Starting an online store might sound like an overwhelming task, especially if you don’t have a technical background. But let me assure you, it’s not as daunting as it seems. As a single mother juggling job hunting and building a self-sustaining career, I set up my Shopify store, Vanachie Retail, entirely on my own. No paid assistance, no tech wizardry, just determination and a lot of research. Within the first month, I drove 20 sales and laid the foundation for a business that could grow over time. Let’s walk through how you can do it too!
Step 1: Setting Up Your Shopify Store
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Create a Shopify Account:
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Go to Shopify.com and sign up for a free trial.
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Enter your email, create a password, and choose your store name. Your store name should resonate with your niche or product theme.
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Choose a Plan:
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Shopify offers plans starting as low as $29/month. If you’re just starting, this basic plan works perfectly.
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Select a Theme:
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Shopify has free themes that are easy to customize. For Vanachie Retail, I used a free theme and tweaked it to reflect a clean and inviting look. You don’t need to know coding—the drag-and-drop interface makes customization simple.
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Add Products:
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Navigate to the “Products” section and click “Add Product.”
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Upload clear, high-quality photos, write engaging product descriptions, and set prices.
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Set Up Payments:
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Shopify Payments is the easiest option, but you can also connect PayPal or other payment gateways.
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Configure Shipping:
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For dropshipping, you’ll set your supplier’s shipping methods. For your own products, input shipping rates based on location.
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Buy a Domain:
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Shopify allows you to purchase a custom domain. Having a personalized domain like www.vanachieretail.de makes your store look professional.
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Step 2: Dropshipping with Shopify
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Research Winning Products:
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I spent hours on platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, and TikTok to identify trending, high-demand products. Look for items that solve a problem or cater to a specific audience.
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Install a Dropshipping App:
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Oberlo (or its alternatives) integrates directly with Shopify, making it easy to add dropshipping products.
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Import your chosen products to your store with a few clicks.
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Test Products:
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Start with a small range of products. Monitor which ones perform well before scaling up.
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Step 3: Marketing Your Store
To generate those 20 sales in the first month, I used free and low-cost marketing strategies:
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Facebook and Instagram:
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Create a business page and post engaging content—product photos, user reviews, and behind-the-scenes stories.
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Run targeted ads with a small budget to reach your ideal audience.
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TikTok and Snapchat:
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Make short, catchy videos showcasing your products in action.
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Use trending sounds and hashtags to increase visibility.
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Email Marketing:
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Use Shopify’s email integration to send welcome emails, discounts, and product updates.
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Collaborations and Reviews:
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Reach out to micro-influencers for affordable promotions. Genuine reviews build trust.
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Step 4: Minimal Costs, Maximum Returns
Setting up and running your Shopify store doesn’t have to break the bank:
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Shopify Plan: $29/month
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Domain: ~$14/year
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Marketing Budget: $50-$100 for ads
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Product Costs: Depends on your dropshipping supplier—you only pay after a customer orders.
Tips for Running a Successful Online Business
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Customer Service is Key:
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Respond to inquiries quickly and politely. Use chatbots or Shopify’s messaging tools to assist customers.
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Analyze Data:
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Shopify provides analytics to track sales, traffic, and customer behavior. Use this data to improve your strategy.
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Stay Consistent:
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Post regularly on social media, run promotions, and keep your store updated.
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Explore Passive Income Ideas
If running an online store doesn’t feel like your niche, consider developing crafts or skills that can generate passive income:
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Digital Products: Sell templates, eBooks, or courses on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.
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Freelancing: Offer your skills in writing, design, or virtual assistance on Upwork or Fiverr.
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Print-on-Demand: Use services like Printful to create custom merchandise with minimal upfront costs.
Profitable Niches for Online Businesses
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Health and Wellness
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Sustainable Products
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Home Organization and Decor
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Baby and Kids’ Products
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Personalized Gifts
Final Words of Encouragement
Starting an online business as a single mother or international student might feel like climbing a mountain, but with determination and smart planning, it’s entirely achievable. Take small steps, stay committed, and remember that every milestone counts. Whether it’s setting up a Shopify store or exploring other income streams, the journey is yours to own.
Let’s build something amazing together! Let me know how your journey goes. You’ve got this! 💪
One-on-One Consultation Form
To assist you further in your journey, I’m offering one-on-one consultations to address your specific needs. Please fill out the form below:
Consultation Form:
Sing Up through our Consultation Form