This online event is for members of Sample-Studios, Cork, and Elysium Gallery+Studios, Swansea, only. Please email director@sample-studios.
In this 2-hour session, we’ll introduce artists to the basics of using Shopify for e-commerce. We’ll start with a brief overview of e-commerce trends and why Shopify is an excellent platform for artists. Next, we’ll guide participants through creating and configuring their Shopify accounts, followed by customizing their online stores with themes, logos, and essential pages.
We’ll then dive into adding and managing products, focusing on how to effectively list artwork and organize it into collections. Participants will also learn to set up payment gateways and shipping options tailored to their needs.
In the latter part of the session, we’ll cover basic marketing strategies, including creating discount codes, connecting social media accounts, and optimizing store SEO. The session will conclude with a brief Q&A, ensuring everyone leaves with a clear understanding and resources for further learning.
Participants need to bring their own laptop with Google Chrome installed and should have a good grasp of ICT before commencing this workshop.
Introduction to E-commerce and Shopify
Objective: Understand the importance of e-commerce for artists.
Topics Covered:
- Overview of e-commerce trends in the art world.
- Introduction to Shopify as a platform.
- Why Shopify is beneficial for artists (ease of use, customizable design, integrated payment systems).
- Activity: Brief discussion on participants’ experiences with online selling.
Setting Up a Shopify Account
Objective: Learn how to create and configure a Shopify account.
Topics Covered:
- Step-by-step guide to creating a Shopify account.
- Basic store settings (name, contact details, currency).
- Navigating the Shopify dashboard.
- Activity: Participants set up their own Shopify accounts.
Customizing the Online Store
Objective: Understand how to create an appealing online store.
Topics Covered:
- Selecting and customizing a Shopify theme.
- Adding logos, banners, and brand colors.
- Setting up key pages: Home, About, Contact.
- Mobile optimization tips.
- Activity: Participants explore themes and make initial customizations to their stores.
Adding and Managing Products
Objective: Learn how to list artwork and manage product inventory.
Topics Covered:
- How to add products (title, description, pricing, images).
- Organizing products into collections (e.g., paintings, sculptures).
- Managing inventory and setting product availability.
- Tips for writing compelling product descriptions.
- Activity: Participants add a sample product to their store.
Setting Up Payments and Shipping
Objective: Understand how to configure payment gateways and shipping options.
Topics Covered:
- Overview of payment options (Shopify Payments, PayPal, credit cards).
- Setting up shipping rates and zones.
- Creating shipping profiles for different types of artwork.
- Tax settings overview.
- Activity: Participants set up a payment gateway and basic shipping settings.
Basic Marketing and Promotion
Objective: Learn how to promote the store and attract customers.
Topics Covered:
- Introduction to Shopify’s marketing tools (discount codes, email marketing).
- Connecting social media accounts.
- Basic SEO tips for Shopify stores.
- Introduction to Shopify apps for marketing (e.g., email campaigns, pop-ups).
- Activity: Participants create a discount code and discuss potential marketing strategies.
Q&A and Wrap-Up
Objective: Address any remaining questions and review key points.
Topics Covered:
- Quick recap of key takeaways.
- Resources for further learning (Shopify Academy, blogs, forums).
- Activity: Open floor for questions and discuss next steps for participants.
This event is supported by the Cork City Council Twinned City Scheme.
