New Shopify user

[MissJune]

Hello, I’m a new shopify user and I have several issues I need help with. I’ve already created my website and launched it!

1.However, I’m not sure how to add my website on Google so that my website can get some traffic.

2. I’m not sure how to charge customers for shipping, it’s currently stuck on free shipping.

Looking forward to any suggestions or advice! Thank you

[BiDeal-Discount]

Hi @MissJune

Congratulations on launching your Shopify store! Here’s a straightforward guide to support you with your two main concerns:

1. How to Get Your Website on Google and Drive Traffic#### a. Submit Your Site to Google Search Console- Go to Google Search Console.

• Add your website as a new property by entering your Shopify store URL exactly.

• Verify ownership using one of the recommended methods (HTML tag, Google Analytics, or domain provider).

• Submit your sitemap: https://yourstore.com/sitemap.xml to help Google crawl your site faster.

b. Optimize Your Store for SEO- Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and meta tags.

• Write unique, high-quality content that matches what your customers search for.

• Ensure your site loads quickly and is mobile-friendly.

• Use descriptive alt text for images.

• Build internal links between related products and pages.

c. Use Paid Ads to Boost Traffic- Consider Google Ads or Shopify’s Google & YouTube channel to run Shopping ads.

• Optimize your product feed with clear titles, descriptions, prices, and GTINs for better ad performance.

d. Other Free Traffic Methods- Promote your store on social media platforms.

• Start a blog with helpful content related to your products.

• Encourage customer reviews and referrals.

2. How to Set Up Shipping Charges Instead of Free Shipping#### a. Access Shipping Settings- In Shopify admin, go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery.

• Click Manage rates next to your shipping profile.

b. Add Shipping Rates- Click Add rate under the shipping zone you want to charge for (e.g., USA, Canada).

• Choose Set up your own rates.

• Enter a name (e.g., “Standard Shipping”) and the shipping cost you want to charge.

c. Use Conditions (Optional)- You can add conditions based on order price or weight to offer tiered shipping rates (e.g., $5 shipping under $50, free shipping over $50).

• Click Add conditions, select price or weight, and set minimum and maximum values.

d. Save Your Settings- Click Done and then Save to activate your shipping rates.

e. Advanced Shipping Options- If you want carrier-calculated rates (e.g., USPS, FedEx), you can enable calculated shipping rates if your Shopify plan supports it.

• Alternatively, use shipping apps like ShipZip for more complex shipping rules (e.g., product-based, location-based).

[ProtoMan44]

Hi @MissJune and welcome to Shopify!

Great job on launching your store! Here’s how to handle your questions:

1. Getting your website on Google:

   • Submit your store to Google Search Console: https://search.google.com/search-console

   • Make sure your store isn’t password-protected (check in Online Store > Preferences).

   • Shopify automatically generates a sitemap for you at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml, which you can submit in Search Console.

2. Setting up shipping rates:

   • Go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery.

   • Under “General Shipping Rates,” click Manage Rates.

   • Remove the free shipping rate and add your own rates based on weight, price, or location.

Let me know if you need help with step-by-step guidance. You’re off to a great start!

[Bundler-Manuel]

Hello there @MissJune For the second question regarding how to switch off free shipping, you should check out this quick YouTube tutorial on how to do it as straightforwardly as possible https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XmV3VH3SajY

[SEOAnt-Zoey]

Hi,
You can check if your website has appeared in Google by following this format:
site:https://www.xxxx.com/