Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, but it’s not just for selling physical products. If you offer services—like consulting, coaching, digital marketing, or appointments—you can use Shopify to sell them just like a product. However, since Shopify is primarily built for physical goods, you’ll need to make a few tweaks to set up your service-based business correctly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a service instead of product on Shopify and optimize your store for bookings, appointments, or other service-based offerings.

Why Sell Services on Shopify?

Shopify is designed to be a powerful, flexible platform that supports different types of businesses. While it’s primarily known for selling physical and digital products, service-based businesses can also benefit from its secure checkout system, customization options, and third-party app integrations. hen considering the best platforms to sell digital products, Shopify stands out due to its versatile features that extend beyond traditional e-commerce.

Some benefits of selling services on Shopify include:

Seamless payment processing – Accept credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods.
Easy customization – Create a professional website without coding.
Booking and scheduling integrations – Use apps to automate appointments.
Marketing tools – Leverage SEO, email marketing, and social media tools.

Now, let’s go through the steps of how to add a service on Shopify effectively.

Step 1: Add a New Product and Configure It as a Service

Since Shopify treats everything as a “product” by default, you’ll need to set up your service like a product but make some adjustments.

1.1 – Create a New Product

Log in to your Shopify Admin panel.
Navigate to Products > Add Product.
Enter the service name in the product title (e.g., “30-Minute Consulting Call” or “Yoga Coaching Session”).

1.2 – Optimize the Product Description

Clearly explain what the service includes.
Highlight key benefits and who it’s for.
Mention how customers will receive the service (e.g., online meeting, phone call, in-person session).
Add relevant keywords like “How to Add a Service Instead of Product on Shopify” to improve SEO.

1.3 – Set the Price

If your service has a fixed price, enter it in the Price field.
If pricing varies (e.g., per hour or per session), consider adding multiple variants (e.g., 30-minute vs. 60-minute session).

Step 2: Disable Shipping for Services

By default, Shopify assumes all products require shipping. Since services don’t need shipping, you must turn this off.

Scroll down to the Shipping section on the product page.
Uncheck “This is a physical product” – This tells Shopify that there is nothing to ship.
Save your changes.

Step 3: Set Up Booking or Scheduling (If Needed)

If your service requires scheduling, Shopify doesn’t have built-in booking tools, but you can use third-party apps to manage appointments.

Recommended Shopify Apps for Scheduling:

BookThatApp – Great for businesses that need flexible booking options.
Sesami – A simple appointment booking system.

To install an app:

Go to the Shopify App Store.
Search for booking apps or your specific need.
Install the app and follow the setup instructions.

Step 4: Customize Your Shopify Store for Services

Selling services is different from selling products, so your store design should reflect that.

4.1 – Update Your Navigation & Menus

Create a new menu item for Services instead of Products.
Add service pages to the navigation for easy access.

4.2 – Use a Service-Friendly Theme

Some Shopify themes are designed for physical products. If you sell only services, choose a theme that focuses on showcasing your expertise rather than a product catalog.

4.3 – Add Testimonials & Reviews

Services often require trust. Display customer reviews, testimonials, or case studies to build credibility.

Step 5: Optimize for SEO & Marketing

Since people search for services online, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is essential for attracting customers.

5.1 – SEO-Optimized Product Page

Use keywords like “How to Add a Service Instead of Product on Shopify” in the title, headings, and description.
Write clear, engaging content explaining your service.
Add high-quality images (or a professional headshot if applicable).

5.2 – Blog About Your Services

Create blog posts that answer common customer questions.
Use keyword-rich topics like “How to Add a Service on Shopify” to attract search traffic.

5.3 – Promote on Social Media & Email

Share your services on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Send an email campaign introducing your services.

Conclusion

While Shopify is primarily built for selling physical products, you can add a service instead of a product on Shopify with a few easy adjustments. By creating a service as a product, disabling shipping, integrating booking tools, and optimizing for SEO, you can build a professional, service-based business on Shopify.

If you’re ready to sell your services online, follow these steps and start reaching new customers today!

FAQs: How to Add a Service Instead of Product on Shopify

1. Can I sell services on Shopify instead of physical products?

Yes! Shopify allows you to sell services just like products. You’ll need to create a product listing for your service, disable shipping, and optionally integrate a booking app if your service requires appointments.

2. How do I remove shipping options for my service on Shopify?

To remove shipping options:

Go to the Products section in Shopify.
Click on your service listing.
Scroll to the Shipping section and uncheck “This is a physical product.”
Save the changes. This prevents customers from seeing shipping options at checkout.

3. Do I need a special Shopify plan to sell services?

No, you can sell services on any Shopify plan, including the Basic plan. However, if you need advanced booking features, you may need a third-party app, some of which may have additional costs.

4. How can I allow customers to book appointments for my service?

Shopify doesn’t have built-in booking tools, but you can install a third-party app from the Shopify App Store. Popular options include BookThatApp and Sesami.

5. Can I charge for services on a subscription basis in Shopify?

Yes! You can use a subscription app like Bold Subscriptions or Recharge to set up recurring service payments, such as monthly coaching or consulting fees.

6. How do I make my Shopify store look more service-oriented?

Use a Shopify theme designed for service businesses.
Customize your navigation to highlight “Services” instead of “Products.”
Add testimonials, case studies, and detailed service descriptions.
Use a Contact Us or Book Now button for easy inquiries.

7. How can I optimize my service listing for SEO?

Use keywords like “How to Add a Service on Shopify” in your product title, description, and headings.
Write a detailed, benefit-focused description.
Add relevant images or a professional headshot.
Create blog posts related to your services to attract organic traffic.

8. Can I sell both products and services on the same Shopify store?

Yes! You can sell both physical products and services by organizing them into separate collections. For example, a yoga instructor could sell yoga mats (products) and private yoga sessions (services) on the same site.

9. How do I issue invoices for my services?

Shopify automatically generates order confirmations, but you can use apps like Order Printer Pro or Sufio to create professional invoices for your services.

10. What payment methods can I use for services on Shopify?

You can accept payments via:

Shopify Payments (credit/debit cards)
PayPal
Stripe
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Manual payment methods (bank transfers, cash, etc.)

11. Is there a way to offer free consultations before a paid service?

Yes! You can create a $0 product listing for a free consultation or use a booking app that allows free session scheduling.

12. Can customers leave reviews for my services on Shopify?

Yes! Shopify allows product reviews, and you can install apps like Judge.me or Loox to collect and display customer testimonials for your services.

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