When you think of Shopify, you might immediately associate it with e-commerce businesses selling physical products. Makeup and clothing may come to mind. However, Shopify’s capabilities go beyond just tangible goods.
Some questions frequently asked by people like Can Shopify Be Used for Services? The answer is yes, Shopify can be used effectively for service-based businesses. Although Shopify was originally designed for retail businesses, its versatility allows service providers to create an online presence and streamline their operations.
Nowadays many innovative merchants are successfully using Shopify to sell services such as education, consultations, rentals, and more
In this blog post, we will discuss how to use Shopify for service-based business.
About Shopify
Online company Shopify was founded in 2006. Its founders were Canadians Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake. After the official launch, the platform took a course for active development and over time grew from an ordinary web project into one of the most popular e-commerce solutions.
Shopify is a platform that allows you to independently design and launch your online store, as well as constantly monitor its operation. It was created by developers for users who do not have programming and design skills, so it is characterized by an intuitive interface and extremely simple functionality. In addition, it has an impressive library of templates that allow you to quickly and easily launch an online store.
How to Use Shopify for Service Based Business
Launch a Subscription-Based Business Model
Subscription-based businesses offer a predictable and recurring revenue stream. Shopify can effectively support subscription models, making it an ideal choice for non ecommerce businesses looking to secure stable income.
Here’s how to implement a subscription model on your Shopify store:
Choose Subscription Apps
Explore Shopify’s app store for subscription management apps. These apps can help you set up subscription plans, manage billing cycles, and automate the process. If you’re looking for a tailored solution or need specific functionality that existing apps don’t provide, consider our custom app development service. Our experienced team can create bespoke applications that align perfectly with your service-based business needs, ensuring a seamless integration with your Shopify store.
Content and Value
To keep subscribers engaged, provide valuable content or perks exclusive to your subscribers. This can encourage customer retention and word-of-mouth referrals.
Optimize for SEO
As your subscription base grows, so does your organic SEO. High-quality content and satisfied subscribers can lead to better search engine rankings, attracting even more customers. Explore our SEO services to boost your online visibility and drive organic traffic.
Create a Hybrid Product and Service Business
For businesses that offer both physical products and services, Shopify offers a seamless solution to manage and promote both aspects. Combining products and services can increase your average order value and enhance the overall customer experience.
Here’s how to create a hybrid business on Shopify:
Diversify Your Offerings
Offer a range of products and services that complement each other. For example, a fitness company can sell supplements, workout apparel, and fitness programs alongside personal training services.
Cross-Promotion
Cross-promote your products and services within your store. Use compelling product descriptions and service offerings to entice customers to explore more of what you offer.
Types of Services You Can Sell on Shopify
Services as a Driver for Product Sales
Some e-commerce businesses use services to enhance the customer experience and drive product sales. For example, Warby Parker offers an online prescription check, and MTailor provides virtual tailoring services. These services create a personalized experience for customers and encourage them to purchase associated products. Consider how services can complement your product offerings to enhance customer loyalty and engagement.
Consultations and Coaching Services
If your business primarily revolves around consulting or coaching services, Shopify makes it easy to set up and sell these services. Follow the standard checkout procedure, and ensure you have post-purchase communication in place to answer customer queries and provide necessary resources.
Booking Appointments
Many service providers, such as medical clinics, salons, spas, and fitness trainers, now offer online appointment bookings. You can set up appointment scheduling without financial transactions or opt to charge customers during the booking process. Third-party apps like Sesami can seamlessly integrate with Shopify for appointment scheduling and payments.
Rental Services
Rental services have gained popularity due to growing eco-consciousness and convenience. Shopify can accommodate rental businesses as well. For instance, the Mobile Locker Co. rents lockers for outdoor events, while Fitzroy Rentals offers customizable apparel rental experiences. Variants can include size, rental duration, and delivery date, enhancing the customer’s choice.
