Creating and selling digital products unlocks immense potential for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and creatives to share their expertise on a global scale. Digital products offer a scalable and efficient way to grow revenue without the constraints that physical products face. To successfully sell digital products online, it’s important to create products that deliver exceptional value and resonate with your target audience. This involves thoughtful planning, quality content creation, and smart marketing strategies. In this article, we’ll explore how to turn your knowledge and creativity into profitable digital products that make a meaningful impact.
What is a digital product?
A digital product is an intangible item or piece of content that is created, sold, and distributed electronically over the internet without a physical form. These products range from online courses, templates, and eBooks to software, mobile apps, stock photos, music files, and more.
They’re popular because they can be produced once and sold repeatedly to a global audience with minimal additional costs, offering scalability and the potential for passive income. Because they’re delivered to customers via download or online access, the need for inventory, shipping, and physical storage is eliminated.
Why sell digital products?
Digital products offer fantastic perks for anyone looking to share their knowledge or creativity online. Here’s why digital products could be your ticket to business growth.
Easy to scale. Scaling up your business with digital products is straightforward and efficient. You can multiply your impact and reach without the complexities associated with physical goods.
Replicate with ease. Once you’ve created a digital product, you can sell it repeatedly without any extra costs. Unlike physical goods, there’s no need to worry about running out of stock.
Make money online while you sleep. Embrace the power of automation to turn your digital product business into a 24/7 revenue-generating machine. Setting up automated systems can keep your earnings flowing day and night.
Automate everything. Set up systems one time to handle tasks such as sales processing and email marketing automatically and let them run. Your website can make sales day and night without you lifting a finger.
Learn how to get all the tools you need to bring your digital product ideas to life.
Go global. When you build an online business, you can sell your products to anyone, anywhere. No shipping, no fuss! This means your business can grow bigger and faster on an international scale.
Cut costs, not corners. Embracing digital products not only streamlines your operations but also significantly cuts down on costs. Digital products can simplify your business processes while boosting profitability.
No need for storage. Digital products live online, so you don’t need to keep any inventory. This cuts down on costs and space.
Simpler operations. Forget about the headaches of shipping and handling. Digital products mean fewer logistics and more time to focus on creating more products.
Instant satisfaction. Digital downloads provide the instant gratification that customers expect. None of this “ships in 5-7 business days.” They get your product NOW. Fast delivery equals happy customers.
Gain an additional income stream. With subscriptions or memberships, you can keep earning from the same customers, providing a stable and predictable income.
How to pick winning digital product ideas
Choosing the right digital product to sell starts with understanding your audience and identifying opportunities. A successful product isn’t just about what you want to create—it’s about finding the sweet spot between what you know, what you love, and what people need. The best digital products solve real problems, fill market gaps, or deliver value in a unique and compelling way.
Focus on building a solid foundation for your idea before you dive into content creation. Ask yourself: What skills or knowledge can I share that people are actively searching for? By honing in on the right idea, you’ll set yourself up for success from the start. Here are the steps to uncover a winning digital product idea your audience will love.
Step 1: Identify your skills and passions
Start by reflecting on your own expertise and interests. Choose a subject you’re knowledgeable about and passionate to share with others. This ensures you can create valuable content and stay motivated throughout the process. Your enthusiasm will resonate with your audience, making your product more engaging.
Step 2: Research market demand
Investigate whether there’s a demand for your product idea. Use tools like Google Trends, keyword research, and social media insights to gauge interest levels. Look at forums, online communities, and customer reviews to understand what people are seeking. You might also start by solving a problem that currently doesn’t have an accessible solution.
Step 3: Analyze the competition
Examine existing products similar to your idea. Identify what they offer, their strengths, and where they fall short. This analysis helps you find gaps in the market that your product can fill or ways to differentiate your offering. Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for positioning your product effectively.
Step 4: Choose the right product format
Decide on the most suitable digital product type that aligns with your content and appeals to your target audience. Whether it’s an online course, eBook, template, software, or another format, select one that showcases your strengths and delivers value effectively. Consider your resources and capabilities to ensure you can produce a high-quality product in that format.
