Shopify’s free trial offers a unique opportunity for you to explore the platform and see if it’s the right fit for your business. Although the Shopify 1 Month trial (30 Day Trial) is no longer available, I’ll guide you through its current 3 day experience, showing you how to make the most of your trial and take advantage of all that Shopify has to offer.
Take advantage of this opportunity to test out Shopify’s features and capabilities, and discover how the platform can help you in your eCommerce journey. Let’s explore and see if Shopify is the right solution for your business needs.
How does the Shopify free trial work?
The Shopify free trial is an opportunity for you to test the platform’s features before committing to a paid plan. During the trial period, you can set up your online store, add products, and explore customization options.
If you choose to add any apps, you will be charged for the fees, which will be included on your next invoice. To start selling, you need to select a monthly plan. If you do not choose a plan at the end of the trial, your store will be paused.
You will not be charged for the subscription fees until the end of the trial period. Use the free trial to determine if Shopify is the right fit for your business needs.
The History Of The 1 Month Trial
Back in the day, when you signed up for a Shopify account, you would immediately receive a 30 day trial. This trial period allowed you to fully experience Shopify’s features and capabilities, including setting up your online store with a custom domain, testing payment processing and app integrations, and exploring the platform’s potential for business growth. However, in 2019, the trial period was shortened to three days.
How long is the Shopify free trial in 2023?
As of 2023, the Shopify free trial lasts for three days. During this time, you can explore Shopify’s features and capabilities, including setting up your online store, testing payment processing and app integrations, and comparing Shopify with other eCommerce platforms.
Keep in mind that Shopify may run promotions offering a longer trial period, so make sure to check the Shopify website for current offers. After the trial period, you can upgrade to a paid plan and benefit from Shopify’s excellent customer support for store management and eCommerce success.
Can You Sell During Shopify’s Free Trial?
Unfortunately, no. During the Shopify free trial period, the checkout feature is disabled, and you’ll need to subscribe to a Shopify plan to start selling your products.
But don’t worry! There are plenty of benefits to choosing a Shopify plan for your eCommerce business. Not only will you be able to process transactions from your customers, but you’ll also have access to a range of tools and features to help grow your business. And with various pricing options available, you can choose the best plan for your budget and business needs.
Best Practices For Maximizing The Trial Period
In this section, I’ll be sharing some tips on how you can make the most of your free trial and maximize the benefits.
Get Familiar with the Dashboard:
The first step in making the most of your Shopify free trial is becoming acquainted with the dashboard. Spend some time experimenting with the various features and settings so you understand how everything works. When you’re ready to start selling, this will help you quickly and efficiently set up your internet business.
Understanding the dashboard will enable you to make the most of the platform in the future. You will be able to manage your store better and easily make modifications as needed.
Experiment with Themes and Customization:
The next step is to play with the various Shopify Theme Store themes and see how you can tweak them to fit your brand. Use this time to choose a theme that suits you and provides your store the style and feel you desire.
Remember that a visually appealing store is vital for attracting and retaining customers. A theme that accurately portrays your company will help you stand out from the crowd and establish a strong online presence.
Try Out Different Apps
Shopify features a robust App Store with hundreds of apps to help you run and grow your business. During your free trial, you can test out various apps to evaluate how they function for your business. There is an app for almost anything, from social media integration to email marketing.
The proper apps can significantly improve the functioning of your store and assist you in automating numerous tasks. This saves time and allows you to concentrate on other elements of your organization.
Start Building Your Store’s Content
Use your free trial to start building your store’s content. You can add products, create collections, and write product descriptions. The more content you have, the more opportunities you’ll have to attract customers and make sales.
Keep in mind, a store with a lot of high-quality content is more likely to rank well in search engines, making it easier for customers to find you. Having a well-structured store with lots of content will also help you build trust with your customers.
Test Your Store’s Checkout Flow
Finally, use your free trial to test the checkout flow of your store. Make sure everything is in functioning order so that your consumers have a pleasant experience when they come to buy from you. This is especially critical if you intend to make sales immediately following the free trial.
A simple checkout procedure is critical for retaining customers and reducing abandoned carts. Making sure everything is in working order before you begin selling can help you prevent any problems and create a great experience for your consumers.
Define Your Business Goals
It’s important to establish your business goals before the free trial expires. What do you want to achieve with your online store, and what does Shopify need to help you get there? Having defined goals will help you focus on the features and tools that are most important to your business and make the most of your time.
These goals will assist you in measuring your progress and making educated decisions about your business as it expands. You’ll also be better prepared to take advantage of the entire range of Shopify features and tools.
Set Up Payment and Shipping Options:
Spend some time configuring your payment and shipping options. This is a vital stage in getting your store ready to go live, so do it correctly. Make sure you understand how the various options work and select the best ones for your company.
