Only 1 Sale in 4 Months – I’m Not Sure What I’m Doing Wrong

Store Feedback

Topic summary

A Shopify store owner is struggling with extremely low sales—only one purchase in four months—despite significant effort and investment.

Steps already taken:

  • Hired multiple SEO and domain authority specialists
  • Ran paid ads on social media and Google
  • Improved store design and user experience

Current situation:

  • Store receives some traffic but fails to convert visitors into customers
  • Owner feels discouraged and suspects something fundamental may be missing

Request:
Seeking community feedback on the store itself and guidance on where to focus efforts next. The owner has shared their store URL for review and is open to identifying any obvious issues they may have overlooked.

Summarized with AI on October 27. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi everyone,

I’m feeling pretty stuck and could really use some advice. I’ve had my Shopify store open for about 4 months now, and in all that time, I’ve only made one sale.

I’ve tried to do everything “right”:

  • I’ve paid multiple people to help with SEO and domain authority

  • I’ve run ads on social media and Google

  • I’ve worked on improving my store’s design and user experience

But despite all of that effort (and money), I’m still getting almost no sales. I do get some traffic, but it just doesn’t seem to convert.

At this point, I’m not sure what I’m missing or doing wrong. If anyone could take a look at my store or give me some guidance on where to focus next, I’d really appreciate it.

Thank you in advance for any insight or advice — I’m feeling pretty discouraged and want to make sure I’m not missing something obvious.

Heidi
Shonen Realm Apparel

3

Hi @ShonenRealm

Welcome to the community.
And my first advice is to search the community a bit. There are hundreds of topics like yours, with shopos like yours, with the same issues, but also solutions that you can do yourself and improve your store.

In general, you need patience. You say you got traffic, and in time with good, organic SEO, traffic will increase, but sales too. But you should be aware that your store is very basic, even with some extra content that is good for SEO. Also, there are a lot of similar stores, with the same products, and you must find something unique to stand out a bit. Plus, use things that work in other stores.

For example, you have an interesting middle section on Our Story. And even if maybe a good part sounds AI-generated, it still has unique parts that I would put as maybe a second section on the homepage. And use that to connect with customers and give some credibility, and increase trust. I mean, if it is the real truth.

For the technical part, my first impression is that even Horizon theme is clean, you do not have some design elements that would connect to Anime. Plus it is version 2.0, and you should try to safely, with backups, upgrade to the latest 3.0.1 version. Because it has some fixes.

  • For homepage: announcement bar does not look good with text in two rows. It does not have much point if you can not place it in one row. Split to different texts and if possible, add links. For example, “Trusted Europe Delivery”, what does that mean?
  • The menu is too wide, maybe on smaller screens looks OK, but on wider screens it is distracting. Try to disable “Full-width option”
  • But also, you should consider reorganizing the menu a bit and adding dropdowns. And I expected you to have menu items/collections By Anime. So that customers can find fast exact anime they want quickly.
  • I find some issues with the images you have; most look AI-generated, and yes, that is what you got, but try to improve them a bit by bit over time.
  • “Buy Anime Clothes Online” is just for SEO, no? Does not look natural to me.
  • Your product grid has some issues, while the images lead to the product page, the product title leads to colletin/new. Maybe a theme bug.
  • More than 2 images/text sections. Again, a bit wide, text is taking a lot of space horizontally, and that, in general, is harder to read. But also, while it is made again for SEO, bold and underline text too, after a few words, I lost interest. Maybe again AI-generated but just did not connect with me.

For the product page, maybe this is how all works from the supplier, but to me it does not make much sense. For example, “Naruto Vintage T-shirt” has 9 different options. And while they are similar, your description in just repeating “Naruto Vintage T-shirt” several times. But would customers search for those words, or maybe “Tobi/Madara” or “Sakura”? I am not sure if you can do this, but at least test with few products. Split options to single products, and a specific description of what is really on the t-shirt. Plus, add and show tags. And again text looks made for SEO, not for actual humans. At least that’s how it looks to me. And you do need more sections, more trust signals. Find 3-4 very successful anime merch online stores and see what they are doing the right way.

Good luck, and hope sales will come.

4

Hi Heidi :waving_hand:
First off, don’t feel discouraged , many store owners go through this stage early on. Getting traffic but not conversions usually means your products or website presentation need a bit more alignment with your audience.

A few things you could check:

  • Visitor intent: Make sure the ads and keywords you’re using match what you’re actually selling. Sometimes traffic comes from the wrong audience.

  • Product trust factors: Include detailed product descriptions, real photos, and reviews if possible — they help a lot with conversions.

  • Store speed and clarity: A slow or cluttered homepage can make people leave quickly.

  • Analytics: Use Shopify analytics or Google Analytics to see where visitors drop off — that insight is gold.

It’s a learning process, but you’re definitely on the right path by reviewing everything early. Keep testing and improving little by little, you’ll start to see changes over time.

You’ve got this :flexed_biceps:

2 Likes
7

That’s easy. It all comes down to authenticity and consistency.

