How To Start A Shopify Side Hustle [Step by Step]

Are you looking to earn some extra cash on the side? Maybe you’re dreaming of starting your own business but don’t have the time or resources to make it a full-time commitment. Well, Shopify has got you covered!

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create an online store and sell products and with their intuitive platform and low start-up costs, anyone can launch a successful online store.

Running an online store means operating on flexible schedules and location independence. When you have your own Shopify side hustle, it means creating an opportunity that works for YOU. Want to know more? Keep reading to learn how to get started on your very own online business venture today on Shopify!

Before I start…

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Why Start A Shopify Side Hustle?

E-commerce has become the most popular form of commerce in the world in recent years, a trend that began many years ago. The pandemic accelerated online sales with many people exploring e-commerce for the first time during this period. The amount of money spent reached record levels in 2020 and have been increasing since even as stores begin to reopen.

Although the pandemic gets a lot of credit for that surge, the last decade witnessed a shift away from physical stores online stores. People buy even more on the internet from the click of a button and many companies are turning towards e-commerce because failure to do so means they get left behind.

That also means that there is an opportunity to make money online if you start an online business and one of the most popular platforms for setting up an e-commerce store is Shopify. Selling online has immense potential because you can sell products or services to more people because the internet has a wider reach than a physical store. You can also grow a profitable business with less involvement if you want to, making it the ideal side hustle opportunity.

How to Start A Shopify Store

Starting an online store on Shopify is a relatively easy process that you can complete in minutes. A lot more goes into starting a Shopify store and we will explore that in this section.

We will cover everything including how to:

Choose a niche and product that aligns with your interests and skills.
Set up your store on the platform.
Customize your store’s design elements such as logos and visuals.
Select payment and shipping methods that work best for you to ensure a smooth checkout process.

Let’s discuss the process in detail:

Choosing Your Niche And Product

Choosing the right niche and product for your Shopify side hustle is crucial to its success. First, identify a market you’re passionate about or have expertise in – this will help you stay motivated and provide value to customers.

Next, conduct thorough research into customer demand, competition, and trends using tools such as Google Trends or Amazon Best Sellers. Based on this information, select products that are unique or offer added value to your target audience.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can even test them with a small investment before committing fully.

Consider a dropshipping business model or selling digital products as low-cost alternatives to physical inventory. (You can read our comprehensive guide on how to sell digital products on Etsy)

With careful planning and strategic decision-making, choosing the right niche and product can set you up for long-term growth in your Shopify side hustle.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store

Setting up your Shopify account is the first and most important step towards starting a successful side hustle. To begin, choose a catchy name for your store that represents your niche or product.

Pick a name that is descriptive and ensure that the domain name is available (preferably .com). Look up your name on a domain registrar to ensure it is available.

Proceed to the Shopify website to start the process of creating your store.

Shopify offers a free trial that allows you to test it for 3 days (that’s the deal as of writing this) and you can create the store without a credit card.

When you click “Start Free Trial”, you will be directed to this page:

If you already have a physical store or already have an online store on another platform (like Etsy), you have the option to integrate with Shopify. For the sake of demonstration, I chose “I’m just starting.” It led me to this page:

There are a bunch of options here. You can also skip this step. I chose “An Online Store.”

You can decide what kind of products you will choose. If you are undecided, there is that option too. In this case I went with “Products I Buy or Make Myself.” Next, you provide a name for your store:

At first you will have a shopify URL with the “.shopify.com” in the domain name but you can replace it with a custom domain name later in the dashboard.

The next step is to choose your country (where you want your store to be based).

Then, you will create a Shopify ID.

That is the last step before they start the process of building your store.

The store has been set up and you have a dashboard from where you can manage all the elements of your store.

You will receive an email to verify your email address and you will have your store ready to go.

Next, select a plan that suits your business needs and budget.

With all this done, you’re now ready to start selling! However, ensure to regularly update and optimize product descriptions as well as track sales and inventory levels always. This will help with keeping on top of customer orders promptly while also managing marketing costs efficiently.

