Sell on Shopify: Your Digital-Only Shop Setup
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HOW TO EARN ONLINE
Sell on Shopify: Your Digital-Only Shop Setup
A complete, step-by-step blueprint to launch a Shopify store for downloadable products only—with clean delivery, zero shipping headaches, and scalable automations
You don’t need inventory or warehouses to run a serious Shopify business. If you sell eBooks, templates, presets, audio, video lessons, icons, fonts, brushes, or design kits, Shopify can be a frictionless digital storefront—provided you set it up the right way. This guide walks you through a digital-only build: structure, apps, payments, tax notes, delivery, anti-piracy, branding, SEO, marketing, analytics, and a 7-day launch plan.
Who this is for (and the promise)
Creators, designers, coaches, and small studios who want a reliable, automated way to sell digital files. Follow this playbook to go from blank store to live, digital-only Shopify shop with instant file delivery and low support.
Part I — Store Foundations (Clean, Digital-First)
1) Create the store & choose a fast, minimal theme
Start with a free, lightweight theme (e.g., Dawn). Avoid heavy animation; downloads don’t need parallax.
Global settings: consistent type scale, neutral color base, high contrast for accessibility.
Navigation: keep it simple—Shop, Bundles, Help/FAQ, Account.
2) Build essential legal & trust pages
License / Terms of Use (plain-English summary on product pages; full PDF in downloads).
Refund Policy (typical: 7-day “not as described / file won’t open” with support-first approach).
Privacy Policy (email used for delivery/updates; data deletion on request).
Support page with response window (24–48 hours) and common fixes.
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Part II — Product Setup (No Shipping, Instant Delivery)
3) Create a “Digital Product” template
In Products → Add product:
Uncheck “This is a physical product.” (No shipping, no weight.)
Turn inventory tracking off (or leave quantity very high).
Use Product type = “Digital” and a “digital” tag for organization.
Metafields (optional): file types, file size, license level (Standard/Extended).
4) Attach files via a digital-delivery app
Install a delivery app (examples: Shopify Digital Downloads by Shopify, SendOwl, Sky Pilot, FetchApp, Filemonk).
Configure per-product settings:
Files (PDF/ZIP/MP4/PNG/etc.), max downloads per purchase, expiry (days), IP throttling (optional).
License attachment (auto-include License.pdf in every order).
Large files: store on app’s CDN or S3; avoid emailing attachments.
5) Variants, bundles, and upgrades
Use variants for license types (Standard vs Extended) or formats (PDF / Notion / Canva link).
Offer Bundle products (multiple files + bonus) to lift AOV; use Shopify Bundles or a bundling app.
Add a post-purchase one-click offer (e.g., companion checklist or audio tracks).
6) Subscriptions for memberships/content drops (optional)
If you deliver ongoing files (monthly presets, templates), use a subscription app (e.g., Appstle, Recharge).
Gate access with customer accounts and an “Updates” page (blog or gated page) + email automation.
Part III — Checkout, Payments, Taxes, Invoices
7) Payments that work globally and in India
Enable major card processors and PayPal for global buyers.
For India, connect a UPI-friendly gateway (e.g., Razorpay/PayU/CCAvenue via Shopify).
Clearly display currency (INR for India visitors; USD/EUR for others).
8) Taxes & invoices (creator-friendly notes)
Digital goods are typically taxable; configure tax collection per your market.
Generate tax/GST-friendly invoices via your gateway/invoice app if required.
Publish a one-line, plain-English tax note on product pages. (Always confirm specifics with your CA/advisor.)
Part IV — Delivery Experience (Reduce Support to Near-Zero)
9) Confirmation & download flow
Order status page: “Your files are ready” + download buttons.
Automated email: receipt, download link, and Quick Start (where to click first).
Customer accounts: let buyers re-download from Account → Order history.
10) File packaging & documentation
Recommended ZIP layout inside each product download:
ProductName_v1.0/ ├── Files/ (PDF/PNG/MP4/etc.) ├── Start-Here_QuickGuide.pdf (2–4 pages) ├── License.pdf └── Changelog.txt
QuickGuide: install/usage steps, best results, FAQs (“file won’t open?”, “mobile?”), support email.
11) Anti-piracy without hurting UX
Limited downloads or time-bound links; gentle device/IP throttles.
Light watermark on previews (not purchased files).
Unique order ID stamped in PDF metadata (optional).
Fast takedown template ready for infringing links.
Part V — Product Pages that Convert
12) Copy framework (use this for every listing)
Title: product + formats + outcome (“90-Day Content System (Notion + PDF)”)
Who it’s for + Use cases
What’s inside: counts, file types, sizes, versions
Quick Start: “Open this file first”
License summary: personal/commercial, no redistribution, extended available
Compatibility: platforms (Notion/Canva/Photoshop/etc.)
