Building the Shopify Store

Step 1: Register at Shopify

• Visit Shopify link for special offer.
• Process for creating an account.
• Choose default currency (USD recommended).
• Confirm account via email.
• Choose a plan (basic plan recommended).

Step 2: Identify Your Niche

• Use AliExpress to find products.
• Example searches: Women’s rings, jackets.
• Importance of selecting a niche you’re passionate about.

Step 3: Install Necessary Apps

• Install DSers for AliExpress dropshipping automation.
  • Link DSers with AliExpress.
• Set pricing rules (e.g., product costs, compared prices).
• Enable notifications for inventory/price changes.

Step 4: Add Products to Your Store

• Search for products on AliExpress and sort by orders.
• Add selected products to DSers and then to Shopify.
• Ensure product descriptions and images are appealing.

Winning Products

• Definition: Products that sell well, have high demand, and are not oversaturated.
• Use Ecom Hunt to identify winning products.
• Import winning products to your store.

Creating Collections

• Create collections in Shopify (dresses, tops, etc.).
• Organize products into collections for easier navigation.

Branding and Design

Store Name and Logo

• Use Lean Domain Search for creative store names.
• Create a logo using Canva for a professional appearance.

Store Design

• Select a theme (e.g., Dawn - free theme).
• Customize homepage sections (banner, product collections).
• Ensure mobile responsiveness.

Store Settings

Domain Purchase

• Purchase a branded domain for your store.
• Create professional email addresses using the domain.

Legal Pages and Policies

• Create refund, privacy, and terms of service policies using Shopify templates.
• Add general pages (Contact, About Us).

Website Header and Footer

• Customize navigation menu with important links to collections and policies.
• Set up footer with customer care information.

Shipping and Payment Settings

Shipping Setup

• Enable free shipping for all countries.
• Focus on major markets (US, UK, Canada, Australia).

Payment Providers

• Set up Shopify Payments and/or PayPal.
• Customize checkout settings (logo, customer contact methods).

Adding Important Apps

• Currency Converter: Allow customers to see prices in local currency.
• Looks: Add reviews and ratings to product pages.

Opening Your Store

• Remove password protection to open the store for sales.
• Create a test order to ensure fulfillment process works.

Marketing Strategies

Organic Marketing

• Start promoting your store organically for the first 3 months (social media engagement).
• Create a Facebook page for your store.
• Regularly post engaging content.

Paid Marketing

• Transition to paid ads after initial organic growth.

Conclusion

• Ensure ongoing engagement and marketing to drive sales.
• Continue to refine and optimize your store for success.