Jan 22, 2024
 in 
Ecommerce

5 Ways To Make More Money With Your Dropshipping Store

H

ey Dropshippers! You already know how to sell products online using dropshipping, which is pretty cool. But, did you know there are more ways to make money from your online store? In this article, we're going to be cover 5 ways to make additional income from your successful store, should you want to.

This is a quick one, so let's dive in and find out how you can add more to what you're already doing!

#1: Supplementing with Print-on-Demand

Add More Fun Products with Print-on-Demand

So, you've got your online store and it's going well. How about adding some new, fun products to sell? This is where "Print-on-Demand" (POD) comes in. It's like selling t-shirts, hats, or phone cases that you design, but you don't have to keep a bunch of them in a warehouse. When someone orders one, it gets made and sent directly to them. This can be a great match for your store if the products are something your customers will like.

How to Start Selling POD Products

  1. Find Out What Fits: Look at what you're already selling and think about what kinds of custom products your customers would love. Maybe it’s cool t-shirt designs or unique stickers.
  2. Pick a Good POD Service: There are websites like Printful and Printify that let you create these custom products. Check out which one works best for you in terms of what they offer and how much they cost.
  3. Design Your Products: Get creative! Make designs that are fun and fit with what you sell. If you’re not great at designing, maybe ask someone who is to help you out.
  4. Connect It to Your Store: These POD websites usually work well with online store platforms. This means when someone orders your custom product, the order goes straight to the POD service, and they handle making it and sending it.
  5. Tell Your Customers: Let people know about your new products. Use your usual ways of reaching your customers, like social media or email, to spread the word. For more tips on how to do this well, check out these cool marketing strategies.

Why POD is a Good Idea

Adding POD to your store is exciting because it gives your customers more fun stuff to buy. It can make them want to come back and shop more. Plus, you get to sell unique items without worrying about storing them or making them yourself. It's all about giving your customers cool, personalized things they can't find anywhere else.

#2: Expanding to Other Sales Channels

Selling on More Websites: eBay, Amazon, Etsy

You've got your dropshipping store up and running, but why stop there? You can sell your products on other popular websites like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy. This means your cool products can be seen by even more people! The best part? If you're using Shopify, it can often link up with these websites, making it easier to manage everything in one place.

How to Start Selling on Other Platforms

  1. Choose Your Platforms: Each platform has its own vibe. eBay is great for unique and used items, Amazon is a giant where almost everything sells, and Etsy is perfect for handmade or vintage items. Think about where your products will fit best.
  2. Setting Up Shop: Once you've picked your platforms, it's time to set up your online shops there. Make sure your shop pages look good and have all the info customers need.
  3. Linking with Shopify: If you're using Shopify, check out how it can integrate with these platforms. This can make things like tracking your orders and updating your products much easier.
  4. Understanding Amazon FBA and FBM: On Amazon, you might have heard of FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), where Amazon takes care of all the shipping. But there's also FBM (Fulfillment by Merchant), which means you or your supplier handle the shipping. FBM can be a good choice, but make sure your supplier can deliver the products on time and meet the quality standards you promise your customers.
  5. Keep Track of Your Orders: When you're selling on multiple platforms, it's important to keep a close eye on your orders and inventory. You want to make sure that your customers are getting their products on time and that you're not selling something you can't deliver.

As a side note, it's also possible to buy products in bulk and wholesale them. Check out our article on the best wholesale Shopify apps for more details.

Why Selling on Multiple Platforms is Smart

By selling on different websites, you're putting your products in front of more people. This can mean more sales and more chances to show off what you have to offer. Just remember, each platform has its own rules and customer types, so think about how to make your products appealing in each place. And always keep an eye on your inventory and orders, so everything runs smoothly.

Ready to take the next step? Let's dive into the world of affiliate marketing in the upcoming section!

#3: Becoming an Affiliate for Aligned Products

Boost Earnings with Affiliate Marketing

Ever thought about making money just by recommending products? That's what affiliate marketing is all about. As a dropshipper, you can join affiliate programs for products that complement what you're already selling. This way, you can earn a commission for every sale made through your referral. It's like having more products in your store without having to worry about stocking or shipping them.

How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

  1. Find the Right Products: Look for products that go well with what you sell but don't compete directly. For example, if you sell sports equipment, consider being an affiliate for sports nutrition products.
  2. Choose Affiliate Programs: Many companies offer affiliate programs. Do some research to find ones with a good reputation and commission structure. Remember, it's not just about the money – the products should also be something you believe in.
  3. Promote the Products: Once you're an affiliate, it's time to promote these products to your customers. You can do this through your website, social media, or email newsletters. Be creative but also genuine in how you recommend these products.
  4. Track Your Success: Use the tools provided by the affiliate program to track your sales and commissions. This will help you understand what's working and what's not, so you can adjust your strategy.
  5. Keep Your Audience's Trust: Always be transparent with your audience about your affiliate relationships. Trust is key in keeping your customers happy and loyal.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works for Dropshippers

Affiliate marketing is a smart move for dropshippers because it lets you offer more variety to your customers without any extra overhead. It can also help build your brand as a go-to source for related products in your niche. Just remember, the key to success in affiliate marketing is to promote products that truly align with your store and your customers' interests.

