Introduction

Imagine a world where the tedious, repetitive aspects of running an online store are seamlessly handled for you. No more manual data entry, order management headaches, or missed opportunities to delight your customers. Shopify Flow promises just that by revolutionizing the way you automate tasks within your Shopify store. Whether you're an established merchant or just starting, this tool could streamline operations to a degree you didn't think was possible.

In this detailed guide, we'll explore what Shopify Flow is, how it works, and the various ways it can benefit your eCommerce business. By the end, you'll understand why it's considered a game-changer and how you can make the most out of this automation tool. Ready to transform your Shopify experience? Let's dive in.

What is Shopify Flow?

Shopify Flow is an automation app built specifically for Shopify users. It allows merchants to create custom workflows without requiring any coding skills. Whether you need to manage orders, monitor customer behaviors, or optimize inventory, Shopify Flow can handle it all through a series of simple, automated workflows.

To illustrate, consider the busy holiday season when orders flood in at an unprecedented rate. You can set up a workflow to get a daily summary of all unfulfilled orders older than two days, ensuring you never miss a beat. Or, suppose a customer makes two orders in one day and requests their consolidation. Shopify Flow can pause the fulfillment process under such conditions, saving shipping costs and improving customer satisfaction.

Who Can Use Shopify Flow?

Initially limited to Shopify Plus and Advanced users, Shopify Flow is now available to all Shopify plans, including the Basic plan since July 2023. This expanded access means that even smaller merchants can enjoy the robust automation capabilities previously limited to high-tier users.

While the core features of Shopify Flow remain consistent across all plans, some advanced functionalities might be restricted based on your subscription level. Still, the available toolset is powerful enough to significantly impact your business operations positively.

How Does Shopify Flow Work?

Shopify Flow operates based on three core components: Triggers, Conditions, and Actions. Let’s break this down with a real-life example to illustrate its functionality.

Imagine you're a luxury brand and notice an order for 20 high-end watches from a new customer. This situation raises red flags due to potential fraud, especially if it ends in a chargeback. With Shopify Flow, you can set a workflow that triggers an alert any time an order exceeds a certain quantity threshold. Here’s how it works:

Triggers

Triggers initiate the workflow when a specific event occurs. In the example above, the trigger would be the placement of an order.

Conditions

Conditions act as checkpoints that must be met for the workflow to proceed. You can set a condition to verify if any single item in the order exceeds a specified quantity.

Actions

Actions are the steps taken once both the trigger and condition criteria are satisfied. If the order contains more than five items, the action could be to tag the order for review and send an email alert to the store manager.

Getting Started with Shopify Flow

Step 1: Install the Shopify Flow App

To begin, log in to your Shopify admin panel. Navigate to 'Apps' and search for 'Flow.' Click 'Install' to add the app to your store.

Step 2: Explore the App

After installation, you’ll notice different sections within the Shopify Flow app. The top section displays your active workflows, the middle section provides updates and news, and the bottom section showcases various templates you can use or customize.

Step 3: Create a Workflow

You can either use pre-built templates or create a custom workflow. Let’s walk through setting up a workflow to track the use of a specific discount code provided to an Instagram influencer named Anna.

Search for Templates: Open the Shopify Flow app and use the search bar to look for templates related to discounts.
Select a Template: Choose the template named 'Get notified when specific discount code is used.'
Customize the Workflow: Replace 'YourDiscountCode' with 'ANNA10' and add your email to receive notifications.
Add Criteria: If you wish to add additional criteria, like order values exceeding $100, include those details.
Activate: Turn on the workflow and place a test order to ensure everything functions as expected.

Shopify Flow Connectors

Shopify Flow Connectors enable integration with third-party apps, extending the capabilities of your automation workflows. Whether it's recording order details in Google Sheets or sending personalized thank-you notes via Scribeless, connectors make it possible.

To set up a connector:

Choose an App: Select a third-party app from the list within Shopify Flow or the Shopify App Store.
Configure Triggers and Actions: Define what events (triggers) will initiate the workflow and what subsequent actions should be executed.
Enable Testing: Always test your configurations to ensure the workflow executes as intended.

Benefits of Using Shopify Flow

Several advantages make Shopify Flow a must-have:

Automation of Repetitive Tasks: Say goodbye to manual data entry and order tracking.
Reduced Human Errors: Automated workflows minimize mistakes often made during manual processes.
Improved Customer Experience: Automate order consolidations and notifications to keep your customers pleased.
Scalability: Easily manage a growing number of orders without additional workforce.

User Experiences with Shopify Flow

The reception for Shopify Flow has been overwhelmingly positive. Many merchants appreciate its user-friendliness and versatility, highlighting how it has saved them time and resources.

FAQs

How much does Shopify Flow cost?

Shopify Flow is free for users on Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus plans.

How do I create a workflow in Shopify?

Navigate to Shopify admin > Settings > Apps and sales channels > Shopify Flow. Click 'Create workflow,' select a trigger, add conditions, and define actions. Name your workflow and turn it on to activate.

How to test Shopify Flow?

Activate the workflow and create a relevant event to trigger it. Monitor the Activity page to ensure the workflow executes as expected.

Conclusion

Shopify Flow transforms the eCommerce landscape for Shopify users by automating tedious tasks and enabling seamless integrations with third-party apps. Whether you are a new store owner or a seasoned merchant, it's a tool that can profoundly impact your business efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Feel free to share how you use Shopify Flow in the comments below. Ready to elevate your Shopify store to the next level? Delve into the automation possibilities of Shopify Flow today!

Shopify Flow: What Is It and How Do You Use It?

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is Shopify Flow?

Who Can Use Shopify Flow?