17 Ways + Expert Blueprint

One of the biggest questions people ask — whether times are tough or they just want to boost their income — is how they can make more money online. After all, in this age of high-speed internet, AI tools, and side hustles, it’s easier than ever to grow your income right from the comfort of home. A question I get asked a lot is how exactly to go about making money on Shopify.

You see, these days, selling goods and services online is one of the best ways to get started. But not all online retailing options are created equal. Some — like building a custom website from scratch — can be time-consuming, expensive, and filled with headaches like inventory management and shipping.

That’s where Shopify comes in. Learning how to make money on Shopify can dramatically reduce your workload and startup costs — and open the door to proven business models, from print-on-demand to digital products, subscriptions, and even social selling through TikTok Shop.

Over the years, I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs launch and grow online businesses — and in this guide, I’m going to break down the most effective ways to make real money on Shopify plus some insider tips that most generic posts leave out.

Why Shopify is Still the Best Platform to Make Money Online

Simply put, Shopify is an ecommerce platform that lets you design your own website, list your goods and services, and handle orders, payments, and other logistical aspects of running an online business — all in one place. With some service levels, you can even manage online advertising and tap into social selling with platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Learning how to make money on Shopify is relatively easy because this content management system is designed for people with little to no technical expertise. While major brands use Shopify every day, it’s really built for small to medium-sized businesses that don’t have a large IT team (or any IT staff at all!). That means it’s easy to set up, low maintenance, and gives you more time to focus on doing what you love — instead of endless site maintenance or coding headaches.

And if you choose Shopify for your store, you definitely won’t be alone. Today, there are over 4.5 million stores worldwide powered by Shopify. More than 2 million merchants use this tool daily, and millions more people shop from these stores every single day. This massive ecosystem means that if you know how to make money on Shopify, you have the potential to reach customers quickly — with a reliable, trusted platform that grows with you.

Compare Your Options — Which Shopify Money-Maker Fits You?

Before you dive in, it helps to see how each money-making idea stacks up. Use this quick comparison table to get a sense of what each business model requires — from startup costs to how fast you might see profits. Then, choose the one that fits your skills, budget, and lifestyle best.

Shopify Money-Maker Comparison Table

Model	Startup Cost	Profit Margins	Time to Earn	Effort Level	Tools Needed
Dropshipping	Low	Medium	Fast	Low	DSers, Spocket
Print-on-Demand	Low	Medium	Medium	Low-Medium	Printful, Printify
Digital Products	Very Low	High	Medium	Medium	Digital Downloads App
Handmade or Custom Goods	Medium	High	Medium	High	Quality Photos, SEO
Apparel & Accessories	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	POD or Manufacturer
Thrifted or Vintage Goods	Low-Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium-High	Quality Photos, SEO
Freelance or Consulting Services	Very Low	High	Fast	Medium	Booking App, Portfolio
Shopify Expert / Consultant	Very Low	High	Medium	Medium	Shopify Partner Account
Product Photography Services	Low	High	Medium	High	Camera Gear, Portfolio
Knowledge Resource (Courses, Memberships)	Low-Medium	High	Slow-Medium	Medium	Course Platform, Email Marketing
Online Storefront for Local Business	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local SEO, Delivery Options
Subscription Box or Membership	Medium	Medium-High	Medium	Medium	Subscription App, Email Marketing
Monetize Social Media Following	Low	Medium	Fast	Medium	Shopify Starter Plan, Social Selling Apps
UGC & Creator Collabs	Low	Medium	Medium	Medium	Shopify Collabs, Referral Apps
Build Shopify Apps or Themes	Medium	High	Slow	High	Developer Tools, Shopify Partner Account
Shopify Affiliate Program	Very Low	Medium	Medium	Medium	Blog, YouTube, Email List
Flip Shopify Stores	Medium	High	Medium	High	Flippa, Business SOPs

How to Use This Table

Use this table to compare which Shopify income streams best fit your goals, time, budget, and skills. Some ideas, like dropshipping or social selling, are great if you want to start fast with minimal investment. Others, like apps, courses, or store flipping, can grow into big passive income streams but take more time and effort upfront.

Consider your unique strengths, the time you can commit, and the tools you already have — then pick one (or two) to test and grow over time.

Tip: Bookmark this table to come back to when you’re narrowing your options. And if you want to jumpstart your launch, check out my recommended Shopify themes post so that you can begin to visualize what your site might look like.

17 Proven Ways to Make Money on Shopify

Of course, there’s a lot more to making money on Shopify than simply setting up an account and waiting for the sales to roll in. You need a solid plan for what you’ll sell — and that could be physical goods, digital products, or even your own skills and expertise. Each option has its own unique benefits, challenges, and best practices. The good news? Shopify makes it easy to test, grow, and scale whichever path you choose.

