How To Create A Website To Sell Digital Products

Introduction.

So you’ve got a digital product—maybe it’s an ebook, a course, design templates, stock photos, or even a Notion planner—and now you’re wondering how to sell it.

You don’t want to rely on third-party marketplaces where you give away a chunk of your earnings or compete with hundreds of others selling the same thing. The best option? Create your own website.

Having your own site gives you full control.

You decide how your products are presented, what your brand looks like, and how much money you keep from each sale.

It makes you look professional and helps build trust with potential buyers.

Plus, you can connect it with email tools, payment platforms, analytics, and more. It’s your online storefront—open 24/7.

Let’s break it all down step-by-step, so you can set up a site that not only looks good but also makes sales.

Step 1: Pick the Right Platform

First things first—you need a platform to build your site. If you’re not a tech person, don’t worry. There are platforms that let you drag and drop your way to a fully working store.

Here are some beginner-friendly options:

Shopify – Great for digital products. Easy to use, has built-in payment tools, and allows automatic file delivery after purchase. Starts at $39/month.
Payhip – Free to start, built for selling digital goods. It handles file delivery and even VAT for EU customers.
Gumroad – Also free to start. Super simple. Best for creators who want to start small.
WordPress + WooCommerce – More flexible. Great if you want full control and can handle a bit more setup.
Sellfy – Another great option for digital products. Starts at $29/month.

If you just want to get started fast without coding, Payhip or Gumroad might be the easiest.

Step 2: Get a Domain Name

Your domain is your website’s address—like www.yourbrand.com. It’s how people find you online and it makes you look more professional.

Here’s how to get one:

Go to a domain registrar like Namecheap, Google Domains, or GoDaddy.
Search for a name that’s short, clear, and easy to remember.
Once you find one that’s available, buy it. Expect to pay around $10–$15 per year.

Tip: Try to go with .com if you can, but .store or .io are also good options.

Step 3: Set Up Your Website

If you’re using Shopify, Gumroad, Payhip, or Sellfy, you can use their website builder to customize your store. You don’t need to code anything. Just choose a theme and update the text, colors, and images.

If you’re using WordPress, you’ll need to:

Buy hosting from a provider like Bluehost or SiteGround.
Install WordPress (usually one-click).
Add the WooCommerce plugin.
Choose a theme that works well for selling digital products (Astra and Kadence are popular).
Customize your site to match your brand.

Step 4: Add Your Products

Once your site is ready, it’s time to upload your digital products.

Here’s what to include for each product:

Product name
Clear description – Explain what it is, who it’s for, and what problem it solves.
Screenshots or preview images
Price
Delivery method – Make sure the file is sent automatically after payment.

If you’re selling something like an ebook, PDF, or audio file, platforms like Gumroad or Payhip will handle the download link for you automatically.

Step 5: Set Up Payments

You’ll need a way to accept payments. Most platforms support:

PayPal
Stripe (for credit/debit card payments)
Apple Pay / Google Pay

If you’re using Shopify, Payhip, or Gumroad, they guide you through setting up your payment options. You just connect your PayPal or Stripe account and you’re good to go.

WordPress + WooCommerce takes a few more steps, but it also supports Stripe and PayPal out of the box.

Step 6: Make It Legal and Safe

Even if you’re just selling a $5 ebook, it’s important to make sure your site looks legit.

Here’s what you need:

Privacy Policy – Explains how you collect and use customer data.
Terms of Service – Sets the rules for using your site and buying from you.
Refund Policy – Let people know if you accept refunds or not.

There are free generators like Termly and Shopify’s Policy Generator that can help.

Also, don’t forget to install SSL (that’s what gives you the little padlock in the browser bar). Most platforms do this for you, but if you’re on WordPress, your hosting provider should give you one for free.

Step 7: Market Your Website

Now that your website is live, people need to find it. Here’s how to start:

Use Email Marketing – Build a list and stay in touch with people who are interested in your product.
SEO – Use clear product titles and descriptions so people can find you on Google.
Pinterest and Twitter – Great for promoting digital products.
Content Marketing – Write helpful blog posts related to your product.
Facebook Groups or Reddit – Join communities related to your niche and share your product (without spamming).

You don’t need to do everything at once. Pick one or two and stay consistent.

FAQs

Do I need to register a business before I sell digital products online?

Not always. You can start as an individual, but it depends on your country’s laws. As you grow, it’s smart to register and talk to a tax professional.

Can I sell digital products for free to start?

Yes. Platforms like Gumroad and Payhip have free plans where they take a small fee per sale instead of charging you monthly.

How do I prevent people from sharing my files for free?

You can add license info, watermarks, or create access-limited download links. But the best defense is building a loyal audience who values your work.

Is SEO important for digital product websites?

Yes. Use simple, clear keywords that match what people are searching for—like “budget planner PDF” or “Instagram story templates.”

Final Thoughts

Creating a website to sell digital products isn’t as hard or expensive as it seems. In fact, you can launch one today with just a few clicks, and start making money while you sleep.

The key is to keep things simple at the start, use the tools that are easiest for you, and grow from there.

What kind of digital product are you planning to sell—and which platform sounds like the best fit for you?