Top 12+ Proven Tips to be Successful on Shopify

If you're running an online store, chances are you've heard of Shopify. It's like this massive mall where you can set up shop on the internet. It's not pricey, super user-friendly, and packed with many extra features and tools. 

But these days, more than just having an online store is needed. With so many other sellers out there and customers always wanting something new, you've got to have a strategic plan for standing out and making those sales. 

In this blog, we will share 12+ proven tips to succeed on Shopify. These tips will help you sell more stuff, make your customers happy, and keep your business strong.

Shopify Pitfalls: 5+ Key Reasons Why Most Shopify Stores Don't Succeed

Even though Shopify offers many advantages, some merchants still need help to succeed on the platform. If you find yourself in this position, don't worry; we're here to help you overcome setbacks and revitalize your store.

Here are some common slip-ups people make when using Shopify that you can easily avoid to ensure your store thrives and sales soar.

1. Failing to Understand the Target Audience

If you don't know who your customers are, how can you provide them with the products they want? Many online sellers skip this crucial step, missing out on important insights into what their customers want and need. Before you start your store, it's vital to figure out who your main customers are and what they want.

2. Lack of Planning

Success doesn't happen by chance. It would help to have a well-thought-out plan and sufficient time to develop your store. Without adequate planning and resources, achieving success will be an uphill battle.

3. Insufficient Website Traffic

Making sales will be challenging without a steady stream of visitors to your Shopify store. You need to bring in visitors from different places like social media, SEO, and other channels, so potential customers can easily find and buy from your store.

4. Poor Product Selection

Choosing the wrong products can spell disaster for your eCommerce venture. Concentrate on providing items that fit well with your specialty and are in high demand among customers. Thorough market and consumer research are essential to ensure your products will sell before investing in them.

5. Ineffective Marketing Strategies

Even the best products need effective marketing to succeed. Without proper marketing strategies, your products may go unnoticed, no matter how great they are. Put in effort and money to advertise your store, drawing in customers and increasing sales.

Apart from these main reasons, many more factors could lead to these failures, such as lack of customer service, no device optimization, high shipping fees, lower product margins, poor store design, etc. So, what are the specific strategies to improve them all? Let’s find out in our next part. 

12+ Best Proven Strategies for Shopify Success

Now that we've covered the most common mistakes, let's talk about what you can do to boost your chances of success.

Here are our top 12 tips to help you succeed on Shopify.

• Master the Fundamentals
• Be Authentic, Not a Copycat
• Be Unique
• Carve Out Your Niche for Success
• Build an Outstanding Shopify Site
• Tailor Your Website to Local Needs
• Nail Your Marketing Strategy
• Utilize the Potential of Digital Ads
• Test Some Real Online Selling Tricks
• Encourage Customers to Review and Recommend You
• Build Trust and Reliability
• Offer Exceptional Customer Service

1. Master the Fundamentals

Whether you're selling online or offline, business basics still apply. You should provide items that people desire at a reasonable price while ensuring you earn a fair profit. To achieve this, it's crucial to:

• Understand your customers and competitors inside out. Know what your customers need, how much they’re willing to spend, what kind of service they expect, and what other options they have available.

• Do market research: Understanding your market is critical. If you’re unsure about any of these areas, conducting primary market research is a must. Talk to potential customers, survey your target audience, and study your competitors. Ask yourself some foundation questions to take the first steps, like: How does the eCommerce market work? What steps should I take to begin a Shopify Store? Make it a checklist, and it will prepare you with both knowledge and resources to win this Shopify.

• Brand values: Remember, it’s not just about having a great product; you need to offer it at a price and additional value that attracts customers while making a profit. Pay attention to customer preferences and expectations, and watch your competition to see how you can stand out. This basic but essential groundwork will set you up for long-term success on Shopify.

2. Be Authentic, Not a Copycat

It's natural to look at how others succeed in online selling and learn from them, but simply copying others won't get you far. It is really important for you to stand out and build a loyal customer base with reliability. Find your unique identity and carve out your own niche, especially if you're selling through your own eCommerce website.

Just be true to who you are and tell your story with your audience. Use a brand voice to tell what sets you apart and what your brand is about. The personal touch can connect you with customers deeper and attract the people have the same values.

