Finding the right product to sell is crucial for the success of your Shopify store. This comprehensive guide will walk you through 14 proven methods to discover products to boost sales and grow your business.
These strategies, designed to be simple and easy to understand, even for a 6th-grade student, will empower you to make informed decisions. Let’s dive in!
Why Finding the Right Product Matters
Before diving into the steps of finding a product to sell, it’s essential to understand why this step is so critical. Choosing the right products can make or break your business.
The right product meets the needs of your target audience, has enough demand, and can generate good profit margins. On the other hand, picking the wrong product can lead to low sales and wasted efforts.
How To Find a Product to Sell
Method 1: Explore Google Trends
Google Trends is a great place to start when figuring out how to find a product to sell. This free tool shows you what people are searching for and how those searches change over time.
Enter a product idea or category, and you’ll see a graph of search volume. This helps you understand product demand and identify trending products.
Method 2: Analyze Competitors
Look at what successful stores in your niche are selling. Visit their online store, see their best-selling products, and note the categories they focus on.
This can give you a clear picture of what’s working and what isn’t. Please consider their marketing strategies, product offerings, and customer reviews.
Method 3: Use Social Media Platforms
Social media is a powerful tool for finding a product to sell. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest can reveal popular products and emerging trends.
Follow influencers and hashtags related to your niche to see what products are gaining attention.
Method 4: Check Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are treasure troves for product research. Browse through best-selling products and top-rated items in various categories. Look for products with high ratings and many reviews, indicating strong demand.
Method 5: Utilize Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is another free tool that helps you find how to find a product to sell. Enter relevant keywords related to your niche, and you’ll get a list of related keywords and their search volume.
This can help you identify products that people are actively searching for.
Method 6: Study Online Forums and Communities
Online forums and communities are excellent sources for new product ideas. Sites like Reddit, Quora, and specialized forums in your niche can provide insights into what people are talking about and the problems they’re trying to solve.
Look for common questions and pain points you can address with a product.
Method 7: Leverage Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is invaluable for understanding what products your target audience wants. Read reviews on competitors’ products, conduct surveys, and engage with your customers on social media.
Their input can guide you in sourcing products that meet their needs and preferences.
Method 8: Investigate Dropshipping Suppliers
Dropshipping is a popular business model for Shopify stores. Services such as AliExpress, Oberlo, and Spocket link you with suppliers, providing a vast product selection.
Browse their catalogs to find in-demand products with higher profit margins and reliable suppliers.
Method 9: Use Jungle Scout
Jungle Scout is a powerful tool for Amazon sellers that can also be used for Shopify product research. It provides data on sales, reviews, and demand for Amazon products.
Use this information to identify profitable products you can sell in your Shopify store.
Method 10: Explore Local Suppliers and Markets
Don’t overlook local suppliers and markets when searching for products. Visit local trade shows, craft fairs, and farmers’ markets to find unique products not widely available online.
Building relationships with local suppliers can also lead to better pricing and faster shipping times.
Method 11: Tap into Private Label Products
Private-label products are items that you can brand and sell as your own. This approach allows you to differentiate your store from competitors.
Look for products with proven market demand and consider how to improve or market them differently.
Method 12: Conduct Market Research
Market research is essential for finding the right products to sell. Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and industry reports.
This helps you understand what products are in demand and how to position them in your store.
Method 13: Test Products with a Free Trial
A free trial or sample can be a great way to gauge interest in a new product. This allows you to collect customer feedback and make necessary adjustments before fully committing to a product line.
Method 14: Monitor Product Trends with Online Tools
Numerous online tools are available to help you track product trends and demand. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and BuzzSumo provide insights into trending topics and products.
Use these tools to stay ahead of the competition and identify new opportunities.
How To Find a Product to Sell on Shopify
Starting an online business on Shopify can be an exciting and profitable adventure. Whether new to e-commerce or looking to expand your Shopify store, finding the right products to sell is crucial for success.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to find a product to sell on Shopify in 2024, opening up a world of opportunities for growth and success.
