How To Increase Shopify Sales: 7 Top Tips

Starting an online store on Shopify can be an exciting journey, but scaling up and increasing sales can be a real challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned merchant or just dipping your toes into the ecommerce waters, you’re likely on the lookout for strategies to boost sales.

This guide explores the most likely reasons why Shopify sellers aren’t getting sales. We’ll also give you 7 tips on improving your store’s performance, attracting more customers, and ultimately driving more sales. 

Get ready to take notes along the way!

Why is my Shopify store getting no sales? Here are 7 common reasons.

It can be disheartening to put in the effort to launch a Shopify store only to find that sales aren’t rolling in as expected. There could be a variety of reasons—lack of traffic, poor design, or bad product presentation. Let’s dive into the most common issues.

1. No traffic

An overlooked ecommerce store is a sure sign that something’s amiss. If your Shopify store is as quiet as a library on a Friday night, sales won’t be off the charts. You might have incredible products, but if people can’t find you, they can’t buy from you.

Boosting traffic can be as simple as improving your store’s SEO, promoting it on social media, or running ads that target your ideal customers.

2. Poor website design

A clunky, outdated, or simply unappealing website design can turn potential customers away in less than a minute. In an age where aesthetics can make or break customer interest, a poorly designed website is like a corner store with peeling paint and a flickering neon sign—it just doesn’t invite customers in. 

Consider hiring a professional web designer or using high-quality templates to create a cohesive, attractive look that captivates and retains your audience’s attention.

3. Lack of mobile optimization

Having a Shopify store that’s unoptimized for mobile devices is like having a brick-and-mortar shop with doors that only open for trucks.

An estimated 66% of shoppers in the USA make purchases on their mobile devices, so mobile optimization is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have.

A mobile-friendly store ensures that every potential customer can easily browse and buy from your shop, regardless of what device they’re using. This requires a responsive design that adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes, touch-friendly navigation, and a streamlined checkout process that’s as simple and efficient on a smartphone as it is on a desktop.

A mobile-optimized site should load quickly, be easy to navigate, and provide a seamless shopping experience that doesn’t differ from the desktop version. By prioritizing mobile optimization, you’re opening the door to a wider audience and making it easier for them to shop on the go.

Learn more: M-commerce: How to Make Your Business Mobile-Friendly

4. Ineffective product presentation

A picture is worth a thousand words, and nowhere is this truer than in online retail. If your product images are blurry, poorly lit, or too generic, your customers may not reach for the cart button.

On Etsy, for example, 90% of buyers said the quality of photo images was the most important factor in their decision to buy products. It’s very likely that the same goes for your Shopify store.

Equally important are the product descriptions. They should be detailed and engaging, highlighting the item’s benefits and features. Avoid generic phrases that don’t inform the customer. Instead, use compelling copy that helps shoppers understand why they can’t live without your product. Remember, your product presentation is your virtual salesperson—make it count!

5. Lack of trust signals

Trust is the foundation of any successful online store. When customers land on your Shopify site, they’re immediately looking for signs that they can safely do business with you. Without these trust signals, potential buyers may be hesitant to proceed with a purchase, no matter how great your products are.

Here’s what signals trustworthiness to your customers:

• Customer reviews and testimonials

• High-quality website and product designs

• Secure socket layer (SSL) certificates

• Trust badges

• Return policies

• Contact information

• Social media presence

6. Long checkout process

An overly complicated or time-consuming checkout process can be a significant barrier to finalizing a sale. If a customer is met with many forms, unnecessary steps, or confusing navigation, it’s like placing hurdles on their track during a sprint. 

Shoppers today expect a quick, seamless, and secure checkout experience. By streamlining the process, reducing the number of clicks, and providing clear instructions, you can minimize cart abandonment and increase the likelihood that a shopper will complete their purchases.

7. Limited payment options

Offering only a few payment methods might deter potential customers who prefer alternative payment options. It’s important to recognize that payment preferences can vary greatly depending on geographic location, demographic factors, and personal habits. 

In some regions, credit cards are the norm, while in others, direct bank transfers or digital wallets may be more popular. By not accommodating these preferences, you could inadvertently turn away a segment of your audience who might otherwise have completed their purchase.

