Do you have a passion for writing, and do you want to turn that passion into a money-making venture?
Why not sell ebooks?
Digital products are on the rise as one of the hottest-selling items in an online store, and you can make and sell eBooks online as a legitimate business model!
When you build a Shopify eBook store, you can target a specific audience and distinguish yourself from other online sellers.
I’ve spent many years selling online, and I have found that the best strategy for making a steady stream of income is to focus on a niche.
As the old saying goes, the riches are in the niches. So, why not take advantage of that and make money when you sell eBooks on Shopify?
In this guide, I will show you why selling eBooks online is a smart Shopify business idea, how to sell eBooks on Shopify, and expert strategies before launching your Shopify eBook store.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Create an eBook and start a Shopify account.
- Download a third-party app to sell eBooks on Shopify and start uploading eBooks to your website.
- Market your eBook store using the best practices for selling and marketing.
What is an eBook?
An eBook is an electronic book format among the top-selling digital products online. eBooks are like traditional books, except that they can be accessed digitally through a tablet or eBook reader.
An eBook usually comes in a non-editable digital format, meaning documents written in a Word Doc file are not eBooks. It is a digital version of a print book, so it might still look like a traditional hardbound book.
An eBook is a digital attachment delivered in a non-editable format to prevent somebody else from editing the eBook’s content, especially without the author’s consent. Anyone accessing the eBook file can only view or read the document.
In addition, most eBook digital files are responsive to various mobile or digital screens. Therefore, they can be accessed through various devices like an eBook reader, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
The responsiveness of eBook file formats makes it easier to sell eBooks on Shopify because they do not require a specific device to access the digital files.
The following are the most common digital files that are used as eBook formats:
- HTML5
- EPUB
- AZW
The main difference between these various eBook file types is that some allow creative touches, such as exploring various layouts, fonts, and typography. These creative touches enhance the reading experience.
Why Sell eBooks on Shopify?
As mentioned above, digital products are only going to get more popular. Thus, now is the best time to take advantage of the demand for digital products, including eBooks.
The popularity of eBooks online also testifies to the enduring popularity of reading as a hobby.
The accessibility of digital readers and tablets can contribute to the demand for eBooks on Shopify.
The following are the top reasons you should consider selling eBooks on Shopify, especially if you have an existing online store specialising in digital products or eBook business.
1. Setting up an eBook business is relatively affordable.
Selling digital products, such as eBooks and digital downloads, costs less than selling physical products and traditional books. To start selling books online with Shopify, you only need to pay for the Shopify store subscription (there is also a free trial version).
In addition, it is cheap to reproduce eBooks because they do not require as many resources and tools to make multiple copies of the same book or physical products.
With an eBook, they are available in a digital download file that you can recreate for an infinite amount of times without adding to your costs. In addition, you won’t have to pay for the inventory, storage fees, and shipping when you start selling eBooks online.
2. No limit to the amount of eBook files you can sell.
There is no limit to the amount of digital books you can sell online. Whereas selling physical products, like traditional books, you are limited by the copies a publishing house has printed. Your investment capital also limits your ability to obtain book copies.
Most bookstore owners can only purchase limited copies based on their available investment, limiting their ability to earn from selling books online.
When you sell an eBook online, you won’t have to worry about having access to a certain number of copies. You can sell this digital product to as many as you can attract customers.
Your eBook business and Shopify website have the opportunity to grow and scale because you can sell as many eBooks on Shopify as humanly possible.
3. You can manage your Shopify eBook store anywhere.
Another advantage of starting your own online store selling eBooks on Shopify is you can manage your eBook business from anywhere. You can manage orders for your eBooks business if you have access to a digital device or a computer.
4. Running an eBook business online is eco-friendly.
Aside from profitability, the biggest advantage of selling eBooks on Shopify is the environmental impact. This business model is sustainable and promotes environmental welfare.
