How to make money on Shopify in 2024

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Shopify has become a profitable platform for businesses of all sizes. If you’re one of the ecommerce business owners wondering how to make money on Shopify, you’re in the right place.

The opportunities to turn Shopify into a profitable platform are more diverse and accessible than ever. The platform allows you to explore various business models, from dropshipping and print-on-demand to selling digital products.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to make money on Shopify in December 2024 without a significant upfront investment. We’ll also provide actionable tips to help you grow and maximize your online store’s potential.

10 different ways to make money on Shopify

Whether you want to build your business or start a side hustle, Shopify offers plenty of opportunities to generate revenue. Plus, you can maximize the platform’s features, explained in detail in this Shopify review, to make the most out of your business. 

Here are 10 ways to make money on Shopify in 2024:

• Make money on Shopify with a dropshipping business
• Make money on Shopify with a print-on-demand business
• Make money on Shopify with handmade or custom products
• Make money on Shopify by offering digital products
• Make money on Shopify with subscription box services
• Make money on Shopify with consulting or services
• Make money on Shopify with affiliate marketing
• Make money by creating a Shopify app
• Make money on Shopify by selling thrifted or vintage goods
• Make money on Shopify by launching a private-label brand

Make money on Shopify with a dropshipping business

If you’re a beginner in the ecommerce space, learning how to make money dropshipping on Shopify might just be the perfect solution for you. 

Dropshipping lets you sell products without holding any inventory yourself. Instead, when a customer buys from your Shopify store, you purchase the product from a third-party supplier, who ships it directly to the customer. 

Best for

Dropshipping is ideal for beginners and anyone looking to run an ecommerce business without the hassle of managing physical inventory or shipping.

Effort level 

While learning how to make money on Shopify dropshipping is relatively easy, you must select profitable products, handle customer service, and optimize your store.

Tip 

Just knowing how to make money on Shopify dropshipping won’t be enough to make profits. You’ll need to focus on a specific niche to attract loyal customers and stand out in today’s market. 

Example 

You can easily integrate with suppliers through Shopify apps like Oberlo. Such apps help you find quality products to sell.

The Cloudies is a successful dropshipping business that leverages Shopify to reach its audience with unique cloud-themed products:

Make money on Shopify with a print-on-demand business

Not sure how to make money on Shopify with no money? Consider starting a print-on-demand (POD) business. This model allows you to sell custom-designed products without buying inventory upfront.

You create and upload designs on your Shopify store. Then, when a customer places an order, a third-party service prints your design on the product and ships it.

Best for

POD is perfect for artists, designers, and influencers looking for low-cost opportunities to turn their creativity into profits. Sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, phone cases, hoodies, and mugs without holding inventory. 

Effort level

Running a POD business is a great approach for beginners who want to learn how to make money on Shopify. It requires minimal effort since you don’t need to handle manufacturing or shipping. However, you must design unique products and market your store to attract and retain customers.

Tip

Create limited-edition designs or seasonal collections to keep customers excited and coming back for more. Leverage social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to build a community around your designs.

Example

Shopify integrates with print-on-demand apps like Printify or Printful. You can use these apps to create eye-catching designs and reach customers globally. 

Jolie Noire is a thriving print-on-demand business. Its striking designs celebrate Black beauty:

Make money on Shopify with handmade or custom products

Are you talented at crafting custom handmade products, such as jewelry, candles, or art? Shopify is the perfect platform to showcase your products to a global audience. 

Handmade or custom products can set you apart from mass-production competitors. Many consumers are drawn to unique, artisanal items.

Best for

If you want to learn how to make money fast on Shopify while monetizing your art, this method is for you. It’s ideal for artists, crafters, and creators. However, entrepreneurs can partner with talented artisans and build a brand as well. 

Effort level 

While you have full control over your product quality, you’ll need to put more effort into customizing each item. You also need to manage your online store, promote your products, and fulfill orders.

Tip 

You can charge higher prices for handmade products and generate significant profits on each sale due to the labor, level of customization, and specific materials involved.

Example 

Use Shopify to launch a niche brand and build awareness through organic traffic and social media marketing. 

Soil To Studio sells beautifully handcrafted products made using traditional techniques:

Make money on Shopify by offering digital products

How easy is it to make money on Shopify? It can be as simple as selling your digital products. These products have no overhead costs. You create them once and sell them repeatedly.

Plus, there are no inventory or shipping costs to manage. All you need is expertise in a specific area or a skill that you can turn into digital products like downloadable ebooks, email templates, graphics, online courses, or software.

Best for

If you’re a creator, educator, or designer looking to monetize your knowledge or skills, this is the ideal option.

Effort level 

You’ll need to put in a lot of work upfront to create a high-quality digital product. However, once it’s done, there’ll be minimal ongoing effort in marketing and updating your content.

Tip 

Create digital products that offer clear value and solve a problem for your target audience. This can be in the form of educational guides, business templates, or exclusive design assets that you can sell repeatedly without restocking. 

Example 

Use Shopify to set up your store and add digital products. Then, promote them through digital marketing strategies like content, social media, or email marketing. 

