Shopify Philippines: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to start an online business in the Philippines, Shopify is a platform that you should definitely consider. Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to create their own online store and sell their products and services online. So in this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about Shopify Philippines.

What is Shopify?
What Does Shopify Do?
Why Should You Choose Shopify?
How to Set Up a Shopify Store in the Philippines
Selling Online in the Philippines
Shopify Payment Gateways in the Philippines
Popular Payment Methods in the Philippines
Shopify Pricing in the Philippines
How to Maintain a Shopify Store?
Which Marketing is Best for Shopify Store?
FAQs About Shopify: Your Top Questions Answered

What is Shopify?

Shopify is an ecommerce platform that enables you to create an online store to sell your products and services. It provides a user-friendly interface, powerful tools, and reliable support that helps you to build and manage your online store easily.

What Does Shopify Do?

If you’re a newbie or not yet familiar with what Shopify does, here’s a quick rundown for you:

It provides a cloud-based ecommerce platform
It offers web hosting and domain registration
It has customizable templates for creating a unique and professional-looking online store
It offers payment processing services for accepting payments from customers
It comes with shipping integration services for managing the shipping process
It offers various marketing tools, including social media integration, email marketing, and SEO optimization
It has a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop website builder for customizing your store’s design and layout without the need for any coding knowledge
It offers a wide range of app integrations to enhance the functionality of your store, including apps for inventory management, social media marketing, email marketing, and customer support
It offers different pricing plans to suit different business needs, from basic plans for new businesses to advanced plans for established businesses with high-volume sales.

Why Should You Choose Shopify?

There are several reasons why you should choose Shopify. But these are some of the most notable reasons to keep in mind:

Shopify is easy to use — even if you don’t have any technical skills.
Shopify offers a wide range of features and tools that help you to create and manage your online store effectively.
Shopify provides reliable support and customer service to help with any issues or concerns you may have.

How to Set Up a Shopify Store in the Philippines

1. Choose a Niche

Before setting up your Shopify store, you need to choose a niche that you want to focus on. This could be anything from fashion and beauty to electronics and gadgets. Choose a niche that you are passionate about and has demand (or at least has a potential for demand) in the Philippines.

2. Register Your Business

To operate a business in the Philippines, you need to register your business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), depending on your business structure. This will give you the necessary permits and licenses to operate your business legally.

3. Choose a domain name

Your domain name is the address of your online store, so choose a name that is easy to remember and represents your brand. You can purchase a domain name through Shopify or a third-party domain registrar.

4. Customize Your Theme

Choose a theme that suits your niche and customize it to represent your brand. You can choose from free and paid themes in the Shopify Theme Store or hire a Shopify web designer to create a custom theme for you.

5. Add products

Add your products to your Shopify store and optimize them for search engines by adding relevant keywords and descriptions that your target audience will most likely be searching for online. You can also use high-quality product images and videos to showcase your products.

6. Set Up Payment and Shipping Options

Choose payment and shipping options that are popular in the Philippines. Shopify supports a variety of payment gateways, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. You can also set up shipping rates for local and international customers.

7. Launch Your Store

Once you have set up your store, you can launch it and start promoting it on social media, search engines, and other marketing channels. You can also use analytics tools to track your sales and customer behavior.

Selling Online in the Philippines

If you’re planning to sell online in the Philippines, it’s important to understand the local market and consumer behavior. Here are some simple tips to help you as you start selling online in the Philippines:

Offer Cash on Delivery

While there are various ways to pay online, some customers still opt for cash on delivery as a payment method in the Philippines, so it’s best to offer this as one of the payment methods. Doing so can help you increase sales since you’ll prevent customers (who opt to pay cash on delivery) from pulling out.

Localize Your Store

Customize your store to suit the local market by using Filipino language and including Filipino products in your inventory. This makes your brand feel more familiar and relatable to your customers.

Promote Your Store on Social Media

Social media is a popular marketing channel in the Philippines, which is also why social media marketing plays a significant role in growing businesses in the Philippines, especially small businesses. Promoting your store on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms can help you to reach a wider audience and at the same time, give you the liberty to choose or target the right audience you want to market your products and services to.