To cater to a broader customer base, it’s wise to integrate a variety of payment gateways into your Shopify store. This can include major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cryptocurrency options, and even buy now, pay later services. The more options you offer, the easier it is for customers to say “yes” to your products. Additionally, make sure that the payment process is secure and straightforward, with clear instructions and confirmation of successful transactions to instill confidence in your shoppers.

Learn more: Dropshipping Mistakes You Should Avoid

How to increase Shopify sales: 7 tips that work

These tips are tried and tested strategies that top-performing stores use to drive revenue and growth. From optimizing your store’s layout to developing various reach-out strategies, each tip is a stepping stone to building a more successful online business. Let’s start with traffic! 

1. Drive organic traffic with SEO

Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is a powerful tool for increasing visibility and driving organic traffic to your Shopify store. By optimizing your website with relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and high-quality content, you can improve your rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs). 

This strategy is essential for attracting potential customers who are actively searching for products like yours online. Additionally, regularly updating your blog with informative articles, adding alt tags to images, and ensuring your site has a clear, hierarchical structure will further boost your SEO efforts.

Remember, the higher your store appears in search results, the more likely users are to click through and browse your offerings.

If you’re new to SEO, apps can help. We recommend:

• Sherpas: Smart SEO

• TinyIMG: SEO & Image Optimizer

• Booster: SEO & Image Optimizer

Learn more: What Is SEO and How It Works—a Beginner’s Guide

2. Develop your ad strategy

Developing a strategic advertising plan is one of the best ways to attract customers and increase sales. Here’s how to get started the right way. 

1. Begin by thoroughly understanding your market environment, which includes assessing your competitors’ strategies, pricing, and customer engagement tactics. Use these insights to differentiate your store with a unique value proposition that makes your offerings stand out.

2. Next, create a detailed buyer persona that reflects your ideal customer’s demographic and psychographic characteristics. This persona will guide your content creation and ensure that your messaging resonates with your target audience.

3. When selecting marketing channels, consider where your ideal customer spends the most time. Engage with them on social media and run targeted ads. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising can be particularly effective in optimizing your advertising spend for maximum return on investment (ROI).

4. Regular campaign analysis is key to adapting and improving your strategies, ensuring they align with your business objectives.

3. Improve your social media strategy

Social media is an ever-evolving landscape that provides a fertile ground for Shopify store owners to grow their brands and connect with new and existing customers. 

By taking the reigns of social media, you can create a strong brand presence, showcase your products, and engage with your audience in real time. A successful social media strategy involves consistent posting, high-quality visuals, and interactive content that resonates with your target demographic. It’s also important to use social media analytics to track engagement and refine your approach based on what works best for your audience.

Source: Printful’s Instagram story

Furthermore, social media advertising can be a highly effective way to increase visibility and drive targeted traffic to your Shopify store. You can reach potential customers based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics with sophisticated targeting options. Collaborating with influencers and leveraging user-generated content can also amplify your reach and lend credibility to your brand.

Treat social media sites not just as sales channels but also as platforms where you can build relationships and foster a community around your brand. By providing value through informative, entertaining, and inspiring content, you can cultivate a loyal following that translates into increased Shopify sales over time.

Learn more:

• 10 Effective Social Media Strategies for Your Print-on-Demand Business

• Engaging Instagram Post Ideas to Revitalize Your Account

4. Get started with email marketing

Email marketing is one of the best tools for reaching customers and engaging with them. It allows for direct communication with your audience and provides a platform to share updates, promotions, and personalized content. 

Through email campaigns, you can also nurture leads, foster customer loyalty, and drive repeat sales. It’s a versatile channel that can be used for a variety of marketing objectives, from announcing new product launches to offering exclusive discounts.

Plus, with advanced analytics, you can track the success of your emails, measure engagement, and optimize future campaigns for better performance.

You can get started with email marketing by adding a newsletter signup section to your Shopify store or getting a good app, we suggest Klaviyo or Privy. This will help Shopify collect customer data and let you create targeted campaigns that speak directly to your audience’s interests and needs. 

Learn more: How to Develop an Effective Marketing Strategy

5. Improve your website’s design

A compelling and user-friendly website design is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. 

A well-designed website can greatly influence purchasing decisions by providing an enjoyable shopping experience that encourages visitors to explore your products and, ultimately, make a purchase.

