Or go to our Shopify Theme Detector directly
How to Run a Shopify Adult Store
Last modified: October 8, 2023
An adult store is one of the hardest stores to run online. This is because there are a lot more restrictions that are applicable to these stores. For one, age restrictions are in place for the products that you are selling. This can cause issues with promotion too. Therefore, here are some tips for running a Shopify adult store and ensuring that you have the best practices in place to follow legal restrictions and more.
| # | Name | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Age Gate
|
|
| 2 |
|
18 Plus Age Verification Popup
|
|
| 3 |
|
Age Check + Age Verification
|
|
| 4 |
|
Age Verification Pro
|
|
| 5 |
|
Smart Age Verification
|
|
| 6 |
|
Age Checker Plus
|
|
| 7 |
|
Age Verification Popup
|
|
| 8 |
|
Elfsight Age Verification
|
|
| 9 |
|
Age Check
|
|
| 10 |
|
EVS Age Verification
|
|
|
Show More
|
|||
Step 1 – Start Like Any Other Store
The first thing to consider is that a Shopify adult store isn’t that much different to other stores. Therefore, you can create an account, add payment details, add tax details, shipping information and more.
You can then also choose a theme and customize it for your brand.
Step 2 – Geolocation Apps
Now you need to do is to ensure that you’re running a website that conforms with the laws of where the user is. This can be challenging, some countries have different regulations and even states within the US can have different laws.
Therefore, you should use one of the Shopify geolocation apps to prevent those who should not access your website from doing so. This is done based on their location. So you can block those who are from countries and locations have strict laws against access to your type of website.
Step 3 – Age Restriction App
Even when there are laws that allow access to adult websites, you might need to stick to certain legal requirements to who in that geographical area can access your website. Most areas, even with laws allowing for adult websites, will have some legal age that is set for viewing the content.
Therefore, you have to add an age restriction app to your website to ensure that the user is of the right age. This is fairly easy to do and there are lots of apps that are available which can do this.
Step 4 – Use Membership Websites
Another option is to also restrict access to members only. You can use a members application form to verify the age of the user and ensure that only those who are in the right country, state and age are allowed access. Anything that might be considered offensive or be illegal in some territories.
Membership websites are also a good way to control access because if you have a paid membership site, then you can get payment details, which are often in not given to those under a certain age.
Step 5 – Carefully Promote your Content
Be sure, that when you are promoting your content, that you do so carefully. You should make sure that you are following all of the rules on social media and other platforms. Most platforms, like Facebook, won’t allow this content.
Therefore, you might need to build a good landing page and use email marketing to help you promote your website better.
Step 6 – Review Constantly
There are lots of changes with the rules and legislation, so always be on top of the local law changes and make adjustments to your website as is required.
Maximizing Profit with Adult Traffic
Effective Use of Adult Traffic
Adult traffic is renowned for being one of the most cost-effective means to boost sales for a Shopify adult store. We’ve leveraged this inexpensive yet potent traffic source to enhance visibility and drive conversions.
By targeting specific demographics, especially females in the United States, and utilizing popular adult sites, we’ve amplified our reach and maximized ROI.
Banner ads, when designed to clearly showcase the product and its price, have proven to be instrumental in capturing attention and encouraging clicks.
Optimizing Sales Pages
Our journey in the competitive landscape of adult stores on Shopify has taught us the importance of an effective sales page. We’ve honed our skills in creating sales-worthy pages, ensuring they are not only visually appealing but also articulate in conveying the product’s value proposition.
A simple, intuitive template coupled with compelling product descriptions has been our winning combination.
Backend Offers and Upsells
In our extensive experience, the backend of the store is where the magic happens. We’ve mastered the art of integrating upsells and affiliate offers to augment our revenue streams.
High-ticket items and additional offers from affiliate networks have been seamlessly incorporated to enhance customer value and elevate the shopping experience.
Strategies for Payment and Promotion
Streamlined Payment Processes
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, facilitating a smooth and secure payment process is crucial. We’ve employed Shopify’s built-in Stripe integration, a reliable and efficient solution that has not only streamlined transactions but also bolstered customer trust.
The small fee associated with Stripe is a worthy investment for the enhanced functionality and security it offers.
Targeted Promotion Strategies
Promotion is an art we’ve perfected over the years. Our targeted approaches, especially focusing on the U.S. market, have yielded significant results.
We’ve exploited the potential of adult sites for promotion, ensuring our banner ads are strategically placed to capture attention and stimulate interest, driving traffic and conversions.
Enhancing Conversion Rates
Conversion rate optimization has been at the core of our strategy. We’ve meticulously analyzed user interactions with our website, implementing insights derived to optimize the site.
Incentives like money-back guarantees and free delivery have been instrumental in elevating conversion rates, substantiating our position as a leader in the Shopify adult store niche.
Challenges in Running a Shopify Adult Store
Age Verification and Legal Compliance
Navigating the intricate landscape of legal requirements is a significant challenge. Implementing robust age verification processes to ensure that minors are restricted from accessing adult content is not just a legal mandate but a moral obligation.
We’ve encountered and addressed complex legal landscapes, ensuring our store is accessible only to the appropriate audience.
Content Promotion Restrictions
Promotion is integral to any online store’s success. However, adult stores face stringent restrictions on content promotion.
We’ve wrestled with limited advertising platforms and strict content guidelines, innovating ways to effectively reach our target audience while adhering to all regulatory requirements.
Geographical Limitations
The global nature of online stores is both an advantage and a challenge. Different regions have varied regulations regarding adult content.
We’ve adeptly maneuvered through these geographical legal intricacies, ensuring our content is tailored and compliant with regional laws.
Payment Processing
Payment processing can be a hurdle, with some processors being wary of adult content. We’ve experienced this first-hand and have explored and identified processors that are accommodating, ensuring that our customers have a seamless and secure payment experience.
Stigma and Public Perception
Public perception and societal stigmas associated with adult content can impact store traffic and sales. We’ve worked tirelessly to elevate the narrative, focusing on education and empowerment to mitigate negative perceptions and enhance customer engagement.
Conclusion: How to Run a Shopify Adult Store
Above are the tips for running a Shopify adult store. Use these tips to ensure that you stay within the law and don’t get your website shut down.
-
How do I source products for my adult store?
Find reliable adult product suppliers through online directories, trade shows, and business networks. Ensure they meet quality and legal standards. Negotiate ethical terms that match your business needs.
-
What are the ethical considerations in selling adult products?
Ethical selling of adult products involves marketing and selling only to legal-age individuals while maintaining respectful and non-exploitative content. Prioritizing privacy and discretion in transactions and shipments respects customers’ confidentiality and sensitivity.
-
How can I ensure the privacy of my customers when selling adult products?
Implement robust data protection measures to safeguard customer information and ensure that transactions and shipping are discreet. Utilize secure payment gateways, encrypted data handling, and offer anonymous purchasing options to maintain customer confidentiality.
PageFly Landing Page Builder 
Shopify 
SEMrush 
Website Maintenance 
UpPromote