That wraps up our dive into affiliate marketing. Next, we'll explore how creating content and growing a personal brand can further boost your dropshipping business.

#4: Building a Personal Brand Through Content Creation

Grow Your Brand by Sharing Your Dropshipping Journey

Building a personal brand as a dropshipper isn't just about selling products; it's about sharing your story, your expertise, and connecting with your audience. Creating content around your journey in dropshipping can attract a following, establish you as an expert in the field, and open up new ways to make money.

Steps to Create Engaging Content

  1. Choose Your Medium: Are you a writer, a talker, or a video star? You could start a blog, create a YouTube channel, or be active on social media platforms like Instagram. Choose the medium that best suits your style. For tips on growing your Instagram page, take a look at how to grow your Instagram page.
  2. Share Valuable Insights: Talk about your experiences, the challenges you've faced, and the successes you've had. Offer tips and advice that can help others. People love learning from real stories and practical experiences.
  3. Be Consistent: Whether it’s a weekly blog post, daily social media updates, or regular YouTube videos, keep your content coming regularly. Consistency helps build a loyal audience.
  4. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and find out what your audience wants to learn about. The more you engage, the more people will feel connected to your brand.
  5. Monetize Your Content: Once you've built a following, there are several ways to monetize your content. You can include affiliate links, offer sponsored content, or even create paid courses or webinars.

Why Building a Personal Brand is Beneficial

Creating content and building a personal brand can take your dropshipping business to a new level. It helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level, creates trust, and establishes you as an authority in your niche. Over time, this can lead to more sales in your store, opportunities for partnerships, and other income streams from your content.

#5: Coaching and Course Creation

Sharing Your Expertise Authentically

As a seasoned dropshipper, you've gained valuable knowledge and experience that can guide newcomers in the industry. Coaching and creating online courses is not just a way to earn extra income; it's an opportunity to share your insights and help others succeed. In an industry rife with overpromises and scams, your authenticity, trustworthiness, and transparency will set you apart.

Steps to Offer Genuine Coaching and Courses

  1. Identify Your Unique Offering: What specific knowledge or skills have you gained that can benefit others? Focus on these areas to create your coaching or course content. It could be anything from niche selection to effective marketing strategies.
  2. Be Honest About Your Experience: Always be transparent about your journey, including both successes and failures. This honesty builds trust and helps others learn from your real-world experiences.
  3. Develop Structured Content: Whether it's one-on-one coaching sessions or a structured online course, plan your content in a way that is easy to understand and follow. Break down complex topics into manageable lessons.
  4. Promote Ethical Practices: Emphasize the importance of ethical business practices. With the prevalence of scams in the industry, guiding your students towards honesty and integrity is crucial.
  5. Set Realistic Expectations: Be clear about what your coaching or course can and cannot offer. Avoid making overblown promises about earnings or success.
  6. Offer Ongoing Support: The value of a good coach or course often lies in the support offered. Make yourself available for questions, and consider creating a community platform where students can interact and share experiences.

Why Coaching and Courses Matter

By offering coaching services or creating an online course, you're not just building another income stream – you're contributing to a healthier, more honest dropshipping community. Your authenticity and willingness to share both the good and the challenging aspects of dropshipping will not only help others but also enhance your reputation as a trusted figure in the industry.

And there you have it – five effective strategies to expand your dropshipping business and boost your income. Each of these methods requires dedication and authenticity, but the rewards can be significant. Whether you’re supplementing your store with POD, expanding to other sales channels, engaging in affiliate marketing, building a personal brand through content, or sharing your knowledge through coaching and courses, remember that your unique journey and honest approach are your greatest assets.

Wrapping Up

As we wrap up our journey through these five dynamic strategies for enhancing your dropshipping business, remember that the path to greater success is paved with innovation, diversification, and authenticity. Each method we've explored offers a unique way to not only increase your income but also to deepen your connection with your customers and the dropshipping community.

Whether it's by adding print-on-demand products, selling across multiple platforms, delving into affiliate marketing, creating engaging content, or sharing your expertise through coaching and courses, you have the power to elevate your business to new heights.

At DropCommerce, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a dropshipping store. That's why we're committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our platform is designed to make your dropshipping journey smoother and more profitable.

With our extensive range of high-quality, North American product suppliers, you can find exactly what you need to grow and diversify your business. We're here to help you succeed, offering the tools and resources you need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce.

If you want to take your store to the next level, DropCommerce is here for you. Dive into our pool of North American suppliers and discover new products to enrich your store's offerings. With our support, you're not just running a business; you're building a brand that stands for quality, reliability, and innovation. Visit DropCommerce today, and let's make your dropshipping dreams a reality.

Profile Picture Author
Written By:
Zennen Leggett

Zennen Leggett has been working with DropCommerce for years, and has generated over millions of impressions through his articles. When he isn’t writing about dropshipping, he is likely building Facebook ad campaigns for DTC brands while sipping an ice latte. You can learn more about him on ZennenLeggett.com.

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