Shopify is an e-commerce platform using a SaaS solution. It is one of the most recognizable and distinguished among the most popular e-commerce platforms worldwide, offering comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes. From small businesses to global brands, Shopify enables users to create, manage, and grow their online store.

The platform is known for its intuitive interface, wide range of functionalities, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for both non-programmers and advanced developers.

Basic information about Shopify

We offer a wide range of templates that can be customized to meet individual needs, ensuring that each store looks professional and unique. We receive support in terms of online store security, which Shopify places great emphasis on, using SSL certificates and PCI compliance.

Additionally, users have access to an extensive help center, forum, and many educational resources, making running an online store a breeze. It's also worth mentioning access to a rich ecosystem of apps and plugins in the Shopify App Store, which allows for extending the store's functionality.

Price

Shopify offers various pricing plans to meet the needs of store owners at every stage of their business. The "Basic" plan is the most basic, priced at $24 per month. Next, we have the "Shopify" plan for $69 per month and the "Advanced" plan for $299 per month.

There is also a "Shopify Plus" option for large enterprises and corporations, where prices are set individually (starting at $2,300). Each plan differs in terms of available features, such as the number of staff accounts, transaction fees, reporting features, etc. Current pricing and plan descriptions can be found at https://www.shopify.com/pricing.

Omnichannel features

For Shopify, omnichannel sales can be attractive to store owners. By integrating with various sales channels, such as brick-and-mortar stores, marketplaces like Amazon, Allegro, or eBay, as well as social media, we gain the ability to sell on multiple channels.

Running an online store on different platforms involves simply adding a product to the store. Then, products placed on the Shopify platform are automatically added, for example, to Allegro.

Integration with accounting systems

In the Shopify admin panel, we have the ability to manage accounting systems and invoicing programs, such as infakt and fakturownia. Thanks to the apps provided by Shopify, the integration process is simplified, allowing for efficient synchronization of financial data and facilitating financial management of the store.

Number of implementations

Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world, with over a million active users and stores in over 175 countries. It does not require programming skills, and implementing Shopify is quite affordable. With the help of specialists and the platform's capabilities, you can set up your online store in just a few days, contributing to a record number of implementations.

Service model

Shopify operates on a SaaS (Software as a Service) model, meaning it is delivered as an online service without the need to install software on your own server. Users pay a monthly subscription fee for access to the platform, which includes hosting, updates, and technical support.

You might think that this limits access to certain functionalities. Nothing could be further from the truth. Key functionalities for our business appear with the so-called Headless solution. Although implementing the store requires a bit more financial investment, the additional features should quickly generate a satisfactory return on investment.

Running an online store blog

This is what most e-commerce platforms lack in the eyes of SEO specialists, excluding them from consideration. In the e-commerce industry, it is a must-have, which is why Shopify has a built-in blog module that allows users to create content and engage audiences.

A blog is an important marketing tool for online stores, which can help increase store traffic and improve SEO rankings. Most e-commerce platforms offer it as a standard feature, but it is not always a given.

Implementing changes and updates on the Shopify platform

Updates can be daunting for online store owners because the process is simply long and complicated. In this case, updates are simple and intuitive, allowing even those without a technical background to easily make changes to their stores.

The platform regularly updates itself, introducing new features and improvements, allowing users to continuously enhance their stores. Updating the Shopify platform involves just clicking, for example, "Add to template library."

Although it may seem crazy to someone who has encountered this before, rest assured. Shopify checks and verifies all plugins, effectively reducing any risk of the store "crashing." Based on experience with other e-commerce platforms, I was personally amazed at my first encounter with this feature.

Hosting included

All Shopify plans include hosting, meaning users don't have to worry about finding and managing external hosting. Reliable and fast hosting is provided, which is great because when calculating hosting costs, often this basic plan turns out to be cheaper than buying external hosting.

Security certificates

Shopify is like an octagon in terms of security. Developers place great emphasis on security, offering all stores an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate. This certificate encrypts data transmitted between the server and the user's browser, ensuring the protection of customers' personal and financial data.

Additionally, the platform is PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant, ensuring secure processing of credit card and payment data.

