E-commerce is back in full swing, and as demand steadily climbs, we’re bound to see fresh brands and startups entering the space. Thinking of launching your own online store? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through how to set up a Shopify store — fast, easy, and effectively.
Shopify is one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, trusted by over a million merchants globally. Its seamless user interface, effortless integration options, and quick setup process make it a top choice for anyone wanting to sell online.
In this guide, we’ll explore the fastest way to launch a Shopify store (or revive an old one), along with some essential tools to get you started.
How to Launch a Shopify Store in 12 Simple Steps?
Starting your Shopify store is more straightforward than you might expect. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or running a dropshipping model, these 12 steps will walk you through everything from setup to going live.
1. Choose a Name for Your Store
Your store name sets the tone for your brand. Pick something memorable, clear, and aligned with your product or niche. It should be easy for customers to find and recognize. Need help? Shopify offers a free business name generator to spark ideas.
2. Create a Shopify Account
Go to shopify.com and click on “Start free trial.” You’ll need to provide an email address, password, and your chosen store name. This gets you into the Shopify dashboard — your main hub for managing everything from inventory to payments and customer orders.
3. Choose a Theme for Your Store
Your theme sets the visual tone for your website. Navigate to Online Store > Themes, where you can browse a range of free and premium designs. Select one that aligns with your product category or brand style, then personalize it by adjusting colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand identity.
4. Upload Your Store Logo
A clean, professional logo helps build trust and brand recognition. If you don’t have one yet, try Shopify’s free Hatchful logo maker — it’s beginner-friendly and fast. Once you have your logo, upload it in the Theme settings so it appears on your homepage, navigation bar, and checkout pages.
5. Add Your Products
Head to Products > Add product to start listing your items. Include a compelling title, high-resolution photos, detailed descriptions, and correct pricing. If your product comes in various colors, sizes, or styles, make sure to add them as variants for better customer clarity.
6. Create Product Collections
Collections allow you to group similar products together for easy browsing. Think categories like “Top Picks,” “Women’s Accessories,” or “Gifts Under ₹500.” This makes your store more organized and helps visitors find what they’re looking for faster.
7. Configure Your Store Navigation
Your navigation menus help users move smoothly around your site. Go to Online Store > Navigation to edit your main menu and footer menu. Add links to essential pages such as Home, Shop, About Us, Contact, or any product collections or blog sections you’ve created.
8. Set Up Your Payment Gateway
Navigate to Settings > Payments to configure how you’ll accept payments. Shopify supports multiple gateways like Shopify Payments, Razorpay, and Cashfree, allowing you to accept cards, UPI, wallets, and net banking. Choose the gateway that aligns best with your customers’ preferred payment methods.
9. Configure Shipping Settings
Under Settings > Shipping and delivery, define where you’ll ship your products, what you’ll charge (flat, free, or based on weight), and your delivery timelines. If you’re using a courier service or running a dropshipping model, integrate the relevant shipping app for automated logistics.
10. Purchase a Custom Domain Name
Having a unique domain like yourstore.com adds credibility and makes your store easier to remember. You can either purchase one directly through Shopify or connect a domain you already own from providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
11. Set Up Legal Pages
Legal documentation builds trust and ensures compliance. Shopify offers templates for your Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Refund Policy, and Shipping Policy. Customize these under Settings > Policies, and link them to your site’s footer so customers can find them easily.
12. Launch Your Store
Give your store one final check on both desktop and mobile. Test all links, product pages, buttons, and the checkout process to make sure everything runs smoothly. Once you’re satisfied, go to Online Store > Preferences and disable the password — your store is now live and ready for customers!
What Is the Cost of Starting a Shopify Store in India?
Shopify offers several pricing tiers to suit different business sizes and goals:
- Basic – ₹2,660/month: Best for individuals or early-stage startups.
- Shopify – ₹7,640/month: Designed for small teams looking to scale.
- Advanced – ₹33,100/month: Great for mid-sized to larger operations needing advanced reporting and features.
- Shopify Plus – ₹1,66,000/month (₹2,07,500/month effective March 13, 2024): Ideal for high-volume enterprises.
There’s also an option for businesses to create a customized plan based on selected features and specific usage requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Launch a Shopify Store?
Setting up your Shopify store is fairly quick and straightforward. With a basic layout and a handful of products, you can be live in 3 to 4 days.
However, fine-tuning your website — such as design customization, SEO optimization, and improving user experience — is an ongoing task that evolves as your store grows.
What Legal Steps Do You Need to Set Up a Shopify Store in India?
To stay compliant with Indian e-commerce regulations, here are some general legal steps to follow:
- Register Your Business: Depending on your scale, register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or private limited company.
- Apply for a GST Number: If you plan to sell goods and services across India, GST registration is mandatory.
- Set Up a Business Bank Account: Required for transactions and managing payments legally.
- Prepare Legal Documents: These include your Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, Refund Policy, and Shipping Policy.
- Stay Compliant With E-commerce Laws: Be aware of consumer protection and IT regulations applicable to online sellers.
For personalized legal advice, it’s recommended to consult with a legal expert familiar with Indian business laws.