How to Start a Shopify Store: Step-by-Step for Beginners (2025)

If you've been thinking about starting your own online business, there's never been a better time. Shopify makes it incredibly easy to launch a store without needing any tech skills or upfront inventory. In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to start a Shopify store in 2025, even if you're a complete beginner.

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Before you sign up, think about what you want to sell. Here are a few profitable niches in 2025:

  • Digital products (ebooks, templates, courses)
  • Print-on-demand (T-shirts, mugs, journals)
  • Beauty and skincare
  • Pet accessories
  • Fitness and wellness gear

Tip: Choose something you’re interested in or have experience with—it’ll make marketing easier.

Step 2: Sign Up for Shopify

Go to Shopify’s website and click “Start Free Trial.”

You’ll be asked a few questions about your business (you can skip them if you're unsure). Enter your email, create a password, and name your store.

Step 3: Choose a Theme and Customize Your Store

Once you're inside the Shopify dashboard:

  1. Go to Online Store > Themes
  2. Choose a free theme like "Dawn" or explore premium themes
  3. Click "Customize" to change colors, fonts, and homepage layout

No coding needed! You can add your logo, hero image, and homepage text right from the editor.

Step 4: Add Products

To add products:

  1. Go to Products > Add Product
  2. Add a title, description, images, and pricing
  3. Set inventory and shipping details (or mark as digital if you’re selling downloads)

Pro tip: Use high-quality images and write clear, benefit-focused descriptions.

Step 5: Set Up Payments and Checkout

Under Settings > Payments, enable Shopify Payments (credit/debit cards) and PayPal.

Also, check your Checkout Settings to customize how your checkout page looks.

Step 6: Launch Your Store

Before going live:

  1. Test your store on mobile and desktop
  2. Add a custom domain (under "Settings > Domains")
  3. Set up basic SEO (page titles, descriptions)
  4. Review tax and shipping settings
  5. When ready, remove the password under Online Store > Preferences to go live!

Step 7: Start Marketing Your Store

Now that you're live, here are ways to get your first visitors:

  • Post your launch on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest
  • Offer a discount to early customers
  • Start a simple email list using Shopify Email
  • Write blog posts targeting search terms your audience is Googling

Start Building Today

Starting a Shopify store in 2025 is easier than ever, but success comes from taking action and staying consistent. Follow the steps above and you’ll be on your way to running a real online business.

Ready to start? Click here to start your Shopify free trial today! 

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