Shopify
  • What is Shopify?
  • How does Shopify work?
  • Why consider dropshipping on Shopify?
  • Is Shopify dropshipping legal?
  • Where to find a Shopify dropshipping business for sale
  • 7 Steps to Start Dropshipping on Shopify
    • 1. Choose a store name
    • 2. Create a Shopify account
    • 3. Optimize your settings
    • 4. Launch your Shopify dropshipping store
    • 5. Work on your store’s design
    • 6. Dropship on Shopify with DSers
    • 7. Make your first sale
  • 10 Low-Key Things Retailers Can Do To Get Ready for the Year Ahead
    • 1. Schedule Your Social Media Posts (~30-45 minutes)
    • 2. Improve Your Site’s SEO (~1-2 hours each)
    • 3. Catch Up on Industry Reading (~20-30 minutes)
    • 4. Tune into Retail Podcasts (30+ minutes)
    • 5. Browse Pinterest for Interior Design Inspiration (~15-20 minutes)
    • 6. Check Out Some Retail Case Studies (~20-30 minutes)
    • 7. Create a Plan to Go Paperless (1-2 hours)
    • 8. Set up Google Places for Business For Your Store (~10 minutes)
    • 9. Browse Google Trends for Product Ideas (~20 minutes)
    • 10. Flip Through a Retailer Read (Varies)
  • 18 tips for opening a successful online store
    • 1. Find a gap in the market
    • 2. Validate your products
      • 8 Ways To Validate Your Product Idea
        • 1. Define what people need
        • 2. Learn who your audience is
        • 3. Run a market analysis
          • What Is a Market Analysis? 3 Steps Every Business Should Follow
            • 1. Research the industry
            • 2. Understand your audience
            • 3. Know how you stack up against competitors
        • 4. Figure out if people want the product
        • 1. Make some sales
        • 2. Conduct a competitor analysis
          • Competitive Analysis: What It Is and How To Conduct One (+ Template)
            • How to do a competitor analysis
              • 1. Select 7–10 competitors
              • 2. Create a spreadsheet
              • 3. Determine competitor types
              • 4. Identify your competitors’ positioning
              • 5. Determine competitive advantage and offerings
              • 6. Understand how your competitors market their products
              • 7. Conduct a SWOT analysis
              • Collect data with these competitor analysis tools
        • 3. Research existing demand
        • 4. Create a survey for feedback
        • 5. Start a crowdfunding campaign
        • 6. Gauge interest on social media
        • 7. Create a landing page
          • How To Create a Coming Soon Landing Page (+Examples, 2023)
            • What is a coming soon page, and do you need one?
              • 1. Explain what is “coming soon” and when
              • 2. Build your pre-launch email list
              • 3. Give prospective customers a way to get in touch
              • 4. Encourage visitors to spread the word
            • How to create a coming soon page on Shopify
              • 1. Use your Shopify password page as your coming soon page
              • 2. Publish a “coming soon” version of your theme
            • How to remove a coming soon page
        • 8. Meet customers in person
    • 3. Use a free ecommerce website builder
    • 4. Know who your ideal customer is
    • 5. Invest in great website design
    • 6. Optimize your product pages
    • 7. Create a solid marketing plan
    • 8. Take amazing product photos
    • 9. Create an About Us page
    • 10. Set up your email marketing
    • 11. Market your business on social media
    • 12. Invest in search engine optimization (SEO)
    • 13. Make a return policy
      • How To Write a Return Policy (+ Free Template) (2023)
    • 14. Set up a blog
    • 15. Set up business tools
      • The 20+ Best Free Shopify Apps for Your Shopify Store (2023)
        • Apps
    • 16. Offer excellent customer support
    • 17. Partner with other brands
    • 18. Offer free shipping
Powered by GitBook
On this page
  1. 18 tips for opening a successful online store

1. Find a gap in the market

Previous18 tips for opening a successful online storeNext2. Validate your products

Last updated 2 years ago

The first step to starting any business is to find a need and fill it. When it comes to starting an online store, you need to find a niche that isn’t being served or is underserved. This can be done by conducting market research, looking at trends, or even talking to potential customers.

You’ll be tempted to jump in without researching competitors or running a . Take the time to develop a good and understand how you’ll provide value in a competitive market.

Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy will always be competitors, but there are also hundreds of smaller brands you’ll be competing with.

market evaluation
unique selling proposition