Leverage Telegram’s power to grow your e-commerce reach with Tonify. This guide helps you through every step to link your Shopify store, letting millions of potential buyers on Telegram find it in just a few minutes.
Why Integrate Shopify with Telegram?
With over 900 million users, Telegram provides an untapped opportunity to reach audiences on a platform known for its privacy and ease of communication. Tonify lets you bring your Shopify storefront directly to Telegram, helping you create a streamlined shopping experience where customers can browse and buy products without leaving the app.
Top Benefits of Integration:
Enhanced Customer Engagement: Reach customers directly in an app they use daily.
Direct Messaging Capability: Use Telegram’s conversational features to interact in real-time.
Cost-Efficiency: Reduce advertising costs by connecting directly to a receptive audience.
Getting Started
Summary of Information You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these essentials:
- Email Address
- Shopify Hydrogen Storefront URL
- Shopify Oxygen Deployment Token
- Telegram Bot Access Token
This process takes approximately [10 minutes]. If you have any questions, concerns during this process, or, would like help setting up your store, reach out to us at info@tonify.tech and we can schedule a call to walk through it with you step-by-step.
Step 1: Set Up Your Shopify Hydrogen Storefront
1. Install the Hydrogen App
To start, install the Hydrogen app from the Shopify App Store. This app enables you to create custom storefronts for your Shopify store, which will connect seamlessly with Tonify.
- How to Install: Go to the Shopify App Store, search for Hydrogen, and click Install.
After installation, Hydrogen will be visible under your sales channels in the Shopify dashboard.
2. Create Your Storefront
- In the Hydrogen channel, select “Create Storefront”.
- Name your application, select “Set up CI/CD or manual deployments later” and click Create.
- Your storefront is now set up, and you’re ready to integrate it with Tonify.
3. Get the Production Deployment URL
This URL is the endpoint where customers will access your Shopify store.
- Go to Storefront settings.
- Locate and copy your Production Deployment URL—you’ll need this for integration.
4. Generate an Oxygen Deployment Token
The Oxygen token is necessary for secure deployment and integration.
- In the Shopify dashboard, navigate to Oxygen Deployments > Oxygen Deployment Tokens.
- Click “Create New Token” and save it for later.
Step 2: Create a Telegram Bot
A Telegram bot will act as your storefront interface within the app, allowing users to interact with your store in a conversational setting.
1. Set Up Your Bot with Telegram’s BotFather
Open the Telegram app and find BotFather, the official bot-creation tool.
Type the /newbot command to initiate a new bot setup.
Provide a name for your bot and a unique bot username. This should be related to the name of your store, as it cannot be changed at a later date. Once complete, you’ll receive a bot token that you’ll need to use in Tonify.
Step 3: Integrate Shopify with Telegram through Tonify
Now it’s time to link your Shopify store with Telegram using Tonify.
1. Start a New Mini App on Tonify
- Go to the Tonify App Father platform (the hub for Tonify’s integrations).
- Click “Create App” to begin setting up your Telegram mini app.
2. Enter Required Information
Fill in the necessary details, including:
Email Address
Telegram Bot Token (from BotFather)
Oxygen Deployment Token (from Shopify)
Hydrogen Storefront URL
Choose a theme for the mini app’s interface.
3. Deploy Your App
Once all information is entered, click Deploy. Tonify will handle the rest, connecting your Shopify store to Telegram.
Wait for the deployment process to complete. Don’t worry, it won’t take long. This process usually takes around [X minutes]. You’ll receive a notification once the deployment is successful.
Step 4: Set Your Shopify Storefront to Public
To complete the setup, ensure your Shopify storefront is accessible to the public.
1. Update Storefront Visibility
- Return to the Hydrogen sales channel in Shopify.
- Select your storefront, go to the Production Environment section, and open the “…” menu.
Click Edit Environment, set visibility to Public, and save.
Now you can access your store via the bot.
That’s it! You’re Ready to Start Selling on Telegram
Your Shopify store is now fully integrated with Telegram, giving you access to a broad audience in a conversational setting where they can shop conveniently.
For further assistance or to schedule a support call, please contact info@tonify.tech. Happy selling!
Troubleshooting & Tips
Common Issues:
Deployment Token Errors: Ensure tokens are copied correctly without extra spaces.
Bot Connection Problems: Double-check your Bot Token and ensure BotFather settings are completed.
Next Steps for Engaging Your Audience:
Promote Your Bot: Share your bot link on social media to drive initial traffic.
Use Broadcast Messages: Send product updates or promotions directly to subscribers.
Encourage Interaction: Create a welcoming first message in the bot that explains what your store offers.
If you have any questions, or concerns during this process, or, would like help setting up your store, reach out to us at info@tonify.tech and we can schedule a call to walk through it with you step-by-step.