Group 1: Low-Barrier, Beginner-Friendly Shopify Business Models

Shopify is perfect for getting started with e-commerce, especially if you’re new to selling online. These beginner-friendly models help you launch with minimal upfront investment, no big inventory risks, and flexible ways to test what sells best for your audience.

1. Start a Dropshipping Business

It used to be that you needed plenty of storage space to sell products online. Fortunately, dropshipping lets you skip the inventory altogether. Instead, you partner with a supplier (often through apps like DSers or Spocket), list their products on your Shopify store, and they ship orders directly to your customers. The biggest advantage? Low risk and low upfront investment. You don’t pay for inventory until you’ve made a sale, which makes it easy to test new products or trends.

Pro Tip: Use Shopify apps like DSers or Oberlo alternatives to find trusted suppliers and automate order fulfillment.

2. Sell Print-on-Demand Products

Print-on-demand is another smart way to sell products without managing inventory. With POD, you create custom designs for t-shirts, mugs, hats, or posters — and a third-party provider prints and ships each order as it comes in. Apps like Printful and Printify make it simple to get started. This model works well for artists, influencers, or anyone with a creative idea that resonates with a niche audience.

Pro Tip: Focus on a specific niche or trend to stand out — think local pride, hobbies, or clever quotes that resonate with your audience.

3. Sell Digital Products

Selling digital products is one of the easiest ways to make money on Shopify with minimal overhead. E-books, design templates, stock photos, music files, and online courses can all be sold instantly — with no inventory or shipping to worry about. Once you’ve created your product, it becomes a source of semi-passive income. Many Shopify merchants automate the process so customers receive a download link immediately after purchase.

Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s Digital Downloads app to deliver files securely and set up email automations to upsell related products.

4. Sell Handmade or Custom Goods

If you’re a maker at heart, Shopify is a perfect place to showcase your creations. Whether it’s jewelry, candles, woodworking, or custom gifts, people love buying one-of-a-kind products that have a story behind them. Take high-quality photos, write compelling descriptions, and share your craft process to build trust with shoppers who appreciate handmade work.

Pro Tip: Use lifestyle shots and behind-the-scenes videos to show the heart and effort that goes into each piece — it builds connection and trust.

5. Sell Apparel & Accessories

From custom t-shirts to statement jewelry and accessories, there’s always demand for stylish, niche fashion products. Many Shopify entrepreneurs start small with a unique idea — like eco-friendly streetwear or pet-themed hats — then grow their collection over time. You can produce your items yourself, use print-on-demand, or collaborate with other artists to expand your designs.

Pro Tip: Niche down. Instead of selling “all clothes,” focus on what makes your brand stand out — like faith-based accessories, festival gear, or matching pet and owner outfits.

6. Sell Thrifted or Vintage Goods

If you have an eye for hidden gems at flea markets or estate sales, consider selling secondhand or vintage goods. The resale market has boomed in recent years, especially with sustainability-minded shoppers. Vintage clothing, rare collectibles, or retro home decor can find a perfect home on Shopify. Tell the story behind each piece and show buyers how to style or use it.

Pro Tip: Write unique product descriptions that share the history of each item — and add lifestyle photos so customers can imagine it in their own space.

Group 2: Skill-Based & Service-Based Shopify Income Streams

Not every Shopify store needs physical products. If you have in-demand skills, knowledge, or a passion for helping others succeed, you can build a thriving business around selling your expertise — all managed right through Shopify.

7. Offer Freelance or Consulting Services

You don’t have to sell physical products to profit on Shopify — you can sell your expertise, too. Coaches, consultants, and freelancers in marketing, design, copywriting, or business strategy can list services just like products, accept bookings, and get paid securely. Adding a booking app or calendar integration can streamline the process for clients to schedule time with you.

Pro Tip: Include client testimonials and clear service packages on your store to build trust and make it easy for clients to say yes.

8. Become a Shopify Expert or Consultant

If you’re already skilled at setting up, designing, or growing Shopify stores, put that experience to work. Shopify Partners and Experts can offer services like store setup, SEO, email marketing, theme customization, or troubleshooting. Build a portfolio that showcases your best client wins and share testimonials to attract more leads.

Pro Tip: Niche down and get known for one thing — like conversion-focused design or paid ads for Shopify brands.

9. Do Product Photography for Shopify Sellers

High-quality product photos are essential for e-commerce success — but many merchants don’t have the time, equipment, or skills to shoot them. If you’re a talented photographer, package your services for Shopify sellers. Offer styled shoots, lifestyle images, or rush delivery options. Share behind-the-scenes content or tips on social media to attract new clients.