Your website’s design should reflect your brand’s personality and values, using a color scheme and layout that aligns with your branding. High-quality images, legible typography, and a clean, organized structure are key elements that contribute to a positive user experience. Additionally, optimizing your website for usability and speed is crucial. A slow-loading site can deter potential customers, increasing bounce rates and hurting customer retention.

Moreover, it’s important to design with your target audience in mind. Create a customer-centric interface that addresses their preferences and needs. This may include features such as personalized recommendations, easy-to-use search functions, and clear calls to action that guide users through the purchasing process.

Learn more: 15+ Inspiring Shopify Store Examples

Learn more: How Design Can Improve Ecommerce Store Sales and Brand Trust

6. Streamline your checkout process

Shoppers today expect a quick, seamless, and secure checkout experience. By streamlining the process, reducing the number of clicks, and providing clear instructions, you can minimize cart abandonment and increase the likelihood that a shopper will complete their purchase.

Consider implementing features like one-click purchasing, which can significantly shorten the time to transaction. Additionally, offering a variety of payment methods, including digital wallets and localized payment options, can cater to a broader range of customer preferences, ensuring that everyone has a smooth path to purchase. 

Be transparent. Provide customers with all the information they need upfront, like shipping costs and tax calculations, to avoid any last-minute surprises that could derail a sale.

The average online shopping cart abandonment rate is 69.8%, and 49% of consumers say that extra costs like taxes, shipping, and fees are the main reason for cart abandonment.

Ultimately, a streamlined checkout process is about respecting the customer’s time and reducing friction wherever possible. Focus on a user-friendly checkout experience and offer free shipping. That way, you’re laying the groundwork for increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Explore checkout apps here.

6. Use high-quality images and refine product descriptions

Crisp, clear, and high-quality photos showcase your products in the best light and build customer confidence in your selling. Ensure that your images are consistent in style and quality, and consider using multiple angles to give a comprehensive view of your products.

If you’re working with Printful, you can download high-quality product images for free using our Mockup Generator. 

Refining product descriptions goes hand-in-hand with stellar imagery. This is your chance to woo and persuade with words. 

• Craft descriptions that are informative, engaging, and brimming with personality.

• Highlight the benefits of your products, not just the features.

• Use storytelling to connect emotionally with your customers and help them envision the product in their lives. 

Your product descriptions are your silent salespeople—make them persuasive and compelling.

Learn more: How to Create Epic Product Photos with Mockup Generators 

Learn more: How to Manage Customers’ Expectations with Product Descriptions

7. Add trust signals to your store

Building trust with your customers is critical in converting visitors into buyers. Trust signals are key elements that can help reassure customers that your store is legitimate, secure, and customer-oriented. These can include various features, for example, customer testimonials, secure payment badges, and links to social media profiles where they can see your active engagement with the community.

Including customer reviews and ratings provides social proof, showing that others have not only purchased your products but are also satisfied with their quality and your service. Displaying security badges like SSL certificates can help ensure customers that their personal and payment information is safe on your website.

Clear and accessible contact information, comprehensive FAQs, and an easy-to-find and fair returns policy also play a significant role in establishing trust. By providing these trust signals, you’re telling your customers that you are transparent, reliable, and committed to providing a positive shopping experience.

Our Shopify app recommendations:

For customer testimonials and reviews: Loox

For trust badges: Avada Trust Badges & Upsell

Wrapping up your Shopify strategy

Congrats, you made it to the end! Let’s recap what we’ve unearthed along the way.

• Clearly define your target customers’ demographics and preferences to tailor your marketing efforts.

• Employ SEO and social media marketing alongside targeted pay-per-click (PPC) ads for cost-effective reach.

• Create an intuitive, aesthetically pleasing website with fast, trusting checkout.

• Add high-quality images and good product descriptions.

• Continuously analyze and optimize your advertising tactics to improve performance.

Embrace these strategies and watch as your online store blossoms into a bustling hub of happy shoppers and thriving sales.

If you want more ecommerce tips, check out Printful Academy. It’s free.

Read next:

• 16 Best Shopify Apps for Your Ecommerce Store in 2024
• How to Sell Print-on-Demand on Shopify
• How to Get Sales on Shopify: 10 Steps to Success