A great example of this is how Pepsi chose to create its own path rather than copy Coca-Cola. When Coca-Cola’s secret recipe was offered to Pepsi (Source: The Guardian), they refused to buy it. Instead, Pepsi focused on developing its own unique flavor and brand identity. This decision allowed it to stand out and build its own loyal customer base.

Creating a successful brand means being authentic. Show your personality, highlight what makes you different, and build a connection with your customers. Being genuine will help you shine in a busy market and build trust and loyalty with your customers.

3. Be Unique

Standing out from the crowd is crucial if you want to catch customers' attention. You've got to give them a good reason to pick you over others. Nowadays, markets are packed, so you've got to find a way to shine.

Think about what makes your brand different. What's your special touch? How can you make your offer irresistible? Instead of focusing on price, think about offering better value and products or services others don't have. To be unique, you can choose a direction to go along like: 

• Offering a distinct product line
• Targeting a specific and unique customer segment
• Or building a brand image that stands out from your competitors, ect. 

Have you ever heard of a red ocean vs blue ocean? Picture it like this: in a red ocean, it's like being in a crowded swimming pool where everyone's fighting for space, making it challenging to stand out and make a profit. But in a blue ocean, it's like having your private beach, with plenty of room to shine. 

Take Nintendo's Wii gaming console, for instance. Unlike other gaming systems aimed at serious gamers, the Wii introduced motion-controlled gameplay, appealing to families and casual players. By offering something unique and targeting a different audience, Nintendo carved out its own space in the market, away from fierce competition. Similarly, by finding your niche and offering something special, you can create your own blue ocean and attract loyal customers.

4. Build Trust and Reliability

In the online world, trust is everything. When customers shop on Shopify, they trust you, often without ever meeting you in person. 

• Trustful payment options: To earn their trust, offer payment options they know and trust, like PayPal and Visa, so they feel secure with their purchases. Be transparent about any extra fees to avoid surprising them at checkout.

• Detailed Product Descriptions: It's also essential to be transparent about your product information. Give customers all the details they need, like what it's made of and how it works. Being honest and straightforward shows customers you value trust and commitment, helping them feel confident about what they buy from you.

• Joining authenticated groups or showing award proofs: Being part of authenticated merchant groups or organizations can also boost your credibility. Display their logos proudly on your site to show customers that you're a trustworthy business. Including pictures of yourself and your team adds a personal connection, making your brand feel more relatable to customers.

• Utilize positive feedback: Remember to include trust badges and share real stories or reviews from past customers on your Shopify store. This social proof helps reassure potential buyers and shows that others have had positive experiences with your business. By building trust and being reliable, you'll create stronger bonds with your customers and boost your chances of success on Shopify.

5. Carve Out Your Niche for Success

Trying to please everyone can end up pleasing no one. It's better to focus on specific groups of customers and tailor your efforts to them. Focusing on a particular area can help you distinguish yourself and draw more notice. Becoming a big player in a smaller market is a smart move that can pay off for small businesses. Successful companies usually dominate their own slice of the market.

To determine what niche your Shopify store should target, start by identifying a problem and finding a solution. That is also how a successful business normally starts with meeting the needs of a specific group of customers. But your idea doesn't have to be totally new. You can make existing products or services better for consumers. That might mean: 

• Changing how they look
• Adding new features
• Finding new ways to use products people already like.

Look at Apple, for example. It all began with Steve Jobs' idea for a computer, and they've kept improving and expanding ever since. They've made iPhones and iPads even more helpful with each new version. For instance, they're now adding keyboards to iPads to make them easier to use, almost like a laptop. And all these innovations have helped Apple become worth over a billion dollars.

6. Nail Your Marketing Strategy

Picture this: You've got top-notch products, killer deals, and customer service that wows. But here's the fact – if nobody knows your Shopify store is out there, those efforts could go to waste. That's where nailing your marketing strategy comes in.

It would help if you had a bit of everything to make it work. 

• SEO Improvement: Think about SEO your website so it shows up better in Google searches, keep a lively blog, and stay active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 
• Visual Enhancement: Don't forget about the power of video and email marketing, either—they can be game-changers. 
• PR: And hey, getting your name out there through newspapers, magazines, and other websites can work wonders, too.