Pro Tip: Create “starter” and “premium” packages so store owners can pick the level that suits their budget — then upsell add-ons like short videos or social-ready images.

10. Create a Shopify Knowledge Resource (Courses or Memberships)

If you’re passionate about teaching, turn your Shopify expertise into a knowledge business. Many successful store owners create online courses, membership communities, or training materials that help others succeed. You can sell access to your course library, downloadable templates, or private coaching sessions. This is a fantastic way to build recurring income and help more people at the same time.

Pro Tip: Use free lead magnets — like checklists or mini-guides — to grow your email list before you launch your paid course or membership.

Group 3: Local, Community & Social Commerce

Shopify isn’t just for global e-commerce brands. It’s also an amazing tool for local business owners, community-focused entrepreneurs, or social media creators who want to build a loyal following and sell directly to their biggest fans.

11. Set Up an Online Storefront for a Local Business

Already run a brick-and-mortar store? Shopify makes it easy to take your business online — reaching more customers while serving your loyal local base. Local pickup, delivery options, and geo-targeted SEO can boost your visibility. Many small businesses now combine in-person shopping with a polished Shopify storefront to weather uncertain times and grow their reach.

Pro Tip: Add a “Local Favorites” or “Best Sellers” section to your homepage to highlight what regulars love — it builds trust for new customers too.

12. Build a Subscription Box or Membership

Subscription boxes are a powerful way to create recurring revenue. You can curate monthly boxes of snacks, beauty items, books, or niche hobby products. Or you can offer exclusive digital memberships that deliver perks, content, or early access. Shopify has built-in tools to handle recurring payments and manage subscriptions.

Pro Tip: Use quizzes or surveys to match customers with the perfect box — and surprise them with bonus items to increase retention.

13. Monetize Your Social Media Following

If you already have an engaged audience on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, turn your content into sales. Shopify’s Starter Plan lets you add “buy now” links directly to your posts, and you can sync your catalog with TikTok Shop or Facebook Shop. Limited-edition drops and exclusive offers can help convert followers into buyers.

Pro Tip: Run flash sales or pre-order campaigns to build buzz — your followers love feeling like insiders.

14. Try UGC & Creator Collaborations

User-generated content and influencer collabs are some of the best ways to build trust and reach new audiences. Shopify Collabs helps you connect with creators who can promote your products or even co-create branded merchandise. You can also turn loyal customers into affiliates with custom discount codes and referral rewards.

Pro Tip: Reward your top ambassadors with early product launches, extra perks, or even a share of sales to keep them engaged long-term.

Group 4: Advanced & Passive Income Shopify Plays

Once you’ve mastered the basics, Shopify gives you plenty of ways to scale. These advanced strategies help you grow new income streams, build repeat revenue, or even earn while you sleep.

15. Build Shopify Apps or Themes

If you have a knack for development or design, building Shopify apps or custom themes can be a lucrative passive income stream. Thousands of store owners rely on third-party tools to run their businesses more smoothly. Apps that solve real problems — like upselling, email capture, or inventory management — are always in demand.

Pro Tip: Solve a problem you’ve experienced yourself — it’ll be easier to market and improve your app or theme because you understand your customer’s pain points.

16. Join the Shopify Affiliate Program

If you have an existing blog, YouTube channel, or email list, the Shopify Affiliate Program can earn you commissions for each new merchant you refer. Create tutorials, case studies, or success stories that show people how to launch or grow their store — the more trust you build, the more conversions you’ll get.

Pro Tip: Focus on genuinely helpful content. People can tell when you’re in it for the quick win versus when you’re truly invested in their success.

17. Flip Shopify Stores

Love the process of starting businesses but not managing them forever? Try store flipping. Build a new Shopify store, grow its audience and revenue, then sell it for a profit on marketplaces like Flippa. Document your process, show clear profit history, and provide standard operating procedures to increase your store’s resale value.

Pro Tip: Package in your social media accounts, email list, or supplier relationships to make your store more appealing to potential buyers.

3 Real-Life Shopify Success Stories

Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to see exactly how others have done it. Here are three Shopify entrepreneurs who turned a simple idea into impressive results — and what you can learn from their success.

1. Beardbrand — From YouTube to $20M+ Revenue

Beardbrand started as a YouTube channel teaching men how to grow and groom beards. Founder Eric Bandholz used Shopify to launch a small e-commerce store selling beard oil and grooming kits. By building a loyal community around educational content and an authentic brand story, Beardbrand grew to a multimillion-dollar business. The company reportedly crossed $20 million in annual revenue within just a few years.

