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Launch an e-commerce business in 26 steps

A free course that takes you from idea to a live store. Each step says what to do, which tools to use and what they cost.

Start step 1See all 26 stepsStep 1 needs no signup.
97 tools covered, each with what it costs. Prices checked October 2026.

The course: 26 steps to a live store

All 26 steps

Free. Step 1 is open to everyone, the rest unlock with your email. Each step names the tools to use.

  1. 1
    Choose your customer
    Create a one-page customer persona that includes demographics (age, location, income)…
    Foundationabout 1.5 hGoogle Trends, SparkToro, AnswerThePublic
  2. 2
    Choose a product
    Generate a shortlist of 3–5 product ideas that align with your customer persona, then validate…
    Foundationabout 2 hGoogle Trends, Jungle Scout, Exploding Topics
  3. 3
    Competitive research
    Identify your top 5 competitors and analyze their pricing, marketing channels, product range…
    Foundationabout 2 hSimilarweb, Semrush, SpyFu
  4. 4
    Find a domain and brand name
    Brainstorm 10–15 brand name ideas, check domain availability, and register your top choice.
    FoundationNamecheap, Lean Domain Search, Namelix
  5. 5
    Choose your platform
    Compare the top platforms against your budget, technical skill level, and growth ambitions. Pick…
    Build your storeabout 30 minShopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
  6. 6
    Generate brand assets
    Create your logo, select your brand colors (2–3 colors), choose your fonts, and document your…
    Build your storeabout 30 minCanva, Looka, Coolors
  7. 7
    Product photography and mockups
    Create or source product images for your entire catalog. Use mockup tools for lifestyle shots and…
    Build your storeabout 2.5 hPlaceit, Smartmockups, Canva
  8. 8
    SEO and keyword research
    Research and document your target keywords for each product page, collection page, and blog topic…
    Launch prepabout 1.5 hUbersuggest, Ahrefs, Mangools

Tools the course uses

All 97 tools

What each one is for, and what it costs. Prices checked October 2026.

  • Shopify
    Hosted store builder most first-time sellers end up on
    PlatformsStep 5: Choose your platformFrom $39 a month
  • Canva
    Logos, banners and product graphics without a designer
    DesignStep 6: Generate brand assetsFree plan
  • Google Trends
    See whether demand for your product is rising or fading
    SEOStep 1: Choose your customerFree
  • SparkToro
    Find which sites, podcasts and accounts your customers follow
    SEOStep 1: Choose your customer3 free previews a month
  • Stripe
    Card payments for your store, in 45+ countries
    PaymentsStep 10: Find a payment provider2.9% + 30¢ per sale
  • Klaviyo
    Email and SMS automation built around your store's data
    EmailStep 22: Email marketingFree up to 250 contacts
  • Wave
    Invoicing and bookkeeping with a free starter plan
    InvoicingStep 16: InvoicingFree plan
  • Google Analytics 4
    Where your visitors come from and what they do on your site
    AnalyticsStep 26: Website analyticsFree
  • Semrush
    Keyword research and a look at what competitors rank for
    SEOStep 3: Competitive researchFrom $139.95 a month
  • ShipStation
    Print labels and compare carrier rates in one place
    ShippingStep 14: Shipping and deliveryFrom $14.99 a month

Growth hacks

All 229 hacks

Small changes that bring traffic or lift conversion, with the tool that does it.

  • Dominate search results for your brand
    If your products are sold on other sites too, run Google Search Ads pointing to those listings alongside your own.
    TrafficModerate effortSemrush, Google Analytics 4No code
  • Add a product-finder quiz
    If you sell one product type in multiple configurations, help visitors pick the right one with a short quiz.
    ConversionModerate effortTypeform, ShopifyNeeds a developer
  • Build interactive sizing guides
    Accurate sizing guides cut returns and lift conversion rates.
    ConversionModerate effortShopify, HotjarNeeds a developer
  • Remove distractions from checkout
    Strip the header and footer from your checkout pages to create a distraction-free tunnel.
    ConversionLow effortShopify, Google Analytics 4Needs a developer
  • Bid on competitor YouTube videos
    Run YouTube in-stream ads that play before, during, or after your competitors' videos.
    TrafficLow effortCanva, TikTok Shop, SemrushNo code
  • Show returning visitors their cart
    When someone comes back to your store after abandoning their cart, immediately surface what they left behind.
    ConversionModerate effortKlaviyo, PrivyNeeds a developer

From the blog

All 29 articles