Shopify Payment Gateways in the Philippines

Payment gateways are an essential component of any ecommerce store, as they allow businesses to securely process online transactions. Here are some of the best payment gateways available for Shopify users in the Philippines:

PayPal

One of the most popular payment gateways in the world, PayPal, is a trusted and secure option for businesses of all sizes. Shopify integrates with PayPal, allowing businesses to easily accept payments from customers in the Philippines and even around the world.

DragonPay

DragonPay lets businesses accept payments through various channels, including online banking, mobile payments, and over-the-counter payments.

GCash

GCash is a leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, offering a convenient payment method for many customers. Its integration with Shopify allows for easy mobile payments.

PayMongo

PayMongo is a local payment gateway that is gaining popularity in the Philippines. It offers simple and secure payment processing solutions for businesses of all sizes. PayMongo also offers features such as easy integration, fraud detection, and recurring payments.

2Checkout

2Checkout enables businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, making it a great option for businesses that sell to customers in multiple countries.

Stripe

A global payment gateway that is popular among businesses of all sizes, Stripe, offers easy integration with Shopify and provides secure payment processing for businesses in the Philippines and worldwide.

Note: It’s important to consider factors such as transaction fees, security, and ease of use when choosing a payment gateway for your Shopify store. By selecting a trusted and reliable payment gateway, businesses can ensure a seamless and secure payment process for their customers.

Popular Payment Methods in the Philippines

In addition to payment gateways, it’s important to offer customers a variety of payment methods to ensure a seamless and convenient checkout process. Doing so lets your business cater to the diverse payment preferences of customers in the Philippines, leading to increased customer satisfaction and higher sales.

Here are some of the best payment methods to use for your Shopify store in the Philippines:

Credit and Debit Cards

Accepting credit and debit card payments is a must for any ecommerce store. Many payment gateways, such as PayPal and Stripe, support credit and debit card payments.

Cash on Delivery (COD)

COD is a popular payment method in the Philippines, especially for online purchases. It allows customers to pay for their order in cash upon delivery, making it a convenient option for those who do not have access to credit or debit cards.

Bank Transfers

Aside from COD, there are also a lot of customers in the Philippines who prefer to pay through bank transfers, as it is a secure and familiar payment method. Payment gateways such as DragonPay, support bank transfers as a payment option.

E-Wallets

E-Wallets are gaining popularity in the Philippines, with options such as GCash and PayMaya becoming more widely used. These digital wallets allow customers to store funds and do purchases online, which makes them a convenient payment method for ecommerce stores.

Shopify Pricing in the Philippines

There are three (3) main pricing plans for Shopify that you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences for your business:

Basic Shopify	₱1,055 / mo. ($19 / mo.)
Shopify	₱2,730 / mo. ($49 / mo.)
Advanced Shopify	₱16,610 / mo. ($299 / mo.)

Basic Shopify is suitable for new ecommerce businesses or small businesses that are just starting out. It includes necessary features such as a website and blog, unlimited products, 24/7 support, and basic reports. Next is Shopify, which is essentially designed for growing businesses selling online and in-store that require features to scale their operations. This plan includes similar features that Basic Shopify has, however, it comes with professional reports, abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, and more. Advanced Shopify is ideal for established businesses with high-volume sales and complex needs. It also includes all the same features that Shopify has — except that it comes with advanced report building, third-party calculating shipping rates, and access to Shopify’s advanced API.

Note: Pricing may vary based on exchange rates and payment processing fees in the Philippines.

How to Maintain a Shopify Store?

Maintaining a Shopify store goes beyond the initial setup. It requires regular updates, strategic planning, and consistent monitoring to ensure the store runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are key practices to maintain a Shopify store:

1. Make Sure to Update Your Store Regularly

Update Product Listings

Regularly review and update product descriptions, images, and prices. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid customer confusion and potential sales losses.

Refresh Content

Keep your content fresh by adding new blog posts, updating banners, and featuring seasonal promotions. This keeps your store dynamic and engaging for repeat visitors.

Check for Broken Links

Broken links can frustrate customers and negatively impact your SEO. See to that you periodically check for and fix broken links.

2. Monitor Store Performance

Utilize Shopify’s built-in analytics tools to track key metrics such as traffic, conversion rates, and average order value. Analyzing these metrics helps you identify areas for improvement and optimize your store’s performance. You can also encourage and monitor customer feedback. Positive reviews build credibility, while constructive criticism offers insights into areas needing improvement.

