Shopify Free Trial 2024: 3 Days Free + 30 Days for $1 – Start Now!

Are you ready to dive into the world of e-commerce? Look no further than Shopify!

It’s the powerhouse platform that’s helping entrepreneurs worldwide turn their business dreams into reality. But before you commit, wouldn’t it be great to take it for a test drive?

That’s where the Shopify free trial comes in!

To be honest, free trials are very important when you’re choosing an e-commerce platform. It lets you poke around, try out features, and see if it’s a good fit for your business.

It’s like test-driving a car before you buy it – you wouldn’t purchase without trying it first, right?

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Shopify free trial. From signing up to maximizing your trial period, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A step-by-step guide to signing up for the Shopify free trial
• Tips on how to extend your trial and get more bang for your buck
• Insider advice on setting up your store during the trial period
• A breakdown of Shopify plans to choose from after your trial ends

So, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to expand online, buckle up! We’re about to embark on a journey that could transform your business.

Let’s dive into Shopify and discover how their free trial can help you and more.

About Shopify Free Trial

Before we get into the details of the Shopify free trial, let’s first understand what Shopify is.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a platform that helps you build and manage an online store.

It’s easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

With Shopify, you can sell products online, in person, and across various social media platforms.

But Shopify isn’t just about selling. It’s a complete business management tool. You can handle everything from inventory and shipping to customer relationships and marketing.

It’s like having a virtual assistant for your business, helping you manage all aspects of your online store.

Now, let’s talk about the star of our show – the Shopify free trial.

Current Shopify Free Trial Offering

As of 2024, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial. Yes, you read that right – 3 days. While this might seem short compared to other platforms, Shopify has a trick up its sleeve that makes this offer quite appealing.

After your 3-day free trial, you can extend your trial for an additional 30 days for just $1. This means you get to explore Shopify’s features for a full month at a minimal cost.

It’s like getting a 33-day trial for the price of a candy bar! Pretty cool, right?

During this trial period, you get access to most of Shopify’s features. You can set up your store, add products, customize your theme, and even explore Shopify’s app store. It’s a great way to get a feel for the platform and decide if it’s the right fit for your business.

Changes in Trial Periods Over Time

Shopify’s trial periods have evolved over the years. If you’ve been in the e-commerce game for a while, you might remember longer trial periods. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane:

• In 2019, Shopify offered a standard 14-day free trial.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shopify temporarily extended the trial to 90 days to support businesses.
• There were also periods when Shopify offered 30-day, 60-day, and even 90-day trials.
• In late 2022, Shopify introduced the current model: a 3-day free trial followed by a $1/month for 3 months offer.
• As of January 2024, this changed to the current 3-day free trial plus $1 for the first month.

These changes reflect Shopify’s efforts to find the sweet spot between giving users enough time to explore the platform and encouraging them to commit to a paid plan. The current model seems to strike a balance, offering a quick taste followed by an extended low-cost trial period.

While the initial free period is shorter, the ability to extend your trial for a full month at just $1 makes this an attractive offer for many businesses. It gives you ample time to set up your store, add products, and even make your first sales before committing to a full-priced plan.

Now that you’ve learned a lot about Shoppify free trial, let’s see how to sign up for it.

How to Sign Up for Shopify Free Trial

Ready to start your Shopify journey?

Let’s walk through the sign-up process step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think!

Step 1: Visit the Shopify Website

First things first, head over to Shopify’s website.

Look for the “Start free trial” button. It’s usually right there on the homepage, so you can’t miss it!

Step 2: Enter Your Email Address

Once you click that button, you’ll be asked to enter your email address. Make sure to use an email you check regularly – this is where Shopify will send important information about your account.

Step 3: Create Your Password

Next, you’ll need to create a password for your Shopify account.

Remember to choose something secure but memorable.

Pro tip: use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for extra security.

Step 4: Name Your Store

Now comes the fun part – naming your store!

Don’t stress too much about this. You can always change it later if you need to. If you’re stuck, use your brand name or something that describes what you’re selling.

Step 5: Tell Shopify About Your Business

Shopify will ask a few questions about your business.

Are you already selling? How much revenue do you make? These help Shopify tailor your experience. Be honest, but don’t worry if you’re just starting out. Everyone starts somewhere!

Step 6: Enter Your Address

You’ll need to provide your address.

This is important for setting up payments and determining your tax obligations.

Don’t skip this step!

