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It’s been short and sweet, but our four-part Shopify guide finally comes to an end with this guide to promote a Shopify store!
This last section is the hard part, but it’s also the most rewarding.
So far, we’ve got your store online, added some products, and supercharged it with Shopify’s advanced features. All that’s left to do is attract some customers!
If you’re starting from scratch, this is often a slow process. Those first customers are always the hardest to find and it can feel frustrating.
Using these 7 killer tricks, we’re going to speed things up and get visitors pouring into your website.
Catch-up On Our Complete Shopify Guide
It’s tricky to know where to start when promoting your online store. Blogging and updating social media can feel pointless when you have a small audience.
That’s why I put ‘connecting with influencers’ at number 1. ‘Influencers’ are individuals or websites with a huge following online. One tweet or Instagram post about your products can send a flood of traffic to your website and build that initial audience.
See how this fashion influencer posts about an Express Runway product:
In some cases, influencers will charge a fee to promote your product. For influencers with more than a million followers, that fee can stretch to tens of thousands of dollars.
Obviously, most of us don’t have $10k+ lying around! But take fashion site Bachlr as an example. They went from zero to 20,000 store visitors by asking Instagram influencers to promote their products.
Make a list of influencers in your niche and send them a friendly email (and maybe a free product!)
Normally, I’d recommend an all-around social media presence. But if you’re just getting started, try putting all your efforts into Instagram.
Why? Because Instagram users are more engaged, more active, and more responsive to brands than Facebook or Twitter.
Personally, I think Facebook is reaching a point of oversaturation with marketing. Plus, their algorithm stops you from reaching your full audience without paying for it (more on that later).
On the other hand, Instagram lets you reach a much larger audience, and you can use a ‘buy-now’ button next to each post. Perfect for online store owners!
Try posting stunning images of your products and then grow your following by interacting with Instagram users in your niche.
Want more? Why Instagram is the Best Social Network for Online Retailers
Neil Patel said is best when he said: “Out of all the channels I tested as a marketer, email continually outperforms them all.”
Email marketing is the best way to get repeat customers and continuously drive sales. After all, the people on your email list are your most engaged customers. They’re the most likely to buy from you!
Start by collecting the email addresses from anyone who purchases a product. Then add a signup form on your site to capture any customers who aren’t quite ready to buy from you yet.
Want more? Try our Six-Part Series on Email Marketing
If you’re not convinced by the power of blogging, take one look at this infographic. The most important statistic is this:
61% of people have bought something based on a blog.
That’s how powerful content is for online store owners. Not only that, but stores that blog get 97% more inbound links (which is essential for your Google ranking).
Writing content helps attract new customers. It helps you connect with them and grow a brand affinity. Most importantly, you can nudge them towards the sell.
Start by committing to one post a week that will resonate with your target audience. Perhaps it’s a product review, roundup post or list article.
Want more?
– 18 Easy Ways To Create a Content Strategy That Drives Traffic
– 1,000 Words in an Hour – How to Blog Hard & Fast
All the techniques so far are effective, but they have one thing in common: they are slow.
Blogging, social media and connecting with influencers takes time. If you want fast traffic, advertising is the quick fix you’re looking for.
Facebook ads are simple and effective. Their algorithm lets you target an incredibly niche audience using location, age and personal interests. It’s the best way to get your products in front of your target customers.
Try experimenting with a small amount of money first. Tweak the images, copy and audience specifics until you start seeing a strong conversion rate. Then increase the spend.
Want more? The Secrets to a Higher Click-Through-Rate on Your Facebook Ads
With Shopify, you can take your store into the real world. All you need is Shopify’s ‘Point of Sale’ card reader.
Now, you can attend markets and get your products in front of physical customers. Why not ask your local boutique to stock some of your products too?
Leave posters, leaflets and brochures around town where your target audience might see them. Set up demonstrations or events at your local coffee shops. Get creative and proactive about your marketing.
Want more? 7 Things You’re Not Doing To Market Your Store In The Real World
Everyone loves a sale. Just ask Amazon who made $3.75 billion over Black Friday weekend!
Sales work because it gives customers a sense of urgency. People don’t want to miss out on a bargain, and they know the sale won’t be around long.
It’s a great way to convert those customers who weren’t quite ready to buy from you. It’s all about getting those first few buyers under your belt.
You can use Shopify’s advanced features to discount products in your store. Then try promoting the sale using Facebook ads.
Want more? “I make $1,000 in my Spare Time” – How One Fashion Store Owner Is Making a Small Fortune Online
Shopify is the quickest way to turn your dream of running an online store into reality. It might seem daunting, but you’ll pick it up quickly! Get started at Shopify now.
Let me know if you’re already using Shopify in the comments below. Or, if you have further question, I’ll be happy to answer them.
Ben is a copywriter and editor from London. His work regularly appears in The Huffington Post, and he has worked on several successful copywriting campaigns for Sony UK. Feel free to connect with Ben via Twitter.