Apart from those, we have some of further suggestions:

• List your brand in online directories.
• Collaborate with influencers to push your brand to a broader audience.
• Use content marketing to boost your site's online visibility.
• Implement referral or loyalty programs.
• Join an affiliate marketing program.
• Encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

The ideal promotion strategy depends on your specific business and your products or services. Successful marketing often involves a combination of these tactics. Try on different methods to find out what works best for you.

7. Utilize the Potential of Digital Ads

Digital Advertising is also an important part that we will deliver it separately to help you understand deeper. 

• Step 1: It should begin by truly understanding your audience. You can use some advanced tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights to understand their behavior and preferences better.

• Step 2: Next, select the most suitable platforms for your advertising efforts. Utilize Google Ads for targeted searches, leverage the visual appeal of Facebook and Instagram for captivating imagery, and tap into Pinterest's niche interests for focused outreach.

• Step 3: Here is a tip for creating ads that captivate your audience: They should have attractive visuals, clear messaging, and calls to action. Pay-per-click (PPC) is also a good way to ensure your products shine in search results and social media feeds, drawing in more potential customers. Extend your reach with PPC display or banner ads on various websites to capture the attention of potential buyers, especially when they're in a purchasing mindset.

• Step 4: Keep track of your ads' performance closely and prepare to adapt your plans based on the data. Additionally, seasonal trends and holidays can be used to offer special promotions to drive traffic and sales further.

8. Build an Outstanding Shopify Site

Now that you've discovered the right path for your own journey, it's time to personalize the design of your Shopify store. But if you truly want your Shopify business to be unique and distinct, you don't want your store to look just like your competitors.

Don't just make it good enough; make it world-class! Invest more time and effort into creating a unique Shopify store design with proper functionality. The appearance and accessibility of your store will set the stage for smooth customer experiences and high conversion rates.

At this stage, you'll also see how your overall store design aligns with your images. Your product photos shouldn't just showcase what you're selling; they should seamlessly blend with your store layout, color scheme, fonts, and overall vibe. 

If you're not an expert in technical stuff, consider using EComposer—Top Drag & Drop Shopify Page Builder, designed specifically for you. You won’t need any coding knowledge to build pages on your store.

Especially for new merchants just beginning to enter the online market, the app's vast library of templates helps you get started quickly or create custom pages, from captivating landing pages to appealing homepages to informative blogs.

With EComposer, you won't have to worry about managing numerous overwhelming apps; it provides all-in-one solutions with up to 25 built-in add-ons and over 50 third-party integrations. These are geared towards offering the most advanced features and ensuring a seamless user experience.

If you haven’t had a Shopify account yet, seize the opportunity to benefit from a special offer: only $1 for the first month for all plans to experience Shopify from A-Z.

9. Tailor Your Website to Local Needs

If you're expanding your Shopify store to target customers in non-English-speaking countries, customizing your website to meet their needs is essential. 

Adding pages in local languages, with images that resonate locally, can significantly boost sales abroad. When your business scales to meet the demand, consider setting up a separate Shopify website tailored specifically for your target overseas market.

Don't forget to include testimonials and reviews from local customers—it builds trust. To avoid embarrassing mistakes, consider hiring a professional translator. Also, make it clear where you're based, like being a UK seller, to make your products more appealing internationally. Here is a short checklist for you:

• Language
• Cultural Sensitivity: Image, colors, symbols,...
• Local Regulation
• Payment Methods
• Shipping and Delivery
• Customer Support
• Currency Conversion
• Localization: Product descriptions, promotions, and marketing campaigns
• Trust Signals
• Feedback and Reviews

At the end of the day, adapting your site to suit local tastes and preferences will help you attract more consumers and increase sales for your Shopify store.

Others also read

How to Build a Website for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide!

10 Proven Ways To Promote Your Shopify Store For Drive Sales

5+ Easy Steps to Access the Shopify Language Editor

10. Test Some Real Online Selling Strategies

Getting into online selling is like diving into a big pool of possibilities, where you need smart moves to attract and keep customers interested. For example, imagine giving newcomers a sweet 10% off their first buy—it’s hard to resist! You could also mix things by bundling products for a special deal or tempting shoppers with 'buy three, get one free' offers.

