"I want to start an online store with Shopify, but I don't know what to do after registering." Many people feel this way and pause their progress. This article guides you through the process of creating a Shopify store, from account creation and initial setup to product registration, payment and shipping settings, and finally, launching your store. We will break down each step, explaining "which screen to use, where to click, and what to input." Technical terms are also rephrased in simple language for beginners. By the time you finish reading, you should have a clear idea of the steps involved in launching your own store.
Just one quick note: Shopify's screen displays and button names may change slightly with updates. Therefore, the descriptions in this article may not perfectly match the actual screen text. In such cases, don't panic; simply look for buttons or items with similar meanings. The basic workflow itself does not change significantly.
It can sometimes be difficult to visualize the operation screen from text alone. Our company (SOLSTAR Inc.) has released a video on our YouTube channel that explains the Shopify setup process with actual screen footage. Watching this video alongside this article will make it easier to follow along hands-on.
Table of Contents
1. What to prepare before opening a Shopify store
Before registering with Shopify, there are a few things you can have ready to ensure a smoother process. However, you don't need to prepare everything perfectly. Store names and designs can be changed later. First, let's look at the absolute minimum you need to get started.
5 things to prepare to avoid getting stuck
Having these five items ready will help you proceed smoothly from registration to product launch. If you can't get them immediately, you can always add them later.
- Email address: Used for account registration. Your usual one is fine.
- Candidate store name: You can proceed with a temporary name. It can be changed later.
- Logo image: Not essential for opening. Having one can help establish your store's identity.
- Product information to sell: Prepare product name, price, and photos. Even a single photo taken with your smartphone is sufficient. One item is enough to start.
- Bank account: Used to receive sales. You will enter this when setting up payments.
Aspects like "unprofessional photos" or "incomplete product descriptions" can be improved while operating the store. Focus on registering just one product and experiencing the entire launch process first.
Common Pitfall: When setting up payments later, you may be asked for a bank account in the "business name." If you plan to sell under a business name or as a corporation, preparing an account under that name will help you avoid issues with setting up your payment recipient.
What is Shopify? For those who are still unsure.
Shopify is a service that allows you to create and operate your own online store without specialized knowledge. This article focuses on the "hands-on steps to set up." If you want to know more about how the service works and its features, reading "What is Shopify? Explaining how to start an e-commerce site for beginners" first will give you a better overall picture. Understanding the mechanism can be done later, so if you're in a hurry to open your store, you can proceed with the steps as they are.
2. Registering a Shopify account
Once you're ready, it's time to create your account. Shopify offers a free trial period, allowing you to experience the platform without immediate cost.
However, the duration of the free trial and the terms of monthly fees may change depending on the period. Always check the displayed amounts and conditions on the registration screen.
Please note that choosing a paid plan is necessary to actually launch your store to the public. Remember the process: "meticulously build your store during the free trial, then select a paid plan when it's time to launch."
Click "Start free trial" to create an account
The registration process is very simple. Follow these steps:
- Screen: Go to the official Shopify website (shopify.com).
- Click: Press the button "Start free trial" or similar on the homepage.
- Input: Enter your email address and password as prompted on the screen. You might be asked simple questions like "What do you plan to sell?" along the way, but don't overthink it; just choose the closest option (you can change it later).
Once you've entered the information, you'll be automatically redirected to your store's admin panel. The admin panel is where you manage everything behind the scenes, such as product registration, design changes, and payment/shipping settings. Reaching this stage means you've overcome a significant hurdle in the setup process.
Common Pitfall: Questions that appear during registration, such as industry, planned products, and theme selection, can be changed later. Many people get stuck here, so the trick is to choose the closest option and move forward.
How to choose your first plan?
During registration, or near the end of your free trial, you'll have to choose a plan. The available features and fees vary by plan, but there's no need to agonize over the details from the start. It's practical to begin with the Basic plan. Note that plan names, prices, and available features can change over time, so always check the latest conditions on the registration screen.
If you want to know specifically "which plan is more cost-effective for a given monthly sales volume," you can compare them in this article that simulates Shopify pricing plans by monthly sales. For this article, it's enough to remember: "If in doubt, start with the minimum configuration and upgrade if needed."
