How to get sales on Shopify: Proven tips and tricks

If you're tired of staring at your Shopify dashboard and wishing for more sales, take heart because you're not alone!

Many store owners face challenges when generating sales for their Shopify store, but the good news is that there are proven strategies they can implement to turn things around quickly. So, whether you're new to Shopify or have been at it for a while, we’re here to help you increase sales and grow your business effectively.

This article will explore actionable tips and tricks and guide you through the process of how to get sales on Shopify. From optimizing your website and leveraging social media to improving product descriptions and utilizing email marketing, we’re covering it all!

• Poor website design, ineffective SEO, and weak product descriptions can hinder Shopify sales, so you must address these issues to improve performance.

• Implementing tactics like optimizing SEO, leveraging social media, and improving product descriptions can enhance your Shopify store's sales.

• Use data-driven insights, loyalty programs, and influencer marketing to drive growth and build customer loyalty on Shopify.

• Integrating Gelato allows for custom product creation with no inventory costs, boosting customer satisfaction and sales.

If you're finding it challenging to generate sales on your Shopify store, it can often feel like your efforts are going unnoticed. Let's identify the ten common obstacles that may be hindering your business's success.

• Poor website design: Poor website design frustrates visitors and can lead to high bounce rates. Ensure your site is visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for desktop and mobile devices.

• Ineffective SEO: Neglecting SEO can tank your search rankings, hindering targeted traffic and sales. Optimize keywords, meta tags, and product descriptions to drive organic traffic and enhance visibility.

• Lack of mobile optimization: With most online shoppers browsing on mobile devices, ensuring your Shopify store is fully optimized for mobile users can significantly enhance the user experience and increase conversion rates.

• Weak product descriptions: Weak product descriptions can deter potential buyers. Ensure your explanations are clear and detailed and highlight key benefits. Doing this builds trust and makes it easier for visitors to make purchasing decisions.

• High pricing: High pricing can deter potential buyers. Evaluate your pricing strategy regularly to ensure competitiveness without compromising profit margins. Consider dynamic pricing tools to stay ahead of competitors.

• Limited payment options: Offering varied payment options, including PayPal and credit cards, caters to different shopper preferences and boosts conversion rates.

• Poor-quality product images: High-quality images are essential for converting visitors into buyers. Ensure your photos are clear and well-lit and showcase the product from different angles to build trust and credibility.

• Inadequate customer service: Poor customer service can drive potential buyers away. Ensure quick responses and helpful interactions to build trust and keep customers returning for repeat purchases.

• Slow website speed: Slow website speed can drastically impact your sales! Shoppers expect fast-loading pages, and delays can lead to cart abandonment. Optimize speed for a better user experience.

• Ineffective marketing strategy: An effective marketing strategy can save time and resources. Analyze and adjust your marketing plans regularly to ensure they effectively continue driving traffic and converting visitors into customers.

Boosting your Shopify sales isn't just about having great products; it’s about employing the right strategies, too. From optimizing your website for search engines to engaging with your customers meaningfully, these proven tips will help you enhance your store's performance and drive more sales.

1. Leverage print on demand with Gelato

Print on demand solutions empower ecommerce sellers to sell a variety of products without needing to maintain an in-house inventory. Using Gelato for print on demand can revolutionize your Shopify store. Here's how: 

• You can easily connect Gelato to your Shopify store and start adding custom products.

• You can design unique items without upfront inventory costs.

• Gelato's extensive network ensures faster shipping worldwide, enhancing customer experience.

• Selling personalized products will yield greater profits.

Integrating Gelato is a proven strategy to attract more customers and boost your Shopify sales effortlessly.

2. Optimize for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for attracting organic traffic to your Shopify store. Here are some actionable tips:

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords.

• Create engaging and informative content that answers customer questions.

• Optimize your title tags, meta descriptions, and alt texts with appropriate keywords.

• Include links to other pages on your site to improve navigation and SEO.

• Ensure your site is mobile-friendly for better user experience and SEO rankings.

By focusing on SEO, you ensure that your Shopify website store is more visible to potential customers searching for products you offer, significantly improving your store's traffic and sales over time.

