How to Start a Shopify Store in USA: Cost, Setup & Marketing

If you’re planning to build an online business, Shopify is one of the first platforms that comes to mind. With thousands of Shopify store in USA already thriving, it has become the go-to choice for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even large brands.

But before you dive in, you might be asking: How much does a Shopify store cost? Or maybe you are searching for a list of Shopify stores in USA to draw inspiration from.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything costs, setup, and marketing, so you have a clear roadmap for starting and growing your Shopify store successfully in the U.S.

Why Are Shopify Stores in USA So Popular?

The United States has one of the world’s largest ecommerce markets. Consumers here are comfortable shopping online, and businesses are constantly searching for ways to scale quickly. Shopify provides:

• Ease of use – No coding required, making it beginner-friendly.
  
• Scalability – Works for small startups and Fortune 500 companies.
  
• Integration – Supports thousands of apps and third-party tools.
  
• Payment flexibility – With Shopify Payments and integrations like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay.
  

A common question is: How much does a Shopify store cost in USA? The answer depends on your store size and goals.

How Much Does a Shopify Store Cost in USA?

Shopify Pricing Plans

• Basic Shopify – $39/month → Perfect for beginners.
  
• Shopify Plan – $105/month → Good for growing businesses with higher traffic.
  
• Advanced Shopify – $399/month → Designed for scaling brands with analytics needs.
  
• Shopify Plus – Starting at $2,000/month → For enterprises and big brands.
  

Additional Costs for USA Merchants

• Domain Name: Around $10–$20/year.
  
• Themes: Free to $350 (premium themes like Turbo or Prestige are popular in USA).
  
• Apps & Plugins: $20–$500/month, depending on marketing, SEO, and upsell features.
  
• Marketing & Ads: Highly variable, U.S. brands spend anywhere from $500 to $10,000/month on Google Ads, Meta Ads, or influencer collaborations.
  

If you’ve been wondering “How do I start a Shopify Store in USA?”, the process is straightforward but requires careful setup. 

How to Start a Shopify Store in USA (Technical Guide)

Step 1. Create Your Shopify Account

• Visit Shopify.com and click Start Free Trial.
  
• Enter your email, password, and store name.
  
• Confirm your email and access the Shopify admin dashboard, which acts as your control center.
  

Step 2. Configure General Store Settings

• Navigate to Settings > General in your dashboard.

• Add your business name, USA address, and time zone.
  
• Select USD as your store currency (essential for U.S. shoppers).

Step 3. Choose a Shopify Plan

If you’re asking how much does a Shopify store cost, here’s the breakdown:

• Basic Shopify – $39/month, great for beginners.
  
• Shopify Plan – $105/month, ideal for growing stores.
  
• Advanced Shopify – $399/month, built for scaling.
  
• Shopify Plus – Starts at $2,000/month, for enterprise-level stores.
  

Step 4. Select and Customize a Theme

• Go to Online Store > Themes.
  
• Choose a free or paid theme (e.g., Dawn, Empire, Prestige).

• Use the drag-and-drop editor to customize fonts, colors, and layouts.

Step 5. Add Products with Complete Details

• Go to Products > Add Product.

• Include SEO-friendly titles and keyword-rich descriptions.
  
• Upload high-quality images (minimum 1000x1000px).
  
• Add SKUs, inventory tracking, and categories.

.

Step 6. Set Up Payments for U.S. Customers

• Enable Shopify Payments (supports U.S. debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay).
  
• Activate PayPal Express Checkout (widely trusted in the U.S.).
  
• Offer Shop Pay Installments for flexible payments.
  

Step 7. Configure Taxes & Compliance

• Go to Settings > Taxes and Duties and enable automatic U.S. tax calculations.

• Shopify integrates with Avalara to handle state-level sales tax.

• Add policies under Settings > Policies (Refund, Privacy, Terms of Service).
  

