Getting Started with Shoplist.ng: A Complete Guide
Welcome to Shoplist.ng! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up your online shop and start selling. Whether you're completely new to e-commerce or looking to improve your current setup, this guide has you covered.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Getting started is free and takes just a few minutes:
1. Visit shoplist.ng and click "Get Started Free"
2. Sign up with your email address
3. Choose a unique business slug (this becomes part of your shop URL)
4. Verify your email address
Your business slug is important - it's what customers will see in your shop URL (e.g., shoplist.ng/your-business-name). Choose something memorable and relevant to your business.
Step 2: Complete Your Business Profile
A complete profile builds trust with customers:
1. Add your business name
2. Upload your business logo (recommended size: 500x500 pixels)
3. Write a brief description about your business
4. Add your WhatsApp number (include country code, e.g., +234)
5. Add any other relevant information
Tip: Your business description should be clear and compelling. Tell customers what makes your business special and what products or services you offer.
Step 3: Create Categories
Organizing your products into categories makes your catalog easier to navigate:
1. Go to the Categories tab in your dashboard
2. Click "Add Category"
3. Enter a category name (e.g., "Men's Clothing", "Electronics", "Home Decor")
4. Add an optional description
5. Click "Create"
Best Practice: Start with 5-10 main categories. You can always add more later. Common category examples include:
- By product type (Clothing, Electronics, Food)
- By customer (Men, Women, Kids)
- By price range (Budget, Premium)
- By occasion (Everyday, Special Events)
Step 4: Add Your Products
Now for the fun part - adding your products:
1. Go to the Products tab
2. Click "Add Product"
3. Fill in product details:
• Product name (required)
• Description (help customers understand the product)
• Price in Nigerian Naira (required)
• Stock quantity (optional but recommended)
• Category (select from your created categories)
4. Upload product images:
• Click "Upload Image" or paste an image URL
• Use high-quality images (at least 800x800 pixels)
• Show products from multiple angles
5. Click "Create"
Product Tips:
- Use clear, descriptive product names
- Write detailed descriptions highlighting key features
- Include important information (sizes, colors, materials, etc.)
- Use multiple images to show different angles
- Keep prices up to date
Step 5: Share Your Catalog
Once you've added products, it's time to share:
1. Find your shop URL in your dashboard
2. Copy the link
3. Share it on:
• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• WhatsApp groups and status
• Email to customers
• Business cards and flyers
• Your website or blog
Step 6: Manage Orders
When customers click on products in your catalog, they'll send you a WhatsApp message:
1. Respond promptly to customer inquiries
2. Confirm order details (product, quantity, price)
3. Confirm delivery address
4. Process payment
5. Arrange delivery or pickup
6. Follow up after delivery
Maintaining Your Catalog
Keep your catalog fresh and up to date:
- Add new products regularly
- Update prices when they change
- Mark out-of-stock items
- Remove discontinued products
- Update product descriptions based on customer feedback
- Refresh product images periodically
Tips for Success
1. Start Small: Don't try to add all products at once. Start with your bestsellers and add more over time.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Better to have 20 well-presented products than 100 poorly presented ones.
3. Be Consistent: Use consistent styling, image quality, and descriptions across all products.
4. Engage Customers: Respond quickly to inquiries and be helpful. Great customer service leads to repeat business.
5. Promote Regularly: Share your catalog link regularly on social media and in customer communications.
6. Monitor and Improve: Pay attention to which products get the most interest and adjust your catalog accordingly.
Common Questions
Q: How many products can I add?
A: There's no limit! Add as many products as you need.
Q: Can I edit products after creating them?
A: Yes! You can edit any product at any time from your dashboard.
Q: What if I make a mistake?
A: No problem - you can edit or delete products anytime.
Q: How do customers pay?
A: You handle payments directly with customers via bank transfer, mobile money, or cash on delivery.
Q: Is there a mobile app?
A: Shoplist.ng works great on mobile browsers - no app needed!
Next Steps
Now that you're set up, here are some next steps:
1. Add at least 10-20 products to get started
2. Share your catalog link with existing customers
3. Post about your new online catalog on social media
4. Include your catalog link in your email signature
5. Ask satisfied customers to share your catalog
You're all set! Welcome to Shoplist.ng, and happy selling!