3. Utilize social media marketing

Social media is a powerhouse that drives Shopify sales by maximizing your impact beyond your website. You can increase your social reach by: 

• Regularly posting engaging content featuring your products

• Leveraging Instagram and Facebook's shopping features to make purchases more manageable

• Engaging with followers through comments and direct messages

• Utilizing targeted ads to reach your ideal audience

• Partnering with influencers to expand your reach

Don't just follow the crowd—be a trendsetter. With the right social media marketing strategy, your sales will be the talk of the digital town!

4. Implement email marketing

Email marketing campaigns can significantly boost your Shopify sales through personalized communication. Here’s how: 

• Send welcome emails to greet new subscribers and offer a special discount.

• Use abandoned cart emails to remind customers of items they left behind.

• Include clear calls to action in each email to guide recipients toward making a purchase.

• Leverage drip campaigns for ongoing engagement and repeated ecommerce sales opportunities.

When done right, email marketing is your trusty sidekick for converting interest into increased sales. Are you ready to hit "send" and see those sales skyrocket?

5. Offer discounts and promotions

Offering discounts and promotions is a proven way to boost Shopify sales. Here’s how you can leverage them effectively: 

• Offer a discount code for first-time shoppers to convert more initial visitors.

• Promote limited-time offers and special sales to create urgency.

• Use labels, badges, and banners to highlight these offers on your site.

• Segment your customers for personalized coupon codes and targeted promotions.

• Highlight a generous return policy to increase conversion rates.

Turn browsers into buyers with irresistible deals. Remember, a well-timed discount can be the nudge someone needs to click "buy.”

6. Improve website design

First impressions matter, especially online. A sleek, user-friendly website design can significantly impact your conversion rates. Consider these key elements: 

• Ensure your site is responsive and looks great on all devices.

• Speed up your load time to minimize bounce rates.

• Make it easy for customers to navigate and find what they need.

• Use high-quality, professional images and consistent branding.

A polished website isn't just nice to have—it's essential. You can’t expect visitors to stick around if your site isn’t up to par.

7. Enhance product descriptions

Engaging product descriptions are crucial to converting shoppers into buyers. Follow these guidelines for maximum impact: 

• Clearly explain the product’s features and benefits.

• Tailor descriptions to your target demographic.

• Use relevant keywords naturally for SEO enhancement.

• Address pain points and how your product solves customer problems.

• Paint a picture of the product in use.

Remember, a great product description is your silent salesperson. Don't let yours go unnoticed!

8. Add customer reviews

Customer reviews can boost credibility and sales by providing social proof to potential buyers. Here’s how to make the most of them: 

• Encourage prompt customer reviews post-purchase via email.

• Display quality reviews prominently on product pages.

• Feature star ratings to grab attention quickly.

• Respond to negative reviews to show you care about customer satisfaction.

Your customers' voices are your most compelling advocates. Let their words do the selling for you!

9. Use retargeting ads

Retargeting ads are potent tools to re-engage visitors who leave your site without making a purchase. They allow you to show paid ads to these potential customers as they browse other websites or social media platforms. Key strategies include: 

• Using Facebook Ads Manager for targeted campaigns.

• Implementing Google Ads for dynamic remarketing.

• Utilizing retargeting apps like Ako Facebook Retargeting Ads and Omnisend.

• Employing pixel-based and list-based retargeting techniques.

Don't let prospects slip through the cracks—pull them back with targeted paid advertising. It's like leaving breadcrumbs for your customers to find their way back to your store!

10. Streamline the checkout process

A smooth, hassle-free checkout process is crucial for reducing cart abandonment rates. Here's how you can streamline it: 

• Reduce the number of steps and form fields to 4 to 6.

• Enable one-page checkout and instant checkout options.

• Incorporate auto-fill features for faster data entry.

• Include a progress bar to keep shoppers informed.

• Allow customers to add or remove products easily during checkout.

Remember, the faster the checkout, the happier the customer. If your checkout process feels like a marathon, expect plenty of abandoned carts!

11. Offer free shipping

Free shipping can be a game changer for your Shopify store. Here’s how to implement it effectively: 

• Offer free shipping on the first purchase to entice new customers.