3. Manage Your Inventory Efficiently

Keep a close eye on inventory levels to avoid stock-outs or overstocking, and utilize inventory management apps available on Shopify to streamline this process. Additionally, maintain good communication with your suppliers to ensure timely restocking and effectively manage lead times.

4. Enhance Customer Experience

Optimize Website Speed

Ensure your website loads quickly on both desktop and mobile devices. A slow website can lead to high bounce rates and lost sales.

Simplify Navigation

Make sure your store’s navigation is intuitive. Customers should easily find what they’re looking for without getting lost or frustrated.

Offer Excellent Customer Support

Provide multiple channels for customer support, such as live chat, email, and phone support. Prompt and helpful customer service can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Which Marketing is Best for Shopify Store?

Effective marketing is crucial for driving traffic and converting visitors into customers. Here are some of the best marketing strategies for a Shopify store in the Philippines:

1. Social Media Marketing

Facebook and Instagram

These platforms are widely used in the Philippines. Utilize Facebook and Instagram ads to reach a broader audience. Regularly post engaging content and interact with your followers to build a community around your brand.

TikTok

With its growing popularity, TikTok can be an excellent platform for reaching younger audiences. Create short, engaging videos that showcase your products and brand personality.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Keyword Research

Identify relevant keywords that potential customers are searching for. Use these keywords strategically in your product descriptions, blog posts, and other content.

Quality Content

Produce high-quality, informative content that adds value to your audience. Blog posts, how-to guides, and product reviews can help improve your store’s search engine rankings.

3. Email Marketing

Build a Subscriber List

Encourage visitors to subscribe to your newsletter. Offer incentives such as discounts or exclusive content to grow your subscriber list.

Personalized Campaigns

Send personalized email campaigns to engage with your audience. Segment your email list based on customer behavior and preferences for more targeted marketing.

4. User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) boosts your Shopify store by building trust through authentic customer reviews and testimonials, enhancing engagement with real-life product photos and videos, and increasing visibility as customers share their experiences on social media. This not only provides fresh content and fosters customer loyalty but also can drive higher sales by helping potential buyers visualize your products in use.

5. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

Google Ads

Use Google Ads to target specific keywords related to your products. PPC campaigns can drive targeted traffic to your store, helping you reach potential customers actively searching for what you offer.

Retargeting Ads

Implement retargeting ads to re-engage visitors who have previously interacted with your site but didn’t make a purchase. This strategy helps bring back potential customers and increase conversion rates.

FAQs About Shopify: Your Top Questions Answered

Is Shopify Good for Beginners?

Yes, Shopify is perfect for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface, an easy setup process, and lots of support resources, making it a great choice for anyone new to e-commerce.

How Much Does Shopify Take Per Sale?

Shopify charges transaction fees that vary depending on your pricing plan and payment method (through third-party payment gateways). If you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional transaction fees beyond your payment processing fees. It’s also worth noting that the higher your plan is, the lower the fees will be.

Can I Sell Anything on Shopify?

While Shopify is versatile and supports a wide range of products, there are restrictions on certain products such as alcohol, tobacco, and gambling items. Animals, livestock, pet prescriptions, and certain animal products are also restricted. You must comply with Shopify’s guidelines and local laws regarding prohibited or regulated products.

What Is Better Than Shopify?

The best e-commerce platform for you depends on your specific needs. Alternatives to Shopify include WooCommerce (for WordPress users), BigCommerce, and Magento. Each has its strengths, so consider factors like ease of use, scalability, and customization when choosing a platform.

Why Do So Many Shopify Stores Fail?

Many Shopify stores fail due to inadequate market research, poor product selection, insufficient marketing, and lack of customer engagement. To improve your chances of success, it’s crucial to create a well-thought-out business plan, develop effective marketing strategies, and focus on customer satisfaction.

Shopify is a great platform for entrepreneurs who want to start an online business in the Philippines. With its user-friendly interface, powerful tools, and reliable support, Shopify makes it easy to create and manage an online store. By understanding the local market and consumer behavior, you can optimize your online store for success in the Philippines.

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