Setting up your payment and shipping options effectively will help you avoid problems when it comes time to sell. It will also make the checkout process easier for your clients (after you pick a plan and enable it), boosting the likelihood that they will make a purchase.
Create a Marketing Plan
Make use of your free trial to develop a marketing strategy for your store. Consider how you’ll attract visitors to your store, which channels you’ll employ, and how you’ll cultivate a devoted client base. Making a plan can help you make the most of your free trial and set you up for success when you go live.
A well-thought-out marketing plan will aid you in attracting and retaining clients, growing your business, and meeting your objectives. It will also provide you with a road map to follow as you grow your store and enter new areas.
Start Building Your Customer List
Build your customer list as you check out the trial. Encourage customers to join up for your newsletter or follow you on social media. This will help you establish a community of devoted clients who are interested in what you have to offer and are more likely to make a purchase.
Building a customer list is a critical component of any successful eCommerce firm. It will assist you in staying in touch with your clients, marketing your items, and growing your business over time.
Shopify Free Trial Extension: What’s the Procedure
The Shopify free trial cannot be extended beyond its 3 Day time frame. However, for individuals who wish to continue their venture with Shopify, there is a fantastic alternative – the Shopify Starter plan. This plan is intended for new merchants who want to sell on social networking platforms or messaging apps without maintaining an online store.
You can try the Shopify Starter plan for three months for $1 per month, after which it will revert to its regular price of $5 per month. With the Starter plan, you can generate product links and use them in social media messages or posts. Even if you don’t have an internet store, you can use this way to sell to your customers. Linkpop, Shopify’s link-in-bio solution, can also help you manage all of your product listings in one place.
Please bear in mind that the Starter plan is only available to new merchants and those who have signed up for the free trial period. If you want extra services like an online store and Shopify POS, you’ll also need the Basic Shopify plan or above. These features are not available in the Starter plan.
The Starter plan also provides a number of tools to assist you in growing your business. Low transaction fees, the Spotlight theme’s user-friendliness and branding capabilities, and a wide range of reporting tools are all available. To top it all off, the plan allows for global expansion via Shopify Markets, which promotes international trade.
Ultimately, the Shopify Starter is an excellent alternative for those who want to continue using Shopify after their free trial period has gone. Because of its low monthly fee and powerful capabilities, it’s an excellent choice for new merchants just getting started.
How To Upgrade To A Paid Shopify Plan After The Trial Period
So you’ve been developing your store using Shopify’s free trial and are now ready to switch to a paid account. Congrats! Switching to a premium subscription brings up a world of possibilities for your store. However, if you’re new to Shopify, you might be asking how to get started. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps to upgrade from your free trial to a paid Shopify plan. Here’s how to do all that:
- Log in to your Shopify account and go to Settings > Plan.
- If you’ve already selected a paid plan, the “Change Plan” option should be visible in the Plan section. If all you see is “Choose Plan,” you have not yet selected a paid plan.
- Select the plan you want by clicking the “Choose Plan” button.
- Provide any extra billing details if Shopify asks.
- The plan subscription should then be activated.
After you’ve selected your premium plan, you should be able to begin selling your items or services. If you have any problems upgrading from your trial version to your paid plan, contact Shopify Support immediately via live chat or email. They will be able to help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing and get you started on your paid plan as quickly as possible.
FAQs
Q: Are there any limitations during the trial period?
A: Yes, there are certain limitations during the trial period, such as access to certain features and payment gateways. However, you’ll still have access to all of the core features needed to start an online store and preview your theme.
Q: How long does it take to set up a Shopify store during the trial period?
A: It depends on your specific needs and the amount of time you’re able to dedicate to setting up your store. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to fully set up your Shopify store.
Q: Can I use my own custom domain during the trial period?
A: Yes, you can use your own custom domain during the trial period. This allows you to have a more professional and personalized online presence for your store.
Q: Is it possible to upgrade to a paid Shopify plan during the trial period?
A: Yes, it is possible to upgrade to a paid Shopify plan during the trial period. Simply go to the “Settings” section of your Shopify dashboard and select the “Plan” option to upgrade.
Q: Can I receive payments during the trial period?
A: No, checkout is disabled during the trial period, so you will not be able to receive payments until you upgrade to a paid Shopify plan.
Final Thoughts
The Shopify trial period is an excellent opportunity to test out the platform and determine whether it is a good fit for your business needs. With access to the majority of the basic features and the option to upgrade to a paid plan at any moment, it’s a risk-free way to get started with your online store. Even if the 1 Month Shopify Trial is no longer accessible, the free trial is still excellent. Don’t pass up this offer, especially with the low prices on the core plans.
Be sure to check the link to see the current length of the Shopify free trial period, as I will update the link if Shopify offers more than 3 days from the time of posting this.
