Hey everyone! I recently hosted an AMA on the Shopify Community forum, and the hot topic was all about getting that crucial first sale for a brand-new Shopify store. While ads often dominate the conversation, I wanted to share some actionable advice for those of you looking to generate sales organically and aren't quite ready to dive into paid advertising.
A common thread in the questions was how to drive traffic and encourage purchases. So, based on all the discussions, here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.
Why Sales Aren't Rolling In (Yet!)
The primary reason people aren't buying from you is simple: they don't know you, and they don't understand how your product can solve a problem they have. Your goal, then, is to bridge that gap.
The Problem-Solving Approach to Marketing
My top recommendation is to take a step back and ask yourself: what kind of problem are you trying to solve with your store?
No matter your niche, consider the potential pain points within it and how your products offer a solution. If you've personally experienced the problem, that's a huge plus! If not, don't worry—just do some research in online communities like subreddits and Facebook groups to understand your target audience's struggles.
Once you've identified the specific problem you want to solve, you can start marketing.
Content is King (and Your Best Organic Sales Tool)
Your marketing can be as straightforward as starting an Instagram account or a YouTube channel where you discuss your experiences with the problem you're aiming to solve. If you prefer writing, consider creating blog posts about the problem and sharing them in relevant online groups.
The key here is to be genuine. Talk openly about potential solutions, share relatable stories about how the problem has impacted your life, and what helped you overcome it. And please, try not to be overly sales-y at this stage. You can mention your products, but the focus should be on providing value and building trust.
Building Your Audience (and Your Email List!)
A solid strategy is to create content that introduces your store and highlights the specific problem you're addressing. As a call to action, encourage people to join your email list. When building your list, offer something valuable for free that helps people solve a problem in your niche. This could be a guide, a checklist, or an exclusive piece of content.
Pro Tip: Most e-commerce brands offer a discount code as a lead magnet but you can stand out by giving your customer something they can actually use. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what you would want if you were dealing with the problems they are.
Focusing on an email list is a fantastic way to engage your audience and build a connection before you ever ask for a sale. Plus, your email subscribers can provide invaluable feedback on your website and help to refine your messaging and overall site experience.
As your list grows, you can naturally start promoting your products. A good rule of thumb is to promote your products or ask for feedback in about 1 out of every 5 emails.
While it might seem like a slow burn to focus on content creation and list building, it will become a powerful asset for your brand once you find a rhythm that works for you.
From List to First Sale (and Beyond!)
Once you have a growing email list, you can confidently start promoting your products to secure your first sale. And once that exciting moment happens, reach out to your customer! Ask for their feedback and, if appropriate, a review.
Rinse and repeat this strategy. Over time, you'll accumulate reviews and begin to generate consistent sales even without people having to join your list first.
Ok, hopefully that helps and if you have any questions, feel free to post a reply with a question.
If you need help with your Shopify Store, send me a DM or checkout out my website: https://codethatconverts.com
