How to Make Money on Shopify Stores (2025): Complete Guide

Wondering how to make money on Shopify stores without spending thousands on ads or inventory? You’re not alone—Shopify powers over 4.8 million active stores in 2025, and some users have turned side hustles into six-figure stores using simple tools and smart strategies.

In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to monetize a Shopify store, the best money-making methods (from dropshipping to affiliate marketing), and how to start even with a small budget.

Whether you’re aiming for an extra $1,200/month or a full-time income like Otto’s Grotto or Shock Surplus, this guide gives you everything to get started and scale.

Key Takeaways

• Launch a store with low or no upfront costs: You can use print-on-demand, digital products, or dropshipping to avoid inventory risk.
• Use AI to simplify Shopify customization: Tools like ChatGPT can auto-code new store features, increasing revenue and saving dev costs.
• Start with just $29/month: Shopify’s Basic plan and free integrations make it affordable for beginners.
• Success is proven and scalable: Real creators have grown from $0 to $200K+ using niche products, UGC, bundles, and organic traffic.
• Monetize multiple ways: Combine e-commerce, affiliate marketing, app development, or expert services for multiple income streams.

How to Make Money on Shopify Stores?

Making money on Shopify stores is very achievable—even for beginners—thanks to user-friendly tools, powerful integrations, and flexible monetization models.

Shopify supports both physical and digital product sales, along with dropshipping and print-on-demand, so users don’t need inventory or warehouses. Their drag-and-drop builder and app marketplace remove the need for coding, making store setup and scaling beginner-friendly.

Earnings potential depends on the business model, niche, and execution. Printify store owners, for example, report five-figure monthly sales, while others profit with low-volume high-ticket stores. Shopify also integrates well with TikTok Shop and Instagram, boosting organic reach and conversions.

The key is choosing a model that aligns with your strengths—whether it’s marketing, design, tech, or content creation. With the right focus, Shopify can be a powerful, long-term income source.

What do you need to get started?

To make money on Shopify stores, you’ll need a Shopify account (starting at $29/month), a product or service to sell, and a basic store setup (branding, domain, theme). For POD or dropshipping, install apps like Printify or DSers. You’ll also need an email and payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal. Having niche knowledge, product sourcing, and branding insight will give you a strong head start.

How much money you can make on Shopify Stores?

Earnings vary from side hustle-level to full-blown empires. Beginners can make $500–$1,500/month within 3–6 months using print-on-demand or digital products. Dropshippers may scale to $5,000/month with viral products and good ads. For example, Therese Waechter used AI to rebuild her Shopify store and doubled revenue in under 6 months. Meanwhile, Sean Rayes turned a niche auto parts Shopify store into an eight-figure business by bundling products and using email marketing.

Averagely, Shopify experts say stores that convert at 2–3% and generate steady traffic via social media, SEO, or paid ads often hit $2,000–$10,000/month in 2025.

13 Best Ways to Make Money on Shopify Stores

Whether you’re launching your first store or scaling an existing brand, these 13 proven strategies show exactly how to Make Money on Shopify Stores—covering low-cost models, automation, and growth tactics you can implement today.

1. Start Your Own Shopify Store

Starting your own Shopify store is the most straightforward way to make money on Shopify stores in 2025. This model involves creating a branded online shop where you sell physical or digital products directly to customers. Beginners love it because Shopify handles hosting, payment processing, and store customization with an easy drag-and-drop interface.

You can choose to sell items you create, source wholesale, or use suppliers to fulfill orders. Unlike marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy, your Shopify store gives you full control over branding, pricing, and customer experience. This is also where you can start building your loyal audience for repeat sales and upsells.

Many successful Shopify entrepreneurs begin with a small, niche-focused catalog. For example, one‑product stores can be very profitable if the product solves a unique problem or appeals to a trend. This model also scales well—you can add more products, upsell bundles, and eventually build your own line.

Requirements: Shopify account ($29+/month), a product niche, payment gateway, and basic store setup.

How to Start Your Own Shopify Store?

• Sign up for Shopify’s Basic plan (starts at $29/month).
• Select a niche or product category that solves a clear problem.
• Choose a Shopify theme and customize branding (colors, logo, and layout).
• Add your first product with high-quality images and descriptions.
• Set up payment methods like Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Stripe.
• Connect a domain and launch your store live.
• Start driving traffic using social media, SEO, or influencer marketing.
• Analyze your sales dashboard and optimize based on conversions.

Quick tip: Focus on a single hero product first to test demand before expanding your catalog.