Technical support

As a Shopify user, you get access to 24/7 technical support via live chat, email, and phone. Additionally, there is an extensive knowledge base, webinars, and forums that help solve problems and optimize the store.

Shopify sales features

Since it's an e-commerce platform, it must have features that boost online sales on your site. After all, ease of use is of course important, but the e-commerce platform and its functionalities should support us in our daily tasks.

A review of the e-commerce platform couldn't do without this. Therefore, below I present what I consider to be the most important features you need to know to help your online sales point grow. After all, knowing the tools is the first step in using them effectively.

Implementing promotions and discounts

Shopify offers advanced tools for creating and managing promotions and discounts. Users can easily create discount codes, launch seasonal promotions, set rules for free shipping, etc.

It's all very simple. Just choose the type of discount you're interested in. Then fill in the code details, what it applies to, what the requirements are for its use, and start the promotional campaign.

Integration with Allegro

For Polish sellers, an important feature is the ability to integrate Shopify with Allegro, allowing for easy management of sales on the largest Polish auction and trading platform. Unfortunately, there is no official Allegro app available, and this integration requires using additional apps like Baselinker.

Integration with payment systems

Fortunately, when it comes to payment gateways, the situation is reversed. More and more gateways support integration with the Shopify platform, including PayPal, Stripe, Przelewy24. In addition, there is the Shopify Payments service, which unfortunately is not yet supported in Poland.

Bulk product export

If you plan to scale your business and dream of manually adding products, forget about it. Bulk uploading of products using CSV files on which Shopify operates is particularly useful for online store owners with a large number of products. This functionality significantly streamlines the process of adding and updating the assortment in the online store.

Ability to sell digital products

If you're not interested in building your own warehouse, it's worth mentioning that you can sell not only physical products but also virtual ones, such as e-books, online courses, software, or music. Selling digital products is relatively easier than physical ones, and you're just one checkbox away from it.

Cart recovery

The abandoned cart recovery feature allows for automatic sending of emails to customers who added products to their cart but did not complete the purchase. It is an effective method for increasing conversion and recovering potential sales.

Product variants

Easy creation and management of different product variants, such as size, color, or material, is essential for e-commerce platforms. In this case, it's just a matter of a few clicks in a table.

Returns management

We have the ability to manage returns and exchanges in one tab. The whole process consists of selecting an order, clicking "return," and filling in the table below. Moreover, this process can be automated with dedicated apps without interfering with the store's code.

SEO optimization on Shopify

SEO on the Shopify platform is not rocket science, we have a few basic functions here. Thanks to the automatic generation of an XML sitemap, Shopify makes it easier for search engines to index pages. Moreover, automatic addition of canonical tags helps prevent duplicate content issues, which can negatively affect page ranking.

An important feature is also the automatic creation of 301 redirects when changing URLs, allowing for the preservation of link value when moving content to new addresses. The platform also allows editing of key page elements, such as URLs, ALT descriptions of images, meta descriptions, H1 headers, and page titles.

We have responsive page templates adapted to mobile devices, which is already a standard in the mobile era. Additionally, the product review module not only builds customer trust but also increases CTR in search results.

Shopify also allows easy editing of the robots.txt file and applying 301 redirects, giving full control over how content is indexed and presented in search engines. Implementing structured data, editing the 404 page, and advanced technical modifications are additional elements we have access to. When it comes to SEO, it's actually hard to find any flaw here.

Advantages of Shopify

Ease of use is one of the most important features of platforms for online stores. Most things are designed with users in mind who do not have advanced technical knowledge. Thanks to the intuitive interface, users can easily create and manage their online store, add products, create collections, or set payment methods without involving programmers.

Versatile customization options allow for tailoring the store to individual needs and preferences. Shopify offers a wide range of professionally designed templates that can be modified to customize the store's appearance.

Additionally, advanced users have access to HTML and CSS code, allowing for even greater customization. And in case what we're interested in is not available? Additional apps and dedicated templates can always be created by an agency.

Support for multi-channel sales is another significant advantage of Shopify. The platform allows sellers to reach customers through various channels, such as physical stores, marketplaces (e.g., Amazon or eBay), social media (Facebook, Instagram), and others. Integration with these channels is seamless, allowing for managing everything from one place.

