Experience is the best teacher in life.
Although people can repeat the same thing over and over again, there is no substitute for doing it.
Sometimes, this can lead to frustration and even failure. Sometimes, you may overcome adversity to succeed.
No matter what the outcome may be, you always come out on the other side having learned a valuable lesson.
This principle can be applied in all aspects of life, even business.
When I first started using Shopify to dropship my business, several years ago I assumed I knew a lot of eCommerce.
I had read many blogs, watched many Youtube tutorials and spoken to people who already ran successful dropshipping companies.
I’m not trying to be negative, but all those information sources were very helpful.
Now that I have many years of experience, I realize how little I knew at the beginning and how much I’ve learned over the years.
This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s what I wish I had known when I first started dropshipping with Shopify.
I hope you find something in my experiences that will allow you to have more success with your dropshipping company.
Six things I wish I had known when I first started dropshipping
It is not as easy as it sounds.
Dropshipping is easy to learn once you get started.
You only need to find a quality product and a trustworthy supplier to make money.
That is true. Dropshipping is much simpler than traditional retail models.
Let me be clear: It is not as easy as it sounds!
It’s not your plan to open a Shopify store and then watch the money roll in.
It is important to remember that concepts can be simple but execution is difficult. Execution is key in business.
Dropshipping on Shopify is possible for anyone. But not everyone can succeed.
You’ll be more successful if you have realistic expectations and are willing to work hard.
Facebook ads are a waste of money – unless you’re an expert!
Facebook ads were still relatively new when I first started my dropshipping company.
They were something I had heard of, but I didn’t know what they did.
Despite my inexperience, I spent thousands of dollars on Facebook ads that never paid.
If you aren’t a pro at Facebook ads, I recommend you avoid them while you’re just starting out.
This is especially true for 2020, when Facebook’s algorithm limits the reach of businesses.
Facebook ads are great if you have a good knowledge of them. They are more effective than any other marketing tactic, I have found.
In the beginning, I found that posting quality photos to Instagram was my best strategy. Then I started paying small amounts to influencers for shoutouts.
It doesn’t mean you have to do it all. This is the lesson to remember: Play to your strengths. Find the niche that works for you, and then invest in it.
You can test, tweak, and then test again
Data is your best friend when starting a business, especially when it’s new.
I wish I had paid more attention and done more tests to improve my Shopify store.
It will not be perfect the first time you open a store. That’s okay!
To improve your online store’s performance, you should test different web copy, colors, product photos, keywords, and fonts.
You can either copy other stores or take their ideas as inspiration or create your own unique formula.
Your store can always be improved by testing and tweaking it.
Even if you have a sweet spot where sales are booming, there are always areas you can improve. You can identify areas that need improvement by testing.
You don’t think you have the best products.
This is something I wish I had known when I first started.
Do you remember ever staying up all night thinking of new products to sell?
It may seem like you are onto something that will make you lots of money. But it doesn’t really sell well.
It’s not always the best products that you think will sell.
Why? This is because you cannot just assume that a product will sell. You need to be able to predict its success. It’s a huge difference.
It is important to let go your preconceived notions and biases, and to trust market research and data to help you find great products.
The most lucrative product ideas are often the most bizarre and unlikely to be realized organically.
This is because our thoughts about products are often influenced by what we see, what we like, and what we see other people selling.
These factors can cloud your judgment. It’s better to do extensive market research than trust your gut instincts.
To assist with this process, you can use a tool such as SaleHoo Labs. You can.
There is no randomness in life (Strategy is everything)
Dropshipping online can often seem magical and random from what you hear and see.
Dropshippers talking about making thousands per month while they sleep on Youtube can set unrealistic expectations.
Dropshipping is not an accident. Every success story is based on tried-and-true strategies.
I wish I had put less emphasis on frontend factors like website design and spent more time developing a strong strategy when I began.
While a website is important, it is not enough without a solid business strategy. This strategy will bring in leads, convert customers and make sales.
Never stop learning
Dropshipping can be a difficult business venture.
You’re wrong if you get to that point. With the rapid advancement of technology, there is always more to learn.
In six months, the online tools, apps and marketing strategies that have been successful today may be obsolete.
It is important to learn constantly. Find the best mentors. Follow the top Youtube channels. Subscribe to our mailing list. Read blogs and books. Attend industry events to learn from guest speakers. Get to know dropshipping business owners. You can find people who are valuable to your business and you can share your knowledge.
Learn more about your business to make it more profitable.
Dropshipping on Shopify is not a quick way to make a lot of money.
It is a business like any other.
Dropshipping has its advantages, but you need to test and develop strategies that will ensure your success.
These lessons will be invaluable to you, but I also hope they can help you avoid the same mistakes that I made when I started dropshipping.
What would you have done differently if you had known before you began dropshipping? Comment below to let us know.
