You might ask, “What are digital products?“. It’s not uncommon to find businesses selling digital products, such as ZIP files, PDF documents etc., on Shopify. Shopify is a popular eCommerce website creation platform where business owners can set up an online store for their business. It’s built for any level of skill, allowing pretty much anyone with a computer to own an online store!
So, how do you sell zip files on Shopify?
What do I need?
- A Shopify store
- The Fileflare Shopify app installed on your store (unlimited bandwidth, orders, and products)
Install the Fileflare app from the Shopify app store and skip to step 4.
What is a Zip file?
You are probably already aware of what a Zip file is, but if you aren’t, keep reading this section. A Zip file is basically a folder of items that can be sent over the web as one. Instead of having to send multiple files one by one, you can Zip them up and send them as one file.
This is also great because it reduces the file size by compressing the data. Learn more about Zip files. You can also use our file transfer app for professionals if you want to send files over the web.
Steps to sell Zip files on Shopify
If you are reading this, I’m guessing you already have a Shopify store set up, but if you don’t, you can quickly create a Shopify account here. If you have an existing Shopify store, you may skip step 1 and move to step 2.
1. Create a Shopify account (if you haven’t already)
After creating an account, you would need to choose a suitable theme for your shop and use engaging text or copy to attract customers. Shopify offers a 14-day free trial for people who do not want to dive headfirst into a monthly or yearly plan.
It would be best if you spent your 14-day trial building your store by using pre-made themes (this way, you can find what’s best for your store) and cementing your business name and logo.
You should also ensure that you have a clear idea of the purpose of your business and, of course, a complete digital product (in this case, a zip file). It would also help if you had pictures that depict the zip file you want to sell.
2. Create a Zip file (if you haven’t already)
If you haven’t already created a digital product, then get creating! Look at the most profitable digital products to sell here.
You will need a product before we start, but anyway, we will carry on and assume you already have a Zip file ready.
Creating products in Shopify
If you just created an account, you will need to set up your product in Shopify first. Follow these steps to create products in Shopify:
- Navigate to your Shopify dashboard and go to the “Products” page
- Then click on “Add Product“
- Here, you can enter the necessary details about the product: ensure that you include how the Zip file solves your buyer’s problems and how it benefits them to improve their lives.
Note: After creating your product in Shopify, navigate to the shipping section of the product edit page and uncheck the “This is a physical product” option. If you do not do this, Shopify will assume that you are selling a physical rather than a digital product. This means it will deliver shipping emails and account shipping costs into the checkout if you don’t disable it.
3. Install the “Fileflare Digital Downloads” app
Shopify doesn’t have an in-built system to sell digital products and Zip files, but they have an app store with plenty of choices. We have one that leads above the rest, which includes unique copyright protection features, brandable customisation and much more.
You can get the Fileflare app from the Shopify app store. Install it on your store and follow on to the next step.
4. Upload the Zip file to the app
- Go to the “Apps” page in Shopify and open the Fileflare app
- Go to the “Assets” page
- Click the “Upload new asset” button
- Upload your Zip file
5. Attach the Zip file to your Shopify product
Next, you need to attach the Zip file to the right product that you created in Shopify’s dashboard. You can do this by:
- Go to the Zip file by going to the “Assets” page
- Click on your Zip file
- At the bottom of the box, you will see a search box saying, “Attach this asset to products“. Use this to select the products that you want the Zip file attached to.
6. Place a test order
This is the last step, but it is an essential one. You need to place a test order to a personal email to ensure the process works.
You can place a test order in many ways. It’s best if you take a look at how to place a test order in Shopify here.
If you encounter any problems with the email, be sure to check your spam folder. Email clients are getting more strict these days because of the amount of spam going around.
If you get stuck, be sure to check the Fileflare checklist to make sure your store is set up correctly to deliver digital goods.
Once you’ve done this and successfully received your Zip file, you can now start customising the styling to suit your brand. Learn how to do this here:
- How To Customise Email Templates & Info
- Best Methods to Prevent Customers Sharing Digital Downloads
- How To Enable Customer Account Digital Downloads on Shopify
Video tutorial on how to add Zip files to Shopify
Final words
It has never been easier to start a business than it is today. As long as you know what you want to sell, be it physical products, digital products, or services, platforms such as Shopify make the process as stress-free, enjoyable, and fulfilling as possible.
If you get stuck with anything, please contact us, and we will get back to you quickly.