Step 7: Get Started!

That’s it! You’re in. Welcome to your Shopify admin panel. This is where the magic happens. You can start setting up your Shopify store right away. The best part? It gets even easier from here.

Head to the “Themes” section in your Shopify admin panel. Here, you can choose from a variety of free and premium themes to give your store the look and feel you want.

Once you select a theme, customize it to match your brand by changing colors, fonts, and layouts.

You can also add your logo and any images that showcase your products.

4 Quick Tips for a Smooth Sign-Up Process

• Use a strong, unique password. Don’t reuse passwords from other accounts.
• Have your business details handy before you start. This will make the process quicker.
• If you’re not sure about something, don’t worry. You can always update your information later.
• Take your time exploring the admin panel. There’s no rush!

Remember, at this point, you’re on the 3-day free trial. But don’t panic! In the next section, we’ll show you how to extend your trial and get more time to explore Shopify. Stay tuned!

Extending Your Shopify Trial Period

So, you’ve signed up for the Shopify free trial, and you’re loving what you see.

But three days just isn’t enough time to fully explore all that Shopify has to offer.

Don’t worry! Shopify has a special deal that lets you extend your trial. Let’s dive into how you can get more time to play with Shopify without breaking the bank.

The $1 for the First Month Deal

Here’s the exciting part: after your initial 3-day free trial, Shopify offers an incredible deal:

You can continue using the platform for an entire month for just $1. Yes, you read that right – one dollar! It’s like getting a 33-day trial for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

This deal is a game-changer. It gives you ample time to really dig into Shopify’s features, set up your store, and even start making sales before you commit to a full-priced plan.

It’s Shopify’s way of saying, “We’re confident you’ll love our platform, so here’s plenty of time to try it out.”

How to Claim the Extended Trial

Claiming this extended trial is super easy. Here’s how to do it:

• During your 3-day free trial, log into your Shopify account.
• Look for the “Select a plan” button. It’s usually at the bottom right of your admin panel.
• Choose the Shopify plan that best fits your needs. Don’t worry, you’re not committing to the full price yet!
• You’ll see the option to pay $1 for your first month. Select this option.
• Enter your payment details. Remember, you’ll only be charged $1 for now.
• Confirm your selection, and voila! You’ve just extended your trial for a full month.

Key Benefits of the Extended Trial

Extending your trial period gives you several advantages:

• A month is much better than three days to really get to know Shopify’s features.
• You’ll have time to add all your products, customize your theme, and get everything just right.
• You can start marketing your store and even make some sales before committing to a full-priced plan.
• Shopify has thousands of apps. The extended trial gives you time to explore and test them.

If you’re new to e-commerce, this extra time lets you get comfortable with running an online store. By the end of the month, you’ll know for sure if Shopify is the right platform for your business.

Remember, there’s no obligation to continue after your extended trial.

If you decide Shopify isn’t for you, you can simply cancel before the month is up. But we have a feeling you might just fall in love with all that Shopify has to offer!

Setting Up Your Store During the Trial

Alright, you’ve signed up for the Shopify free trial and extended it to a full month. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start building your online store.

Don’t worry if you’re new to this – we’ll walk you through the key steps and best practices.

Key Steps to Set Up Your Store

• Choose Your Theme: Shopify offers a variety of free and paid themes. Browse through the Shopify Theme Store and pick one that fits your brand. Remember, you can always customize it later.
• Add Your Products: Start populating your store with products. Add clear, high-quality images and detailed descriptions. Don’t forget to set your prices and inventory levels.
• Set Up Payment Methods: Configure how you’ll accept payments. Shopify Payments is a great start, but you might want to add other options like PayPal.
• Configure Shipping: Set up your shipping rates and zones. If you’re not sure, start with flat-rate shipping.
• Customize Your Store’s Look: Add your logo, adjust colors, and customize your homepage layout.

4 Key Features to Explore

1. Shopify POS: If you plan to sell in person too, check out Shopify’s point-of-sale system.
2. Shopify Email: Try out Shopify’s built-in email marketing tools to connect with customers.
3. Shopify Capital: If you’re in the US, Canada, or UK, explore Shopify Capital for potential business funding.
4. Shopify Markets: If you’re thinking of selling internationally, Shopify Markets can help you manage multiple currencies and languages.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a great online store. Use your trial period to experiment, learn, and refine your approach. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s what the trial is for!

