Selling online used to be expensive, complicated, and technical. Not anymore.

With tools like Shopify and Yoco Gateway, building a fully functional online store is easier than ever. You don’t need coding skills, fancy equipment, or a team of developers. Just a great product, a laptop, and a little time.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, here’s how to launch an online store and start accepting payments - fast.

1. Why sell online now?

E-commerce is no longer the future - it’s the now. Shoppers are increasingly turning to online stores for everything from daily essentials to niche, handmade items. Here’s why your business should meet them where they are:

• Wider reach: Sell to customers outside your neighbourhood or city.

• Open 24/7: Make money even while you sleep.

• Lower overheads: No rent or utilities needed to start trading.

• Data at your fingertips: Understand what sells, when, and to whom.

Online selling isn’t just about convenience - it’s about growth.

2. How to build your online store with Shopify

Shopify makes it simple to turn your idea into a beautiful, functional store. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Sign up

Head to shopify.com and choose a plan that fits your business. You can start with a free trial.

Step 2: Add your products

Upload high-resolution product images, set prices, and write clear, helpful descriptions. Keep SEO in mind!

Step 3: Choose a theme

Pick a design template that suits your brand. Shopify has hundreds of free and paid options.

Step 4: Customise and go live

Tweak fonts, colours, and layout — and when you’re happy, hit “Publish.”

Need a hand? Follow Shopify’s setup guide for step-by-step support.

3. Accepting payments with Yoco Gateway

Once your store is live, you need a way to get paid. That’s where Yoco Gateway comes in - a secure online payment gateway designed for small businesses in South Africa.

It’s quick to set up, and once live, customers can pay you using their card or other digital payment methods. You get paid fast, and your checkout experience stays slick and professional.

Why use Yoco Gateway?

• No monthly fees

• Localised support

• Trusted by over 200,000 South African businesses

• Easy integration with Shopify

Here’s how to install Yoco Gateway on your Shopify store in a few simple steps.

4. Tips for launching a successful online store

Creating your store is just the beginning - here’s how to make sure people find it and shop from it:

• Get social: Promote your store on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

• Start an email list: Offer a discount for sign-ups and build long-term customer relationships.

• Focus on great images: Good product photography can make or break online sales.

• Optimise for mobile: Most South Africans shop from their phones - make sure your site loads quickly and looks great on small screens.

• Keep testing: Try new products, promotions, and page layouts to see what drives results.

5. You’ve got this - now go live

Your customers are already online. With Shopify and Yoco, you can be too - without needing a single line of code.

Set up your store. Install Yoco Gateway. Share your link. And start selling.

Got your store live already? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram or X with your store link so we can celebrate with you.

Ready to take the leap? Create your Shopify store and Install Yoco Gateway.