Rich app ecosystem allows for extending the store's functionality with additional options, such as advanced marketing tools, inventory management apps, customer service tools, and many others.

Reliability and security are crucial for any online store. Shopify provides reliable hosting with a guarantee of continuous, trouble-free store operation, as well as regular updates and backups. Moreover, the platform offers integrated SSL certificates and is PCI compliant.

Scalability is another important feature of Shopify. The platform is perfectly suited for both small stores and large enterprises, offering plans tailored to different needs and business growth opportunities. Stores can grow with Shopify, taking advantage of additional resources and features available in higher subscription plans.

24/7 technical support is an invaluable advantage, especially for those just starting their ecommerce journey. Shopify offers professional support via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring quick assistance in case of problems.

Disadvantages of Shopify

We've covered the positives, and now for what everyone has been waiting for. Although Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, offering users many advantages, it also has some limitations.

Transaction fees

One of the main drawbacks of Shopify is transaction fees, which are charged for each sale. Although bank transfer fees can be reduced by using the Shopify Payments gateway, it is not available in Poland. For sellers using other payment gateways, transaction fees can significantly increase the cost of running a store.

Subscription costs

We have several pricing plans that differ in the range of available features. For new or small businesses, subscription costs can be quite high. Additionally, many useful apps in the App Store are paid, which can also increase monthly expenses.

Customization limitations

While Shopify offers a rich selection of templates and great flexibility in store customization, advanced customization requires knowledge of the Liquid templating language. For people without programming experience, this can be a barrier to tailoring the store to individual needs.

How to sell on Shopify?

Selling on Shopify is a process that can be divided into several key stages. The platform is designed with ease of use in mind, allowing even those without technical knowledge to quickly start an ecommerce business.

1. Account registration: The first step is to create an account on Shopify. You can take advantage of the free trial period to familiarize yourself with the platform and its features without incurring initial costs.
2. Choosing a plan: Consider which plan best suits your business, taking into account factors such as transaction fees, the number of staff accounts, or reporting features.
3. Store setup: After choosing a plan, you can start setting up your store. It's important that your store is aesthetically pleasing and functional, which will positively impact user experience.
4. Adding products: Next, add the products you want to sell. Well-prepared product presentations can significantly increase the chance of a sale.
5. Payment settings: To accept payments from customers, you need to set up a payment gateway. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for Shopify Payments. Therefore, choose the available option that best meets the needs of your business and customers.
6. Shipping settings: Decide what shipping options you want to offer. You have the ability to configure different rates and delivery methods based on weight, order price, destination, and other factors.
7. Test the store: Before the official launch, thoroughly test your store by placing a few trial orders. Ensure that all functions work correctly and that the purchase process is intuitive for users.
8. Launch the store: Once everything is ready, you can officially launch your store. Remember to promote your business through various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, or search engine advertising, to increase its visibility and attract customers.

When and for whom is Shopify a good choice?

Beginners without experience in managing an online store

For those just starting their ecommerce journey, Shopify is an ideal choice due to its simple setup and intuitive interface. The platform offers easy-to-use tools for creating and managing a store, allowing for a quick launch of online operations without the need for advanced technical knowledge.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Shopify provides powerful sales and marketing tools that help SMEs compete effectively in the market. Flexible pricing plans and the ability to customize store functionality with apps from the App Store allow for scaling operations as they grow.

Stores transitioning from offline to online

For traditional stores looking to expand their operations to online sales, the platform offers simple solutions for integrating brick-and-mortar and online sales. Features such as inventory management and multi-channel sales allow for a seamless connection of both worlds.

Entrepreneurs seeking scalability

Shopify is perfect for online stores experiencing dynamic growth, offering solutions from simple stores to advanced sales platforms for large enterprises (Shopify Plus).

Producers and creators

For individuals and companies producing their own goods, Shopify provides tools for presenting and selling unique products in an attractive way. The ability to easily add and manage products, create collections, and launch marketing campaigns makes the platform an ideal solution for creative entrepreneurs.

Shopify Apps

Integrating with the right apps can significantly impact the success of a Shopify store, offering functionalities that streamline sales, marketing, and customer service processes.