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Really… you are the BEST place to buy anime clothing in the UK… you’re not even in the UK.
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Gmail is unprofessional
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Inconsistent emails. Why put Gmail if you have a business email?
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“We”? Highly doubt that. You’re dropshipping.
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Here’s the gmail again.
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1 Facebook follower. If you’re going to claim to be “the best” you should have more than 1 follower.

8

Hi @ShonenRealm it’s lack of self awareness often combined with an outright lack of an actual business plan.
Like so many that came before hoping for feelgood-quickfix-busywork answers that reveal some missing magic ingredient that somehow doesn’t require tons-of-money and or experience.

Do the actual effort and research, walk the graveyard learn to read the headstones https://community.shopify.com/search?q=no+sales , “low sales” ,etc etc etc ad nausem

9

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such a detailed reply!

I really appreciate your honesty and all the practical feedback — it’s super helpful. You pointed out several things I hadn’t even considered, especially around the theme version, homepage layout, and how my product descriptions sound more SEO-focused than natural.

I’m definitely going to try some of the fixes you mentioned, like updating the Horizon theme, improving the menu layout, and reworking my product pages to make them feel more authentic and customer-focused. I’ll also review the “Our Story” section and see how I can move or adjust it to build more trust with visitors.

Thanks again for taking the time to go through everything in such detail. It really helps to have a fresh perspective from someone who knows what to look for. I’ll start making these updates and see how things improve over time!

10

Thank you so much for the encouragement — it really means a lot! I’ve definitely been feeling a bit discouraged, so it’s reassuring to hear that this stage is normal.

I really appreciate your tips as well. I’m going to take a closer look at my analytics to understand where visitors are dropping off, and I’ll review my ads and keywords to make sure they’re bringing in the right audience. I’ll also work on improving my product descriptions and adding more trust elements like real photos and reviews.

Thanks again for the motivation and practical advice — I’m taking it all on board and will keep testing and improving!

11

Thank you so much, I will check it out

1 Like
12

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and share your advice! It’s really reassuring to hear that I’m not alone in facing this kind of challenge — sometimes it definitely feels that way.

I appreciate the suggestion about trying some conversion-focused apps, and I’ll check out the video you linked as well. I’m open to testing different tools to see what might help improve my results.

Thanks again for offering to help — I really appreciate the support and guidance!

1 Like
13

Thank you for your helpful feedback

14

Hi @ShonenRealm

It’s completely understandable to feel discouraged, and I want to assure you that what you’re experiencing is a common hurdle for many new online store owners. The fact that you’re reaching out for advice shows your dedication. Let’s break down some potential areas to look at for Shonen Realm Apparel.

First, I’ve taken a look at your website, Shonen Realm Apparel. You have a clean design and a clear niche, which are great starting points. Now, let’s dive into some areas that could be impacting your sales.

1. Building Trust and Credibility

For a new store, building trust is paramount. Customers are often hesitant to purchase from a brand they’ve never heard of.

  • About Us Page: Your “About Us” page is a fantastic opportunity to tell your story. Why did you start Shonen Realm Apparel? What is your passion for shonen anime? Sharing your personal connection can create a more human and trustworthy brand. Let your passion for the genre shine through and connect with fellow fans.

  • Customer Reviews: That one sale you have is powerful. If possible, reach out to that customer and ask for a review, perhaps in exchange for a discount on a future purchase. Having even one positive review can significantly increase trust for new visitors.

  • High-Quality Mockups and Product Photos: Ensure your product images are high-quality and show the designs clearly. If you’re using mockups, make sure they look realistic and appealing. Consider including images of the actual printed apparel if possible, as this adds another layer of authenticity.

2. Refining Your Product and Audience

Getting traffic is one thing; getting the right traffic is another.

  • Niche Down Further: “Shonen anime” is a broad category. Are your designs inspired by the “big three,” or more niche series? Targeting fans of specific shows or characters with your ad campaigns and SEO keywords could bring in more motivated buyers.

  • Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes Shonen Realm Apparel different from the many other anime apparel stores out there? Is it the originality of your designs, the quality of the clothing, or a unique brand voice? Make sure this is communicated clearly on your homepage and in your marketing.

  • Product Descriptions: Your product descriptions could be an area for improvement. Instead of just describing the item, tell a story. For example, for a design inspired by a specific character, you could write something like, “Channel the unwavering determination of [Character Name] with this exclusive design.” This helps create an emotional connection with the product.

3. Optimizing Your Website for Conversions

Even small tweaks to your store’s user experience can make a big difference.

  • Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Are your “Add to Cart” and “Buy Now” buttons prominent and easy to find?

  • Shipping Information: Be upfront about shipping costs and times. A “Shipping” or “FAQ” page that clearly outlines your policies can prevent customers from abandoning their carts at checkout. Unexpectedly high shipping costs are a major reason for cart abandonment.

  • Mobile Experience: The majority of online traffic now comes from mobile devices. Go through the entire purchasing process on your phone. Is it easy to navigate? Are the images clear? Is checkout simple?

4. Rethinking Your Marketing Approach

While you’ve invested in ads and SEO, let’s consider the strategy.

  • Content Marketing: Instead of just running ads, think about creating content that your target audience would love. This could be blog posts about the latest anime season, social media polls about favorite characters, or even short videos showcasing your designs. This approach helps build a community around your brand.

