Setting up a Shopify store is easier than you think, but there are a few crucial steps you need to follow. In this guide we explain step by step how to start a Shopify store, connect your domain name and set up your first theme.

1. Your first step: choosing your domain name

A domain name is the address of your online store (e.g. www.yourstore.nl). Don't have a domain name yet? You can register one with us.

Registering a domain name through Theory7:

  1. Go to our domain checker and find your unique domain name!

  2. Is it available? Add it to your cart and complete the order.

  3. You now own your unique new domain name.

Already familiar with Shopify and want to connect your domain name? Skip to step 4, or read the following guide: Installing Shopify and connecting it to your domain name.

2. Create a Shopify account

To start your online store, you need a Shopify account.

Here is how to create a Shopify account:

  1. Go to www.shopify.com and click "Start free trial".

  2. Enter your details and go through the setup.

  3. After signing up, you land in your Shopify dashboard.

See our detailed guide on logging in: How to log in to Shopify.

3. Choose a hosting plan for email

Although Shopify hosts your online store, you may need a separate hosting plan for email. Theory7 offers email hosting, so you can set up professional email addresses (e.g. info@yourstore.nl).

How do you create an email address?

  1. Choose a suitable hosting plan.

  2. Create your email address using this guide

  3. Configure your email on your devices.

4. Connect your domain name to Shopify

After signing up, you want to make your online store reachable through your domain name.

Steps to connect your domain name:

  1. In Shopify, go to "Settings" > "Domains".

  2. Click "Connect existing domain".

  3. Enter your domain name and follow the instructions to change the DNS settings.

  4. Wait a few hours for the changes to take effect.

Read the full guide at: Installing Shopify and connecting it to your domain name.

5. Choose and install a theme

Shopify offers both free and paid themes. Your theme determines the look of your online store.

Setting up a theme:

  1. Go to your Shopify dashboard and click "Online Store" > "Themes".

  2. Click "Explore free themes" or go to the Shopify Theme Store for premium themes.

  3. Choose a theme and click "Customize" to edit it.

Want more tips on choosing a theme? See our guide: How to set up a theme in Shopify and choose the right one.

6. Add products

Now that your website is set up, it's time to add products.

Adding products:

  1. Go to "Products" in your Shopify dashboard.

  2. Click "Add product" and fill in the details (title, description, price, images, etc.).

  3. Click "Save".

7. Set up payment methods and shipping options

To receive payments, you need to set up payment methods.

Setting up payment methods:

  1. Go to "Settings" > "Payments".

  2. Choose Shopify Payments, PayPal or another provider.

  3. Follow the instructions to connect your account.

For shipping:

  1. Go to "Settings" > "Shipping and delivery".

  2. Add shipping rates and delivery options.

8. Publish your online store!

Your store is ready to go live. Check that everything is set up correctly and remove the password protection via "Online Store" > "Preferences".

Your online store is now accessible and visible to everyone. Done!


Have questions? Browse our support articles or feel free to contact us.

Further reading