You can discourage the production of books and focus on selling eBooks to your customers.
5. Leverage eBooks to promote other businesses.
Many Shopify website owners use their free eBook as an opportunity to promote other businesses using the content marketing strategy.
6. Easier to reach your sales targets and business growth.
Launching a Shopify eBook store allows you to hit your sales target faster than any other business model or digital product. An online eBook store does not require a huge investment capital, and this targeted niche has a massive earning potential.
Hence, the right Shopify marketing strategy can attract your target audience, make it easy to achieve your sales target, and allow your Shopify store to flourish quickly.
Get insider tips—download the eBook on Shopify competitor research now!How to Sell eBooks on Shopify – Detailed Guide
Are you interested to sell eBooks on Shopify? Follow this detailed guide to get you started.
Step 1: Create your eBook.
When you build a Shopify store selling eBooks, the most important thing to consider is the product – your eBook.
If you already have an existing eBook, that’s great! You can get started by preparing your Shopify store for launch. This guide assumes that you have already written your eBook and are prepared to release it digitally!
The first thing you must do is convert your eBook into your desired downloadable file format. The best option is to make your eBook available in PDF format. This format is most accessible as many online users have a PDF file reader.
However, this file format has pros and cons, especially if you want to provide the best reading experience for your audience.
I suggest you explore the pros and cons of each eBook file type to find the perfect fit for your site visitors!
Step 2: Set Up Your Shopify Account.
You can skip this step if you already have a Shopify account.
If not, go to the Shopify website and create a free trial account. Once your free trial is over, you can keep using the platform for $1 a month for the first month.
Using this feature allows you to determine if a Shopify store is the best fit for selling eBooks before you actually spend money!
Step 3: Install a Digital Downloads App
The next step in building your eBook Shopify store is to install a digital downloads app from the Shopify App Store.
If you are selling eBooks or other digital products, Shopify requires you to install an app before you can sell eBooks and other digital products.
The obvious downside to this process is that you need to do additional configurations before launching your Shopify store. On the other hand, it is a positive because you can select how you want the digital downloads configured in your online store.
When choosing which digital downloads app to install in your Shopify store, you can base it on three factors
- File sizes
- File protection
- Download for other digital products (not just eBooks)
A free Digital Downloads app is available via Shopify, which can be a safe option as it supports most eBook files without worrying about additional subscription fees.
Step 4: Upload Your eBooks
At this point, you can start uploading your eBooks to your Shopify store. Make sure to include a detailed description for each eBook.
Go to the Shopify dashboard to access the digital downloads app, and choose Products > Add Product to start listing your eBooks.
Use the same strategies when listing physical products, including titles, descriptions, and photos.
Next, go to Fulfillment and specify the delivery of your eBooks (automatic or manual). You can also set the download limit for each transaction.
Step 5: Launch your eBook Shopify Store.
If you’ve completed the steps above, you can launch your online store and sell eBooks on Shopify!
Best Practices When Selling eBooks
Starting an eBook store in this reliable and efficient platform offers no guarantees that you will generate massive eBook sales. Therefore, it is essential to implement a well-written strategy to succeed in your eBook store.
1. Simplify Your Shopify Website
Selling eBooks on Shopify requires a different approach than other digital or physical products. Your audience is interested in your eBook’s content and value, so there is no need to add redundant pages or overly aesthetic themes.
A user-friendly design for your online store would suffice; in fact, it is necessary so you don’t distract your target audience from what’s important: the eBook, your main product.
The best way to design your website is to make eye-catching visuals for the eBooks. Showcase your bestsellers on the home page so customers will know what eBooks to buy when they explore your online store.
It also makes it easier to explore your eBooks selection to find what they want to buy. If possible, include a short but detailed description of each eBook to pique your customers’ interest.
Don’t forget to include a digital download link on the product page to make it easier for your customers to download the eBook files if they want a copy.
In addition, it is crucial to choose your Shopify themes that would fit into this industry.
