If you’ve ever felt like you’ve hit a wall trying to grow your Shopify store, you’re in good company. Many merchants have that same dilemma: How do you convert casual guests into paying customers? The truth is, there isn’t a magic formula — but there are strategies that help.
Here are 10 strategies that can sell on Shopify. These aren’t abstract concepts — these are actionable tips that actual merchants have used to power actual business growth.
1. Get your product pages to do more work
Your product page is not merely a product listing; it’s your personal salesperson. If it doesn’t answer a shopper’s questions or earn trust, you’ve lost the sale.
For example, I helped a boutique clothing store with a high bounce rate on their product pages. A quick fix? Inserting size guides and customer comments just under the item description. One customer said: “This dress fits perfectly—true to size and so flattering!” Reviews like that instantly provide new customers with increased confidence.
Also, don’t overlook the importance of visuals. Good quality photographs showing multiple angles — or a short video demo — can make all the difference.
2. Boost Average Order Value with Product Bundles
Product Bundles Are a Win-Win: shoppers think they’re getting more for their money, while you boost your Average Order Value (AOV).
For example, a skincare brand might create a “Glow Starter Pack” with a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. By grouping these items together with a mild discount, customers are incentivized to spend more than they originally intended.
With an app like WISS Bundle, you will also be able to make your bundles customizable by shoppers. A merchant told me: “When we allowed customers to choose individual shades of lipstick for a bundle, our AOV spiked 20%.”
3. Simplify checkout as much as you can
Ever abandoned a cart because going through checkout was too complicated? This is something shoppers have been doing for ages. The average cart abandonment rate is close to 70%, according to the Baymard Institute.
Another approach to making things easier would be to provide different payment options such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna, etc. And always, always be clear about shipping fees — there are no good surprises in that department.
4. Reach your customers by email
Email may seem old-fashioned, but it is still one of the most effective ways to return customers to your store. The key is relevance.
Take the example of a customer who abandons their cart. Instead of a generic reminder, send a friendly note: “Hi, it looks like you left these behind! Finish your purchase in the next 24 hours, and we’ll knock 10 percent off your total.” Add a visual of their cart items to help jog their memory.
5. Establish Trust With Reviews and Photos
Social proof is powerful. Seeing other people using and enjoying your products makes people feel safer about trusting your store.
A home goods store I pitched to recently began posting photos from their customers on their product pages. One image pictured a plush throw blanket hanging over a sofa with a caption that read: “Perfect for winter nights!” After implementing this change, their conversion rate increased by 15%.
This is one of the things you can do: ask your customers to post their experience, and if they tag your business name on Instagram, give them a discount.
6. Offer limited-time deals to create urgency
People act under the pressure of scarcity. “Only 3 left in stock!” can encourage a shopper who’s undecided to pull the trigger.
I find this particularly effective for seasonal promotions. For example, this Shopify merchant selling candles ran a campaign during the fall: “Get your Pumpkin Spice Candle before it’s gone—limited quantities available!” They sold out within days.
7. Run ads that actually connect
Facebook, Instagram, and Google ads are amazing assets, but only if executed properly. Instead of promoting a product, sell a feeling or a solution.
Or, “Buy this bag,” a leather goods brand had an ad that said, “Carry your story with you — crafted for a lifetime of adventures.” That emotional hook made all the difference.
8. Optimize your store for mobile devices
Mobile shopping isn’t the future; it is the now. Mobile sales now account for over half of all e-commerce transactions.
Ensuring your Shopify store is easy to navigate on a smartphone is crucial. Buttons should be large enough to tap, images should appear quickly, and checkout should seem easy. A good tip? Regularly test your site on various devices to identify problems.
9. Use free shipping strategically
Shipping is one of those things customers hate to pay for. Indeed, many will abandon their carts because of it.
Instead of giving free shipping on all orders, use it as a promotional tool. A Shopify store that sells sustainable home goods experienced a massive increase in sales after adding: “Free shipping for orders over $50.” It’s a basic strategy that encourages customers to spend a little more.
10. Foster loyalty among your current customers
Customers matter, you need new customers, but acquiring new customers is very costly. It’s far less expensive to keep the ones you already have happy.
Imagine a loyalty program where shoppers earn points with each purchase. Or write personalized thank-you emails after their second or third order. I know a Shopify merchant who sends handwritten notes with repeat orders. A personal touch seems to go a long way, and it keeps customers coming back.
We are here to make all of the above work for you. Shopify Store Needs to Grow, Which Is Not Overwhelming. Choose one or two strategies from this list and experiment to see what works best for your audience. Perhaps it’s streamlining your checkout process, testing product bundles, or improving your product pages.
Tools such as WISS Bundle can simplify bundling and discounts so you can concentrate on your most important capital — your customers.
What strategies have you found to work? Let’s talk about it in the comments — I want to hear your tricks!
