How to Start an Online Shop 🚀
When starting an online store, most people focus on product ideas, logos, or pretty packaging – but none of that matters if you're not making sales.
The truth is: you don’t need much, but you do need to understand the right things from day one and execute them properly.
In this guide, I’ll show you the four core pillars every successful Shopify store is built on – whether you’re just getting started or already have a few orders.
No fluff. No overload. Just what actually matters.
Pillar 1: Conversion-optimized online store 📈
Boost your conversion rate and increase average order value
Increase your conversion rate with high-performing landing pages, engaging product pages, and a streamlined checkout experience. These improvements help you generate more revenue from the same amount of traffic. Use smart bundling and cross-selling strategies to raise your average order value and maximize profit per order.
The best e-commerce platform – Shopify
Pillar 2: Profitable ads that actually work 🤑
Across Meta, Google, Pinterest & TikTok
To profitably acquire new customers, you need irresistible offers and high-converting creatives. Learn how to structure your campaigns, scale them effectively, and bring in thousands of new customers every month.
Let’s be honest: Without paid ads, there’s no reason to run an online store these days.
Pillar 3: Turn first-time buyers into loyal customers 🙋♀️
Using Personalized Email Marketing & Automated Flows
To generate 20–30% more revenue on autopilot, you need a solid email marketing strategy. Email marketing remains the most effective channel to engage your customers, build loyalty, and drive repeat purchases.
You should definitely get Klaviyo – by far the best email marketing tool for e-commerce.
Pillar 4: Maximum control & efficient growth 🔍📈
With accurate tracking & financial visibility
Stay in control of your business at all times. I’ll show you how to optimize your finances and tracking so you can lead your business – not the other way around. With the right tools, you’ll make better decisions, scale faster, and avoid costly mistakes.
Lifetimely – Profit analytics software, perfect for getting started (free up to 50 orders/month).
Klar – Advanced profit analytics for scaling brands. The go-to tool once your revenue grows and you need deeper insights into contribution margins (CM2), blended ROAS, LTV.
About the Author – Daniel Woik
Hi, I’m Daniel – a Shopify, Klaviyo, and Reviews.io partner with over 8 years of hands-on e-commerce experience. Since 2016, I’ve worked with Shopify every single day and have helped build and grow over 50 online stores – from small niche brands to scaling DTC businesses.
I created this site to make your journey easier by sharing my most valuable tools and insights – no marketing fluff, just real-world strategies that actually work.
My own brand
I actively run my own Shopify store. Olivsen is my brand for high-quality kitchen products made from olive wood – including cutting boards, bowls, and cooking utensils.
The store currently generates around €10k in monthly revenue. Everything I share on this site is based on real experience from building my own brands – not theory.