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Launching a Shopify store is a ripper way for Australian small businesses to get online and reach customers across the country or even globally. But without the right approach, it’s easy to stuff it up. From dodgy designs to neglecting SEO, many new store owners make mistakes that hurt their sales and rankings. Here are 5 common mistakes small businesses make when launching a Shopify store—and how to avoid them to set your online business up for success.
A poorly designed Shopify store is like a shop with a messy front window—it turns customers away before they even step inside. Many small businesses choose cheap, outdated themes or try to DIY their site without understanding user experience (UX). This leads to clunky navigation, slow load times, or a site that looks naff on mobiles.
How to Fix It: Invest in a professional, mobile-friendly design that reflects your brand. Work with a Shopify expert in Australia to create a site that’s easy to navigate and looks the goods on all devices. A clean, modern design builds trust and keeps customers browsing.
Pro Tip: Over 60% of Aussie online shoppers use mobiles, so prioritise responsive design to boost conversions and Google rankings.
SEO is the key to getting your Shopify store found on Google, but many small businesses skip it. Failing to use relevant keywords, optimise product descriptions, or add alt text to images means your store won’t rank for searches like “buy [your product] Australia.”
How to Fix It: Start with basic SEO practices:
Use keywords like “Shopify for small businesses Australia” in your product pages and blogs.
Write unique, keyword-rich product descriptions.
Optimise images with descriptive alt text (e.g., “handmade leather bags Sydney”). Partner with a Shopify website development team to implement advanced SEO strategies, like local SEO for Aussie customers.
Why It Matters: Good SEO drives organic traffic, helping you compete with bigger brands without blowing your marketing budget.
Shopify offers a range of plans, from Basic to Advanced, but picking the wrong one can cost you. Some small businesses go for the cheapest option, missing out on features like abandoned cart recovery or detailed analytics. Others overspend on features they don’t need.
How to Fix It: Assess your business needs—do you need international shipping or just local delivery in Australia? A Shopify expert can help you choose a plan that suits your budget and growth goals. For most Aussie small businesses, the Basic or Shopify plan is a great starting point.
Quick Win: Use Shopify’s free trial to test features before committing.
Nothing frustrates customers more than a broken checkout or links that go nowhere. Many small businesses rush to launch their Shopify store without properly testing it. This can lead to lost sales and a bad first impression.
How to Fix It: Before going live, test every part of your site:
Check navigation menus and buttons.
Test the checkout process with sample purchases.
Ensure the site works on mobiles, tablets, and desktops. A professional Shopify developer can run thorough tests to ensure your store is ready for Aussie shoppers.
Bonus: Test your site’s speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights—slow sites drive customers away.
Some small businesses think launching a Shopify store is enough to start raking in sales. Without a marketing plan, your store is like a shop in the middle of the outback—no one will find it. Common mistakes include ignoring social media, not collecting emails, or skipping paid ads.
How to Fix It: Build a simple marketing strategy:
Share your products on Instagram and Facebook, targeting Aussie audiences.
Use email tools like Klaviyo to send promos and updates.
Run Google Ads or Meta Ads to drive traffic to your store. A Shopify website development service can integrate marketing tools into your site, making it easier to reach customers.
Local Tip: Offer free shipping in Australia or discounts for first-time buyers to attract local shoppers.
Launching a Shopify store is a game-changer for Australian small businesses, but avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for success. By focusing on great design, SEO, the right plan, thorough testing, and smart marketing, you can create a store that attracts customers and boosts sales.
Need a hand? Our team specialises in Shopify stores for small businesses in Australia, offering custom designs, SEO optimisation, and marketing integrations tailored to your needs. Contact us today to build a Shopify store that stands out and delivers results!