Przelewy24

This is a popular payment system that enables fast and secure online transactions. Integrating the store with Przelewy24 allows for accepting payments from customers using various methods, including bank transfers, credit card payments, and various local payment forms. This is especially important in the Polish market, where Przelewy24 is a widely recognized and trusted payment service provider.

InPost

For online stores that want to offer their customers convenient delivery options, integration with InPost can be crucial. The app enables easy handling of parcel lockers, which is an increasingly popular delivery method in Poland. Customers can choose the nearest parcel locker as the delivery location.

Klaviyo

This is a powerful email marketing tool designed with ecommerce in mind. By integrating with Klaviyo, sellers can create personalized email campaigns, segment their customer base, and automate communication, increasing the effectiveness of marketing efforts. Klaviyo also offers advanced analytics tools that help measure campaign effectiveness and optimize marketing strategies.

Loox Product Reviews

Customer reviews are extremely important in building trust and credibility for a store. Loox allows for collecting and displaying visual product reviews, which can significantly influence purchasing decisions. The app also offers functionalities such as rewarding customers for adding reviews, which can encourage greater engagement and loyalty.

Facebook & Instagram

Integrating a Shopify store with Facebook and Instagram opens up new opportunities for sellers to reach customers. This app allows for selling products directly on these social media platforms, using Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shop features.

Shopify - Is it worth it in 2024?

When choosing an ecommerce platform in 2024, Shopify remains one of the best choices for entrepreneurs at every stage of developing their online business for several key reasons.

Firstly, ease of use makes it an ideal solution for both beginners and experienced users. The intuitive user interface and simple setup allow for quickly launching a store without the need for deep technical knowledge or hiring IT specialists. This is a huge advantage for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to focus on growing their business rather than overcoming technological barriers.

A wide range of tools and features helps effectively manage the store. From advanced SEO solutions to comprehensive analytics and reports – Shopify provides everything needed to optimize operations and make informed business decisions. Additionally, the rich ecosystem of apps available in the App Store allows for further customization and expansion of store functionality.

Security is another key aspect that makes Shopify a worthwhile choice. The platform offers integrated SSL certificates, is PCI compliant, and regularly updates its systems.

Finally, it's worth mentioning Shopify's scalability. Whether you're just starting out or already growing your business, you get plans tailored to different needs and stages of business development. The ability to easily scale up as your business grows without having to change platforms is invaluable.

In 2024, Shopify will continue to be a strong and trustworthy choice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their e-commerce business. With ease of use, support for multi-channel sales, a rich set of tools, reliable security, and scalability, Shopify enables building and managing an effective online store that can grow with your business.

FAQ

Can I launch a store on Shopify without technical knowledge? - Yes, one of Shopify's main advantages is its ease of use. The platform is designed with users who do not have advanced technical knowledge in mind. With an intuitive interface and a simple setup process, you can launch an online store without the need for programming skills.

Does Shopify offer a free trial period? - Yes, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial period during which you can test all the platform's features before committing to a paid subscription. No credit card information is required.

What are the costs of running a store on Shopify? - The costs of running a store on Shopify depend on the chosen subscription plan. Shopify offers several plans, starting from Basic Shopify for beginners, through Shopify for growing businesses, to Advanced Shopify for large enterprises. Additional costs may include fees for external apps, transaction fees (if you're not using Shopify Payments), and costs associated with purchasing custom domains or templates.

Can I sell products on international markets using Shopify? - Yes, Shopify supports international sales, offering tools for managing multiple currencies, customizing taxes, and shipping settings, enabling you to reach customers worldwide. You can also use integrated translation tools or external apps for localizing store content.

Is Shopify secure? - Yes, the Shopify e-commerce platform places great emphasis on security. The platform offers integrated SSL certificates, is PCI DSS compliant, and regularly updates its security systems to protect customer data and financial transactions.

Can I migrate an existing store to Shopify? - Yes, you can migrate your existing store to Shopify. The platform offers tools and guides that make it easy to migrate product data, customer information, and order history. In some cases, it may be necessary to use specialized services or apps for data migration.

How can I promote my Shopify store? - Shopify offers a wide range of marketing and analytical tools that help promote the store. You can use SEO optimization, email campaigns, multi-channel sales, including on social media platforms, and paid advertising. The Shopify App Store also offers many external apps that can support your marketing efforts.