• Set a minimum cart value to encourage higher spending.

• Promote free shipping through banners, social media, and pop-ups.

• Highlight a generous return policy to mitigate any purchase hesitation.

• Use a free shipping progress bar to motivate shoppers to add more items to their carts.

Free shipping isn't just a luxury; it’s the secret ingredient to reducing cart abandonment and boosting conversions.

12. Upsell and cross-sell

Maximize your average order value by strategically upselling and cross-selling. Here's how: 

• Show customers-related products directly on the product page.

• Offer bundles and discounts for purchasing multiple items.

• Send personalized emails or leverage SMS marketing channels recommending complementary products.

• Utilize Shopify apps to automate upsell and cross-sell offers.

Think of upselling and cross-selling as friendly nudges. Not pushy, just helpful, like a good friend with great taste.

13. Engage with live chat

A live chat feature on your Shopify store can significantly boost customer engagement and satisfaction. Here's how: 

• Answer queries instantly to prevent potential customers from leaving.

• Guide shoppers towards making a purchase decision.

• Provide personalized assistance, making shopping more enjoyable.

• Build trust by being accessible and responsive.

Don’t leave customers hanging—engage and convert them with live chat! It's a win-win for both you and your customers.

14. Use analytics for insights

Decipher analytics to uncover what's driving—or hindering—your sales channels. Essential steps include:

• Utilizing Google Analytics to track user behavior and ecommerce business performance.

• Monitoring conversion rates to identify bottlenecks in your sales funnel.

• Personalizing offers based on browsing history and purchase behavior.

• Analyzing traffic sources to understand the most effective marketing and sales channels.

Keep in mind that customer data doesn't lie—use it wisely! It's like having a crystal ball, minus the smoke and mirrors.

15. Create a loyalty program

Boost customer retention by establishing customer loyalty programs. Here’s how: 

• Offer reward points for purchases that target customers can redeem for discounts or freebies.

• Provide unique or exclusive deals to loyal customers.

• Create different tiers or levels of membership perks based on spending thresholds.

With a loyalty program, you’re not just rewarding purchases; you’re building relationships. A happy customer is a repeat customer!

16. Leverage influencer marketing

Influencer marketing channels can significantly boost your Shopify sales. Collaborate with influencers who resonate with your brand and target audience to: 

• Increase brand visibility

• Reach new, relevant audiences

• Build trust and credibility

• Generate authentic content

By strategically partnering with influencers, you tap into their established communities for effective word-of-mouth marketing. It's like having a friend recommend your store to hundreds or thousands of their friends—a powerful shortcut to building trust and driving sales.

Increasing sales on Shopify is all about strategic planning, keeping your existing customers engaged, and continually optimizing your store. With the right approach, you'll see those sales numbers climb quickly. 

Success doesn't come overnight, but you'll get there with persistence and the right tools. That's exactly what Gelato can do for you.

Gelato makes adding custom print on demand products to your Shopify store more accessible than ever, allowing you to attract customers with unique offerings. Our seamless integration enables you to design, print, and sell high-quality products without worrying about inventory management. Gelato's flexible subscription plans cater to all business sizes, providing valuable tools and support to help you grow. 

Sign up for Gelato and start transforming your Shopify store today!

How much does Shopify take per sale?

Shopify's transaction fee varies by plan: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction on Basic, 2.5% + 30¢ on Shopify, and 2.4% + 30¢ on Advanced. However, using Shopify Payments eliminates these additional fees. Assess which plan fits your business model best to optimize your costs.

Is Shopify selling profitable?

Yes, selling on Shopify can be highly profitable. Successful sellers often focus on niche markets, optimize their Shopify stores, and leverage effective marketing strategies. High conversion rates and efficient operational management are vital to maximizing profits. With the right tactics, you can achieve impressive sales and growth on Shopify.

Why is my Shopify store getting views but no sales?

Your Shopify store might get views but no sales due to unclear value propositions, complex navigation, or lack of trust signals. Optimize your product pages, simplify the checkout process, and add customer reviews and clear call-to-actions to convert visitors into buyers effectively.