How To Sell Your Digital Products Online

Introduction.

Selling digital products online can be a game-changer for anyone looking to make money from their skills, creativity, or expertise.

The beauty of digital products is that once you create them, they can be sold over and over again with little to no additional effort.

But like any business venture, there are a few important steps to take to make sure you’re set up for success.

If you’re new to selling online or just looking for a simple guide to kick off your digital product journey, you’re in the right place.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about selling digital products, from choosing what to sell to setting up an online store and promoting your products.

Let’s take a look at the process in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re a total beginner.

Why Sell Digital Products?

Before jumping into the steps of selling, it’s worth understanding why digital products are such a fantastic option.

According to a report from Statista, global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6.3 trillion by 2024.

Digital products play a huge role in this growth. Selling something like an eBook, online course, or digital art doesn’t require dealing with physical inventory, shipping costs, or handling returns.

Once your product is created, the hard work is mostly over. Plus, digital products are often more affordable to create than physical products, making them a great option for those on a budget.

What’s more, digital products have a wide reach. You can sell them to anyone, anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

So if you’re looking for a business idea that’s low-maintenance and has the potential for high returns, selling digital products could be the perfect fit.

Step 1: Pick the Right Digital Product to Sell

The first step to selling online is deciding what digital product to offer. The good news is that there are so many options, but that can also be overwhelming.

The key is to find something you’re passionate about, something that solves a problem, or something you already have experience creating. Let’s look at a few ideas:

eBooks: If you enjoy writing or have knowledge in a certain niche, you can create and sell eBooks. The great thing about eBooks is they are relatively simple to create, and people love to buy them for convenience.
Online Courses: If you have a particular skill, you can create a course teaching others how to do it. Platforms like Teachable and Udemy make it super easy to set up and sell online courses.
Printables: This is a growing market. You can create things like planners, journals, art prints, or party invitations. Printables are especially popular on platforms like Etsy.
Digital Art: If you’re into graphic design or photography, selling your art digitally is an option. People are always on the lookout for unique visuals to use on websites, social media, and marketing materials.
Software and Apps: If you’re technically inclined, developing software or apps can be a lucrative digital product to sell. You can offer tools, themes, or plugins for websites.
Music and Audio: Musicians or voiceover artists can sell digital audio files, whether that’s original music, sound effects, or even audiobooks.

Take a moment to think about what skills or hobbies you have that could turn into a digital product. Also, consider what problems people are trying to solve.

For example, someone might be looking for a fitness eBook, or a small business owner might want a social media template. Identifying a problem and offering a solution is the key to making sales.

Step 2: Set Up Your Online Store

Once you have your product, it’s time to set up your online store. You don’t need to be a tech expert to do this, and there are plenty of easy-to-use platforms available. Here are a few popular options:

Shopify: One of the most popular e-commerce platforms for selling anything online, including digital products. Shopify makes it simple to upload, sell, and track your products.
Etsy: If you’re selling printables, digital art, or other similar products, Etsy is a great option. Etsy has an audience that’s already looking for digital items, so it’s easier to reach potential buyers.
Gumroad: This is a simple platform designed specifically for selling digital products. It’s perfect for selling eBooks, music, and other downloadable goods.
Sellfy: Another great platform for digital products, Sellfy allows you to sell eBooks, courses, printables, and more. It’s very user-friendly, even for beginners.
Your Own Website: If you want more control, you can set up your own website using tools like WordPress with WooCommerce or Shopify. This way, you won’t have to rely on third-party platforms.

Whichever platform you choose, make sure your store is easy to navigate and user-friendly. Think about your potential customers—how can you make their shopping experience smooth and enjoyable?

Step 3: Protect Your Digital Products

While it might be tempting to just upload your digital products and start selling, you also need to think about protecting them.

Digital products can be easily copied or shared without your permission, which could hurt your sales. Here are a few ways to protect your digital goods:

Watermarking: If you’re selling artwork or photography, consider watermarking your images. This helps prevent unauthorized use while still allowing people to see your product.
Password Protection: For eBooks or courses, you can set up password protection or unique download links that expire after a certain period.
Digital Rights Management (DRM): Some platforms offer DRM, which helps prevent unauthorized copying of your digital products. While not foolproof, it adds an extra layer of protection.

Step 4: Marketing Your Digital Products

Now that your products are set up and ready to go, it’s time to spread the word. Marketing is crucial to get people to buy your products. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok are great places to promote your digital products. Share engaging content related to your product and use hashtags to reach a broader audience.
Email Marketing: Building an email list is one of the most effective ways to sell digital products. You can use services like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to send updates, promotions, or even freebie offers to your subscribers.
Content Marketing: Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast related to your digital product. For example, if you sell fitness eBooks, consider creating YouTube videos or blog posts with free fitness tips. This can drive traffic to your store.
Collaborate: Partnering with influencers or other creators can help you reach new audiences. Look for people in your niche who have a similar target audience.
Paid Ads: If you have a budget for advertising, consider running Facebook or Google ads. These can help you target your ideal customers directly.

Step 5: Set Up Payment Systems

To start selling, you need a way to accept payments.

Thankfully, most e-commerce platforms have payment options built-in. PayPal, Stripe, and other payment processors are widely used and trusted.

Make sure your payment process is smooth and easy for your customers to use.

The last thing you want is for someone to abandon their purchase because the payment system is confusing.

Conclusion

Selling digital products online can be a fun and profitable venture if you’re willing to put in the effort upfront.

By choosing the right product, setting up your online store, protecting your creations, marketing effectively, and making the purchasing process easy for your customers, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful online business.

Now, here’s a question for you: What digital product are you most excited to create and sell first?