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Selling digital stuff is a great way to earn some side cash. If you’re wondering how to sell digital products, you’re in the right place. For example, if you Google how to sell digital products, this blog is meant to help. You may be a student, freelancer, or looking for a side hustle. The good news is digital products let you make money without shipping goods or holding inventory. Shopify defines digital products as eBooks, music, mobile apps, software, stock photos, digital art, printable planners, or online courses, all delivered electronically.
Think of it as anything you create on a computer and give to customers online. Once you learn how to sell digital products, it offers passive income, since you can make it once and sell it many times. Altogether, we’ve answered many questions about “how to sell digital products” here, step by step, including specific parts like Amazon and Etsy. (Maybe I was one of the many beginners searching for how to sell digital products on Google.)
Digital products are perfect for beginners because you can start with almost zero cost. What are the two advantages of selling digital products? In short, it has very low startup costs and unlimited sales potential. You don’t need to buy or ship anything; you can sell to people worldwide 24/7. One post even calls it the ultimate side hustle since there’s “no overhead, no shipping, just pure passive income”. The main perks of selling digital goods include:
- Low overhead costs: No inventory or shipping, so you save money.
- High profit margins: Most of the sale price is your profit, since there are few extra costs.
- Easy scalability: You can sell unlimited copies. Once it’s made, you can sell it repeatedly without extra work.
- Instant delivery and global reach: Customers get it immediately anywhere.
- Passive income: You do the work once, then earn money while you sleep.
(And if you’re thinking, what are the two advantages of selling digital products, we’ve named them above.) Now, it’s not magic money. Because it’s so easy to start, many people try it, so you must stand out. Fast Company notes that the low entry barrier means many similar products will exist. So pick a niche, make something unique, and consider protecting your work (like watermarking images).
This illustrates that to sell digital products, you need a computer and creativity, not a warehouse.
What Can You Sell?
The sky’s the limit. If you have a skill, you can package it (another part of learning how to sell digital products). For example, graphic designers can create printable planners, invitation templates, or business forms. Web.com mentions selling templates and printables on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market. Content writers can create eBooks or audiobooks – in fact, they were 9% of US book sales in 2022 and can be sold repeatedly for passive income.
Online courses are another big hit. Record yourself teaching something (even a simple screen video) and sell it on Udemy or Teachable. If you’re good at photography or videography, you can sell stock images or footage – businesses always need visual content. Musicians or podcasters might sell royalty-free music on Bandcamp or AudioJungle.
Templates, fonts, and design assets are also hot. ThemeForest and Creative Market are full of web templates and graphics. If you know any creative craft (like sewing patterns or colouring sheets), digitize it. Any digital file can be a product. A Thinkific guide lists courses, spreadsheets, checklists, podcasts, videos, e-books and more as examples. Find something people value, and you’ll find a way to sell it.
How to Start Selling Digital Products
Step by step, we’ll show you how to start selling digital products from scratch. Starting might feel tricky, but take it one step at a time:
1. Pick a product idea
Think about what you know or love. It could be art, writing, music, or teaching a hobby. Match it with what people need: a study guide, a fitness video, or a unique font. If you’re stuck, browse online forums or social media to see what people ask for.
2. Create your product
Use the tools you have: write an eBook in a word processor, design layouts with Canva, record a video on your phone, or compose music with free software. Don’t worry about perfection. A good tip is to start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – an okay first version. Release it to a few friends or online communities and gather feedback.
3. Improve your product
After feedback, polish the content. Fix any mistakes, add clear instructions, and improve the design. Create a nice cover or preview image (buyers trust something that looks professional). Ensure the file downloads fine (PDF, MP3, or whatever format).
4. Choose where to sell
Decide on one platform to start. It could be Etsy or Gumroad for general digital goods, or Amazon KDP for books. You can also use your own website (Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce) if you want complete control and more profit. We’ll talk about platforms next.
5. Set a price
Research similar products to gauge pricing. Start slightly lower to attract first buyers, then raise it as you get reviews. Remember, some platforms take a fee (we cover that below).
6. List and promote
On your chosen site, create a new product listing. Write a clear title and a friendly description. Use keywords (like “planner template PDF”) so people can find it. Upload your cover and files. Once live, share the link on social media, forums, or anywhere your customers hang out. Word of mouth and occasional paid ads can help get your first sales.
The big question is how to start selling digital products, which often comes up. The answer is simple: begin with one small product. You can refine and add more over time. I’m repeating myself on how to sell digital products, but it really drives the point home. Learning how to sell digital products means using your skills to create value that people will pay for.
