Shopify Store Set Up

How Does Shopify Work?

Last modified: December 23, 2025

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that offers you an unparalleled opportunity to own a store online and achieve great business success. Some of the biggest brands online have moved to Shopify because there are some great advantages of using Shopify compared to other platforms.

For instance, Shopify is easy to use, has low startup costs, has numerous apps and themes you can use, and is great for many business models, including dropshipping. But still, there are some specifics you need to know before you start to sell on Shopify and one of those is how it works.

Key Takeaways

Shopify’s platform is user-friendly and suitable for beginners.

Understanding Shopify’s elements is crucial before building a store.

Shopify prioritizes store security with SSL certificates and fraud analysis.

How Does Shopify Work?

Here are a list of the important elements of Shopify that tell you how Shopify works. It is important to know these before you start building a Shopify store.

The Dashboard

The main aspect of Shopify is the admin panel or dashboard. This is where a lot of your backend work is going to take place. You can change settings, like payment settings, within this area as well as making cosmetic changes to your website, theme, products, collections and more.

You’ll also be able to see and process orders directly from your Shopify admin page.

Themes

Themes are the general look of your website. They have standardized designs, sometimes with styles that are variations, that you can apply to your store. You choose a theme from the store and then install it on your website with a click of a button.

Once installed, you can change text, images and other elements within your Shopify Dashboard.

Apps

These are small bits of code that can be added to your store for increased functionality. These are bought from the Shopify Apps Store. However, you can make changes within your Shopify dashboard.

The Customer Journey

When a customer makes a purchase, and you’re using Shopify Payments, they’re taken to the Shopify checkout. Here they put in their customer details and their payment information and Shopify handles the payments for you. Once finished, the customer is sent back to your website, to a thank you page, and then can leave the store.

The order is sent to your orders section within the Shopify Dashboard.

Billing

Once every thirty days you will be provided with a charge by Shopify related to your Shopify use. The bill will include the monthly Shopify membership charge, app charges and any payment transaction fees. This is done every 30 days, not once a month on the same day.

Membership

There are several membership levels for Shopify, this includes the lowest Basic and the highest Shopify Plus. Each level has their advantages and disadvantages. You have to choose which is the best for you.

Hosting

With many platforms you have to find a host for your website. With Shopify, the hosting is taken care for you. This gives you one less problem to worry about and allows you to concentrate on running your business.

Recommended: 18 Best Converting Shopify Themes 2026

#	Name	Image
1		Booster
2		Satoshi
3		Debutify
4		Symmetry
5		Korando
6		Atlantic
7		Mavon
8		Grid Theme
9		Everything
10		Flow - Timeless
11		Envy - Luxe
12		Expanse - Classic
13		Palo Alto
14		Sahara - Sahara
15		Prestige - Couture
16		Testament - Deliverance
17		Yuva - Classic
18		Pipeline - Clean
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FAQs

What payment gateways does Shopify support?

Shopify supports a wide range of payment gateways, including popular options like PayPal and Stripe, as well as region-specific gateways.
How does Shopify’s integration with multiple platforms benefit my store?

Shopify’s ability to integrate with various platforms, including social media channels and third-party marketplaces, ensures that your products reach a wider audience, increasing visibility and potential sales.
Are Shopify’s themes mobile-friendly?

Yes, all of Shopify’s themes are optimized for mobile devices. This means that they automatically adjust and display beautifully on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. With the increasing number of consumers shopping on mobile, having a mobile-responsive theme is crucial for any online store.

Advanced Features of Shopify

Seamless Integration with Multiple Platforms

Shopify’s strength lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly with various platforms. We’ve been in the digital marketing and development field for years, and we’ve witnessed how Shopify allows for effortless integration with various third-party apps and tools. Whether you’re looking to connect your store with social media channels or third-party marketplaces, Shopify has got you covered. This not only enhances the functionality of your online store but also provides a cohesive experience for your customers. This ensures that your products reach a wider audience without any additional effort.

Advanced Analytics for Informed Decisions

We’ve been in the digital marketing space for years, and we understand the importance of data. Shopify’s advanced analytics tools provide insights into your store’s performance, helping you make informed decisions. Track your sales, monitor customer behavior, and adjust your strategies based on real-time data.

Customization at Your Fingertips

Shopify is not just a one-size-fits-all solution. It offers a variety of customization options, allowing you to design your store the way you envision it. From themes to plugins, the possibilities are endless. And if you ever need to tweak the code, Shopify’s developer-friendly platform makes it a breeze. Over the years, we’ve seen businesses transform their basic Shopify stores into unique online shopping destinations, all thanks to the platform’s flexibility and the myriad of themes available.

Ensuring Customer Trust and Security

Shopify’s Robust Security Measures

In our years of experience in the eCommerce industry, one thing we’ve always prioritized is security. Shopify understands the importance of this and has implemented robust security measures to protect both store owners and customers. With features like SSL certificates and regular security audits, Shopify ensures that your online store remains a safe haven for shoppers.

Comprehensive Fraud Analysis

The digital world is not without its challenges. Fraudulent activities can harm your business reputation and result in financial losses. Shopify’s comprehensive fraud analysis tools help in identifying and preventing suspicious activities, ensuring that your business runs smoothly.

24/7 Customer Support

Running an online store can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the eCommerce world. But fret not! Shopify’s 24/7 customer support ensures that you’re never alone. Whether you have a technical query or need assistance with store management, Shopify’s team is always there to assist.

Optimizing Your Shopify Store

Understanding Shopify’s SEO Capabilities

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for any online business. We’ve been optimizing sites for search engines for years, and we can vouch for Shopify’s robust SEO tools. From meta tags to clean URLs, Shopify has got you covered, ensuring that your store ranks well on search engines.

Mobile Responsiveness

In today’s digital age, a significant portion of online shopping is done via mobile devices. Shopify recognizes this trend and ensures that all its themes are mobile-responsive. This not only provides a seamless shopping experience for mobile users but also positively impacts your store’s search engine rankings.

Getting Started with Shopify: The Basics

When it comes to setting up a Shopify store, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals. Setting up with Shopify Lite, for instance, can be a great way to dip your toes into the world of e-commerce. However, if you’re looking to create a more comprehensive online store, Basic Shopify provides a solid foundation. To ensure a smooth setup process, it’s crucial to follow a store setup checklist, which can help you avoid common mistakes.

As a small business owner, you may be wondering how Shopify can cater to your specific needs. The good news is that Shopify offers solutions for small businesses that can help you grow your online presence. Similarly, startups can benefit from E-Commerce solutions, which provide the necessary tools to get started. As your business grows, you may want to consider upgrading to Shopify for growing businesses, which offers more advanced features.

When it comes to designing your Shopify store, it’s essential to follow Best Practices of designs to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. If you want to take your store design to the next level, you can customize your store design to help you stand out from the competition. By understanding these basics, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful online store with Shopify.

Conclusion: How Does Shopify Work?

Shopify works, in many respects, like any other website. However, customers will be taken through the Shopify Payments checkout experience and you don’t have to have a host for your site. Its formula is easy to understand and simple so that anyone can use it, even those who are new to running an online business.

Written by:

Lindsey Perry

I have 5+ years of experience with Shopify and 15+ years of experiences on other eCommerce platforms. My theme reviews are designed to help store owners find the best theme for them.