The 20 best digital products to sell
1. Online Courses
The Passive Profit Accelerator course offered by Louise Henry
Online courses allow coaches and consultants to share their expertise with a global audience. They can include video lectures, interactive quizzes, downloadable resources, and community forums. Online courses are an excellent way to package your knowledge into a structured format that students can follow at their own pace. They can also be part of a membership site, offering exclusive content like live Q&A webinars and community message boards.
Examples:
- A life coach offers a course called “Transform Your Life in 30 Days,” featuring daily tasks to boost well-being and productivity.
- A financial coach creates “Personal Finance Mastery,” teaching budgeting, saving, and investing principles to help individuals achieve financial freedom.
- An art teacher develops “Paint Like a Master in Six Weeks,” where students learn various painting techniques and complete a new piece of art each week.
- A business strategist authors “Launch Your Startup Successfully,” providing aspiring entrepreneurs with step-by-step guidance on turning ideas into profitable businesses.
Developing high-quality courses is time-intensive, requiring substantial effort in content creation, recording, and editing. The market is also saturated, so it’s essential to identify a niche and offer unique value. To sell online courses successfully, focus on building a strong personal brand, utilize effective marketing strategies like content marketing and social media promotion, and consider hosting your course on popular e-learning platforms for greater visibility.
2. eBooks
E-books package your knowledge into easy-to-read digital formats, perfect for those who prefer learning at their own pace. They can range from simple how-to guides to in-depth explorations of complex topics. Writing an eBook is an effective way to establish authority, reach a wider audience, and generate passive income.
Examples:
- A marketing expert pens “The Ultimate Guide to Digital Content Marketing,” a comprehensive resource on mastering online strategies.
- A health coach writes “Eat Clean, Live Vibrant,” offering recipes, meal plans, and nutritional advice for a healthier lifestyle.
- A gardening enthusiast creates “Urban Gardening for Beginners,” guiding city dwellers on starting gardens in small spaces.
eBooks have low production costs after the initial creation and are easily distributed on platforms like Amazon Kindle and personal websites. They establish you as an authority in your field, enhancing your professional credibility. To sell eBooks consistently, you’ll need to invest in professional editing and cover design in addition to driving high-quality traffic to your website or eCommerce platform of choice.
Learn 10 steps to writing an eBook + examples
3. Templates
Templates are pre-designed resources that simplify everyday tasks, saving users time and effort. They range from document layouts and financial spreadsheets to project plans and graphic designs. By providing ready-made solutions, you help your customers bypass the hassle of starting from scratch, allowing them to focus on what truly matters in their work or personal projects.
Examples:
- A business coach develops financial planning templates to help small business owners manage budgets effectively.
- A social media expert offers “Content Calendar Templates” for digital marketers to plan and schedule posts efficiently.
- A graphic designer provides “Brand Identity Design Templates,” including logos, color palettes, and typography presets to help small businesses establish a cohesive brand quickly.
- An HR professional offers “Employee Onboarding Checklists” to streamline the integration of new employees into organizations.
Selling templates is advantageous due to the high demand for time-saving tools across industries. They are relatively easy to produce and can be sold repeatedly, providing scalable income. If you sell templates, focus on creating high-quality, unique templates that address specific pain points. Marketing your templates through niche platforms, social media, and content marketing can help reach your target audience effectively.
4. Webinars
Dana Stevens Coaching webinar provides helpful career tips
Webinars are live or pre-recorded online seminars that allow you to share your expertise, conduct training sessions, or provide educational content to a global audience. They offer an interactive platform where participants can engage in real-time through Q&A sessions, polls, and discussions. Webinars are an effective way for professionals, educators, and businesses to connect with their audience, demonstrate value, and potentially convert attendees into customers.
Examples:
- A marketing expert hosts a webinar, “Mastering Social Media Advertising,” providing insights and strategies for effective ad campaigns.
- A software company conducts a webinar on “Getting Started with Our New Platform,” offering a live demo and answering user questions.
- A financial advisor presents “Retirement Planning 101,” educating attendees on investment options and financial strategies.