That reminds us that we only need a few tools (like a laptop and Canva) to make a product.
Where to Sell Digital Products
Now decide on a marketplace. Where to sell digital products matters because each platform has its audience and fees. Here are some top choices:
– Etsy
It’s known for crafts, but it’s fantastic for digital downloads too. Etsy calls itself a “shop for crafters and DIYers,” making it great for art prints, planners, and templates. You open a shop (no monthly fee for basic), upload your file, and Etsy emails the download to customers. It’s easy to use and customers trust it.
– Gumroad
A simple platform made for creators. Thinkific notes that Gumroad “is great for beginners”. You upload your file, set a price, and Gumroad delivers it. They charge 10% of each sale (no monthly fees). In one recent week, creators earned over $3.17 million on Gumroad, so people bought there!
– Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing known as KDP)
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is enormous if you sell a book or written content. As one blog says, “Platforms like Amazon KDP… welcome those looking to self-publish”. Basically, sign up for KDP, upload your eBook and cover, and Amazon lists it. They’ll handle the sale and delivery. JungleScout notes: after creating your content, “you must sign up for a KDP account” and submit your file. Amazon takes a cut (typically 30-65% of the price), but you tap into a massive reader base.
– Your Own Website (Shopify, WordPress, etc.)
For complete control, set up your store. Services like Shopify let you build a site quickly with drag-and-drop (Shopify says it’s a “popular global commerce platform”). You can sell anything you want without third-party restrictions. The trade-off is that you must drive traffic yourself and pay hosting fees.
– Other platforms
Depending on your niche, there are special sites. Photographers can use Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Designers use ThemeForest or Creative Market. Musicians have Bandcamp or AudioJungle. Even Facebook groups or newsletter platforms (Substack, Patreon) can work. The key is: pick a place where your target customers already hang out.
In summary, this answers the question of where to sell digital products for many needs. Remember to check fees: some marketplaces take a big cut. For instance, Shopify warns that specific marketplaces can take up to 50% commission. Sometimes a fee is worth it for the audience (like Amazon or Etsy). Other times, you might prefer your own site.
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How to Sell Digital Products on Amazon
Many people search for how to sell digital products on Amazon. Amazon’s main digital outlet is the Kindle store. Here’s a quick guide:
- Set up a KDP account: Go to Kindle Direct Publishing and sign up (it’s free).
- Prepare your eBook: Write your book (PDF/EPUB) and make a cover image.
- Submit for review: In KDP, fill in your book details (title, description) and upload the files.
- Publish and price: Once approved, set your price. Amazon offers up to 70% royalty if you price in specific ranges.
- Promote: Your book is live on Amazon. Share the link, ask for reviews, or run Amazon ads for visibility.
As JungleScout’s guide explains, the steps are basically: submit your content to KDP and then launch your book. Amazon handles the sale and delivery to readers. It’s straightforward if you follow the guidelines.
The idea is similar for other Amazon digital products (like apps, music, or images): use the specific Amazon program for that format. But for most side hustlers, Kindle Direct Publishing for eBooks is the easiest entry.
One thing to remember: Amazon is a giant and competitive. Use good keywords in your title/description, write a compelling blurb, and do a small ad campaign. With the right strategy, your book can sell on autopilot – even while you sleep!
Conclusion
It shows that you can sell products online with just a laptop and good ideas.
Selling digital products is one of the smartest side-hustles right now. By now, you know how to start selling digital products step by step: pick an idea, make it, choose a site, and launch. You’ve learned where to sell digital products (Etsy, Gumroad, Amazon KDP, or your shop) and how to use those platforms. (Notice the Amazon section above literally answers how to sell digital products on Amazon.)
All together, these steps cover every angle of the process. If you ever doubt how to sell digital products, follow them and learn from each sale. The big reminder: what are the two advantages of selling digital products? We already answered the following questions: low cost and passive income. You invest primarily time (little money), and then you can repeatedly sell the same product.
Keep the phrase how to sell digital products in mind – it’s the game’s name. And yes, learning how to sell digital products means using your skills to create something people need and telling them about it.
So go ahead and create that first digital item. Use what you have – a laptop, some free tools, and your creativity. It shows clearly where to sell digital products, too. Each small sale will teach you something and let you improve. Before you know it, you’ll have a portfolio of digital products providing that extra income. You’ve got this – happy selling!
Sources: Verified insights and tips mentioned below.