Step 8. Shipping & Delivery Setup

• Head to Settings > Shipping and Delivery.
  
• Activate Shopify Shipping for discounted USPS, UPS, and DHL rates.
  
• Create shipping zones for different U.S. states.
  
• Add a free shipping threshold (e.g., free shipping on $50+ orders).

Step 9. Install Essential Apps

Your Shopify store’s performance often depends on the right apps. These tools add features that Shopify doesn’t provide by default, helping you boost sales, improve customer experience, and streamline operations. 

Here are some essential categories to consider:

• Cart Optimization (iCart Cart Drawer Cart Upsell) – Add upsells, cross-sells, and progress bars in the cart to increase average order value.
  
• SEO (Plug in SEO, SEO Manager) – Improve rankings with site audits, keyword tracking, and meta tag fixes.
  
• Email Marketing (Klaviyo, Omnisend) – Automate emails and SMS for abandoned carts, promos, and customer retention.
  
• Reviews (Loox, Judge.me) – Collect product reviews with photos and ratings to build trust and boost conversions.

Step 10. Connect a Domain

• Buy a domain inside Shopify (Settings > Domains) or link your own.
  
• Prefer a .com extension (most U.S. shoppers trust it).
  
• Shopify automatically provides SSL certificates for secure browsing.
  

Step 11. Test & Launch Your Store

• Run test orders using Shopify’s sandbox mode.
  
• Check site speed and fix delays.
  
• Test on mobile devices for a smooth shopping experience.
  
• Confirm your checkout process works correctly.
  

Step 12. Market Your Shopify Store in USA

• Use Meta Ads (Facebook, Instagram) with U.S.-specific targeting.
  
• Run Google Shopping campaigns to appear in search results.
  
• Collaborate with U.S. TikTok and Instagram influencers.
  
• Build email campaigns to re-engage customers.
  

Shopify Store in USA: Success Factors

The difference between a successful and struggling Shopify store often comes down to strategy. Successful U.S. Shopify stores usually share these traits:

• Fast Checkout: U.S. customers abandon carts if the process is long.
  
• Mobile Optimization: Over 65% of U.S. Shopify traffic comes from mobile.
  
• Trust Elements: Reviews, testimonials, and clear return policies boost confidence.
  
• Community Engagement: U.S. brands like Gymshark built cult-like communities.
  
• Strong Marketing: Leveraging TikTok, Instagram, and influencer partnerships.

Conclusion: Why Starting a Shopify Store in USA is Worth It

Shopify stores in USA are growing rapidly, with countless success stories across fashion, beauty, food, and lifestyle industries. If you’ve been researching a list of Shopify stores in USA for inspiration or wondering how much does a Shopify store cost, you now have a clear picture of what it takes.

Launching your own Shopify store in USA is more achievable than ever. By focusing on customer experience, smart marketing, and continuous optimization, you can build a thriving online business. And as Shopify experts, we help entrepreneurs set up, customize, and scale their stores with the right strategies and tools to succeed in the U.S. market.

FAQs How to Start a Shopify Store in USA 

1. Can I use Shopify to sell only within the USA?
Yes. You can set your shipping zones to the United States only and limit payment gateways to U.S. options if you want to focus solely on American customers.

2. Do U.S. Shopify stores need to provide free shipping?
It’s not mandatory, but free shipping is a strong conversion booster in the U.S. market. Many successful Shopify stores set a minimum order value to offer it.

3. How important are reviews for Shopify stores in USA?
Extremely important. U.S. shoppers often rely on reviews and user-generated content before making a purchase. Adding apps like Loox or Judge.me can help.

4. Can I run a Shopify store in USA without inventory?
Yes. Many U.S. Shopify stores use dropshipping or print-on-demand models, which let you sell without holding stock.

5. What marketing channels work best for U.S. Shopify stores?
Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram), Google Shopping, and TikTok influencers are among the top-performing channels for U.S. Shopify merchants.