How to Sell on Shopify by Setting Up Your Store Manually: Step-by-Step Guide

• By Kiwi Commerce
• 18 Dec, 2025
• shopify, Shopify Development

How to Sell on Shopify by Setting Up Your Store Manually: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to start an online business, Shopify is one of the easiest and most reliable eCommerce platforms available today. With its user-friendly interface, powerful tools, and strong SEO capabilities, Shopify gives you everything you need to launch a professional online store. While there are shortcuts and automated tools available, many new business owners prefer to set up their store manually to ensure full control over every detail.

Here is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to sell on Shopify by setting up your store manually, perfect for beginners and business owners who want a smooth and organised start.

The first step is to sign up for a Shopify account. Visit the Shopify website and enter your basic details to create your store. You’ll be asked a few simple questions about your business, which help Shopify tailor the setup experience for you.

Once your account is ready, you’ll be taken to the Shopify dashboard, which acts as the control centre for your entire online shop.

Your theme is the design foundation of your store. Shopify offers a range of free and paid themes that suit different industries. Pick a theme that aligns with your branding, style, and product type.

After selecting a theme, you can manually customise:

• Colours and fonts
• Homepage layout
• Header and footer
• Banner images
• Product pages
• Navigation menus

A well-designed theme improves customer experience and strengthens your branding from day one.

To set up your store manually, start adding your products individually. Each product page needs:

• A clear product title
• A detailed description
• High-quality images
• Price and stock information
• Variants (size, colour, etc.)
• SEO tags and meta descriptions

Strong product pages help with Shopify SEO, improve conversion rates, and build trust with new customers.

Collections help customers browse your store easily. You can create manual collections or set up automated rules. Popular collection types include:

• New arrivals
• Bestsellers
• Seasonal products
• Categories like clothing, skincare, home décor, etc.

Organised collections make your site easier to navigate and improve customer experience.

Before you start selling, you need to configure your store’s backend:

Payments

Enable Shopify Payments or connect PayPal, Stripe, or any preferred gateway.

Checkout Settings

Customise checkout fields, policies, and notifications to ensure a smooth buying experience.

Shipping Rates

Set shipping zones, delivery fees, and free delivery rules. Clear shipping options increase conversions and reduce cart abandonment.

A custom domain makes your store look professional. You can buy a domain directly through Shopify or connect one you already own. Choose a name that reflects your brand and supports your long-term goals.

Before you go live, double-check key elements:

• Store policies (refund, privacy, shipping)
• Tax settings
• SEO titles and meta descriptions
• Website speed and mobile responsiveness
• Test orders to make sure checkout runs smoothly

Once everything is ready, remove the password protection and officially launch your Shopify store.

Setting up your Shopify store manually gives you full control, a clearer understanding of your platform, and the ability to customise your shop exactly how you want it. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to start selling confidently and build a strong digital presence for your business.

At KiwiCommerce, we help businesses with Shopify development, store setup, theme customisation, Shopify SEO, and performance optimisation. Whether you need a complete store build or expert support for your existing Shopify shop, our team is ready to guide you through every step.

Contact KiwiCommerce today for professional Shopify store setup and long-term eCommerce success.