2. Shopify Dropshipping

Shopify dropshipping allows you to sell products without ever storing inventory or handling shipping. Instead, when someone buys an item, the order goes to your supplier, who ships it directly to the customer. This low-risk model is ideal for beginners who want to test products quickly without upfront costs.

Dropshipping thrives on finding trending, in-demand products and marketing them effectively. Because you don’t hold stock, your main job is driving traffic and converting visitors. Tools like DSers or Spocket make it simple to import products and automate order fulfillment.

This model can scale fast but requires smart marketing and careful supplier selection to ensure shipping times and product quality meet customer expectations. Many entrepreneurs use social media ads, TikTok trends, or influencer partnerships to drive early traffic and sales.

Requirements: Shopify account, DSers or Spocket app, reliable suppliers, and ad budget.

How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify Store?

• Create your Shopify store and install a dropshipping app (DSers/Spocket).
• Research trending products using TikTok, Amazon, or Google Trends.
• Import chosen products to your store with competitive pricing.
• Set up clear shipping and refund policies.
• Launch ads on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
• Track conversions and optimize product listings for sales.
• Scale winning products with larger ad budgets or bundles.

Quick tip: Choose 3–5 test products first to focus marketing efforts and identify winners faster.

3. Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand is one of the most profitable and beginner-friendly ways to make money on Shopify stores today. With POD, you design graphics for items like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases, and a supplier prints and ships them only when an order is placed—meaning no upfront inventory.

This model is perfect for creative entrepreneurs or anyone comfortable using Canva, Photoshop, or AI image tools. POD integrates seamlessly with Shopify through apps like Printify or Printful. Successful store owners often focus on niche audiences like pet lovers, gamers, or hobby communities for higher conversion rates.

Since POD products are produced individually, shipping can take a bit longer, but the low risk and creative flexibility make it a top monetization method for 2025.

Requirements: Shopify store, Printify or Printful account, and product designs.

How to Start a Print-on-Demand Shopify Store?

• Open a Shopify store and connect Printify or Printful.
• Design niche-specific graphics using Canva or AI design tools.
• Add your products with clear mockups and descriptions.
• Set competitive pricing including production and shipping costs.
• Launch your store and promote designs via TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram.
• Use email marketing or discounts to encourage repeat buyers.
• Scale by adding seasonal or trend-based products.

Quick tip: Use free mockup generators to create professional product photos for your listings.

4. Sell Digital Products

Digital products are another fantastic Shopify monetization model because they have nearly 100% profit margins and no shipping. Examples include e-books, templates, stock photos, courses, or printables. Once created, a digital file can be sold repeatedly with zero extra effort.

Shopify supports digital products using apps like Digital Downloads or SendOwl. This method is ideal for creators, educators, and influencers who want passive income. For example, selling a $20 Canva template pack just 50 times per month equals $1,000 in revenue.

Successful digital stores focus on a clear target audience and often bundle products for higher average order values. Pairing digital items with email marketing and social proof can boost conversions quickly.

Requirements: Shopify account, digital download app, and original product files.

How to Sell Digital Products on Shopify Store?

• Create a valuable digital asset your audience needs (e.g., e-book, template).
• Install Shopify’s Digital Downloads app or similar.
• Upload the file and configure automated delivery.
• Create an engaging product page with benefits and visuals.
• Price competitively and offer discounts for bundles.
• Promote via blog posts, Pinterest, and email newsletters.
• Upsell or cross-sell related digital products.

Quick tip: Focus on evergreen digital products that can sell for years without frequent updates.

5. Shopify Affiliate Marketing

Shopify’s affiliate program pays you for referring new customers to Shopify, making this an easy side income source. Affiliates earn around $150 per qualified sign-up and can scale earnings with content, SEO, or social media marketing.

This model works best for bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers in e-commerce, side hustles, or small business niches. Beyond Shopify’s own affiliate program, you can also promote tools like Printful, Spocket, or design software as part of your content strategy.

Pairing affiliate marketing with tutorial content, like How to start a Shopify store from scratch, drives organic conversions and builds long-term revenue.

Requirements: Shopify affiliate account and traffic source (blog, YouTube, TikTok, or email list).

How to Earn with Shopify Affiliate Marketing?

• Apply to Shopify’s affiliate program via the Partner portal.
• Create tutorials, reviews, or case studies about Shopify.
• Include affiliate links naturally in your content.
• Use Pinterest, SEO, or TikTok to drive traffic.
• Track performance and scale content that converts best.

Quick tip: Create niche guides or free resources to attract email leads and boost affiliate conversions.

