How long is the Shopify free trial in 2024?
As of my last update in September 2021, Shopify typically offered a 14-day free trial. However, the duration of Shopify’s free trial can change based on promotional offers or adjustments to its business model. For the most up-to-date information on the length of the Shopify free trial in 2024, it would be best to visit Shopify’s official website or contact their customer service. This ensures you receive the most current and accurate details, as offerings can evolve to cater to the company’s market demands or strategic shifts.
What comes with Shopify 3-Months Free Trial?
A 90-day trial with the Shopify store is not entirely free. But you can enjoy it at the cost of only $3. However, the first 14 days trial is altogether free with Shopify.
- Full Access to Shopify Features: Whether it’s adding products, customizing design, setting up domains, or any other core feature, it would all be accessible.
- Ability to Launch Your Store: You can go live and start selling products during the trial.
- Access to Shopify’s Admin Panel: You manage everything from products and orders to customer data.
- Free Themes and Paid Theme Previews: You can apply any free themes or preview the paid ones before purchasing.
- Integration with All Sales Channels: This includes an online store, point of sale, buy button, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Access to Shopify App Store: You can explore and integrate with many third-party applications.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Access Shopify’s round-the-clock customer support through chat, email, or phone.
- Payment Gateways: Test and set up various payment gateways, including Shopify Payments, to handle transactions.
- Shipping and Tax Configurations: You can set shipping rules, rates, and tax settings.
- Training and Resources: Access to Shopify’s extensive knowledge base, tutorials, webinars, and community forums.
- Analytics and Reports: Depending on the trial plan, you would have access to detailed analytics and reports about your sales, traffic, and other vital metrics.
What are the checklists to follow after signing up for a Shopify free trial?
Starting a new online store using Shopify’s free trial can be an exhilarating experience. To make the most of your trial and set up your store for success, follow this checklist:
- Set Up Your Store’s Basics: First, choose a store name. It will help you to recognize the customer. Afterward, you must add your personal/business details, including your address, phone, and email.
- Select and Customize Your Theme: To make a Shopify store, you will choose a theme from Shopify’s theme store that aligns with your brand and product. Now, customize the theme to match your brand colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic.
- Add Products: High-quality images are necessary to attract customers to a Shopify store. Write clear and compelling product descriptions. Set appropriate prices, and be careful that the price range is not outside the buyer’s purchasing capability range. But it may include the dropshipping cost.
- Set Up Payments: Integrate with Shopify Payments or select from various other payment gateways. Ensure all necessary tax settings are accurate.
- Configure Shipping Settings: Decide on shipping regions/countries. Set up shipping rates (flat rate, free shipping, based on weight, etc.). Finally, integrate with carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx if needed.
- Establish Store Policies: Create refund and return policies. Draft a privacy policy. Write terms and conditions.
- Install Essential Apps: Consider apps for reviews, SEO, email marketing, and other essential functions.
- Organize Your Products: Set up product collections or categories—tag products appropriately for easier navigation and search.
- Test Checkout Process: Conduct a test order to ensure a smooth checkout.
- Set Up Sales Channels: If relevant, integrate with sales channels like Facebook Shop, Instagram Shopping, etc.
- Optimize for SEO: Ensure product titles and descriptions are SEO-friendly. Now, you have to use alt tags for images. Consider setting up a blog to drive organic traffic.
- Set Up Analytics: Activate Shopify Analytics. Integrate Google Analytics for additional insights.
- Plan Marketing Strategies: First, choose a launch promotion or discount. Now, set up email marketing campaigns for abandoned carts, newsletters, etc.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Check how your store looks on mobile devices.
- Feedback Loop: Ask friends, family, or peers to browse the store and provide feedback.
- Set Up a Custom Domain: While you can’t set up a custom domain during the free trial, plan and decide on a domain name and purchase it when you launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get an extension on my free trial of Shopify?
Certainly! While Shopify typically offers a 14-day free trial, the possibility of an extension depends on individual circumstances. If you require additional time to set up your store or experience unique challenges, contacting Shopify’s customer support is advisable. They often accommodate requests, especially if they understand your specific needs and intentions to continue with their platform.
2. What happens to my store data after the trial ends?
If you don’t choose a paid plan, your store data remains intact for a short period, allowing you to pick up where you left off should you continue later. However, if left inactive for an extended time, Shopify might delete the store.
3. How do I cancel my trial?
Your trial will expire if you don’t select a pricing plan and enter payment details. If you wish to deactivate your store during the problem, you can do so from the admin panel.
Final thoughts
In the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, selecting the right platform is pivotal for business success. Shopify’s free trial, whether the standard 14-day offer or an extended version, provides budding entrepreneurs and established businesses an invaluable opportunity to test and optimize their online store without any initial financial commitment. This trial period underscores Shopify’s confidence in its platform, giving users ample time to explore its myriad features, from product listings to payment integrations. The provision to go live and start selling during the trial further emphasizes Shopify’s commitment to fostering business growth from day one. In conclusion, for anyone contemplating diving into e-commerce or transitioning from another platform, Shopify’s free trial is a risk-free gateway to understanding its potential and capabilities.