Pro tip: Don’t just sell products — build a community and teach people something valuable. Educational content and a strong brand voice can turn casual browsers into lifelong customers.

2. Gymshark — From Garage Startup to $1.5 Billion Valuation

Did you know that Ben Francis founded Gymshark in 2012 as a teenager printing workout t-shirts in his parents’ garage? Using Shopify to launch and scale quickly, he focused on a clear niche — fitness apparel for gym enthusiasts — and built an authentic brand around a tight community.

One of Gymshark’s smartest moves was partnering with micro-influencers on YouTube and Instagram before influencer marketing was mainstream. By focusing on user-generated content and genuine athlete endorsements, they grew from zero to a projected $1.3 billion brand.

Pro tip: Pick a clear niche, build a loyal community, and reinvest in your biggest fans — that’s what turns a small idea into a global powerhouse.

3. Tattly – Turning Temporary Tattoos into a Million-Dollar Art Brand

Designer Tina Roth Eisenberg founded Tattly in 2011 after noticing that kids’ temporary tattoos were often poorly designed and low quality. She partnered with professional artists to create beautifully illustrated temporary tattoos for kids and adults. What started as a creative side project grew into a thriving business selling millions of tattoos each year. Today, Tattly generates over $1 million in annual sales through its Shopify store and wholesale channels.

Pro Tip: Tattly turned a simple nostalgic product into a shareable piece of art by championing talented artists and paying them fairly — a strategy that has built loyal fans and steady word-of-mouth growth.

Real success stories like these prove that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel — you just need the right strategy, the right tools, and the commitment to see it through. Now, let’s look at how you can apply these insights to your own Shopify journey.

Neal’s 5-Step Shopify Traffic Blueprint

Even the best Shopify store needs steady traffic from organic search, social referrals, and smart advertising. After all, if people don’t visit your store, they can’t buy anything. And remember — a beautiful store that no one sees won’t make you money. The good news? Driving traffic doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow a plan that works.

Here’s my proven 5-step blueprint for how new store owners can get their first 1,000 visitors — and turn them into loyal customers.

Step 1: Nail Your SEO Basics

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the foundation of long-term, free traffic. When you optimize your site for the right keywords, you make it easy for Google to understand what you sell — and rank you on that valuable first page.

Yes, SEO can feel competitive, but it’s worth the effort. Focus on a clear keyword strategy, fast-loading pages, and well-written product descriptions. And don’t forget to start a blog — each post is another chance to get found.

Pro Tip: Use a Shopify SEO checklis to stay consistent. If your organic traffic stalls, consider hiring an SEO consultant or agency to sharpen your approach.

Step 2: Use Social Media to Build Community

Social media marketing is one of the fastest ways to connect with your audience. It’s not just about posting product photos — it’s about building a brand people care about.

Choose the platforms your customers actually use. If you’re targeting Gen Z, TikTok or Instagram Reels might be best. Selling to professionals? Try LinkedIn. The key is to show up consistently and engage — comment, respond, and make people feel part of your story.

Pro Tip: Create content that sparks conversation, not just sales. Use Stories, polls, or behind-the-scenes videos to bring your brand to life.

Step 3: Build Your Email List Early

Email marketing is still one of the highest-ROI tools you have. It keeps you top of mind long after visitors leave your site.

Start collecting email addresses from day one — use popups with a compelling offer like a discount or free shipping on the first order. Then, send regular updates: product launches, promotions, and even customer stories.

Don’t underestimate the power of automated flows, either — abandoned cart emails alone can recover lost sales.

Pro Tip: Make sure every email provides value. A customer newsletter shouldn’t be just a sales pitch — share tips, stories, or inspiration.

Step 4: Leverage Influencer & Referral Marketing

One of the fastest ways to boost Shopify traffic is to borrow other people’s audiences. Influencer marketing does just that.

Partner with influencers in your niche to review your products, run giveaways, or create co-branded collections. Even micro-influencers can drive big results if their audience is engaged.

Meanwhile, incentivize referrals from your existing customers — word of mouth still works. Happy customers are your best marketers.

Pro Tip: Use Shopify Collabs or other tools to manage partnerships easily, track performance, and pay affiliates or influencers quickly.

Step 5: Analyze, Test, and Pivot

Traffic generation is not “set it and forget it.” The most successful store owners constantly analyze what works, refine their campaigns, and adapt.

Track where your visitors come from, which channels convert best, and which marketing messages resonate. Double down on what works — and drop what doesn’t.

