What is Shopify? Everything Beginners Need to Know

The all-in-one platform for building an online store, explained.

Shopify is an ecommerce platform that lets anyone build and run an online store — with hosting, a store builder, payments, and inventory all in one place.

How does Shopify work?

You sign up, choose a theme, add your products, and connect a payment provider. Shopify handles the hosting, security, and checkout, so you can start selling without managing servers or writing code.

Shopify pricing plans

Shopify offers tiered monthly plans, from a starter option up to advanced plans for larger stores, plus transaction fees that vary by plan and payment method. There's also a free trial to get started.

What can you sell on Shopify?

  • Physical products
  • Digital downloads
  • Services and bookings
  • Subscriptions

The Shopify App Store

The Shopify App Store is where you extend your store with apps — for marketing, shipping, reviews, and more. Apps let you add features without custom development.

Essential Shopify apps to grow your store

A few app categories deliver outsized value: email marketing, reviews, and — critically — popups. A popup app like Pop Up Discount by MITS captures leads and shows discounts, turning more of your traffic into customers. It's a must-have for growing a Shopify store.

Grow your new Shopify store — install Pop Up Discount free.

Install Free on Shopify

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shopify and how does it work?

Shopify is an all-in-one ecommerce platform. You add products, pick a theme, and connect payments; Shopify handles hosting, security, and checkout so you can sell online.

How much does Shopify cost?

Shopify offers tiered monthly plans plus transaction fees that vary by plan and payment method, with a free trial to start.

What apps do I need for a Shopify store?

Popular essentials include email marketing, product reviews, and a popup app to capture leads and show discounts.

Is Shopify good for beginners?

Yes. Shopify is designed to be beginner-friendly, letting you launch a store without coding or managing infrastructure.

Ready to grow your Shopify store?

Install Pop Up Discount by MITS and launch your first popup in minutes. Free plan available.