In the next section, we’ll look at the different Shopify plans you can choose from after your trial ends.

Shopify Plans After the Trial

As your extended trial period comes to an end, it’s time to think about which Shopify plan is right for your business. Don’t worry – Shopify has options to suit businesses of all sizes and types.

Let’s break down the available plans and their features.

Overview of Available Shopify Plans

As of 2024, Shopify offers five main plans:

1. Shopify Starter: $5/month
2. Basic Shopify: $39/month
3. Shopify: $105/month
4. Advanced Shopify: $399/month
5. Shopify Plus: Custom pricing, typically starting around $2,000/month

Let’s dive deeper into what each plan offers.

Comparison of Features in Different Plans

Note: Shopify Plus offers enterprise-level features and support, with custom pricing based on your business needs.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Business

Selecting the right plan depends on your business size, needs, and growth plans. Here are some guidelines to choose the right Shopify plan for your business requirements:

You can always start with a lower-tier plan and upgrade as your business grows. The goal is to choose a plan that gives you the features you need without paying for ones you won’t use.

Now, let’s see how to maximize your Shopify trial period and make the most of your time on the platform!

Maximizing Your Shopify Trial

You’ve got your extended Shopify trial – now it’s time to make the most of it! Here are some tips to help you squeeze every ounce of value from your trial period.

• Set Goals: Before you dive in, decide what you want to achieve during your trial. Is it setting up your store? Adding all your products? Making your first sale? Having clear goals will help you stay focused.
• Explore Every Feature: Don’t be shy – click on everything! Shopify has tons of features, and your trial is the perfect time to explore them all. You might discover tools you didn’t even know you needed.
• Test Different Themes: Try out a few different themes to see which one works best for your products and brand. Remember, you can always customize them further.
• Use Shopify’s Resources: Shopify offers tons of free resources, including tutorials, webinars, and a comprehensive help center. Take advantage of these to learn the ins and outs of the platform.
• Set Up Marketing Tools: Explore Shopify’s built-in marketing tools. Set up abandoned cart emails, create discount codes, and try out Shopify Email.

There some of the key features of Shopify you need to test to get the most out of it.

If you plan to sell in person, definitely give Shopify POS a try.

It seamlessly integrates your online and offline sales.

Also, browse the Shopify App Store and test out a few apps. There are apps for everything from dropshipping to social media marketing. Familiarize yourself with Shopify’s analytics. Understanding your data from day one will help you make informed decisions as your business grows.

And, of course, you need to try out the customer management features. Create customer groups, send targeted emails, and explore how you can use customer data to boost sales.

Finally, if available in your country, test out Shopify Payments to simplify your payment processing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t waste your trial days! Start setting up your store right away.
• Add your actual products, not just placeholders. This will give you a true feel for how your store will function.
• Don’t forget about other crucial aspects like shipping settings and payment gateways.
• A lot of shopping happens on mobile devices. Make sure your store looks great on smartphones and tablets.
• Go through the entire checkout process yourself. Make sure it’s smooth and user-friendly.
• Don’t overlook important pages like your refund policy, terms of service, and privacy policy.

Remember, the goal of your trial is to get a complete picture of how Shopify works and how it can benefit your business. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and really dig in. The more you explore during your trial, the better equipped you’ll be to hit the ground running when you launch your store.

Next, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of the Shopify free trial.

Pros and Cons of Shopify Free Trial

Like any business decision, the Shopify free trial has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break them down to help you make an informed choice:

The Shopify free trial offers a great opportunity to explore the platform with minimal risk. You get to test drive most of Shopify’s features, set up your store, and even make sales before committing to a paid plan. The extended trial option for $1 is particularly valuable, giving you a full month to really dig into what Shopify can do for your business.

However, the initial 3-day free period is quite short, which might feel rushed for some users. There’s also the potential for unexpected charges if you forget to cancel before the trial ends. And while you have access to most features, some advanced tools may be limited during the trial.

Despite these drawbacks, many businesses find the Shopify trial invaluable in helping them decide if the platform is right for their needs. It’s a chance to get hands-on experience with one of the leading e-commerce platforms without a significant upfront investment.

Remember, the key to making the most of your Shopify trial is to jump in with both feet. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and really put the platform through its paces. This way, whether you decide to continue with Shopify or not, you’ll have made an informed decision based on real experience.

In the next section, we’ll look at some special offers and promotions that Shopify sometimes runs. These could give you even more value as you explore the platform!