Pro Tip: Set up Google Analytics and Shopify’s own reports to watch your metrics. Small tweaks — like a better headline or new offer — can make a huge difference in conversions.

Next Steps

Getting traffic is just the start. Make sure you’re also converting visitors into customers with strong product pages, reviews, special offers, and upsells. And once they buy? Keep them coming back with great service, loyalty programs, and referral rewards.

Ready to get your first 1,000 visitors? Start with one step today — and build from there.

Essential Legal, Tax, and Compliance Tips

Before you start making money on Shopify, it’s important to cover your legal bases. It doesn’t have to be complicated — but a little preparation now can save you a lot of headaches later. Here’s a simple checklist every new Shopify store owner should tackle.

1. Choose the Right Business Structure

Decide how you’ll legally operate your store. Are you a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation? Your choice affects how you pay taxes, handle liability, and keep your business finances separate from your personal ones. If you’re not sure what’s best, consult a small business attorney or accountant.

Pro Tip: Even solo entrepreneurs often benefit from setting up an LLC for liability protection.

2. Register for Taxes and Get a Sales Tax ID

Most countries and states require online sellers to collect and remit sales tax. Make sure you register your business with the right local or state tax authorities, and get any required sales tax permits.
Shopify has built-in tools to help calculate and collect sales tax, but it’s up to you to file it properly.

Pro Tip: Use an accounting app or trusted bookkeeper to stay on top of your tax deadlines.

3. Draft a Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

Your store needs clear policies for customers to read. At minimum, you’ll want a Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and a Refund/Return Policy. Many countries also require these by law, especially if you collect customer emails or use cookies.

Shopify provides free policy generators to help you get started, but you can also consult a legal professional if you have unique requirements.

4. Make Sure You’re GDPR and Data Privacy Compliant

If you sell to customers in the EU (or California, or other places with strict privacy laws), you must comply with regulations like GDPR or CCPA. This means being transparent about how you collect and store customer data — and giving people the ability to opt out.

Pro Tip: Add a cookie consent banner and make it clear how you handle customer information.

5. Clarify Refunds and Shipping

Customers trust stores with clear policies. Be upfront about your return process, shipping times, and who pays for return shipping. This builds trust and helps you avoid disputes or chargebacks.

Final Tip: Get Professional Help When Needed

This list is a starting point, but it’s smart to talk to an accountant or e-commerce lawyer to make sure you’re covered — especially as you grow.

Need more help? If you’d like, I can connect you with trusted legal and accounting partners I recommend. Just reach out!

Shopify Launch & Growth Checklist

Starting your Shopify store the right way gives you a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Use this simple checklist as a quick-reference guide to keep you on track from day one.

1. Set Up Your Store Basics

• Pick a memorable, brand-friendly domain name.
• Choose and customize a theme that matches your brand.
• Add your logo, brand colors, and high-quality product images.

2. Organize Your Products

• Write clear, keyword-rich product titles and descriptions.
• Use high-resolution photos and videos to showcase your products.
• Create collections and categories for easy navigation.

3. Configure Payments & Shipping

• Set up payment gateways like Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Stripe.
• Decide on your shipping rates and delivery zones.
• Add options for local pickup or international shipping if needed.

4. Add Your Legal Pages

• Publish your Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Refund Policy.
• Double-check that your store is GDPR and CCPA compliant if required.

5. Optimize for SEO

• Add meta titles and descriptions for all pages.
• Create a clean URL structure and connect your store to Google Search Console.
• Install basic SEO and analytics apps to monitor your traffic.

6. Plan Your Launch Marketing

• Set up social media profiles for your brand.
• Build an email signup form to grow your list from day one.
• Create a simple content plan or launch announcement posts.

7. Test Everything Before Launch

• Place a test order to check your checkout flow.
• Test your email notifications and abandoned cart sequences.
• Make sure your site works smoothly on mobile and desktop.

8. Keep Growing Post-Launch

• Collect customer reviews and testimonials.
• Monitor site traffic and sales metrics.
• Regularly update your products, collections, and marketing strategies.

Use this checklist to stay organized and confident as you turn your Shopify store idea into a profitable reality.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Making money on Shopify isn’t just about opening a store — it’s about choosing the right business model for your skills, testing what works, and staying focused on your goals.

Whether you start small with a print-on-demand shop, launch a service-based store, or grow your own branded product line, there’s no shortage of opportunities to build real income streams with Shopify. The most important part? Take the first step and keep learning as you grow.

If you’d like more personalized help launching or scaling your Shopify store, I’m here to support you. Book a consultation, check out my latest Shopify resources, or explore my full library of e-commerce marketing guides to keep moving forward.

You’ve got this — now get out there and build your success story!