You must know how to find sites in your niche, whether you’re looking for Shopify competitors or researching for a new business. However, with millions of Shopify stores operating across many industries, how do you find the right stores?
Thankfully, there are many ways to find Shopify stores.
For example, you can leverage powerful Google Search Operators or use advanced tools; you can also conduct detailed market research and explore new trends on the internet.
In this article, we will explore 10 powerful tried and tested methods in 2024 to help you discover Shopify stores, analyze your competitors, and uncover brilliant new trends and winning products.
10 Ways to Find Shopify Stores
1. Using Google Search Operators
Google Search Operators are a highly effective and versatile way to find Shopify stores. These operators allow you to filter search results, making it easier to discover stores within specific niches. Here’s how you can use these operators to your advantage:
Basic Search Operators
The first and most straightforward way to start your search is using the inurl: Command. This operator searches for specific keywords within the URL of indexed pages.
Given many Shopify stores use the .myshopify.com domain, this can help you find stores linked to your niche.
- Example: inurl:myshopify.com + “coffee” — Typing this into Google will display a list of Shopify stores that include “coffee” in their URLs. This is useful if you’re searching for a niche market, such as artisanal coffee or specialty blends.
Another simple yet powerful operator is site:myshopify.com + keyword. This command restricts the search to websites hosted on Shopify’s domain. As a result, you’ll find only relevant stores.
- Example: If you’re interested in eco-friendly products, you could search for site:myshopify.com + eco-friendly. This search will return all Shopify stores related to eco-friendly products. This will deliver a targeted list of potential competitors or inspiration.
Advanced Search Operators
For a more refined and targeted search, advanced operators can help you pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.
Here’s how to use them:
- site.com + “keyword”: This operator narrows your search to the Shopify.com domain. It’s useful for finding stores listed on the Shopify website or blog.
- Intitle: “Shopify store” + “keyword”: This operator searches for your keyword within the title of pages. For instance, “Shopify store” + “handmade jewelry” will show results where the page title includes both “Shopify store” and “handmade jewelry,” directing you to stores that likely specialize in handcrafted jewelry.
- “Powered by Shopify” + “keyword”: Many Shopify stores include a “Powered by Shopify” footer, making this a useful phrase to search for. For example, “powered by Shopify” + “fitness” will return a list of fitness-related Shopify stores.
You can improve your search further with the following techniques:
- Quotation marks: You should use quotation marks to find exact matches. This is useful when searching for specific products or brand names. For instance, the “vegan skincare” site:myshopify.com will show Shopify stores exclusively dealing with vegan skincare.
- Boolean operators: Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT allow for more complex searches. For example, site:myshopify.com + “organic AND skincare” will show stores that combine organic and skincare products. In contrast, “organic NOT skincare” will exclude skincare products from the search results.
2. How to Use Myip.ms to Find Shopify Stores
Myip.ms is a comprehensive tool that allows you to explore websites hosted on specific IP addresses. Since many Shopify stores are hosted on the same IP ranges provided by Shopify, you can use Myip.ms to identify multiple stores at once.
Here’s how you do it:
- Step 1: Visit Myip.ms and enter the Shopify IP address range.
- Step 2: Filter the results to show only Shopify stores.
- Step 3: Browse through the list of stores, which are often categorized by traffic volume, global rank, and other metrics.
This method is particularly useful for finding high-traffic Shopify stores or discovering up-and-coming stores that share similar hosting.
3. Using Tools and Extensions
Several tools and browser extensions can streamline the process of finding Shopify stores and gaining insights into their operations.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
- Koala Inspector: Koala Inspector is a powerful browser extension designed specifically for Shopify store analysis. It allows you to view product data, apps used, and other key store & product details with just a few clicks. It’s an essential tool for anyone doing competitive research or seeking inspiration.
- Wappalyzer: Wappalyzer is a technology profiler that can identify the platform a website is built on, along with the technologies it uses. By analyzing a store with Wappalyzer, you can confirm whether it’s a Shopify store and gain insights into the apps and tools the store is using.
- Commerce Inspector: Commerce Inspector is another extension that provides detailed insights into Shopify stores. It reveals information about best-selling products, recent sales, and traffic data, helping you understand what’s working for other stores in your niche.
4. Using BuiltWith to Find Shopify Stores
BuiltWith is a web technology profiler that lets you see the technologies used by any website. It’s useful for identifying Shopify stores and understanding the tech stack behind them.
- Step 1: Visit BuiltWith and enter the website URL you’re interested in.
- Step 2: BuiltWith will provide a detailed report, showing whether the site is built on Shopify and listing other technologies used, such as payment gateways, analytics tools, and marketing platforms.
You can also use BuiltWith to search for a specific technology or platform.
For example, entering “Shopify” as the search term will yield a list of websites using Shopify, which you can then filter by niche or industry.
5. Find Shopify Stores on FindNiche
FindNiche is a robust tool that helps you discover profitable niches by listing successful Shopify stores across various categories.
Here’s how to use it:
- Step 1: Sign up for an account on FindNiche.
- Step 2: Browse through the database of Shopify stores, which are categorized by niche, product type, and performance metrics.
- Step 3: Use the filters to narrow down the search to your specific interests, such as high-traffic stores, new stores, or stores within a particular niche.