3. Setting up basic Shopify store information
Once you're in the admin panel, the first step is to register your basic information. Doing this early will ensure a smoother process for product registration and payment settings later on. All settings are accessed via "Settings" in the bottom left of the admin panel.
Enter store name, contact information, and address
Open "Settings" in the bottom left, then select "Store details" from the menu. Here, you'll enter your store name, contact email address, address, and other details. These are important items used for order confirmation emails and communication with customers. If you haven't decided on a store name yet, you can proceed with a temporary one.
Confirming currency and time zone (is it Japanese Yen and Japan time?)
Within the same "Settings" section, also check your currency and time zone. If you're selling in Japan, make sure the currency is "Japanese Yen (JPY)" and the time zone is set to Japan time. If these are incorrect, price displays and order recording times may be inaccurate.
Common Pitfall: Once the first transaction occurs, it becomes difficult to change the currency. To be safe, double-check that it's set to Japanese Yen before you start entering prices.
What is a "domain"? The URL that will be your online store's address
A domain is part of the URL that serves as your online store's address. When you register with Shopify, you're initially assigned a free URL like "(your store name).myshopify.com." You can launch and start selling using this URL.
If you want to use a custom domain (your own dedicated URL) like "yourbrandname.com," you can add it later in "Settings" → "Domains." Custom domains require separate acquisition and incur costs.
It's perfectly fine to start with the free URL and consider a custom domain once your business is established. However, if you plan to operate for a long time, it's safer to have a custom domain from the beginning, considering SEO and brand perception.
Common Pitfall: If you acquire a custom domain, you'll need to choose whether "example.com" or "www.example.com" will be the official URL. While both can be accessed, deciding on one official URL helps prevent search engine ranking from being split. If you're unsure, simply designate the one you want to feature on your business cards or social media as the official version.
Design (theme) can be refined later
Your store's appearance is determined by a design template called a "theme." When you register, one default theme is already included, so you can launch your store as is, even if you're not confident in design.
If you want to change colors or layouts, you can adjust them later by going to "Online Store" → "Themes" in the left menu. Trying to perfect the design from the start often leads to delays.
It's recommended to first register products and launch with the default theme, then refine the appearance as you operate the store.
4. Registering products
Once the basic information is in place, it's time to build the content of your store. Let's start by registering one product from start to finish. Once you can register one, you can simply repeat the same steps to add more products.
Adding one product
Open "Products" or "Product management" from the left menu, then click "Add product" on the top right. An input screen will appear. Fill in the following items from top to bottom:
- Product name: This is the name customers will see when searching or viewing product lists.
- Description: Write about the product's features and how to use it. A few lines are sufficient to start.
- Media (photos): Upload product photos.
- Price: Enter the selling price.
- Inventory: If you manage inventory, enter the quantity.
- Screen: Open "Settings" → "Payments" from the bottom left.
- Click: Press "Activate" for "Shopify Payments."
- Input: Enter your business information (name, address, business type) and the bank account where sales revenue will be deposited. You may also be asked to submit identity verification documents.
- Screen: Open "Online Store" from the left menu.
- Click: Select "Preferences" or "Password protection."
- Action: Set password protection to "Disabled" and save.
- Access measurement (GA4): Obtain the measurement ID for GA4 (Google's free web analytics tool) and connect it using Shopify settings or an integration app. This will show you "how many people came from which traffic source," "which product pages were viewed most often," and "where customers are dropping off." Start by habitually reviewing the dashboard a few times a day, and you'll begin to see where improvements are needed.
- SNS integration: Integrating with platforms like Instagram allows you to direct traffic directly from your posts to product pages. For a first step, simply adding your store's URL to your profile and linking product pages to product photo posts can help generate initial traffic.
- Prepare necessary items (email, store name, product info, bank account, etc.)
- Register an account through the free trial
- Set up basic store information (name, currency, domain)
- Register one product
- Activate payment (Shopify Payments)
- Set up shipping (shipping costs)
- Perform a pre-launch check and order test, then choose a paid plan, remove password protection, and launch
- After launch, start customer acquisition with access tracking and SNS integration
Once you've entered the information, click "Save" on the top right of the screen. You have now registered your first product.