6. Sell Freelance or Expert Services

Instead of products, you can use Shopify to sell services like coaching, consulting, product photography, or design.

By building a branded service site on Shopify, you add payment systems, booking apps, and offer packages right from your store. Many freelancers use Shopify instead of traditional portfolios because it helps automate sales and looks professional.

Quick tip: Add a calendar app like Sesami to accept bookings directly through your Shopify site.

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7. Buy and Flip Shopify Stores

Shopify’s Exchange Marketplace lets you buy pre-built stores—some with traffic, products, or even sales history.

You can optimize them by improving SEO, running ads, or redesigning, then resell them at a profit. Some flippers focus on cleaning up underperforming stores for 30–100% returns within months.

Quick tip: Always check traffic sources and refund rates before buying any Shopify store.

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8. Build Shopify Apps or Themes

Developers can make money creating apps or custom themes for the Shopify App Store. If you have coding skills, you can charge subscription fees or one-time purchases.

There’s strong demand for tools that improve speed, upsells, SEO, or mobile UX. Even non-coders use low-code tools or partner with developers to launch Shopify apps.

Quick tip: Check the Shopify Developer Docs to find niche gaps in the current app store.

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9. Sell B2B Wholesale Products

If you already sell on Shopify, consider offering bulk pricing or exclusive lines for B2B customers. You can add wholesale portals, restrict access to specific collections, and work directly with boutiques or resellers. Tools like Wholesale Club or B2B Verify make this easy.

Quick tip: Offer minimum order quantities (MOQs) and tiered pricing to boost average order value.

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10. Start a Membership or Subscription Store

You can turn your store into a membership site using tools like Bold Memberships or Recharge Subscriptions. Whether you’re offering monthly kits, exclusive content, or digital communities, recurring billing creates reliable income. It’s ideal for fitness coaches, educators, or hobby brands.

Quick tip: Bundle digital perks like PDFs or member-only video access to increase perceived value.

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11. Offer UGC or Influencer Storefronts

If you’re a content creator or influencer, Shopify lets you launch a branded storefront that features affiliate products, your own merch, or sponsor bundles.

It’s like having your own “creator shop” without relying on Instagram or TikTok alone. Brands often pay extra to be featured in your curated collection.

Quick tip: Use Linkpop by Shopify to turn your bio link into a shoppable storefront.

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12. Monetize with AI-Generated Products

In 2025, more sellers are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney to create ebooks, journals, printables, or even product art. These can be uploaded to POD platforms and sold through Shopify. This method requires creativity and niche research but has nearly zero cost.

Quick tip: Validate AI product ideas with Etsy or Amazon search before listing on Shopify.

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13. Launch a Single-Product Store

Some of the most profitable Shopify stores sell only one product—like a unique gadget, tool, or wearable. By focusing on one solution and branding it well, you simplify logistics, reduce ad testing costs, and improve conversions. Many viral TikTok brands use this model.

Quick tip: Build high converting Shopify product page tips into your one-product site for better sales.

Step by Step Guide to Make Money on Shopify Stores

Getting started with Shopify doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow this beginner-friendly roadmap to go from zero to earning your first sales.

Step 1: Create Your Shopify Account

The first step is to sign up for a Shopify account. Choose the Basic plan for $29/month, which is ideal for beginners and includes hosting, payments, and a free trial period to start building your store risk-free.

Step 2: Pick a Profitable Niche

Your niche determines your store’s long-term success. Look for products that solve a clear problem or cater to a passionate community—like pet lovers, gamers, or fitness enthusiasts. Conduct quick research using TikTok, Amazon Best Sellers, or Google Trends.

Step 3: Set Up Your Store Design

Select a professional Shopify theme and customize it with your brand colors, logo, and layout. A clean, fast-loading design builds trust and increases conversions. Refer to High converting Shopify product page tips to optimize your store layout for higher sales.

Step 4: Choose Your Monetization Model

Decide whether you’ll sell physical products, dropship, use print-on-demand, or focus on digital products. Each model has different setup requirements, but starting with low-risk options like dropshipping or POD lets you test ideas without large upfront investments.

Step 5: Add and Optimize Your Products

Upload your first products with high-quality images, clear descriptions, and competitive pricing. Include product benefits and lifestyle photos to engage shoppers. Bundling products or offering limited-time discounts can increase your average order value.

Step 6: Set Up Payments and Shipping

Activate Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Stripe to start receiving money. Configure shipping rates carefully—free or flat-rate shipping often increases conversions. Ensure your policies (refunds, returns) are visible and trustworthy to customers.

