Setting up an online store in Shopify is a straightforward process that involves several steps.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:

1. Sign up for Shopify:
– Visit the Shopify website (www.shopify.com) and click on the “Get Started” button.
– Enter your email address, password, and store name to create an account.
– Click “Create your store” to proceed.

2. Provide store details:
– After signing up, you’ll be prompted to answer a few questions about your business.
– Enter your address, contact information, and industry type.
– Click “Next” to continue.

3. Customise your store’s appearance:
– You’ll be directed to the Shopify admin dashboard.
– Click on the “Customise the look of your site” button to access the theme editor.
– Browse through the available themes and select the one that suits your store’s style.
– Customise the theme by modifying colors, fonts, and layout using the theme editor’s options.
– Click “Save” once you’re satisfied with the changes.

4. Add products to your store:
– In the Shopify admin dashboard, click on the “Products” tab.
– Click on the “Add product” button to create a new product listing.
– Enter the product’s title, description, images, pricing, and other relevant details.
– Specify the product’s inventory details, such as stock quantity and SKU (if applicable).
– Add tags, collections, and variants (e.g., size, color) as needed.
– Save the product listing.

5. Set up payment gateways:
– In the Shopify admin dashboard, click on the “Settings” tab and select “Payments.”
– Choose a payment provider from the available options (e.g., Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe).
– Configure the payment gateway settings, including your bank account details for payouts.
– Enable alternative payment methods if desired (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay).
– Save the changes.

6. Configure shipping settings:
– In the Shopify admin dashboard, click on the “Settings” tab and select “Shipping and delivery.”
– Set up shipping zones and rates based on your business requirements.
– Specify shipping methods, carrier options, and package dimensions.
– Consider offering free shipping or setting up shipping discounts.
– Save the changes.

7. Set up a domain:
– In the Shopify admin dashboard, click on the “Settings” tab and select “Domains.”
– Choose whether to buy a new domain through Shopify or connect an existing one.
– If buying a new domain, follow the prompts to purchase and set it up.
– If connecting an existing domain, enter the necessary information and configure DNS settings.
– Save the changes.

8. Configure additional settings:
– Explore the various settings in the Shopify admin dashboard to customize your store further.
– Customise your store’s navigation menu, manage tax settings, and configure email notifications.
– Install any necessary apps or plugins to enhance your store’s functionality (optional).
– Set up search engine optimisation (SEO) settings to optimize your store’s visibility.
– Review and adjust any additional settings based on your specific requirements.

9. Test your store:
– Before launching your store, it’s essential to thoroughly test its functionality.
– Place test orders to ensure the payment gateway and checkout process work smoothly.
– Verify that shipping rates and methods are correctly applied.
– Test the responsiveness and compatibility of your store across different devices and browsers.

10. Launch your store:
– Once you’re satisfied with your store’s setup and testing, it’s time to make it live.
– Set your store status to “Open” in the Shopify admin dashboard.
– Promote your store through various marketing channels to drive traffic and attract customers.
– Monitor your store’s performance, analyze metrics, and make necessary adjustments to optimize sales.

Remember that this is just a general overview of the process, and there might be additional steps or customisation options depending on your specific business needs and requirements. Shopify is pretty limited in the customisation options that it offers when compared with other CMS systems such as WordPress, however it is a purpose built system for creating an online store. Shopify provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support to assist you at each stage of setting up and running your online store.