  • Social Proof on Social Media: Use your social media to build a community. Engage with other anime fans, share user-generated content (if you get any), and be an active participant in the shonen community.

  • Analyze Your Traffic: Look at your Shopify Analytics and Google Analytics. Where is your traffic coming from? Which pages are they visiting? Where are they dropping off? This data can provide valuable clues about what’s working and what isn’t. For example, if many users are dropping off at the shipping stage of checkout, you may need to re-evaluate your shipping costs or clarity.

It takes time to build momentum with a new online store. The fact that you’ve gotten your first sale is a significant milestone. Don’t give up. Focus on building trust, refining your targeting, and creating a community around your brand.

Thank You!

15

To add two more cents to the thread;

The first thing that catches my eye is the quality of the photos and images.

  1. The banner images are pixelated on my 16” screen
  2. While you have very consistent photos in your hoodies collections, that’s not the case for other collections or the featured products on the homepage

Also, things like these do not bring confidence:

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16

Wow — thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed reply. I truly appreciate the time and care you put into breaking everything down so clearly.

You’ve given me a lot of valuable insight, especially about building trust and refining my audience. I completely agree that my “About Us” page and product descriptions could do a better job of sharing the story and passion behind Shonen Realm Apparel — that’s definitely something I’ll be working on.

Your advice about adding customer reviews, improving mockups, and analyzing where visitors drop off in the funnel really opened my eyes to areas I hadn’t focused enough on. I’m also going to review my mobile experience and update my CTAs to make sure everything flows smoothly for shoppers.

This kind of feedback is exactly what I needed — encouraging, actionable, and realistic. Thank you again for helping me see a clearer path forward. I’m feeling more motivated and confident about making these changes and continuing to build momentum for Shonen Realm Apparel.

— Heidi

1 Like
17

Thank you so much for your feedback, I have rectified this issue.

18

Hi @ShonenRealm

You’re in good company—it’s common for new stores to experience this initial plateau. Begin by analyzing the quality of your traffic — SEO and ads tend to bring browsers, not buyers. Concentrate on a single proven product niche and polish your messages around a simple problem/solution. Include social proof, urgency and make checkout simple. Try out some smaller, more specific ad audiences before scaling.

19

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply — that really helps put things into perspective. It’s reassuring to know this plateau is normal for new stores.

I think you’re absolutely right about the traffic quality. I’ve been focusing a lot on SEO and ads, but I can see now that those efforts might be bringing in more browsers than actual buyers. I’m going to narrow down my focus to one core product niche and refine my messaging around a clearer problem/solution, just like you suggested.

I’ll also look into adding more social proof and urgency cues, and I’ll double-check my checkout flow to make sure it’s as smooth as possible. I really like your idea of testing smaller, more specific ad audiences before scaling — that’s a great, actionable next step.

Thanks again for the clear and practical advice — I really appreciate your help and encouragement!

21

Hello, thank you for your feedback, however I don’t think you looking at my store as I do not sell pet or kitchen supplies.

1 Like
22

Hey @ShonenRealm

Thanks for sharing your situation, four months in with one sale is hard, but it usually comes down to optimization rather than effort. You’ve clearly been trying a lot already.

After looking at your store, the main issue isn’t your products, it’s the experience and flow.

Right now your homepage uses anchor text to lead to collections. Apparel stores perform much better when you show collections with images instead of links. Let people see the style immediately. Look at a few successful brands in your niche and study how they present collections and featured items on the homepage — layout matters a lot in fashion.

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On the product page, the title showing a bit above the image, throws off the structure.

Another key fix: when someone clicks “Add to Cart,” your store redirects them to a new page. That interrupts the purchasing flow. Switching to a slide-out cart will help keep shoppers engaged. It also allows you to include things like:

  • Small progress bar (e.g., “Spend $X more to unlock free shipping”)

  • Upsells/“complete the look” suggestions

  • Bundles or discounts on adding more items

Try to avoid installing multiple plugins for these features, one tool like iCart can handle the cart drawer, upsells, bundle prompts, and progress bar in one place, which keeps your store faster and easier to manage.

You don’t need to rebuild anything, just adjust how the store guides shoppers. Make the experience visual, smooth, and simple, and you’ll start seeing better conversion as traffic grows.

23

Thank you so much for taking the time to look through my store and share such detailed feedback — I really appreciate it!

You made some excellent points about the shopping flow and overall store experience. I can definitely see how relying on anchor text instead of visual collection images on the homepage could be hurting engagement. I’m going to update that so shoppers can instantly see the different styles and designs.

The tip about switching from a full-page redirect to a slide-out cart makes a lot of sense too — I hadn’t realized how much that might interrupt the buying process. I’ll look into using something like iCart to streamline things and add those extra touches like upsells, bundles, and a free shipping progress bar.

Your advice about studying other successful brands in my niche also really resonated — I’ll definitely do that and take note of how they structure their pages.

Thank you again for such thoughtful, actionable suggestions. I feel a lot more confident about where to focus next to improve conversions!

1 Like
25

Glad you found it helpful