Customizing Your Store

Once you’ve created your Shopify account and chosen your niche, it’s time to customize your store. Start by selecting a theme that matches your brand and appeals to your target audience. From there, you can add branding elements like a logo and color scheme to create a cohesive look.

You can create a logo online using Canva or an AI tool like Typeface. If you want professional help, you can hire a log designer on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. You can pick out an eye-catching theme from the Shopify app store that reflects the character of your brand.

Next, organize your products into collections for easy navigation. This can be done based on product type or seasonality. Make sure each collection has clear, high-quality images and detailed descriptions so customers know exactly what they’re getting.

Finally, consider adding apps from the Shopify app store to enhance the functionality of your store.

There are apps for all kinds of functions including finding suppliers, handling customer support, store design, inventory management, and marketing.

For example, you could install an upsell app to suggest additional products at checkout or a reviews app to showcase positive customer feedback. You can even integrate your store with TikTok or your Instagram Feed to enhance your marketing campaigns.

Customizing your store takes time but pays off in creating a unique shopping experience for customers. Remember – first impressions count! So create a stunning online experience for visitors which welcome them into exploring what you have there in stock for them!

Payment And Shipping Methods

Make sure that your store accepts a variety of payment options like Paypal, Apple Pay, and credit cards. This ensures convenience for your customers and reduces the chances of abandoned carts due to limited payment options.

Next up is choosing a reliable shipping method that provides tracking information for both you and your customers.

The good news is Shopify has partnered with different carriers like USPS, DHL Express, FedEx, among others.

You can also take advantage of apps in the Shopify app store that help streamline this process by printing labels automatically or providing discounted rates from various carriers. Remember to factor in shipping costs when pricing your products so you don’t end up operating at a loss!

Download the Shopify Seller App

Ensure that you have the Shopify Seller App on your smartphone. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

The Shopify Seller App is a convenient way to manage your store from your phone. You can process orders, manage products, track sales, run marketing campaigns, contact customers, and access Shopify apps.

Marketing And Promoting Your Shopify Store

Marketing and promotion is vital to the success of your Shopify side hustle. You can make more money by implementing a good marketing strategy.

In this section, we’ll cover effective social media strategies, creating ads that convert, and networking with influencers. Don’t miss out on these valuable tips to maximize visibility and drive sales for your online business!

Leveraging Social Media For Promotion

Social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, are great tools for promoting your Shopify side hustle. With billions of users each day, these platforms can help your Shopify stores to reach a massive and diverse audience.

To leverage social media effectively, start by identifying which platforms your target audience is most active on. From there, create engaging content that showcases your products in unique and creative ways.

You can integrate your Shopify store with your favorite social media platform. Just visit the Shopify App Store and download TikTok, Facebook & Instagram, Instafeed, or Pinterest.

To maximize engagement with your followers, use hashtags that are relevant to your product niche and engage with other accounts in the same space by commenting on their posts or sharing their content.

Additionally, consider running paid ads to promote specific products or sales events across social media channels. By leveraging social media correctly, you can increase brand awareness and drive more traffic to your online store.

Creating Effective Ads

You can manage your marketing campaign from the marketing tab in the dashboard. This feature allows you to track your campaigns

When it comes to creating effective ads for your Shopify side hustle, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be clear and concise about what you’re selling and why someone should buy it. Use eye-catching visuals and attention-grabbing headlines to make sure your ad stands out from the rest.

Secondly, consider targeting specific audiences with your ads based on demographics, interests or behaviors. This will ensure that your ads are reaching the right people who are most likely to be interested in purchasing from you.

It’s also important to test different types of ads to see what works best for your store. Experiment with video, image and text-based ads as well as different ad placements on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. By analyzing which methods generate the most conversions and engagement, you can refine your advertising strategy over time for maximum results.

