Tula, Russia - AUGUST 19, 2019: Shopify web page displayed on a modern laptop on red background. Shopify logo on iphone X in shopping cart

11 Ways To Make Money With Shopify Today

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In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, Shopify has emerged as a powerhouse platform, enabling entrepreneurs to turn their dreams of running an online store into reality. However, beyond just selling products, there are numerous avenues through which individuals can leverage Shopify to generate income. Here are the top ways to make money with Shopify.

If you don’t have a Shopify account yet, click here for a free trial. 

11 Ways To Make Money With Shopify

From dropshipping to affiliate marketing, the possibilities are diverse and abundant. Let’s discuss the various ways individuals can make money with Shopify.

1. Traditional E-commerce

The primary function of Shopify is to facilitate online sales. Users can create their own e-commerce stores, customize them to fit their brand, and sell physical or digital products directly to customers. This approach involves sourcing, stocking, and fulfilling products independently.

I personally started my e-commerce store using Woocommerce since it was free to use, but one must be familiar with WordPress to use it (I am). And with WordPress, there are hosting fees. I switched from WordPress from Shopify in March 2024 (after the Google SERP update) and wish I would have done it sooner! It is so much easier to use!

2. Dropshipping

Dropshipping has gained immense popularity as a low-risk business model. With Shopify, entrepreneurs can set up a store and partner with suppliers who handle inventory and shipment. The seller only purchases the product from the supplier once it’s been ordered by a customer, eliminating the need for upfront inventory investment.

3. Print on Demand (POD)

This model allows individuals to create custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases, which are produced and shipped to customers on-demand. Shopify integrates seamlessly with various POD services, enabling entrepreneurs to sell unique, personalized items without managing inventory.

Printful, a print-on-demand drop shipping service, seamlessly integrates with Shopify. Users can create and sell custom-designed products without worrying about inventory or fulfillment. This integration is particularly attractive for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs looking to monetize their creativity.

4. Subscription Services

Entrepreneurs can capitalize on the subscription e-commerce trend by offering products or services on a recurring basis. Whether it’s a monthly box of curated goods or access to exclusive content, Shopify provides the tools to manage subscription-based businesses efficiently.

5. Digital Products

Beyond physical goods, Shopify supports the sale of digital products such as e-books, courses, software, or photography. Creators can upload their digital content to the platform, set prices, and deliver files automatically upon purchase.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Shopify’s affiliate program allows individuals to earn commissions by promoting Shopify itself. Affiliates can recommend Shopify to others through blogs, social media, or websites using unique referral links. When someone signs up for a paid Shopify plan through their link, the affiliate earns a commission.

If you are unfamiliar affiliate marketing, click here to learn more about it. 

7. Consulting and Services

Shopify’s ecosystem extends beyond just selling products. Many entrepreneurs offer consulting services, website design, development, marketing, and other services to Shopify users. Leveraging expertise in Shopify’s platform and e-commerce in general, individuals can build lucrative service-based businesses.

8. App Development

With Shopify’s robust API and app store, developers can create and sell custom applications and themes to enhance the functionality of Shopify stores. Whether it’s a marketing tool, inventory management system, or a specialized integration, there’s a demand for apps that optimize and streamline e-commerce operations.

9. Marketplace

Shopify’s Marketplace Connect allows users to sell their products not only on their own store but also on other platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Walmart. By expanding their reach to these channels, entrepreneurs can tap into larger audiences and drive more sales.

10. White Labeling

Some entrepreneurs leverage Shopify to create white-labeled products, allowing other businesses to sell those products under their own brand. This approach is popular in industries like cosmetics, supplements, and apparel, where businesses may not have the resources to manufacture products themselves.

11. Local Delivery and Pickup

If you already have a brick and mortar store offline, why not create an online presence as well so people can order online. Shopify enables users to set up these services seamlessly, allowing customers to order online and receive their products without visiting a physical store. Many businesses have started offering local delivery and pickup options in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shopify offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals to make money beyond just traditional e-commerce. Whether it’s through dropshipping, affiliate marketing, digital products, or providing services to other Shopify users, the platform provides the flexibility and scalability necessary for entrepreneurial success. By tapping into these diverse revenue streams, aspiring entrepreneurs can turn their Shopify store into a thriving business venture.

Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Kim Rowley Lohrberg
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11 Ways To Make Money With Shopify Today