How-to for Shopify and Affiliate
Most lifestyle brands start small with do-it-yourselfers developing products in garages or basements, and then getting those products in hands of the right people. If that’s you, naturally this Shopify ecommerce DIY step-by-step will come in handy.
Like the writer that can now publish to the world without a middle man, so can the product designer who wants to sell direct with no red tape or middle men.
With that said bringing a new product to market is no easy task. Luckily getting started selling online is within your reach. In fact, you might be surprised to know how easy it is to not only launch your own ecommerce store, but execute a marketing strategy to get buyers to show up.
Step 1: Purchase a domain name
There are plenty of domain registrars. One of the more popular is GoDaddy. Their domain manager is easy to use, and support is great. When thinking about a domain name, look for one that’s unique, brand-able, and a .com extension. Easier said than done, I know. However there are now hundreds of domain extensions to choose from if your preferred name is not available with .com.
Step 2: Set-up an ecommerce platform
Shopify has the most powerful and easy to use tools for web DITers getting started. Not only that, it’s also robust enough to support ecommerce for large, national brands including shops for Tesla and Red Bull. As your ecommerce business grows, you will have a platform that can scale with you. Just as it’s a challenge to migrate a website, the same holds true for changing ecommerce platforms once established.
As a DIY website builder I am sure you’re trying to avoid paying a developer to set-up shop.
Shopify = Problem Solved
Once your Shopify account is set-up you will find everything you need to showcase your product assortment and process payments. Shopify also offers:
- Store themes to make your shop look great
- An app store to expand your shop functionality
- Dedicated payment provider to accept card payments
- Growth management options including enterprise services
- Blog and branding resources to connect with customers
- Experts who can help set up, design, and market your shop
- Dedicated support team that’s available around the clock
Step 3: Execute a marketing plan
Driving growth through content has been gaining momentum. With the emergence of influencer marketing, and the platforms that facilitate it, brands are now laser focused on performance marketing partnerships with ambassadors, bloggers, social influencers and even offline partners. The best part about marketing with influencers is that you can pull it off without paying a dime out of pocket.
Outdoor influencers are very passionate about their activities, gear, and travels. This makes them the perfect, authentic marketers. Identify and engage with those interested in reviewing your product(s), and get them a sample. If you target “micro-influencers”, and depending on price point, there is a chance they will require a product sample only to do their thing. This could include blog reviews, videos, and other media featuring business.
Why Use GravityFed?
GravityFed can provide a full-service and turnkey affiliate marketing program for your Shopify store, including FREE integration as well as expert ongoing program management.
Influencer discovery and campaign management can be time consuming, and we are solving this problem with GravityFed. With our diverse population of influencers, campaign marketplace, and content network for reviews, we are consolidating these efforts and solutions.
Once your Shopify store is up set-up a brand account at GravityFed to:
- Get full-service affiliate marketing set-up (FREE for Shopify brands)
- Find a partnership and affiliate program manager
- Discover new outdoor influencer partnerships
- Verify influencer social and blog analytics
- Post product review campaigns to the marketplace
- Get engagement metrics for content campaign content
If you need advice or independent consulting about how to start or manage your retail affiliate program set up a time to connect by Zoom.
The original full-length version of this post was written for GravityFed brand clients. Read it here: Ecommerce DIY with Shopify
