Setting up a Shopify store can be an exciting venture, but it can also feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Whether you’re launching a brand new business or transitioning to an online store, the process of building and customizing your Shopify site can be time-consuming and expensive if you’re not careful.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to get help without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll go over how to get help with your Shopify store setup on a budget, from DIY tips to affordable expert assistance. We’ll also recommend some great, budget-friendly resources that you can use to get your Shopify store running smoothly without draining your wallet.
1. Start with the Shopify Basic Plan
Before you dive into customizing your store and paying for professional help, make sure you’re starting with the right Shopify plan for your needs. Shopify offers several pricing tiers, but if you’re just getting started and don’t have a lot of products or traffic yet, the Basic Shopify plan should be more than enough.
The Basic Shopify plan is affordable and comes with essential features like an online store, unlimited product uploads, 24/7 customer support, and a secure checkout system. If you’re just starting out, don’t feel pressured to go for the higher-tier plans until your business grows and you need more advanced features.
By starting with the Basic Shopify plan, you can keep your initial costs low and put that saved money toward other aspects of your store setup, like hiring help for specific tasks.
2. Use Shopify’s Free Themes
One of the easiest ways to save money when setting up your Shopify store is by using the free themes Shopify offers. Shopify’s theme store has a variety of free and premium themes that you can customize to suit your brand and products.
The free themes are high-quality, responsive, and designed to work seamlessly across all devices. They also come with basic customization options that allow you to tweak the colors, fonts, and layout of your store. While you can always upgrade to a paid theme later, starting with a free one is a smart and budget-friendly choice for new store owners.
However, customizing your theme can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with web design. If you’re feeling a little lost or want something more unique, you can always get help from affordable professionals who specialize in Shopify store design.
3. Utilize Shopify’s Built-In Tools and Resources
Shopify is packed with built-in tools and resources to help you get your store up and running without the need for external help.
For example, the Shopify Academy offers free courses on everything from setting up your store to marketing your products. The tutorials and guides available on Shopify’s help center cover a wide range of topics, so you can learn how to manage everything on your own.
Additionally, Shopify has a huge online community where you can ask questions, share tips, and learn from other store owners. If you’re new to eCommerce, the community forums and support groups are a great place to find answers to your questions without having to spend money on external help.
Of course, if you’re short on time or just want to get your store set up as quickly as possible, it might make sense to outsource certain tasks. This is where affordable help can come in handy, and Fiverr is a great place to find freelancers who can assist you with Shopify setup at a reasonable price.
For example, you can hire a Fiverr freelancer to help with basic store setup, like adding products, customizing the theme, or configuring payment and shipping options. This way, you get the help you need without breaking the bank, and you don’t have to spend hours trying to figure everything out yourself.
4. Find Affordable Freelancers for Store Setup
When you’re working on a budget, hiring an expert doesn’t mean you have to pay thousands of dollars for help.
Freelancers on platforms like Fiverr can offer affordable Shopify store setup services without compromising on quality.
On Fiverr, you can find experienced professionals who specialize in Shopify store setup and can help you with a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Store theme customization
- Product uploads and organization
- Setting up payment gateways
- Configuring shipping settings
- Installing apps to enhance functionality
The best part is that you can find freelancers who offer services at different price points, depending on your budget.
For example, you might find someone who can help you with basic setup for as little as $50, or a more advanced freelancer who can help with custom features for a bit more.
Fiverr gives you the flexibility to choose a freelancer that fits your needs and budget.
5. Focus on Essential Features First
When you’re on a budget, it’s tempting to add every feature under the sun to your Shopify store, but less is more when you’re starting out. Focus on the essential features first and only add additional functionality as your store grows.
Here are a few key features you should prioritize in your store:
- Mobile responsiveness: Ensure that your store looks good and works well on smartphones and tablets.
- Payment gateways: Set up reliable payment options like PayPal, credit cards, and Shopify Payments.
- Shipping options: Make sure you have clear and affordable shipping options for your customers.
- Product organization: Organize your products into categories and use clear, professional product images.
By focusing on these core features, you can launch your store quickly and start making sales without spending money on unnecessary add-ons. Once your store is running smoothly, you can reinvest your profits into additional features, like advanced analytics, email marketing tools, or customer support apps.
6. Use Free Apps to Enhance Your Store
Shopify offers a wide range of free apps that can help you improve your store’s functionality without spending extra money. From email marketing to customer reviews, there are plenty of free apps that can help you run your store more effectively.
Here are a few free apps you might want to check out:
- Shopify Email: A free email marketing tool that allows you to create and send promotional emails to your customers.
- Product Reviews: A simple app that lets your customers leave reviews on your products, which can help boost your store’s credibility and encourage sales.
- Oberlo: A free app for dropshipping businesses that helps you find and add products to your store from suppliers around the world.
By taking advantage of these free apps, you can enhance your store’s functionality and offer additional value to your customers without paying for expensive software or tools.
7. Customize Your Shopify Store on Your Own
If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and put in some effort, you can DIY your store customization without hiring anyone. Shopify’s user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create a beautiful online store, even if you have zero experience with coding or web design.
You can start by selecting a theme that matches your brand, then tweak the colors, fonts, and layout to create a unique look. Shopify’s customization options are intuitive and allow you to make changes in real time, so you can see how your store will look as you work on it.
If you do run into roadblocks along the way, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the Shopify community or use their help center to find solutions. DIY-ing your Shopify setup can save you money, but it will require time and effort.
8. Leverage Shopify Experts for Specific Tasks
While you might not want to hire a full-time designer or developer, there are times when you need help with specific tasks that require a bit more expertise. For example, you might want help with setting up your payment gateways, integrating apps, or customizing your store’s checkout process.
This is where hiring a Shopify expert for specific tasks can save you time and money. Shopify has a marketplace where you can find certified experts who specialize in different areas of store setup, from design to development to marketing. These experts can help you with specific tasks without having to hire someone for full-service support.
Again, platforms like Fiverr can be an excellent resource for finding Shopify experts who offer affordable rates for specific tasks. Whether you need someone to install a payment gateway or design custom graphics for your store, you can find skilled professionals who are ready to help.
9. Avoid Overpaying for Unnecessary Features
One of the easiest ways to blow your budget when setting up your Shopify store is by paying for features or services you don’t really need. For example, some apps or themes may have recurring fees that add up quickly, but you might not need those advanced features in the beginning.
Before committing to any paid services, ask yourself:
- Do I really need this feature right now?
- Can I find a free alternative?
- Will this service help me generate revenue, or is it just a nice-to-have?
By staying focused on your core needs and avoiding unnecessary expenses, you can keep your Shopify store setup on a budget and put your money toward things that will have the biggest impact on your store’s success.
10. Keep Learning and Improving
As your Shopify store grows, it’s important to keep learning and improving. There’s always something new to learn in the world of eCommerce, whether it’s new marketing strategies, changes to Shopify’s features, or emerging trends in online retail.
Continue to make use of Shopify’s educational resources, watch tutorials, and follow industry blogs to stay updated. As you learn more, you’ll be able to make better decisions about how to improve your store and grow your business.
Conclusion
Setting up a Shopify store on a budget is totally possible with the right approach. By starting with the basics, using free themes and apps, and getting affordable help when needed, you can build a successful online store without breaking the bank.
And if you ever find yourself needing a helping hand, platforms like Fiverr are a great resource for finding budget-friendly experts who can assist with everything from store setup to custom design work.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to launching a profitable Shopify store that attracts customers and generates sales, all without spending a fortune. Happy selling!