Step 1: Understand Your Target Audience
The first step in how to find a product to sell is to understand your target audience. Who are your potential customers? What are their interests, needs, and pain points?
This knowledge will guide your product selection and make you feel more informed and prepared for the journey ahead.
Identifying Your Target Audience
- Demographics: Consider age, gender, income, education level, and location.
- Interests and Hobbies: What does your audience enjoy doing in their free time?
- Pain Points: What problems or challenges do they face that your product could solve?
Step 2: Brainstorm Product Ideas
The Power of Brainstorming in Product Selection:
Now that you clearly understand your audience, it’s time to unleash your creativity and brainstorm product ideas. Here are some methods to generate innovative ideas for products to sell:
Use Google Trends
Google Trends is a great place to start. It shows what people search for on Google, helping you identify trending product ideas.
Explore Online Marketplaces
Explore well-known online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Look at the best-selling products in various categories to see what’s in demand.
Participate in Online Forums
Join online forums and communities related to your niche. See what people are talking about and what products they recommend or wish they had.
Step 3: Conduct Market Research
Once you have a list of product ideas, the next step in finding a product to sell is conducting market research. This helps you understand the demand and competition for each product.
Analyze Search Volume
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to check the search volume for your product ideas. High search volume indicates high demand.
Check Competitor Products
Look at existing products that are similar to your ideas. Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, customer feedback, and pricing. This will give you insights into how you can improve your product offerings.
Step 4: Validate Your Product Ideas
Validating your product ideas is an essential step in how to find a product to sell. This ensures actual demand for your product before you invest time and money.
Test with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Create a simple product version and test it with a small group of customers. Gather feedback and make necessary improvements.
Use Social Media
Promote your product ideas on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. See how your audience responds and whether they show interest in buying.
Step 5: Source Your Products
After validating your product ideas, the next step is product sourcing. You need to find reliable suppliers who can provide high-quality products at a reasonable cost.
Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is a popular method for sourcing products without holding inventory. You collaborate with suppliers who send products directly to your customers.
Private Label Products
Private label products are goods one company produces but marketed under another company’s brand. This allows you to create a unique brand and product line.
Local Suppliers
Consider working with local suppliers. This can reduce shipping times and costs and improve the overall quality control of your products.
Step 6: Set Up Your Shopify Store
With your products sourced, it’s time to set up your Shopify store. Creating a visually appealing and functional online store is simple with Shopify.
Design Your Store
Select a theme that aligns with your brand and personalize it to suit your preferences. Make sure your store is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
Add Your Products
List your products with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and competitive pricing. Use relevant keywords to optimize your product listings for search engines.
Step 7: Market Your Products
Effective marketing is essential for attracting visitors to your store and boosting sales. Here are some effective marketing strategies:
Social Media Marketing
Advertise your products on social media channels frequented by your target audience. Use engaging content and ads to attract potential customers.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Enhance your store and product pages for search engines to boost organic traffic. Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and content.
Influencer Marketing
Partner with niche influencers to expand your audience reach. Influencers can help promote your products to their followers, driving traffic and sales.
Step 8: Monitor and Adjust
Once your store is up and running, monitoring its performance and adjusting as needed is essential, and you can use the Shopify dashboard to track your sales, traffic, and customer behavior.
Analyze Customer Feedback
Pay attention to customer feedback and reviews. Leverage this knowledge to enhance your products and customer service.
Stay Updated with Trends
Monitor market trends and adapt your product offerings as needed. Introducing new products regularly can keep your store fresh and attract repeat customers.
Tools to Help You Find a Winning Product
Many online tools can help you in your quest to find a winning product for Shopify. Here are some of the most useful ones:
- Google Trends: This tool shows how often people search for a particular product or topic.
- Google Keyword Planner: This helps you find relevant keywords and see their search volume.
- Jungle Scout: A tool that enables you to find profitable products and suppliers.
- Social Media Platforms: Great for getting customer feedback and seeing trends.