Special Offers and Promotions

Shopify occasionally offers special promotions that can provide even more value to new users. Let’s explore some of these offers, including a particularly exciting one for Black-owned businesses.

120-day Free Trial for Black-Owned Businesses

In partnership with Operation HOPE, Shopify offers an extended 120-day free trial for Black-owned businesses in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This initiative, part of the Shopify 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) program, aims to support and empower Black entrepreneurs.

Key points about this offer:

• 120 days of free access to Shopify’s platform
• Includes all features of the basic Shopify plan
• Access to educational resources and community support
• No credit card required to start

To be eligible, businesses must be at least 50% Black-owned and based in the US, Canada, or UK.

This extended trial provides ample time for Black entrepreneurs to set up their stores, learn the platform, and start selling before committing to a paid plan.

Other Potential Promotions

While the 120-day trial for Black-owned businesses is a standing offer, Shopify sometimes runs other promotions to attract new merchants to their platform. These can include:

• During special events or seasons, Shopify sometimes offer longer trial periods to all new users.
• Sometimes, Shopify offers discounts on the first few months of a paid plan after the trial.
• Occasionally, Shopify partners with theme or app developers to offer their products free for a limited time.
• Shopify also sometimes bundle their service with other business tools at a discounted rate.
• During major shopping seasons like Black Friday or the holiday season, Shopify runs special promotions.

These promotions can change frequently and are not always be available.

In order to stay informed about Shopify promotions:

• Follow Shopify on social media platforms
• Subscribe to Shopify’s newsletter
• Check the Shopify website regularly
• Keep an eye on e-commerce and tech news sites

While these promotions can offer great value, you must find out if Shopify meets your business needs. Use the trial or promotion period to thoroughly test the platform and ensure it’s the right fit.

Conclusion – Shopify Free Trial

As we wrap up our deep dive into the Shopify free trial, let’s recap the key points:

The Shopify free trial offers a valuable opportunity to explore one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms. While the initial 3-day trial might seem short, the option to extend it for a full month at just $1 provides ample time to really get to know Shopify’s features and capabilities.

During your trial, you can set up your store, add products, explore themes, test apps, and even make sales. It’s a chance to see firsthand how Shopify can support and grow your business.

The key to making the most of your trial is to dive in headfirst.

And, explore every feature, test different themes, and really put the platform through its paces. This hands-on experience is invaluable in helping you decide if Shopify is the right fit for your business.

So, are you ready to start your e-commerce adventure with Shopify? There’s no time like the present. Sign up for your free trial today, and take the first step towards building the online store of your dreams. Who knows? This could be the beginning of something big for your business.

FAQs about Shopify Free Trial

How long is the Shopify free trial?

The standard Shopify free trial lasts for 3 days. However, you can extend this to a full month by paying just $1 for the first month after the initial 3-day period.

Do I need to enter my credit card details to start the free trial?

No, you don’t need to enter your credit card details to start the initial 3-day free trial. However, you will need to provide payment information if you want to extend your trial to the $1 for the first month offer.

Can I sell products during the Shopify free trial?

While you can set up your store and add products during the free trial, you’ll need to choose a paid plan to start accepting payments from customers.

What happens when my Shopify free trial ends?

If you don’t select a paid plan, your store will be paused at the end of the trial period. You won’t be charged, but you also won’t be able to access your store until you choose a plan.

Can I extend my Shopify free trial?

While you can’t extend the initial 3-day free trial, you can get an additional month for just $1. This effectively gives you a 33-day trial period for a minimal cost.

What features are included in the Shopify free trial?

The Shopify free trial gives you access to most features of the platform, including store setup, product management, theme customization, and app installation.

However, some advanced features may be limited during the trial period.

Is there a way to get a longer Shopify free trial?

Shopify occasionally offers extended trials, like the 120-day free trial for Black-owned businesses. Keep an eye on Shopify’s website and promotional materials for any special offers.

Can I cancel my Shopify account during the free trial?

Yes, you can cancel your Shopify account at any time during the free trial period without any charges.

What Shopify plan should I choose after the free trial?

The best plan depends on your business needs and budget. The Basic Shopify plan is often a good starting point for new businesses, but review all options to find the best fit for you.

Is Shopify free for 3 months?

No, Shopify is not free for 3 months. They used to offer a $1 for 3 months deal, but as of January 2024, this has been replaced with a $1 for the first month offer.