Gauge Girl Training sells digital products like customized meal plans, workout guides, and nutritional ebooks:

Make money on Shopify with subscription box services

Subscription boxes are a booming business model because consumers mostly prefer the convenience of regular product delivery. They don’t want the hassle of picking and choosing products each time.

It’s an excellent way to build a steady, recurring income stream from beauty products, snacks, fitness gear, or niche items like collector’s goods.

Best for 

If you deeply understand a niche market and can identify trending or new products, a subscription box is an effective way to capitalize on your expertise. However, it may not be the best approach for beginners learning how to make money on Shopify. You’ll need to know how to customize products for a niche audience. 

Effort level

You’ll need to continually research and source products to keep your offerings fresh. Managing subscriptions, packing, and shipping boxes takes organization skills and time. 

Tip

The subscription model encourages engagement and repeat business. It ensures predictable and recurring revenue. Leverage this to cross-sell and upsell related products to your customers.

Example

Shopify allows you to manage customer subscriptions easily. Meanwhile, marketing tools like Omnisend can help you keep your subscribers engaged and expand your customer base. 

A platform designed for ecommerce email and SMS automation can boost your subscription box business by keeping your customers informed. It allows you to send automated email and SMS updates to notify customers about their next shipment, recommend personalized items, and offer special discounts.

John’s Crazy Socks sends its customers creative subscription boxes featuring fun, colorful socks that reflect the brand’s theme:

Make money on Shopify with consulting or services

Who says Shopify is just for physical products? If you have a skill, expertise, or knowledge related to Shopify that others would pay for, you can use the platform to sell consulting services or digital coaching packages. Services like coaching, consulting, or freelancing can help you reach customers worldwide.

With Shopify, you can start a consulting business as a marketing or management consultant, social media consultant, or IT consultant as well.

Best for

This model is perfect if you’re a business, design, or marketing professional with valuable knowledge or skills. 

Effort level

Consulting requires minimal effort since you don’t need to worry about inventory or shipping. However, you’ll need to manage your schedule, handle client communication, and deliver top-notch services.

Tip 

Share testimonials and case studies to build credibility. Potential clients will feel more comfortable booking your services when they see the results you’ve delivered for others.

Example 

Shopify offers a simple way to sell your expertise and services. When customers search for services, they can find your profile and offerings through a Shopify directory, as illustrated below: 

Make money on Shopify with affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link. 

Essentially, you create a store that showcases curated product collections. However, instead of stocking items yourself, you link to affiliate products.

Best for 

This business model is ideal for bloggers, influencers, content creators, and niche experts who want to monetize their audience reach. 

Effort level 

While you won’t need to manage inventory or ship products, understanding how long it takes to make money on Shopify depends on your ability to build a loyal audience and drive traffic to your store through blog posts, email marketing, or social media. 

Tip 

Start by joining the Shopify Affiliate Program, where you can earn commissions by recommending the platform to others and promoting its services. Additionally, partner with other brands or affiliate networks to expand your product offerings and increase your earnings.

Example

This model is a great way to build a profitable store without the financial risk of buying inventory. At the same time, you can share products you personally believe in, helping build trust and boosting conversions. 

Shopify’s affiliate program allows you to earn revenue while helping others grow their online business:

Make money by creating a Shopify app

If you have coding skills, you can create and sell a Shopify app. Shopify has an extensive App Store where merchants are always looking for solutions to improve their store’s functionality. 

You can create an app to enhance marketing automation, simplify product management, or optimize the checkout process. Your tool can be essential for thousands of store owners while also generating profits for your business.

Best for 

This is ideal for developers, software engineers, or entrepreneurs with a strong tech background who understand ecommerce. 

Effort level

App development requires a lot of effort. Coding, testing, and troubleshooting can be complex and time-consuming. You also need to thoroughly test your app before launching it because any hitches could harm your reputation. 

Tip 

Research the most requested Shopify features or pain points store owners have. This will help you develop an app that addresses actual needs, making it more likely to be used. 

Example

Many Shopify app developers monetize their apps through paid subscriptions or one-time fees to create a reliable source of revenue.

Take a look at some popular apps created and listed by developers on the Shopify App Store:

Make money on Shopify by selling thrifted or vintage goods

Thrifted or second-hand goods have gained a massive market as consumers are looking for sustainable shopping options. According to a 2024 Statista report, 35% of younger consumers believe that second-hand items are sustainable and eco-friendly: 

If you enjoy collecting unique, vintage, or second-hand items at flea markets, estate sales, or thrift stores, you can resell these goods on Shopify. You can be a specialized seller in curated vintage clothes and accessories or focus on furniture ecommerce or the collectables market.

Best for 

Thrifters, collectors, or anyone with an eye for unique, pre-loved items can make a profit.

Effort level

This Shopify business model requires some initial investment in sourcing inventory. You’ll also need to photograph your items, write compelling descriptions, manage inventory, and handle shipping. 

Tip

Focus on niche markets within the vintage or thrifted goods space, such as 90s fashion, mid-century modern furniture, or rare vinyl records, to stand out.