Networking With Influencers

Networking with influencers can greatly benefit your Shopify side hustle by increasing brand awareness and driving traffic to your online store. Influencer marketing is a powerful tool that involves partnering with individuals who have a significant following on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.

To get started, identify influencers in your niche or industry and reach out to them with an offer of collaboration. This could be in the form of a sponsored post featuring your product or service or simply promoting your store through their network. It’s important to establish clear expectations and goals for the partnership so that both parties can benefit from the collaboration.

Remember that building relationships with influencers takes time and effort, but it can be well worth it. By leveraging their influence and reach, you can tap into new audiences and build trust among potential customers. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think beyond traditional influencer partnerships – collaborations with micro-influencers or even local social media personalities can also yield great results!

Benefits of Starting A Shopify Side Hustle

Starting a Shopify side hustle has a lot of benefits. Let’s explore them:

Flexibility In Schedule And Location

One of the top reasons to start a Shopify side hustle is the flexibility it offers in terms of schedule and location. As long as you have access to a computer and internet connection, you can run your online store from virtually anywhere in the world.

This means that you can pursue your passion for entrepreneurship while still having a full-time job or caring for family obligations.

Another great benefit of running a Shopify store is that it allows you to have more control over your schedule. Since e-commerce businesses are open 24/7, you can manage your business during non-traditional work hours if needed.

Plus, with proper planning and organization, managing an online store can be done in just an hour or two per day – leaving plenty of time for other important aspects of your life such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones.

Low Start-up Costs

Starting a Shopify side hustle is an excellent option for those looking to make extra cash without breaking the bank. With low start-up costs, you can create and launch your online store with minimal investment.

Unlike other traditional brick-and-mortar businesses that require significant capital, all you need to get started with Shopify is a modest sum of money, a computer, and internet connection.

With Shopify’s affordable pricing plans and various templates, anyone can set up their own online store in no time at all.

Moreover, there are numerous dropshipping suppliers on the Shopify app store who offer products at discounted prices, which allows new entrepreneurs to invest less upfront money into building our business while testing different markets. In essence, starting a Shopify side hustle is relatively accessible.

Potential For High Profits

One of the biggest draws to starting a Shopify side hustle is the potential for high profits. With low start-up costs and an online platform that reaches customers worldwide, there’s no limit to how much money you can make with your own online store.

By consistently promoting your products through social media platforms and creating effective ads, you can expand your audience and generate more sales over time.

It is User Friendly

The platform offers a range of features from inventory management tools to customizable design options. This means that even if you have limited experience or technical knowledge, setting up your store will be easy and straightforward.

I found the “Solutions” dropdown menu (displayed before you create your online store) to be very helpful.

It has all the major topics of concern when starting and running an online store on Shopify and addresses the main problem areas you may have along the way. It has a simple and intuitive design.

Shopify offers a variety of tools for automating tasks like order fulfillment and inventory management, meaning you can focus on growing your sales without being weighed down by manual labor.

Common Challenges And Tips For Success

Starting a Shopify side hustle comes with its own set of challenges, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. From finding the right product to managing marketing costs and prioritizing customer service, this section will provide valuable tips for success that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to know.

Keep reading to learn how to overcome these obstacles and turn your Shopify store into a profitable business venture!

Handling Competition

Competition can be fierce in the world of online business, but there are ways to stay ahead. Firstly, it’s important to know your competition and what they offer. This will help you differentiate yourself from them, by highlighting your unique value proposition.

Secondly, building a strong brand identity is crucial for standing out from the competition. Consistent branding across all channels like social media platforms and website can increase memorability, which can lead to more sales. For example, if you have your own clothing line, having consistency will boost sales.

Moreover, focusing on customer service is another effective way of handling competition in the Shopify side hustle game. By prioritizing excellent customer service, you’ll build trust with your customers leading to repeat customers that help grow your business over time.

