To automate your Shopify store and scale it to make $10k or more, you'll need to implement various strategies. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Identify a profitable niche: Research popular products with high demand and low competition. Look for unique or trending items that can attract customers.

2. Set up your Shopify store: Sign up for a Shopify account, select a theme, and customize your store to reflect your brand. Add relevant pages like About Us, Contact, and Shipping Policy.

3. Source products from Alibaba or other suppliers: Search for products on Alibaba or similar platforms. Contact suppliers, negotiate prices, and request samples to ensure quality. Once you find reliable suppliers, establish a partnership.

4. Import products to your store: Use Shopify apps like Oberlo or Modalyst to easily import products from Alibaba to your store. These apps automate the process, including product descriptions, pricing, and images.

5. Optimize product pages: Write compelling product descriptions, add high-quality images, and optimize your product pages for search engines. Use persuasive language, highlight unique selling points, and include customer reviews if available.

6. Drive targeted traffic: Utilize various marketing channels to attract potential customers. Some effective methods include:

   • Social media marketing: Create engaging content, run targeted ads, and collaborate with influencers to promote your products.
   • Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta tags, and generating backlinks.
   • Email marketing: Collect customer emails and send regular newsletters, promotions, or abandoned cart reminders.
   • Paid advertising: Run targeted ads on platforms like Facebook Ads, Google Ads, or Instagram Ads to reach a wider audience.

7. Offer exceptional customer service: Provide quick response times, answer customer queries promptly, and ensure a smooth buying experience. This will lead to positive reviews and repeat purchases.

8. Automate order fulfillment: Use Shopify apps like Oberlo, Dropified, or AliExpress to automate the order fulfillment process. These apps sync with your store, allowing you to easily place orders with suppliers and track shipments.

9. Scale your business: As your store gains traction, analyze customer data and sales trends. Identify top-performing products and invest more in marketing those items. Consider expanding your product range or targeting new markets to increase sales volume.

10. Optimize profit margins: While selling low-cost items may seem challenging, focus on increasing your average order value (AOV) and optimizing profit margins. Offer upsells, cross-sells, or bundle deals to encourage customers to buy more.

Remember, building a successful Shopify store requires continuous effort, experimentation, and adaptation. Stay updated with industry trends, monitor your competition, and consistently improve your marketing strategies to maximize your earnings.