Example 

Shopify allows you to connect with customers seeking one-of-a-kind items while promoting a more sustainable way of shopping.

Luxury Garage Sale specializes in high-end, pre-owned items, including designer clothing, handbags, jewelry, and accessories from luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci:

Make money on Shopify by launching a private-label brand

Private labeling allows you to create an individual product line by sourcing generic items from manufacturers and customizing them with your branding. 

Selling these products on Shopify gives you a competitive edge and more control over your brand identity. Private labeling commands higher profit margins and allows you to cultivate a loyal brand following.

Best for

This approach is ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to sell customized products without the hassle of manufacturing. 

Effort level

While you won’t handle production, you’ll have to create a strong brand, find reliable manufacturers, and market your products effectively. 

Tip 

Create a memorable brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Strong branding and high-quality packaging can differentiate your private-label product from competitors.

Example 

Shopify merchants work with suppliers on platforms like Alibaba to source private-label products and personalize them with their own branding.

Ela & Earth sells eco-friendly private-label products, including sustainable beauty items, fashion accessories, and kitchen essentials: 

Essential tips for monetizing a Shopify store

Now, you’ve got a good idea of how to make money on Shopify. That said, maintaining your revenue stream requires more than just listing products and hoping for orders to come in. 

Beyond ticking all the boxes in the Shopify launch checklist, focus on the following strategies to maximize success and ensure sustainable growth:

• Choose a compelling theme
• Create high-quality product visuals
• Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy
• Leverage Shopify apps for enhanced functionality
• Establish excellent customer service

Choose a compelling theme

Selecting the right theme for your Shopify store is crucial when setting up your online business. A compelling theme improves your store’s visual appeal, user experience, navigation, and overall customer journey. 

A professional, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly theme should:

• Align with your brand identity: Your chosen theme should reflect your brand’s personality and message 
• Be fully responsive: Your theme should adapt to different screen sizes and work seamlessly across all devices, whether desktop, tablet, or mobile
• Stand out from the crowd: Customize your theme by adjusting elements like colors, typography, and layout to give your store a unique, professional edge

Shopify’s Theme Store offers various free and paid themes you can preview before making your final decision. 

Create high-quality product visuals

In ecommerce, where customers can’t physically see or touch your products before buying, visuals heavily influence their purchasing decisions. So, invest in high-quality visuals that accurately represent your products.

Here are some tips for creating high-quality product visuals:

• Hire professional photographers or learn the skill: Outsource experts or learn how to take high-quality, well-lit, and crisp images if you have a limited budget
• Show products from multiple angles: Include close-ups with a 360-degree view of key features, textures, or unique product aspects 
• Use lifestyle images to build context: Incorporate lifestyle images to help customers visualize the product in real-life scenarios

Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy

Without visibility, your store may struggle to attract customers and generate revenue. A well-rounded organic and paid marketing strategy can help you drive traffic to your Shopify store and convert visitors into paying customers. 

Let’s take a look at a few key marketing channels: 

• Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, improving page loading speed, and ensuring mobile-friendliness
• Social media marketing: Share engaging posts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to connect with your audience and drive visitors to your store
• Email marketing: Build an email list and regularly send targeted campaigns to promote products, announce sales, or share valuable content
• Content marketing: Regularly publish informative and engaging blogs, videos, or infographics to establish your brand as an authority, attracting and retaining customers over time
• Facebook ads and Google ads: These paid options allow you to target specific demographics and keywords, making it easier to attract the right audience

Leverage Shopify apps for enhanced functionality

Shopify has an App Store loaded with numerous apps that you can use to improve your store’s functionality, automate tasks, and enhance customer experience. 

When choosing the best Shopify apps for your store, you must:

• Prioritize your store’s needs: Whether you need help with customer support, email marketing, or upselling, choose apps that fit your business’s specific needs
• Automate key tasks: Some apps can help you automate essential tasks like email campaigns, order fulfillment, or abandoned cart recovery, saving you time and effort

If you regularly send messages and emails to your customers, you can use an app like Omnisend to automate this task. The app allows you to automate your email campaigns and send personalized product recommendations, increasing sales and customer retention.

Establish excellent customer service

Responsive customer service can turn a one-time buyer into a lifelong customer, translating into more revenue for your business. 

Here’s how you can provide fast and efficient customer support:

• Set up live chat: This feature enables customers to get immediate answers to their questions, improving their shopping experience and preventing lost sales
• Create an FAQ page: This practice can help customers find solutions independently, reducing the volume of inquiries
• Implement a dedicated customer support system: Setting up a dedicated support team enables you to handle more complex issues quickly and efficiently
• Use apps: Shopify’s Inbox or similar apps can help you manage, track, and respond to customer inquiries in one place, ensuring a seamless customer experience

Conclusion

Shopify offers endless opportunities to monetize your ideas, whether you’re a beginner or working with a limited budget. 

The platform’s flexibility allows you to build a business that suits your expertise and goals, from dropshipping and print-on-demand to selling digital products. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to discovering how to make money on Shopify in 2024.

So, what are you waiting for? Start building your Shopify store today and turn your passion into profit!

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