Over the past two decades, Shopify has become the go-to ecommerce platform for businesses of all sizes—from the smallest of startups to large enterprises like Mattel and Staples. In 2023, Shopify processed $235.9 billion in gross merchandise volume (that’s roughly the GDP of Qatar, for comparison). But Shopify isn’t just a place to sell products online; it’s an entire retail ecosystem—and there are a variety of ways you can use it to generate income.
Table of contents
14 ways to make money on Shopify in 2024
- Start an ecommerce store
- Set up a dropshipping business
- Sell print-on-demand products
- Sell handmade goods
- Sell thrifted or vintage goods
- Sell digital products and downloads
- Create and sell online courses
- Develop Shopify apps
- Design Shopify themes
- Become a Shopify affiliate
- Become a Shopify expert
- Monetize your social media presence
- Offer product photography services
- Set up pop-up shops
Shopify offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs and creators to generate income—and in more ways than you’d expect. You could create a Shopify app to enhance store functionality, take product photos for ecommerce stores that use the Shopify platform, or use Shopify’s POS system when you sell your wares in brick-and-mortar locations.
Whether you’re looking to start your own online store or use your skills to support other merchants, here are 14 money-making strategies to explore:
1. Start an ecommerce store
Whether you’re a solopreneur or at the helm of a global brand like Gymshark, you can use the Shopify platform to create and run your online store. The platform offers analytics tools, web hosting capabilities, and easy integration with a variety of apps. Shopify’s all-in-one solution lets you focus on growth rather than technical hurdles. Plans start at $29 per month, making it affordable for new entrepreneurs.
2. Set up a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products that a supplier ships directly to your customers. Although dropshipping has low startup costs and minimal risk, profit margins can be slim, and you’ll face stiff competition.
To succeed, focus on niche markets and prioritize customer service. You can make your product listings more likely to catch a customer’s eye with high-quality photographs, descriptions that highlight key features and benefits, and keywords to match current search trends. Consider investing in targeted marketing to stand out in the crowded dropshipping landscape.
3. Sell print-on-demand products
You can transform your graphic designs into profitable merchandise (without holding expensive inventory) by running your own ecommerce store with print-on-demand services. Use your online storefront to showcase print-on-demand products (like t-shirts, mugs, or custom puzzles) that you produce and ship only when orders come in, minimizing upfront costs and risk.
Focus on high-quality product photos, engaging product descriptions, and targeted social media marketing to attract your ideal customers.
4. Sell handmade goods
Handmade goods offer a personal touch that mass-produced goods can’t match, appealing to customers seeking authenticity. To appeal to customers, use captivating brand storytelling to share why your products are truly unique. You can also boost your Shopify store’s visibility by building a community through social media engagement and a presence at local flea markets and pop-up venues (more on that in a moment).
5. Sell thrifted or vintage goods
Use your curatorial genius to start making money with vintage goods on Shopify. Source items from estate sales, flea markets, and thrift shops, focusing on quality and authenticity. Consider specializing in niches like vintage designer handbags or retro electronics that appeal to collectors. To do well, you’ll need a keen eye for trends, thorough product knowledge, and the ability to tell compelling stories about each item’s history and significance.
6. Sell digital products and downloads
If you’ve got expertise in a particular field, you can create digital products that can generate passive income. Online stores selling digital products have low overhead costs, and they’re not limited by physical inventory. Use your Shopify site to sell digital offerings such as:
- Ebooks and guides
- Stock photography or vector graphics
- Printable planners or templates
- Music or sound effects
7. Create and sell online courses
Transform your knowledge into a lucrative educational business. By creating an online course, you can tap into the booming e-learning market to earn money online. Your Shopify store can sell various course formats, from self-paced video lessons to text-based courses with downloadable resources, cohort-based programs with live sessions, or hybrid models with consulting add-ons.
8. Develop Shopify apps
Shopify store owners don’t build their ecommerce website totally from scratch. Many of them rely on the Shopify App Store to find helpful apps that make their site function exactly as intended. Merchants use apps for tasks like improving SEO, managing inventory, handling customer service, and streamlining order fulfillment.
This is where an opportunity presents itself. By developing innovative apps, you can tap into this demand. For example, popular apps like Recharge for subscription management and Yotpo for reviews and ratings address specific merchant needs.
If app development is your specialty, aim to create apps that solve specific pain points; speak with Shopify merchants to understand their day-to-day challenges and provide straightforward solutions that are easy for them to implement.
9. Design Shopify themes
You can create stunning visual experiences for ecommerce stores by developing themes, like Local and Zest. This opportunity is available through the Shopify Partner program, which lets developers create and sell apps and themes for the platform. Themes are crucial for merchants looking to establish their brand identity and stand out in a crowded marketplace. They also allow store owners to launch quickly without extensive technical knowledge.