- Online Marketplaces: Check out sites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to see what products are popular.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When finding a winning product for your Shopify store, avoid these common mistakes:
- Ignoring Customer Demand: Make sure there is enough demand for your product before launching.
- Choosing Low-Quality Products: Always go for high-quality products, even if they cost a bit more.
- Overlooking Competition: Pay attention to what your competitors are doing and learn from them.
- Not Testing Products: Always test your products with a small group of customers before launching them widely.
8 Shopify Apps for Product Sourcing
Starting an online store can be exciting, but one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to find a product to sell. Fortunately, Shopify has some fantastic apps that can make this task easier. Let’s dive into eight Shopify apps to help you with product sourcing.
1. Oberlo
Oberlo is one of the most popular Shopify apps for dropshipping. It helps you find products to sell and easily add them to your Shopify store.
Oberlo connects you with suppliers who ship products directly to your customers. It’s a great way to explore how to find a product to sell without worrying about inventory.
2. Spocket
Spocket is another excellent app that helps you source products from local and global suppliers. It allows you to discover unique products and offers fast shipping times, making it an excellent choice for learning how to find a product to sell.
You can quickly integrate these products into your Shopify store and begin selling.
3. Printful
Printful is perfect for anyone interested in selling custom-designed products. You can create and sell various products, including t-shirts, posters, and mugs. Printful handles the printing, packing, and shipping.
This app shows you how to find a product to sell by offering custom products that cater to your target audience.
4. Modalyst
Modalyst connects you with suppliers who offer high-quality products. You can find trendy items that appeal to your target market.
Modalyst is a fantastic tool for discovering how to find a product to sell by providing a vast selection of products, including private label options.
5. Dropified
Dropified is another powerful dropshipping app that helps you source products from various suppliers. It integrates with Shopify and automates many aspects of your dropshipping business.
Dropified is excellent for understanding how to find a product to sell, as it has an extensive product catalog and automation features.
6. Syncee
Syncee allows you to find products from reliable suppliers and import them directly into your Shopify store. This app helps you see how to find a product to sell by offering a wide range of products and ensuring they meet your store’s standards.
Syncee makes it easy to keep your product offerings fresh and exciting.
7. AliExpress
AliExpress is a well-known marketplace where you can source many products. Using the AliExpress app on Shopify, you can explore how to find a product to sell by browsing millions of items and adding them to your store.
It’s an excellent way to find trending products and meet customer demand.
8. SaleHoo
SaleHoo is a directory of verified suppliers and products. It helps you find profitable products to sell and provides insights into market demand.
SaleHoo is an excellent resource for learning how to find a product to sell and connecting with suppliers who offer high-quality products.
Tips for Finding the Right Products
- Use Google Trends: Check what people are searching for to identify trending product categories.
- Conduct Market Research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to understand product demand and search volume.
- Explore Online Marketplaces: Look at what’s popular on platforms like Amazon and eBay.
- Engage on Social Media: Social media platforms can give you insights into popular products.
- Join Online Forums: Communities like Reddit can provide new product ideas and feedback from potential customers.
Importance of Product Sourcing
Finding the correct products is crucial for your ecommerce store’s success. High-demand and profitable products can increase sales and profit margins.
These apps can streamline your product sourcing process, ensuring you always have the best products available for your target market.
FAQ: How To Find Products To Sell On Shopify
1. How to find the right product to sell?
Look for products you’re interested in, check what’s popular, and choose items that solve problems for people. Reading reviews and asking friends can also help.
2. How do I find top products on Shopify?
Check Shopify’s trending lists and best-sellers, and use tools like Oberlo. Read blogs and check social media for popular products.
3. Do you have to buy products to sell on Shopify?
No, you can use dropshipping, print on demand, or sell digital products without buying inventory upfront.
Conclusion
Finding the right product to sell on Shopify doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using these 14 proven methods, you can discover how to find a product to sell that meets your target audience’s needs and has strong market demand.
Remember to continuously analyze market trends, engage with your customers, and adapt your product offerings to stay competitive. Happy selling!