Remember to keep an eye on what’s trendy in each season and how the market is shifting. Use the wave of seasonal sales excitement to your advantage, or surprise customers with quick discounts that make them feel like they should buy right now.

In addition, think about adding some extra of your own products/services for those big orders. Giving away a freebie for purchases over a certain amount—who doesn’t love a little something extra?

Also, make shipping counts. Offering free shipping on pricier items might push customers to grab the deal and get more motivation clicking that 'checkout' button. Try, implement and make evaluations to check the effectiveness of each activity to see whether or not it suits you. Here are some additional suggestions:

• Get your customers to spread the word for you by offering rewards for referrals.
• Collaborate with influencers to bring your products to their followers.
• Host online events or webinars to educate and engage with your audience.
• Offering personalized recommendations depends on customers' past purchases or browsing history.
• Try on a loyalty program to reward repeat customers and urge them to keep coming back.
• Partner with complementary businesses for cross-promotional opportunities to expand your reach.

11. Encourage Customers to Review and Recommend You

You want to know what your customers think, right? So, ask them! Encourage them to talk about their shopping experience and what they bought from your store. Show off the good stuff they say by putting their reviews and nice comments on your website.

But hey, not everyone's going to give you a gold star. Sometimes, people might say stuff that's not so nice. That's okay! Just talk to them politely. Thank the ones who are happy, and if someone's not, try to fix it nicely. No need to argue.

And if you make a mistake (we all do), take action, say sorry right away. Fix the problem, learn from it, and do better next time. 

Tell you a secret, even if there is a crisis that no one wants still happened, it on the other hand could be an opportunity when you handle it perfectly. One outstanding case study was from Starbucks in April 2018. There were two African-American men arrested at a Starbucks in Philadelphia, causing widespread backlash and calls for a boycott. 

Starbucks responded quickly: CEO Kevin Johnson issued a public apology and the company closed over 8,000 stores for racial bias training. This affected 175,000 employees, showing their serious commitment to change. They also implemented new policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. 

By acting swiftly, communicating transparently, and taking concrete actions, Starbucks turned a crisis into an opportunity for positive change and reinforced their commitment to inclusivity.

12. Offer Exceptional Customer Service

To really stand out from the competition, you need to provide customer service that’s both personal and responsive. Go the extra mile in every interaction. Be clear and friendly in your communication, and make sure customers can reach you in multiple ways—whether it’s through email, chat, or phone.

Quickly and professionally address any questions or complaints. Make sure your products are delivered as promised and on time by partnering with reliable delivery services. Aim to exceed customer expectations whenever you can. Give them a fantastic experience every time and show your appreciation for their loyalty with rewards or special offers.

When you get it right, your customers will become your biggest fans, spreading the word about your great service and helping your business grow.

Long-term Vision and Plan for a Shopify Store

While short-term success is good for temporary, to turn your Shopify Store into a next level requires long-term planning and a strategic vision. Here are some strategies to future-proof your store and drive long-term growth:

To take your business to the next level, start with a clear vision and a flexible plan. While big companies can handle economic changes better and might keep going even if they prioritize short-term profits, small startups might need more effort to focus on both profits and long-term strategies.

Stay focused and don’t overpromise. Many small businesses dream big but fail because they promise too much and can't deliver. Establish trust with your customers by staying true to your word. A strong reputation is necessary for your long term success in the future. 

Keep a positive attitude and build strong relationships. To run a business also means that you have to face with challenges and learn from mistakes. Build a supportive workplace atmosphere and nurture positive connections with your employees and business partners. A happy and committed workforce is essential.

Consider your impact on society and the environment. Using sustainable practices can improve your brand’s reputation and help in the long run. Also, diversify your products and services, and protect your business legally, like forming an LLC. To be more smart and adaptable, your business can grow and thrive, even when the economy changes.

Key Takeaways 

In wrapping up, becoming successful on Shopify takes a mix of planning, creativity, and hard work. By following the tips we've shared, you can take your Shopify store to the next level. 

Remember to understand your customers, show your unique side, and treat your shoppers well. Keep learning and adjusting as you go, and don't give up when things get tough. With patience and effort, your Shopify business can grow and succeed in the online world.

Ready to begin? Start crafting an engaging website design with EComposer today!

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