The possibilities don’t end there. The array of products you can customize with print-on-demand is ever-expanding, from tech accessories to home decor items like throw pillows and blankets. This allows you to experiment and discover which products resonate most with your target audience.
Many successful Shopify stores have harnessed the power of POD to build businesses that celebrate individuality and creative expression. For instance, Fiercepulse has found success by offering leggings in a variety of bold styles like cartoons, florals, and seasonal prints. By focusing on unique, appealing designs, you too can create a successful print-on-demand store on Shopify.
Source: Fiercepulse
2. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where an online store doesn’t hold the products it sells in stock. Instead, the item is shipped from a third-party supplier directly to the customer. This way, store owners never handle the product directly.
How it works
In the dropshipping model, your role is to curate a selection of products from suppliers and list them on your Shopify store. Your profit comes from the difference between the retail price you set and the price you pay the supplier.
One of the key aspects of a successful dropshipping business is finding products that are in demand but with low competition. You’ll also have to focus on building a strong brand identity that customers recognize and return to. With the right approach, dropshipping can be your launchpad to a profitable online store.
Product examples
Several successful Shopify dropshipping stores have made the most of this business model. A prime example is Inspire Uplift, which focuses on trending products like home goods, beauty, and personal care. They’ve built a loyal customer base by offering a wide range of innovative products sourced from different suppliers.
Another inspiring Shopify store is Meowingtons, which caters to cat lovers with a curated selection of cat-themed apparel, accessories, and home decor. The store successfully tapped into a niche market and created a strong brand identity that attracts customers.
Source: Meowingtons
3. Offer handmade products
The Shopify platform is a great way for artisans and crafters to share their handmade items with the world. Its customizable storefront makes it easy to create a captivating Shopify store that showcases the unique character of handcrafted items.
How it works
Start by designing a Shopify storefront that highlights the individuality of your creations. Take high-quality photos and write engaging descriptions to bring your handmade items to life. Sharing the story behind each piece and adding customer testimonials or feedback from friends and family could also help build trust with potential buyers.
For handmade items, pricing is crucial. Take into account the value of your time, materials, and the unique qualities of each item. Shopify’s tools can help you manage pricing, discounts, and sales, giving you control over your profit margins.
Product examples
Fitzy, a Canadian brand, serves as an excellent example of how to sell handmade goods like leather wallets and belts on Shopify. Fitzy has built a strong brand identity around artisanal craftsmanship and ethical production. They’ve connected with a niche audience that values unique, premium leather products.
Source: Fitzy
4. Join the Shopify Affiliate Program
The Shopify Affiliate Program rewards those who promote Shopify, making it a great opportunity to earn extra income if you have an audience interested in ecommerce stores.
How it works
To get started, sign up for the free Shopify affiliate program and receive a unique referral link. Share this link throughout your content—whether it’s blog posts, social media updates, videos, or any other online platform. Whenever someone clicks your link and signs up for a paid Shopify plan, you earn a commission.
Shopify offers payouts for successful referrals. You’ll also gain access to a marketing toolkit filled with resources to help you promote Shopify effectively.
The program is suitable for all kinds of online creators, particularly those interested in ecommerce. For example, bloggers can integrate Shopify recommendations into their blog post content. Alternatively, video creators who produce content about ecommerce, digital marketing, or entrepreneurship can promote Shopify through social media platforms.
Source: Pexels
5. Sell digital products
Picture this: You’ve honed your design skills, and you excel at creating stunning graphics, patterns, and fonts. Instead of just using them for your own products, why not package them up and sell them as digital downloads?
Even if you’re not a designer, selling digital products is within reach. Anyone with expertise in a sought-after area can turn their passion into profit. From ebooks and online courses to photography presets, there are lots of possibilities for monetizing your skills and making money online.
How it works
First, take a moment to brainstorm product ideas. Are your designs perfect for social media templates or website banners? Or maybe you’re a marketer with valuable insights to share through online courses? Consider how your unique skills and knowledge can address the needs of your audience, and explore creative ways to package and sell those ideas.
Before you start selling, you’ll need to set up an attractive storefront for your online business. Shopify offers user-friendly templates and customizable tools to help you create a welcoming page that encourages customers to explore your products.
Product examples
Now comes the exciting part: showcasing your digital creations to the world! Popular digital products include ebooks, design templates, online courses, and software licenses, all of which can be easily shared online.
The best part? You can sell unlimited copies without worrying about running out of stock. Every time a customer makes a purchase, they receive an instant download link, eliminating the need for shipping or inventory management. Plus, customers enjoy the instant gratification of immediate access, while you have the freedom to expand your portfolio to fit various interests and budgets.
Source: Pexels
6. Create a Shopify theme or app
Shopify is a platform that allows you to go beyond selling products. By creating custom website themes and apps, you can open up new revenue streams while helping other Shopify merchants succeed.
How it works
To start creating Shopify themes you’ll need some basic coding skills and to learn about Liquid—Shopify’s template language. For app development, familiarity with Shopify’s APIs and backend development frameworks like Ruby on Rails is essential.
Once you’ve mastered Liquid, you can start building powerful and immersive ecommerce templates for Shopify users. Focus on creating visually appealing, customizable designs that cater to specific industries, then publish and market your themes on the Shopify Theme Store.
For best results, consider going into niche markets. For example, designing a theme for a pet store calls for bright and cheerful colors, whereas a tech gadget retailer would benefit from a sleek, modern look. Catering to specific industries will help you stand out in the saturated marketplace.
To start selling Shopify apps, sign up for a Shopify Partner account and set up a development store for testing. Learn the basics of Shopify’s API, and use tools like Shopify App Bridge and Polaris for app development. Once your app is built and thoroughly tested, submit it for review, and upon approval, start selling it on Shopify App Store.
Product examples
The Shopify ecosystem is filled with talented creators who’ve made their mark with innovative designs, themes, and apps.
For example, the agency Pixel Union is focusing on creating Shopify themes, many of which have become top sellers. Their design approach is known for its clean aesthetic and a focus on user experience. Notable themes include “Empire,” “Atlantic,” and “Grid.”
Source: Shopify
Additionally, Bold Commerce has developed a suite of apps that improve different aspects of Shopify stores, including subscriptions, memberships, and product bundles. Their apps are used by thousands of Shopify merchants worldwide and have generated significant revenue.
Source: Shopify
Individual developers have also found success by focusing on niche solutions for ecommerce stores. Whether it’s an app for seamless shipping integrations or a tool for creating beautiful product mockups, addressing specific needs can lead to sales.
7. Join Shopify Expert Marketplace
The Shopify Expert Marketplace serves as a central hub where Shopify merchants can find and hire skilled professionals to improve their business performance. As a Shopify Expert, you can use your knowledge and skills to offer valuable services and build a successful freelance career.
How it works
The Shopify Expert Marketplace is your direct link to eager clients. Start by setting up a compelling profile that highlights your skills and experience.
With your profile and rates set, you can start browsing the marketplace, which functions like a specialized job board for Shopify experts. Take your time to explore the various projects available and identify those that align well with your skills.
When you find a good fit, pitch your services to the potential client with a tailored proposal that shows how your expertise can help Shopify store owners grow their business.
