Shopify has quickly become one of the go-to platforms to start an online store. It majestically provides entrepreneurs with an easy and scalable way to sell products online with very limited costs. However, though setting up a Shopify store is easy, getting your first sale can often be a different story. Your first sale is important in starting to build momentum, proving that your business will work, and giving you some added confidence.
So how do you do that? This our expert guide on how to get your first order on Shopify with the help of your own work and eCommerce growth agency Talks Grow.
Get Optimizing for Sales
Before you drive any traffic to your Shopify store, make sure it’s optimized for conversion. That means:
Quality images and descriptions: Online shoppers do not get the chance to touch and feel your product, so your visuals are everything. Product images should be high-resolution and show the product from all angles. Write compelling product descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of the product.
Easy Navigation for the User: A confusing or complex website makes a user leave. Ensure categories are clear, product listings are easy to browse through, and your shopping cart as well as checkout is easy to use. Don’t make them leave!
Build Trust: Use important eCommerce signals like SSL certificates, client testimonials, and trust badges. Potential customers are sure to desire assurance that your store is trustworthy and real before they can go ahead and make a purchase.
Mobile Optimization: Most of this online shopping community searches and makes purchases through mobile devices. Ensure your Shopify store is mobile-friendly by using responsive design that is easy to browse and has quick load times on mobile devices.
Utilize Social Media
Use social media to buzz your store and get your first few customers to your online store. Focus on where your target audience mostly spends time, be it Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest.
Instagram and Facebook Ads: Run a paid advertisement on either Instagram or Facebook to get to your specific demographics by interests and behaviors. Even with a small advertisement budget, it could help attract traffic to your store, because by their very nature, those platforms are quite visual and thus perfect for e-commerce.
Engaging Content: Show behind-the-scenes actions, product demonstrations, or testimonials. Make sure to build a community by commenting, sharing stories, and going live so that your audience feels closer to you.
Influencer Marketing: Partner with those influencers in your niche who could promote your product to their followers. Micro-influencers might be less expensive and just as effective for getting that first sale.
Run Flash Sales and Promotional Offers
Everyone likes a bargain, and this may be the nudge a prospect needs to finally make that first purchase.
First Purchase Discounts: You can offer this to a first-time shopper. One of the best ways to capture leads and, in turn, get them to purchase is through pop-ups on home pages or an incentive to sign up for emails.
Limited-Time Offers: Create urgency for limited-time offers such as “20% off for the next 24 hours.” You can also induce faster conversions by placing countdown timers or highlighting limited stock.
Free Shipping: Occasionally shipping costs are a barrier to online shoppers. Offering free shipping on all orders or making a purchase of a certain amount may be a potent incentive.