Want to Make Money with Shopify But Don’t Know Where to Start?
You’ve set up your Shopify store (or you’re thinking about it), but you’re wondering…
How do I actually make sales?
What products should I sell?
How long does it take to make my first $1,000?
You don’t need a big budget, a huge following, or years of experience.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make money on Shopify and make your first $1,000, even if you’re starting from scratch.
If you haven’t set up your Shopify store yet, now’s the perfect time to do so for just $1 per month with this special offer. Claim here.
Step 1: Pick a Profitable Product to Sell
Not every product is a winner; choosing the right one can make or break your online store. Focus on finding products that are in demand, solve real problems, spark desire, and are easy to source.
In Demand:
Go where the buyers already are. It’s much easier to sell something people are actively searching for than to convince them they need something new. Use tools like Spocket to discover trending dropshipping products that are proven to sell.
Problem-Solving or Desirable:
Products that solve everyday problems or tap into emotions sell well. Think skincare that clears acne, fashion that boosts confidence, or gadgets that save time. Digital products and unique print-on-demand items also fall into this category.
Low Saturation:
Avoid selling generic, mass-produced items with intense competition. Look for niches with growing demand but less crowding.
Easy to Source:
Whether you go for dropshipping, print-on-demand, or handmade products, pick a fulfillment method that aligns with your strengths. Platforms like Printify make launching a custom product line easy without upfront costs.
Quick Tip:
Need inspiration? Check what’s hot by browsing TikTok trends, Etsy’s trending section, or Amazon’s Best Sellers list. Pair that research with high-demand product tools like Spocket to spot what’s selling.
Step 2: Set Up Your Shopify Store to Convert Visitors into Buyers
A professional, easy-to-navigate store builds trust and encourages sales. Your goal is to create a seamless and reliable shopping experience.
Choose a Clean, Simple Shopify Theme
You don’t need a custom design to look professional. Start with a free, conversion-friendly theme that works well on both desktop and mobile.
Check out some of the top free themes offered by Shopify.
Write Benefit-Driven Product Descriptions
Don’t just list features—highlight how the product helps the customer or solves a problem. Focus on why they should care. You can do this in seconds using AI. Writing high-quality, compelling product descriptions can now be created in seconds, helping you save time, sell more, and get your products in front of even more shoppers using Shopify Magic.
Use High-Quality Images and Videos
Clear visuals help customers feel confident in their purchase. If possible, include multiple angles, lifestyle shots, and short demo videos.
Simplify the Checkout Process
Make buying easy by enabling trusted payment options like Shop Pay, PayPal, and credit cards. The fewer steps, the better.
Pro Tip:
Offering free shipping or a small discount for first-time buyers is a great way to boost conversions.
Building a Shopify store? – The Ultimate Guide to Building a Shopify Store
Step 3: Get Your First Visitors & Sales
You don’t need a massive audience—just the right people seeing your products. Here’s how to start driving traffic and making those first sales:
Free Traffic Strategies
TikTok & Instagram Reels
Show your product in action, share behind-the-scenes content, and use trending sounds to get discovered organically.
Pinterest
Create eye-catching pins that link directly to your product pages. Pinterest users are often ready to buy, making it a powerful free traffic source.
Facebook Groups & Reddit
Join niche communities where your ideal customers hang out. Offer value, answer questions, and share your store naturally (no spamming!).
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Optimize your product titles and descriptions with keywords people are searching for. This helps your products appear in Google search results over time.
Paid Traffic Strategies
Facebook & Instagram Ads
Start with a small daily budget ($5–$10) to test different audiences and creatives. Adjust based on what performs best.
Influencer Marketing
Partner with micro-influencers who already have the trust of your target audience. These small creators often offer more engagement for a lower cost.
Google Shopping Ads
This is perfect for products people are already searching for. You can set up product listings to appear directly in Google’s shopping section.
Step 4: Create an Offer That Converts
Your offer might need a boost if you get traffic but not enough sales. Shoppers are more likely to buy when they feel they’re getting something extra or when there’s a reason to act now.
Here are a few proven offer strategies:
Limited-Time Discount
Example: “Get 15% off your first order today.” A simple discount can nudge first-time visitors to make a purchase.
Buy One, Get One (BOGO)
It is perfect for fashion, beauty, or accessories. It encourages larger order sizes while making shoppers feel like they’re getting more value.
Free Gift with Purchase
Example: “Order today and get a free bonus item.” This adds perceived value and can help you move slower inventory.
Scarcity and Urgency
To motivate immediate action, use phrases like “Only 5 left in stock” or “Offer ends at midnight.”
Pro Tip:
Add a countdown timer or “low stock” notice on product pages to create a sense of urgency and boost conversions.
Step 5: Automate and Scale Your Sales
Once you’ve made your first few sales, the next step is growing without burning out. Automating key parts of your marketing can boost sales while saving time.
Here’s how to scale efficiently:
Email Marketing
Set up automated emails for abandoned carts, order confirmations, and personalized product recommendations to bring shoppers back and increase repeat purchases.
Retargeting Ads
Run ads targeting visitors who browsed your store but didn’t buy. These ads are highly effective at converting warm leads.
Loyalty and Referral Programs
Encourage repeat business and word-of-mouth by rewarding customers who return or refer others.
Upsells and Product Bundles
Offer related products at checkout or bundle items to increase your average order value.
Final Thoughts: Your First $1,000 Is Closer Than You Think
Here’s a quick recap of the steps to reach your first $1,000 in sales on Shopify:
- Pick a profitable product
- Set up a conversion-friendly store
- Drive traffic using free and paid strategies
- Create an irresistible offer
- Automate and scale your sales
Getting started is the only thing between you and your first $1,000.
Take the first step—launch your Shopify store today for just $1
