How to start

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A newcomer asks whether to choose products before or after signing up for Shopify.

Consensus advice: Most respondents recommend identifying products or a niche first through market research, then investing in the platform. Key reasons include minimizing upfront costs and validating demand before commitment.

Recommended research methods:

  • Monitor trending products on TikTok, Amazon Movers & Shakers, Google Trends, or Etsy
  • Focus on items solving specific problems or aligned with personal interests
  • Test interest through social media or pre-orders before launching

Alternative approach: Some merchants explore Shopify’s free trial simultaneously while researching products to familiarize themselves with the platform.

Additional guidance includes:

  • Avoid selling oversaturated products without a differentiation strategy
  • Study successful stores in your target niche
  • Plan customer acquisition channels (SEO vs. social media ads) early
  • Maintain patience during the initial learning phase

Several app developers offer tools for live chat support and store optimization to assist new merchants.

Summarized with AI on October 28. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi!

I am new to this Shopify. I was wondering, how did you start up?

Did you know what product you should sell or did you pay Shopify directly and then find out what products to sell?

Thankful for all the help I can get

2

Hi @SofNil ,

When starting on Shopify, most people first decide on a product or niche based on their interests or market research before paying for the plan. It’s better to explore product ideas and test demand before making an investment. You can even start with the free trial to set up your store and test products without paying upfront. If you’d like, I can guide you step-by-step through finding products and launching your store.

3

Start with products first. If you plan to sell what everyone else is selling without a strategy, you are doomed.

4

hi @SofNil

A good approach is to know what product you want to sell before paying for Shopify, especially if you’re trying to minimize upfront costs. starts by researching a niche, identifying demand, and even testing interest (through social media or pre-orders) before launching.

So, ideally: figure out the product first, validate it, then invest it in the platform.

5

Hi @SofNil

Thanks for reaching out to the Shopify Community! I’m Donna, I totally get where you’re coming from. Many store owners start with the same question. I think honestly, there’s no single “correct” way.

Some people already have a niche or product in mind when they start, while others explore the platform first – testing ideas, checking what’s trending, and learning from customer feedback. If you haven’t picked a product yet, I’d recommend doing a bit of research on:

  • Trending products (via TikTok, Etsy, Amazon Movers & Shakers)
  • Products that solve a specific pain point or offer a unique style
  • Niches you’re personally passionate about (this helps a lot with long-term motivation)

If you’re exploring apps to support your new store, feel free to check out MooseDesk – our live chat & helpdesk app made especially for Shopify merchants. Super easy to set up, and your customers will appreciate having someone “present” to assist ?

Wishing you lots of success and discovery ahead! Let me know if you’d like me to take a look at your store sometime – happy to share more tips.

6

Hi! Many people start by researching trending or niche products first, often using tools like Google Trends or TikTok to spot demand, and then sign up for Shopify once they’ve chosen what to sell. Others jump into Shopify first to explore the platform while still deciding on their product — both approaches are common! The key is to start small, test ideas quickly, and be ready to adapt as you learn more about what customers want.

7

Hi @SofNil

I have encountered some users who have similar questions to you, and after my summary, you can start up a business with the help of the guidance below:

  1. Spend some time thinking about what you are good at. Each person has their unique way to do something, find out your unique aspect, and share your value with users, which is a good start to doing business.

  2. Search on Google how others do business, and know what you need to know in the beginning. Since you are new to Shopify, you must feel unfamiliar with how Shopify works and how to do business on Shopify. See some excellent examples from Shopify or Google to know how they build a business that is in the same area as yours, and then take note of what they apply to the store. Then you can know what you can do and what you cannot do.

  3. Take some time to know the way how to let users know your store. If you prefer the users to know store page details via Google Search, you need to pay more attention to how to make the store have better conversation and list more pages in the search results pages. If you prefer users to see the store via social media platforms, please take more time to learn how to do ads and attract more users to stay longer on the website. In this way, at least you know how to get the first business order via different areas.

Lastly, be patient and don’t get frustrated in the beginning, as the good things always take some time to achieve, and you will pay off someday. Cheers!