FindNiche is particularly useful for identifying trends. It’s also good for finding underserved markets where you can establish a strong presence.
6. Finding Shopify Stores Through Social Media Platforms
Social media is a goldmine for discovering Shopify stores, particularly those that are actively marketing and engaging with customers. Different platforms offer unique opportunities for finding stores in your niche.
1. Instagram
Instagram is a visual platform, making it perfect for discovering Shopify stores that emphasize aesthetics, such as those in fashion, beauty, or home decor.
- Method 1: Use niche-specific hashtags to find relevant stores. For example, searching #minimalistfashion might lead you to Shopify stores specializing in minimalist clothing.
- Method 2: Follow influencers within your niche who often collaborate with or promote Shopify stores.
- Method 3: Explore the “Shop” tab on Instagram, where Shopify stores often showcase their products.
2. TikTok
TikTok has become a popular platform for e-commerce brands to go viral. Many Shopify stores use TikTok to promote their products through creative videos and challenges.
- Method 1: Search for trending hashtags related to your niche, such as #skincarehacks for skincare products or #homegym for fitness equipment.
- Method 2: Follow popular creators who feature or review products in your niche. They often link directly to Shopify stores in their bio or video descriptions.
- Method 3: Participate in or observe trending challenges that often spotlight Shopify stores as part of the trend.
3. Pinterest
Pinterest functions as a visual search engine, making it ideal for discovering niche products and Shopify stores.
- Method 1: Search for pins related to your niche. For example, searching for “sustainable living” might reveal pins from Shopify stores selling eco-friendly products.
- Method 2: Explore Pinterest boards curated by influencers or brands within your niche, which often include links to Shopify stores.
- Method 3: Use Pinterest’s “Shop the Look” feature, which allows you to purchase products directly from pins that are linked to Shopify stores.
7. Using Forums & Communities
Online forums and communities are treasure troves of information about Shopify stores. Here’s how to leverage these platforms:
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/Shopify and r/ecommerce are active communities where store owners and enthusiasts share their stores, ask for feedback, and discuss trends. Searching within these communities can help you find stores in your niche.
- Facebook Groups: Join e-commerce-focused groups where Shopify store owners share tips, ask for advice, and sometimes promote their stores.
- Quora: Quora has a range of threads discussing Shopify stores and e-commerce trends. Participating in or following relevant threads can lead you to discover new stores.
8. Using Shopify Directories
Shopify directories categorize and list stores based on niche, making it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. Some popular directories include:
- Shopify’s exchange marketplace: Although primarily a platform for buying and selling Shopify stores, it also serves as a directory where you can explore different niches and see what’s on offer.
- Shopify Compass: Shopify Compass offers case studies and showcases successful stores, often grouped by niche, providing both inspiration and direct links to explore these stores.
- Top Shopify stores lists: Various websites and blogs compile lists of top Shopify stores in specific niches. These lists can serve as a quick way to discover popular or trending stores.
9. Inspecting the Website Code
Inspecting the code of a website can reveal whether it’s a Shopify store and provide other valuable information. One effective tool for this is PublicWWW.
Here’s how you can use this tool:
- Step 1: Visit PublicWWW and enter a specific code snippet that is unique to Shopify stores, such as Shopify.theme or Shopify.checkout.
- Step 2: PublicWWW will return a list of websites containing that snippet, allowing you to identify which sites are using Shopify.
- Step 3: Filter the results by niche keywords to find relevant stores.
This method is particularly good for tech-savvy users who want to dig deeper into the structure and backend of Shopify stores.
10. Use a Theme Detector
Understanding the design trends in your niche can be just as important as finding the stores themselves. Koala Inspector’s theme detector feature is an excellent tool for this.
Here are some steps:
- Step 1: Install the Koala Inspector browser extension.
- Step 2: Visit a Shopify store you’re interested in and click on the Koala Inspector icon.
- Step 3: The theme detector will reveal the theme the store is using, along with other design elements.
This feature is invaluable if you’re looking to replicate the success of a particular store’s design. It’s also fantastic if you want to ensure your store’s design stands out within your niche.
Why Find Shopify Stores in Your Niche?
Discovering Shopify stores within your niche serves multiple purposes that can enhance your business strategy or consumer experience.
Here are some examples:
1. Market Research & Competitor Analysis for Your Own Business
Understanding what your competitors are doing can help you refine your strategies. By analyzing their product offerings, pricing, and marketing tactics, you can identify opportunities to differentiate your store.
2. Discovering New and Interesting Brands
The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, with new brands emerging all the time. Thankfully, you can stay ahead of trends and discover unique products that resonate with your target audience.
3. Networking and Collaboration with Potential Partners
Finding stores in your niche isn’t just about competition—it’s also about collaboration. Identifying potential partners or influencers within your niche can lead to mutually beneficial relationships. These may include cross-promotions or joint ventures.
4. Finding Unique Products
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to compete but to source unique products for your store. You can find suppliers, drop shippers, or even products to purchase wholesale. You can do this by seeing what other Shopify stores are offering,
Conclusion
Finding Shopify stores in your niche is an essential part of staying competitive—whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or savvy shopper. To further explore top Shopify stores across various niches, check out our list of top Shopify stores.
Koala Inspector is the best tool for finding rival Shopify stores and building your dropshipping business. Find out more today for free.