Managing Marketing And Advertising Costs

When it comes to managing marketing and advertising costs for your Shopify side hustle, it’s important to have a plan in place. First and foremost, start by setting a budget that is manageable for you. This may mean starting small with social media ads or influencer partnerships before diving into larger campaigns.

One way to keep costs low is by focusing on organic marketing methods such as email marketing, content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). These methods take time to build but can generate long-term results without the added expense of paid ads.

Another tip is to regularly review your analytics and adjust your strategies accordingly. If you find that certain ads or promotions are not driving sales, consider pivoting your approach. With some testing and patience, effective marketing techniques can lead to increased revenue streams for your Shopify side hustle.

Prioritizing Customer Service

Prioritizing customer service is a crucial aspect of running a successful Shopify side hustle. In fact, the way you treat your customers can make or break your business.

The Shopify Seller App can be a powerful tool for communicating with customers.

One of the best ways to prioritize customer service is by responding to inquiries and complaints as quickly as possible. This shows that you care about their concerns and are dedicated to providing excellent service.

Prospective customers look for specific information before trusting an online retailer with their money. Create pages like product, category, About, Contact, and FAQ to help address customer concerns before they arise

Another important factor is being transparent and honest with your customers. If there are any delays in shipping or issues with products, it’s essential to communicate this promptly and offer solutions to rectify the situation.

By prioritizing customer service, not only will you have happy customers who will spread positive reviews about your store, but it also helps build trust and brand loyalty for long-term success.

Regularly Updating And Optimizing Your Store

Once you’ve launched your Shopify store, it’s essential to keep updating and optimizing it. This means regularly adding new products or services, refreshing content and images, and keeping tabs on what’s making sales versus not. To ensure you’re always on top of things, create a digital to-do list with specific tasks that need regular attention.

Additionally, consider split testing different elements of your site such as layouts, product descriptions or pricing tactics. This can help give insight into what works best for your target audience and what changes might lead to more conversions over time. Regularly analyzing data can help give you a sense of where improvements could be made in terms of user experience, SEO optimization or overall design.

Tracking Sales And Inventory

As you grow your Shopify side hustle, it’s important to keep track of your sales and inventory. This will help you understand which products are selling well and when it’s time to restock. You can use Shopify reports to gain insights about customer behavior, including what products they are buying, how much they spend, and where they come from.

It’s also important to have a system in place for managing your inventory. With the right apps, you can easily track stock levels and receive alerts when a product is running low. This will ensure that you don’t oversell or run out of popular items unexpectedly. By keeping an eye on your sales and inventory, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and product development as you build a successful Shopify store.

Fulfilling Orders Promptly And Efficiently

Once your Shopify store starts getting noticed and buzzing with sales, you need to make sure that each customer’s order is fulfilled promptly and efficiently. Make sure you have a system in place to ensure orders are tracked from start to finish once a customer buys, so nothing falls through the cracks. You can automate the process or hire additional help if needed.

You can also use the Shopify Seller App on your mobile device to track transactions.

When it comes time to fulfill an order, there are a few key steps to follow for efficiency. Double-check inventory levels before processing any orders, use reliable shipping methods with tracking numbers, and prioritize communication with the customer throughout the entire process. Remember that happy customers lead to repeat business and positive reviews – both of which you want as part of your growing Shopify side hustle!

Conclusion

Starting a Shopify side hustle or a dropshipping business can provide you with the flexibility and potential for high profits that many people are looking for in their careers. By following the steps outlined above, you can create an online store tailored to your niche and start selling products or services to customers all over the world.

But it’s important to remember that success doesn’t happen overnight – building a profitable Shopify store takes time, effort, and strategy.

Of course, there will be challenges along the way, but by keeping yourself organized and staying committed to your business goals, you can overcome these obstacles and turn your side hustle into a thriving source of extra income or even a full-time job. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today on Shopify to start building your business empire!

Before you leave

If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.

It’s helped me earn over $300,000 in the last 12 months alone:

Go here to see my no.1 recommendation for making money online

(This is a 100% free training)

David Fortune

David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.

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