Educational Services
If you have skills or knowledge to share, Shopify enables you to market educational services. You can offer on-demand workshops or recurring memberships that grant access to valuable resources. Consider Buti Yoga, which provides yoga and dance classes, as well as trainer certification programs. The customer journey for selling training services resembles that of consulting and coaching models.
Can Shopify Be Used for Services?
Shopify can certainly be used for service-based businesses. While Shopify’s primary focus is on physical products, it offers several features and integrations that can be tailored to suit the needs of service providers.
Select the Right Theme for Your Service Business
Before you start adding services and designing your store, it’s crucial to choose the right theme. Shopify offers a wide range of themes, including some specifically designed for service-based businesses. You can also explore custom Shopify themes for services on third-party platforms like Themeforest and MOJO. The theme you select should align with your brand and create a visually appealing and user-friendly experience for your customers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Shopify effectively for a service-based business:
Step 1: Adding Services
Adding services to your Shopify store is a straightforward process, similar to adding physical products. Here’s a step-by-step guide on Go to the “Products” menu category in your Shopify dashboard.
- Click on “Add product” to start adding your service.
- Provide a compelling title, detailed description, and add high-quality media files, such as images or photos, to showcase your service.
- Fill in the “Pricing,” “Inventory,” and “Shipping” details. Importantly, make sure to uncheck the box next to “This is a physical product” to categorize it correctly.
- If your service offers various options or variations, use the “Options” section to outline them.
- Organize your product under the relevant category in the “Product organization” section on the right side of the window.
This process allows you to create a comprehensive product listing for each of your services, providing potential customers with all the necessary information they need to make a decision.
Step 2: Use Store Personalization Apps
Depending on the type of service you offer, you may want to consider using store personalization apps to enhance the customer experience. For example:
- If you provide training courses, consider apps that allow you to offer lessons with or without a mentor, short and full courses, and easy appointment scheduling.
- If you offer beauty services like haircuts or beauty injections, ensure that your store allows customers to book appointments at their preferred time and choose the type of service they desire.
Shopify offers a wide range of apps that can help you tailor your store to the specific needs of your service business, all without requiring advanced coding skills.
Step 3: Create a Homepage
Your homepage is your storefront’s first impression on potential customers. To succeed in the service business on Shopify, your home page should not only look appealing but also convey the value of your offerings. Here are some key elements to consider:
- Use high-quality images and graphics that represent your services effectively.
- Clearly communicate what customers will gain from your services and why they need them.
- Showcase customer testimonials and reviews on your home page to build trust and reassure potential clients. Positive feedback can greatly influence purchase decisions.
A well-crafted home page can capture the interest of potential customers and make them more likely to explore your services further.
Step 4: Create an About Page
The “About Us” page is an essential element of your service store, as it allows you to share your business’s story, values, and mission. To make your About Us page stand out, consider the following:
- Provide informative and engaging content about your business, highlighting what sets you apart.
- Include photos and brief descriptions of yourself or your team members to add a personal touch and build trust.
- Use third-party apps like PageFly to customize your About Us page with various templates and design options.
A well-crafted About Us page helps potential customers connect with your brand on a personal level and understand the values that drive your business.
Step 5: Optimize for Mobile Users
In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to ensure that your Shopify store is mobile-friendly. Statistics show that over 60% of online shoppers make purchases using their smartphones. Here’s what you should focus on to optimize your store for mobile users:
- Ensure that your store loads quickly on mobile devices to prevent potential customers from bouncing due to slow loading times.
- Your store should be responsive to various screen sizes and orientations, providing a consistent and user-friendly experience.
- Make sure your store looks presentable and attractive on mobile devices, as a poor mobile experience can drive potential customers away.
By prioritizing mobile optimization, you can tap into a significant portion of the market and provide a smooth shopping experience for users on all devices.
Lets Grow your Business
If you’re unsure about how to set up your Shopify store for a service-based business or need expert assistance, you can always reach out to Shopify Guruz, a team of Shopify experts who can guide you through the process and set up your Shopify store and ensure that your service business flourishes in the online marketplace.