2. Market Your eBook Store
Once you have launched your eBook store, you must employ marketing tools and strategies to promote it. While there is a specific target market for eBooks, it’s worth noting that there are also many other sellers specializing in digital products like eBooks.
You need to know how to promote your store to make selling eBooks profitable.
Luckily, Shopify offers a vast selection of marketing, SEO, and analytics tools you can leverage to grow your eBook store. You can try these cost-effective strategies to promote your Shopify store across various sales channels.
Social Media Marketing
Social media is where your audience is, so it is important to capitalize on the social media integration capabilities available on the Shopify platform. Integrating your eBook store with social media makes it easy for your audience to learn about the latest eBook releases in your online store.
You can also create engaging social media posts about your eBooks to attract customers.
Other social media marketing strategies for growing your eBook business online include running paid social media ad campaigns, conducting surveys, and launching giveaways. Use A/B testing methods to determine the most successful promotion strategy on social platforms.
Find out more about Shopify Marketing Here
Paid Ads
Another reliable method of promoting your Shopify store is using paid aid marketing campaigns. You can place ads on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, or Google ads.
Placing ad campaigns on Google might require you to spend a certain amount, but it will be worthwhile since you can land on top of the search engine results page when a user searches for anything relevant to your eBooks.
SEO
SEO tools and keyword research can boost your online store’s performance on search engines. Optimizing your product pages and home page with targeted keywords makes ranking higher on Google’s SERP easier.
Take advantage of the Shopify SEO tools to boost your site’s performance.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the untapped Shopify marketing strategies for online business owners. Shopify provides you with email integrations to launch your marketing campaigns with ease.
Third-party apps are available to edit email templates and incorporate them into your customer segmentation strategy for a higher chance of success.
3. Offer Free eBook Download
Offering free stuff is a traditional and effective marketing strategy that you can use for your eBooks business. offering free eBooks is a strategy to grow your email list.
When a customer visits your Shopify website, you can offer them a free digital download link in exchange for their email address. Growing your email list makes nurturing relationships with your clients and boosting conversions easier.
4. Offer Free Access
Aside from offering a free download, you can also provide free access to select pages within your eBook. This strategy works because it provides your existing audience access to your eBook content before purchasing it.
It also shows your confidence in the quality and value of your eBook as you are willing to give them sample access.
5. Leverage Upselling Opportunities
One of the reasons selling eBooks on Shopify is profitable is the opportunity to upsell. Once a customer buys an eBook, they are more likely to buy another one from you, especially if they enjoy the value of your eBook.
Building that relationship opens up the opportunity to sell other eBooks as a bundle, making it possible to upsell and increase your eBook sales and revenue.
6. Automate the Delivery Process
One advantage of selling eBooks on Shopify is the fast delivery of the product. Unlike selling physical products, where the delivery can take a few days, eBooks are instantaneous.
Therefore, consider employing automation tools to streamline the delivery process of eBook files to your customers, giving them access to the product once they pay for it.
Final Thoughts on eBook Shopify Store
Is selling eBooks profitable? Yes, it is! Reading is not dead; it’s just that people are finding new ways to access books, and eBooks are the answer.
Therefore, by selling eBooks on Shopify, you can use this digital product and the demand for digital books. This e-commerce platform provides a global reach to target your eBook business to your target audience easily. With many advanced features and tools that Shopify offers, you can easily market your eBooks online to attract customers and build a profitable Shopify eBook store!
Remember the expert tips and strategies here to generate more eBook sales and grow your online store!
Track Your eBook Sales with Shopify Sales Tracker
Selling eBooks on Shopify? Don’t just launch—optimize. The Shopify Sales Tracker from ZIK Analytics lets you monitor your eBook sales, spot high-performers, and understand what’s driving revenue. With clear data insights, you’ll know exactly which titles to promote, bundle, or improve. No more guessing—scale with confidence.