Step 7: Launch and Promote Your Store

Go live and begin marketing immediately. Use TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest for organic traffic, and consider small ad campaigns to test products. Email marketing and influencer collaborations can generate faster sales, especially for visual niches.

Step 8: Track Performance and Optimize

Monitor analytics through your Shopify dashboard to see what’s working. Optimize product pages, test new pricing, and expand your catalog as you identify winners. Adding upsells, discounts, and email sequences will help scale your revenue efficiently.

Step 9: Scale and Diversify

Once your store earns consistent sales, reinvest profits into ads, influencer partnerships, or expanding product lines. Consider additional monetization methods like Shopify apps, affiliate marketing, or UGC content to build multiple income streams for stability.

Tips to Increase Revenue on Shopify Stores

Boosting revenue on your Shopify store often comes down to optimizing traffic, conversions, and repeat sales. Start by creating high-converting product pages with compelling copy and high-quality images. Small design improvements can lead to significant increases in average order value.

Email marketing is another powerful strategy. Collect emails using popups and offer exclusive discounts or free resources to subscribers. Then, use automated sequences to convert new visitors and upsell existing customers. Apps like Klaviyo or Omnisend make this process seamless.

Upsells, cross-sells, and limited-time offers are key to maximizing profits. Pair bestsellers with complementary items and test bundles for larger orders. Influencer marketing and short-form video content on TikTok or Instagram Reels can also bring highly targeted traffic.

Quick tip: Test pricing strategies and track performance in Shopify Analytics to find the most profitable product combinations.

Best AI Tools for Making Money on Shopify Stores

AI tools can automate marketing, design, and customer support, making it easier to scale your Shopify business. For product descriptions, tools like Jasper or Copy.ai create persuasive copy quickly. This saves time while improving SEO and conversions.

AI-powered design tools like Canva and MidJourney can generate unique product mockups and ad creatives for dropshipping or print-on-demand stores. These assets help your listings stand out against competitors and attract more clicks.

For customer service, AI chatbots like Tidio or Gorgias handle FAQs, order tracking, and refunds, improving response times and customer satisfaction. Analytics-focused tools like Prediko use AI to forecast demand, ensuring you keep your top sellers in stock.

By combining these AI solutions, store owners can spend less time on repetitive tasks and focus more on marketing, scaling, and product innovation.

Quick tip: Automate at least one major task—like copywriting or chat support—to free up time for revenue growth.

Best Affiliate Platforms for Shopify Stores

Affiliate programs let you partner with content creators, bloggers, or influencers to promote your Shopify products. By paying only for successful referrals, you gain exposure without upfront ad costs. Popular Shopify affiliate platforms include Refersion, UpPromote, and Affiliatly.

These tools integrate seamlessly with your store and track every referral link, making it easy to see which affiliates are generating sales. Offering competitive commissions, exclusive discounts, or free products can attract motivated affiliates.

Building an affiliate program works best when your products have strong branding and proven demand. Start by recruiting micro-influencers in your niche—they often drive better ROI than big influencers due to higher engagement rates. Over time, scaling your affiliate team can generate a steady stream of passive revenue.

Quick tip: Provide affiliates with pre-made images, videos, and copy to increase their conversion potential.

Best Marketing Tools for Monetizing Shopify Stores

Shopify’s app ecosystem includes dozens of powerful marketing tools to help increase traffic and sales. For email marketing, Klaviyo and Omnisend are top choices due to automation and advanced segmentation features. For popups and lead capture, consider OptiMonk or Privy.

If you’re running paid ads, tools like AdRoll and Triple Whale help optimize campaigns and track ROI. SEO apps like Plug In SEO and Booster improve your organic visibility, driving free traffic over time. Social media scheduling tools like Buffer or Later streamline content promotion.

Using a combination of marketing apps ensures your Shopify store attracts new customers while retaining existing ones. Test each tool’s impact on conversions and remove apps that add cost without delivering results.

Quick tip: Start with one or two essential marketing tools and expand as your store grows.

Conclusion

Making money on Shopify stores in 2025 is more achievable than ever, thanks to low-cost tools and proven monetization methods. Whether you choose dropshipping, print-on-demand, or digital products, Shopify’s flexibility lets you grow from a simple store to a scalable business.

By following the step-by-step guide, leveraging AI tools, and implementing smart marketing strategies, you can realistically build a store that generates $1,000–$10,000 per month. Now is the perfect time to start your Shopify journey and turn your business idea into a thriving online income stream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)