Today, I have an exciting interview to share about starting an online store. I recently spoke with Sarah Titus from Million Dollar Shop and SarahTitus.com, who shared her insights on launching an online store and earning extra income. If you’re interested in making passive income, this could be a great option for you!
Sarah describes an online store in simple terms: “It’s like your local grocery store but online. Instead of buying celery, you’re buying digital products like printables that help you organize your life.”
If you’re considering a new business or a side hustle, starting an online store might be worth exploring. In the interview, Sarah answers questions about her earnings, the time commitment, what an online store is, what you can sell, how to find customers, and much more.
### Background and Journey
Sarah’s journey began in a tough situation. After discovering her husband was unfaithful and experiencing abuse, she left with her two children and ended up in a homeless shelter. Determined to stay home with her kids, she started selling items on eBay, eventually becoming a top seller of Littlest Pet Shop toys by adding unique touches to her products.
Despite her success, Sarah felt unfulfilled and wanted to do more. She started blogging to share her experiences and advice, which led to a six-figure income but required long hours. Seeking a more balanced life, she transitioned to selling digital products on Shopify, starting with a Blogging Binder. Her first month on Shopify brought in over $52,000, and she now makes around $5 million a year.
### Earnings and Time Commitment
Sarah currently earns about $5 million annually from her Shopify store. She and her team work a combined 16-20 hours a week, with Sarah herself working around 9-10 hours. Most of her time now is spent maintaining the store and creating new products, like binders, which she offers for free initially to attract customers.
### What is an Online Store?
An online store is similar to a physical store but operates on the internet. You can sell almost anything, from digital products like printables to physical items. You don’t need to be a blogger to have an online store, but having a blog can help drive traffic.
### Ease of Use
Shopify is very user-friendly. Sarah set up her shop in about five minutes. However, success depends on how you set up your store to make customers feel safe and secure, which she covers in her Million Dollar Shop® course.
### What to Sell and Finding Products
You can sell almost anything within legal boundaries. Sarah recommends selling digital products due to lower overhead costs. She advises against drop shipping because of its potential pitfalls. For those interested in creating printables, she offers a course on how to make them.
### Finding Customers
There are many ways to attract customers, including leveraging existing blogs, social media, and paid advertising. Sarah emphasizes the importance of offering something valuable for free to build trust and encourage repeat business.
### Costs
Starting a Shopify store costs $29 per month, with additional small transaction fees. As your business grows, you might upgrade to a higher plan for better analytics. Overall, it’s a cost-effective platform with excellent support.
### Final Tips
Sarah advises going all in if you decide to start an online store. It’s a powerful way to earn money quickly. Her courses provide a comprehensive guide to setting up and running a successful store.
### Why Take a Course?
Many people struggle with setting up their stores correctly, which is why Sarah’s courses are valuable. They provide step-by-step guidance and have been tested by thousands of students.
Are you interested in starting an online store?