Free Resources

  • Post-purchase emails
    Have a plan for your customer emails The emails that you send out to your customers will be a huge driver of more revenue. In other words, if you know someone has bought from you before, they are your best bet for buying from you again. Plus, you already have their details and haven’t got… Read more: Post-purchase emails
  • Should I build my own store, or hire someone to do it?
    I see this question come up a lot, which is why I think it merits an article of its own. In an ideal world, you would create your own Shopify store so that you know all the ins and outs, every setting and every checkbox. However, building a Shopify site from scratch is time consuming,… Read more: Should I build my own store, or hire someone to do it?
  • FAQs
    1. All my ebooks are in KU. Should I take them out and sell them direct instead? Are you making money in KU? If you are, leave them in KU! I know direct selling is the big thing of the moment, but this is your income we are talking about. If KU ain’t broke, don’t fix… Read more: FAQs
  • Sales Tax
    Sales tax. Two little words that strike fear into the hearts of most authors venturing into direct selling. Sales tax is not optional, and you can’t ignore it. I am not a tax professional or an accountant and cannot advise you on how to meet your tax liabilities. This page is for information purposes only from what… Read more: Sales Tax
  • Essential apps for your store
    There is a bewildering array of apps you can add to your Shopify store – anything you want, there’s an app for that. Check out the app store: https://apps.shopify.com/ Many of them will cost you money, and potentially clog up your store and slow it down. I’m an advocate for simplicity, and for saving money.… Read more: Essential apps for your store
  • Checklist for uploading books to Shopify
    Click here to download my checklist for uploading a book to Shopify. There’s a list for ebooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks/hardbacks. I’ve assumed the print books are with BookVault and the ebook/audiobook are with BookFunnel.  Please note, this checklist doesn’t explain every step in detail. You need to already know how to add books. The checklist… Read more: Checklist for uploading books to Shopify
  • Backing up your Shopify site data
    Shopify doesn’t create store backups for you, so this is something you’ll need to do yourself. Also, you’re responsible for keeping accurate records of your business. It is vital to save your site’s information in case of some sort of catastrophic error within Shopify (unlikely), an app screwing up your site (also unlikely if you… Read more: Backing up your Shopify site data
  • The Personal Touch
    Why having your own store is a good idea In my experience, it’s best not to think of your own store as being a rival to any of the big retailers. What you are creating through your store is your own special corner of the internet, where your readers should want to come and buy… Read more: The Personal Touch