You can sell your themes on the official Shopify Theme Store, tapping into a vast market of potential buyers. To excel in theme development, you’ll need skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Liquid (Shopify’s templating language). With the potential for thousands of sales, your creative work could generate significant passive income.
10. Become a Shopify affiliate
Leverage your influence to earn money without running your own store. As a Shopify affiliate, you promote the platform to potential merchants, earning commissions for successful referrals. The affiliate program offers $150 for each new merchant who signs up for a paid plan through your unique web link. For instance, you could create content comparing ecommerce platforms, offer tutorials on starting online businesses, or showcase Shopify success stories.
By integrating these promotions into your blog, YouTube channel, or social media presence, you tap into Shopify’s affiliate marketing program, potentially earning thousands monthly while helping others launch their ecommerce journey.
11. Become a Shopify expert
Are you an accountant? An email marketing expert? A graphic designer? The Shopify Partners program offers various ways to monetize your skills and become a valuable asset in the Shopify ecosystem. As a service partner, you can help businesses solve technical problems, identify growth opportunities, and make their whole ecommerce store layout shine.
12. Monetize your social media presence
If you’ve built a following on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or a personal blog, you can integrate your Shopify store with your social media presence, offering your followers products that are likely to appeal to them. For instance, a popular cooking blog could sell branded aprons or cookbooks.
To maximize your success, analyze your audience engagement data to identify top-performing content themes. Offer products that directly relate to these popular topics or solve problems your followers frequently discuss. Integrate your Shopify store organically by featuring products in your content—cook a recipe from your cookbook or wear your branded merchandise in your next video. This approach is a natural extension of your brand, and will likely feel authentic to your audience.
13. Offer product photography services
In the visually driven world of online shopping, high-quality product images are essential for a successful Shopify storefront. You can capitalize on this demand as a skilled photographer by offering specialized product photography services. To find clients, network in Shopify community forums, contact local businesses, or create a portfolio website showcasing your work. By helping merchants present their goods in the best light, you’ll earn a steady income and also play a role in boosting their sales.
14. Set up pop-up shops
Bridge the gap between online and offline retail by testing your physical products in temporary locations. Pop-up shops offer a low upfront investment to gauge market interest and serve as powerful marketing channels. Shopify’s point-of-sale system seamlessly integrates your in-person and online sales, letting you manage inventory and track sales revenue across all platforms. This system processes transactions, accepts various payment methods, and syncs data with your online store in real-time.
By combining the immediacy of face-to-face interactions with the reach of your online presence, you can create buzz, gather customer feedback, and potentially boost sales while exploring the viability of a permanent brick-and-mortar location.
Tips for opening a Shopify store
- Choose a compelling theme
- Create high-quality product visuals
- Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy
- Establish excellent customer service
Launching a successful Shopify store requires more than just listing products and hoping for the best. By focusing on key areas, you can set your business up for growth and profitability from the start.
Choose a compelling theme
Your store’s visual appeal should capture and retain customer interest. Select a theme that aligns with your brand identity and offers a seamless user experience across all devices. Customize the layout and color scheme to create a unique, professional look that sets you apart from competitors.
Create high-quality product visuals
High-quality product visuals are essential in the world of ecommerce. Invest in professional photography or learn to take great photos yourself. Display your products from multiple angles and in context to give customers a clear idea of what they’re buying. Consider adding video demonstrations for complex items to boost buyer confidence.
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy
A distinctive marketing strategy is vital for driving traffic and conversions; it’s how you’ll catch your potential customers’ attention and make that invaluable first impression. Use a mix of SEO, social media marketing, email campaigns, and paid advertising to reach them. By tailoring your message to your audience’s expectations (with a little surprise here and there), you can engage with them in a way that’s memorable and builds brand loyalty.
Establish excellent customer service
Exceptional customer service can turn one-time buyers into lifelong customers. Implement a robust support system with multiple contact channels, including ecommerce live chat and email. Respond promptly to inquiries and go above and beyond to resolve issues. Consider creating detailed FAQs and product guides to preemptively address common questions.
How to make money on Shopify FAQ
What brands use Shopify?
Major brands using Shopify include Allbirds and Diane Von Furstenberg, alongside millions of small and medium-sized businesses.
What types of products are good to sell on Shopify?
You can use Shopify to sell a wide range of products, including apparel, cosmetics, handmade crafts, digital downloads, print-on-demand items, dropshipping products, and both physical and digital goods across various niches.
Is an ecommerce store the only way to make money on Shopify?
No. While running an ecommerce store is the primary method, you can also make money on Shopify by developing apps, creating themes, offering services like photography or store setup, or becoming a Shopify affiliate.