Common Pitfall: The product may not appear in your store even after saving. Check if "Sales channels and visibility" and "Status" on the product page are set to "Active." If it remains in "Draft" status, customers won't see it even after your store is launched.
Creating collections
A collection is like a "shelf" or "category" that groups products by genre. For example, grouping items as "New Arrivals," "Sale," or "Accessories" makes it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. You can create collections from "Products" → "Collections" → "Create collection." If you have only a few products, there's no need to force yourself to create them yet.
CSV bulk registration for many products
If you have dozens or more products, registering them one by one can be time-consuming. In such cases, you can use a CSV file (a list created with Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) for bulk registration.
The process involves importing a CSV file in a specific format from the "Import" option on the "Products" screen. It's best to manually register one item first to get a feel for it, then move on to bulk registration if needed.
From product registration to payment and shipping, it's easier to follow along by looking at the actual screens. Keeping our company (SOLSTAR)'s YouTube channel's video explaining the setup process with screen visuals open next to this article will help you visualize where to input information.
5. Setting up payment methods
Payment processing handles customer credit card payments and enables sales revenue to be deposited into your bank account. Without this setup, customers won't be able to proceed to payment after adding items to their cart.
Activate Shopify Payments
Shopify has an official payment function called "Shopify Payments," and using it is the simplest option. Here are the steps:
If the information you entered is correct, credit card payments will become available.
Common Pitfall: Shopify Payments requires identity verification and approval after application. There might be a period where payments cannot be activated until approval is complete, so avoid applying in a rush right before your planned launch date. If there are any deficiencies in your documents and they are returned, your launch will be delayed accordingly. It's safer to apply a little in advance with some leeway.
Other payment methods besides credit cards
In addition to credit cards, you can add other payment methods. However, some payment methods, such as convenience store payments, are not supported by Shopify Payments alone and require combining it with external payment services (additional apps or separate contracts). There's no need to have everything ready from the start. First, launch with just Shopify Payments for credit card processing, and then consider adding other options when you notice a demand for them, such as "more customers asking for convenience store payments." Expand your options gradually, adapting to your customer base.
For those concerned about fees
Payment processing incurs fees. The rates vary depending on your chosen plan and payment method. It's best to check the latest rates on the application screen or official information. If you want to specifically calculate "which plan is more economical including fees," refer to the article that summarizes pricing plans and fees by monthly sales.
6. Setting up shipping costs
You need to determine the shipping costs for delivering products to customers. Shopify allows you to set shipping costs using a system called "shipping profiles." A shipping profile is a set of rules that defines "how much to charge for shipping to which region." While it might sound complicated, for starters, you can use simple settings like a flat rate nationwide, so don't worry.
How to determine shipping costs (3 patterns)
There are generally three ways to determine shipping costs. Choose the one that best suits your products.
| Setting Pattern | Content | Suitable Case |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate nationwide | Same shipping cost regardless of destination | For those just starting. Simple calculation. |
| By region | Vary shipping costs by region | Products with significantly different shipping costs to distant areas. |
| Free shipping above a certain amount | Free shipping for purchases over ¥XX | When you want to encourage bulk purchases. |
If you're unsure, starting with a "flat rate nationwide" is recommended. Shipping costs can be adjusted as you operate.
Steps to set up shipping costs
Open "Settings" → "Shipping and delivery" in the bottom left, then select the shipping zone area and add the amount. For a nationwide flat rate, enter one amount for the Japan domestic zone and save. With this setting, you can proceed to launch your store.
Common Pitfall: If you set shipping costs too low compared to the actual expense, you'll incur losses as sales increase. It's advisable to check the shipping carrier's price list and add a small markup for packaging materials and labor costs. This can help you avoid the hassle of increasing prices later.
How to handle shipping to remote islands and overseas
Shipping to remote islands and overseas can often involve complex calculations for shipping costs. Trying to cover everything from the start can halt your progress, so it's perfectly fine to launch by focusing only on domestic (mainland) shipping. You can add zones for remote islands or overseas when the need arises due to increased orders. For now, prioritize moving forward.
