2 Easy Ways to Earn Extra Money on Shopify: Dropshipping & Affiliate Marketing

Looking to make some extra cash using Shopify but not sure where to start? Two of the easiest ways to get started are dropshipping and affiliate marketing. Both of these methods are great because you don’t need a ton of upfront cash or a warehouse full of products. Let's break them down and show you how to get started.

 

1. Dropshipping: Sell Products Without Ever Handling Inventory

Dropshipping is a super popular way to run a Shopify store because you don’t have to worry about storing, packing, or shipping products. Here’s how it works:

  • Step 1: Find a Supplier – Use apps like Oberlo, Spocket, or DSers to connect with suppliers who offer dropshipping. These apps allow you to add products to your store directly from suppliers. When a customer orders, the supplier ships the product straight to them.
  • Step 2: Pick Your Niche – Choose products that you’re passionate about or that are trending. Whether it's pet supplies, tech gadgets, or beauty products, pick a niche that people are excited to buy from.
  • Step 3: Set Up Your Shopify Store – Once you’ve found your products, create a Shopify store. You can easily add products, set prices, and customize your storefront to match your brand.
  • Step 4: Promote Your Store – Get the word out using social media, email marketing, and even paid ads. The more traffic you drive to your store, the more sales you’ll make. And the best part? You don’t touch the inventory—the supplier takes care of that for you.

Why Dropshipping Works: You don’t need to worry about upfront inventory costs or storing products. Just focus on marketing and customer service.

 

2. Affiliate Marketing: Earn by Promoting Products

Affiliate marketing is a bit different. Instead of selling products yourself, you’re promoting other people's products and earning a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link. It’s like being a middleman, but without any shipping or customer service duties.

  • Step 1: Sign Up for Affiliate Programs – Tons of companies offer affiliate programs. You can join programs from retailers like Amazon, ShareASale, or Commission Junction, or even find niche-specific affiliate programs related to your interests.
  • Step 2: Set Up Your Shopify Store or Blog – Create a Shopify store or blog where you can post reviews, comparisons, or recommendations for products you’re promoting. If you’re into fitness, for example, you can create content around fitness gear and link to those products using your affiliate links.
  • Step 3: Create Valuable Content – Write blogs, make videos, or post on social media about the products you’re promoting. The more helpful and authentic your content is, the more likely people will click your affiliate links and buy.
  • Step 4: Earn Commissions – When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. The more traffic you drive, the more chances you have to earn.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works: You don’t need to worry about handling products at all. Your job is to drive traffic and convince people to buy products using your links.

 

MoneyMentors' Final Thought

Whether you go for dropshipping or affiliate marketing, both options are perfect for making extra money on Shopify without needing huge upfront investment. With dropshipping, you focus on selling products directly to customers, while with affiliate marketing, you're promoting products for a commission. Either way, Shopify makes it easy to get started and turn that side hustle into extra cash.


Ready to give it a shot? Let's get earning!

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