FAQ: downloads, refunds, printing, mobile
CTA: “Download instantly”
13) Previews that sell
Hero: mockup + 3 mini use-cases.
Flip-through GIF or 20–45s video.
What’s included grid (thumbnails with labels).
Before/after: plain → your asset applied.
Part VI — Branding, Navigation & Merchandising
14) Collections & menus
Collections by format (PDF, Notion, Canva), job-to-be-done (Plan, Design, Market), or audience (Students, Freelancers, SMBs).
“Bundles” and “New” collections to drive quick exploration.
Footer links: Help/FAQ, License, Refunds, Contact.
15) Polish your brand system
Logo, color tokens, type scale, button styles, icon style—repeat across pages and emails.
Consistent microcopy (“Download instantly,” “Re-download anytime—just reply”).
Need a sharper brand presence for your shop and thumbnails?
Logo Design Services → https://www.sankulahub.com/logo-design-services
Part VII — Automations & Email Funnels
16) Essential flows (built with Shopify Email, Klaviyo, or similar)
Order confirmation → files + Quick Start + “reply for help.”
New subscriber (from a freebie): deliver sample, then 3-email nurture (teach → proof → offer).
Abandoned checkout: send link after 3–4 hours; include UPI fallback note.
Post-purchase Day 2: usage tips + ask for a one-line review.
Product update (version bump): send new link + changelog.
Want a free lead magnet right now? Package one from here:
Free Planner Templates → https://www.sankulahub.com/free-planner-templates
Part VIII — SEO & Store Settings (Be Discoverable)
17) On-page SEO checklist
Product title: include product + format + key benefit (“Printable Budget Planner PDF (A4/Letter) – Track Expenses Fast”).
Meta description: ≤165 chars with benefit.
Alt text: function + context (“A4 printable habit tracker, minimalist layout”).
Tags: 10–15 long-tails (format + niche + region).
18) Technical settings
Enable structured data (theme often handles basics).
Compress images; use web-friendly sizes.
Monitor 404s and fix with redirects after renaming products.
Part IX — Marketing Without Ads (Then With)
19) Organic channels that work for digital shops
Pinterest pins (static + idea pins) linked to product pages.
Instagram: reels showing “download → use in 60 seconds.”
YouTube: 3–6 minute tutorials; link to products & bundles.
Communities (Reddit/Facebook/Discord): teach first; link once.
20) Partnerships & affiliates
Create an affiliate program (30–40% on first purchase).
Provide swipe copy, media kit, and unique codes.
21) Lightweight paid tests
Start with Pinterest ads and Meta remarketing to product viewers.
Kill quickly if view→add-to-cart < 5% after 500 visits.
Part X — Analytics, Metrics & Iteration
22) Track what matters
Product page view → add to cart → purchase
Delivery success (downloads within 10 minutes)
Support tickets per 100 orders (aim <3)
Refund rate (aim <3–5%)
AOV (bundles & post-purchase offers should lift 10–20%)
23) Improve monthly
If clicks are high but buys are low → sharpen title, hero, and “What’s inside” grid.
If refunds/support spike → expand QuickGuide; add a short “first-run” video.
If AOV is flat → add bundles or a ₹299–₹499 post-purchase add-on.
7-Day Digital-Only Shopify Launch Plan
Day 1: Theme install, brand basics, policies (License/Refund/Privacy), menus.
Day 2: Install digital-delivery app; configure global rules (limits/expiry).
Day 3: Build 3 products (good/better/best) + 1 bundle; attach files; write QuickGuides.
Day 4: Product pages (copy, previews, FAQ), collections, SEO meta.
Day 5: Payments (cards + UPI), order emails, abandoned checkout, post-purchase tip.
Day 6: QA: test orders (card + UPI), downloads, mobile UX, re-download via account.
Day 7: Publish, announce (IG/Pinterest/YouTube/community post), open 72-hour founder price, collect 3 reviews.
FAQs
Can I sell Notion/Canva items?
Yes—deliver duplicate links (Notion “Allow duplicate as template”) and Canva share links inside your ZIP and confirmation email, plus a 1-page Quick Start.
How do I handle very large files?
Host via your delivery app’s CDN/S3. Avoid email attachments; always link.
What about extended licenses for agencies?
Create a product variant or separate listing at 2–3× base price; include a clear multi-client clause.
Do I need GST invoices?
If applicable, use your gateway or an invoicing app to include GST fields and send compliant receipts. (Confirm details with your CA.)
Internal resources to explore
Free Planner Templates (perfect lead magnets & bonuses): https://www.sankulahub.com/free-planner-templates
Logo Design Services (lock a pro brand for your Shopify store): https://www.sankulahub.com/logo-design-services
Meta description
Set up a digital-only Shopify store the right way. Configure products, delivery apps, payments, taxes, SEO, automations, and launch in 7 days with low support.
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