7. Pre-launch check and store launch
At this point, all that's left is to launch your store. However, it's also a time when you might feel anxious, wondering if it's really okay to launch as is. Therefore, I've compiled a checklist of items to review before going live.
Pre-launch Checklist
Reviewing the following items should prevent any major omissions.
| Check Item | Key Points to Check |
|---|---|
| Specified Commercial Transactions Act page | Is there a page for "Legal Notice Based on the Specified Commercial Transactions Act"? |
| Contact page | Is there a contact point for customers? |
| Default wording | Are there any sample texts or images (default theme placeholders) remaining on the top page? |
| Shipping cost | Is the shipping cost set correctly and displayed? |
| Payment | Are payment methods enabled? |
| Product photos/price | Are photos displayed, and is the price correct? |
| Inventory | Does the inventory count match the actual stock? |
Among these, the "Specified Commercial Transactions Act page" refers to the page required for online sales. It lists the business name, contact information, shipping costs, return policy, and other details. In Shopify, you can create this page from "Online Store" → "Pages" in the left menu. Since this concerns customer trust, make sure to prepare it before launching. Even in actual store builds, this Specified Commercial Transactions Act page is often overlooked right before launch.
Test an order (test mode) to confirm payment
Before launching, it's a good idea to test if orders can be processed. Shopify Payments has a "test mode" feature that allows you to confirm the purchase flow without actually making a payment. Go to "Settings" → "Payments," enable test mode, and try adding an item to your cart and proceeding through the purchase process yourself. If the order appears in your admin panel, it confirms the process is working correctly. Once confirmed, remember to switch off test mode.
Common Pitfall: If you launch your store with test mode still on, customer payments will not be processed correctly. After testing, double-check one last time before launch that you have turned off test mode.
Remove password protection and launch your store
Here's one important note: newly created stores are initially "password protected," meaning general customers cannot access them.
To make your store public, you need to switch from a free trial to a paid plan and then remove this password protection. This means that your paid plan will effectively start at the time of launch. Always check the latest pricing and conditions on the signup screen.
Common Pitfall: The location and name of the menu to disable password protection may change over time. If you can't find it, look around the settings within "Online Store" or type "password" into the search bar at the top of the screen to find it quickly.
Your store is now live, and anyone can purchase products. This is your initial goal. Before removing password protection, please double-check that the "Legal Notice Based on the Specified Commercial Transactions Act" page is properly set up. Don't leave this for "later"; having it ready simultaneously with the launch will ensure peace of mind.
8. What to do after launch
Once your store is launched, that's when customer acquisition begins. Simply opening a store doesn't mean customers will find you via search or social media. Here are two concrete first steps to take right after launch that will make things easier later on.
The bare minimum to do first
The first things to tackle are access measurement and social media integration. Both can be configured from the Shopify admin panel and will provide valuable data for future decisions.
You don't need to perfect either of these immediately after launch. However, the sooner you implement tracking, the more data you'll have to look back on later.
If you find self-setup difficult or lack time
After reviewing these steps, you might feel like "doing it all myself is too much work" or "I'm too busy with my main job to find the time." In such cases, outsourcing the build to a specialized company is an option. If you want to understand the cost involved in outsourcing, refer to this article thoroughly explaining Shopify development costs. If you want to know how to choose a vendor, refer to this article summarizing how to choose a production company.
We at SOLSTAR, as Shopify-specialized EC partners, provide comprehensive support from site design to construction, initial setup, and operation. Even if you're just at the stage of "I want to discuss where to start," that's perfectly fine. Estimates and consultations are free, so if you're unsure, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. It can also help you organize your thoughts before deciding whether to proceed on your own or delegate the task.
9. Summary
Opening a Shopify store is achievable for beginners if you follow the steps. Let's recap today's process:
Instead of trying to understand everything just by reading, the fastest way is to actually get hands-on with the admin panel during the free trial. If you get stuck, you can refer to SOLSTAR's YouTube videos for screen guidance, and if you're "anxious about doing it yourself," a free consultation is an option. I hope this article encourages you to take the first step in launching your online store.
