How Shopify Got Started
Ever wondered how Shopify began? Back in 2004, a snowboard enthusiast wanted to sell his snowboards online but found no simple way to create a store. That’s when Tobi Lutke decided to build what we now know as Shopify, a place for small businesses to set up shop and reach customers globally when, at the time, only big companies could afford to sell online.
Today, Shopify is a top choice for anyone wanting to sell online, empowering both giant retailers and small startups everywhere.
What Can You Do with Shopify?
Shopify makes starting a business easy. Whether you’re selling t-shirts from your garage or artisan cakes from your kitchen, Shopify gives you the tools to build your own website smoothly. You’re the boss of your online and physical stores when you use Shopify.
Unlike Amazon or Etsy, which are more like large marketplaces, Shopify lets you create a personalized online shop. You can even add your own domain name to showcase your brand, keeping your business’s unique identity.
Key Features of Shopify
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Shopify Admin Dashboard: Imagine a control room where every part of your online store can be viewed and managed. This is what the Shopify Admin Dashboard offers. From this single spot, you can monitor daily sales, review and process customer orders, keep an eye on inventory levels, and fine-tune your marketing strategies. It provides real-time insights to help you stay on top of everything and make smart, timely decisions to grow your business.
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Marketing Tools: Captivating your audience is crucial, and Shopify knows it! That’s why it arms you with a suite of powerful marketing tools to grab attention and turn visitors into customers. You can craft beautiful email campaigns, set up ads directly on major platforms like Facebook, Google, and Pinterest, and analyze your campaign performance right within Shopify. These tools are designed to connect seamlessly with your store, making marketing a cohesive part of your sales process.
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Sales Channels: With Shopify, your products can be everywhere your customers are. Whether it’s on a beautifully customized website, buzzing social media platforms like Instagram, or popular online marketplaces like Google Shopping, Shopify integrates your store with a variety of sales channels. This unified approach means you can manage all your sales from one place without juggling multiple systems, and customers can shop with you no matter where they find you online.
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Store Management: Running an online store involves more than just selling products; it includes managing payments, setting up shipping options, and handling taxes. Shopify simplifies these crucial operations. With support for a wide array of payment gateways, flexible shipping configurations, and automatic tax calculations based on your location and compliance requirements, Shopify keeps the backend processes running smoothly. This lets you focus on what you do best—selling and growing your business.
How Much Does Shopify Cost?
Shopify offers various plans tuned to different needs and budgets:
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Shopify Starter: Just $5/month, perfect for sellers on social platforms.
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Basic Shopify: $39/month, but if you opt for an annual subscription, it’s only $29/month.
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Shopify for Retail: At $89/month or $79 with yearly payment, this is tailor-made for physical store owners.
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Advanced Plans: These start from $105/month, offering extended features for growing businesses that demand robust sales and marketing tools.
Extra Support Whenever You Need It
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Help Center & Shopify Academy: Whether it’s your first day or you’re a seasoned merchant, our comprehensive support and learning resources are here to help every step of the way.
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Community and Blogs: Dive into a massive pool of knowledge from fellow users and experts. It’s a great way to get quick tips, extensive guides, and keep up with ecommerce trends.
Ready to Start?
Starting with Shopify is just a click away with a free trial! Plus, our 24/7 support team is always here to help, ensuring you can get the assistance you need at any stage of your business journey.
