Setting up a Shopify store is straightforward, but the order matters. Do the foundations first, and the rest goes faster and needs fewer fixes later. This guide gives you the full sequence, with links to detailed guides for each step.
1. Create your account and choose a plan
Sign up at shopify.com and start the trial. You can choose a plan before launch; most new stores start on Basic (pricing guide).
2. Configure the core settings
Store details, currency, time zone, payments, checkout, shipping, taxes and notifications. Our guide to Shopify settings before launch walks through each one.
3. Choose and set up a theme
- Pick a theme that fits your catalogue (choosing a theme).
- Set colours, fonts and logo in theme settings.
- Build the home page with a clear hero, key collections and trust elements.
More in theme customisation.
4. Add products
- Titles, descriptions, photos and alt text (writing descriptions)
- Variants for size, colour or material
- Price, compare-at price, cost per item and SKU
- Weight for shipping rates
- Product category and type
For many products, import by CSV (importing from Excel or CSV).
5. Organise with collections and menus
Create automated collections and add them to the main menu (collections guide).
6. Pages and policies
- About, contact and FAQ pages
- Shipping, returns, privacy and terms (return policy guide)
- Footer menu with policies and help pages
7. Connect your domain
8. Set up SEO and tracking
- Titles and meta descriptions for key pages (SEO checklist)
- Google & YouTube and Facebook & Instagram apps for tracking and catalogues
- GA4 (setup guide)
9. Install only essential apps
Reviews, email and whatever your products need. Keep it lean (apps worth installing).
10. Test everything
- Place test orders with each payment method, then refund
- Check shipping rates for different addresses
- Read every notification email
- Browse on several phones and browsers
- Check speed (speed guide)
11. Launch
Remove the store password, submit your sitemap (how), and tell your audience. Then start the marketing that brings your first customers (getting started guide).
Would you rather have experts build it? See our Shopify store setup service, or book a call to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up a Shopify store?
A simple store with a few products can be ready in a few days. Larger catalogues, custom design or migrations take longer. Product content is usually the most time-consuming part.
Can I build the store before paying for a plan?
You can start with the free trial and the introductory offer, set everything up, and choose a plan before you launch.
Can I change theme after launch?
Yes. You can preview and switch themes at any time; your products and content stay the same.
Author
Uğur KeskinFounder @ShopiuzmanFounder of Shopiuzman. He builds, migrates and grows Shopify stores for brands in Türkiye, Europe and the US, and leads the development of our apps on the Shopify App Store.