Hosting webinars lets you showcase your expertise and engage directly with your audience, fostering trust and credibility. They can be monetized through registration fees, offering premium content, or upselling products and services during the session. They require planning and preparation, and the right webinar software to handle things like Q&A, interactive features, and more.
Get your guidebook + 3 workbook templates: webinar planning, creation, and promotion
5. Video content and tutorials
Video content and tutorials provide visual and auditory learning experiences on various topics. They range from educational courses and how-to guides to entertainment content, engaging audiences effectively.
Examples:
- DIY home improvement tutorials.
- Cooking classes with professional chefs.
- Language learning videos with interactive exercises.
Videos have high engagement and can command premium pricing due to their perceived value. However, production can be time-consuming and costly. To best sell video content, focus on high-quality production, optimize videos for SEO on platforms like YouTube, and consider selling through online course platforms or your own website.
6. Business and financial templates
Fo Alexander provides business systems setup including templates
Business and financial templates are structured documents and spreadsheets designed to assist with planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. They help entrepreneurs and managers organize data and make informed decisions.
Examples:
- Startup business plan templates.
- Financial forecasting models for budgeting.
- Cash flow statements to track finances.
These templates can command premium pricing due to their value. Expertise is required to ensure accuracy, and customization may be necessary. To best sell these templates, highlight their benefits, ensure they are user-friendly, and offer support or customization services if needed.
7. AI prompts and resources
AI prompts and resources provide curated prompts, datasets, and tools for interacting with artificial intelligence models. They help users leverage AI technologies for creative, educational, or business purposes.
Examples:
- Writing prompts for generating creative stories using AI language models.
- Prompt packs for marketers to create engaging content with AI assistance.
- Image generation prompts for artists exploring AI-generated art.
Selling AI prompts taps into a rapidly growing market. Specialized knowledge is required, and the field evolves quickly, necessitating regular updates. To best sell these resources, stay informed about AI advancements, provide clear usage guidelines, and engage with AI enthusiast communities.
8. Email newsletter templates
Email newsletter templates are pre-designed layouts for email marketing campaigns, helping users create professional and visually appealing emails without extensive design skills. They can be created for multiple platforms including Kartra, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and Hubspot.
Examples:
- E-commerce promotion templates for product announcements.
- Corporate communication templates for internal updates.
- Event invitation emails with RSVP integration.
Selling email templates caters to businesses looking to enhance their communication. Competition exists from free templates, so offering unique designs is important. To best sell them, ensure they are responsive and compatible across email clients, provide customization options, and market them on platforms frequented by marketers.
9. Design templates
The SoulShine Creative sells graphics templates for course launches and social media
Design templates are pre-formatted files for graphic design projects, including presentations, social media graphics, and marketing materials. They enable users to create professional visuals without extensive design skills.
Examples:
- Editable PowerPoint templates for business pitches.
- Professional resume templates for job seekers.
- Case study templates for Canva users.
- Social media post templates for platforms like Instagram.
Selling design templates caters to businesses and individuals seeking professional design assets. The market is competitive, so focusing on niche markets or unique styles can help you stand out. To effectively sell design templates, showcase them with high-quality previews, optimize listings with relevant keywords, and promote them on platforms frequented by your target audience.
10. Podcasts
Podcasts are audio programs that listeners can stream or download, covering a wide array of topics and formats such as interviews, storytelling, or educational content. They offer a personal and intimate way to connect with your audience, building trust and loyalty over time.
Examples:
- A financial expert hosts “Smart Money Moves,” offering tips and interviews on budgeting and investing.
- A fitness coach presents “Fit and Fearless,” discussing workout routines, health tips, and motivational interviews.
- An environmental activist starts “Green Tomorrow,” focusing on sustainability topics with expert interviews.
Podcasts build a loyal and engaged audience, and monetization opportunities include sponsorships, advertisements, and premium content. However, they require a consistent time commitment for content creation, and it may take time to generate significant revenue due to the need for a sizable audience. To best sell podcasts, focus on a specific niche, maintain a regular publishing schedule, engage with your audience through social media, and consider listing your podcast on multiple platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify for broader reach.
11. Digital art & printables
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print, such as planners, checklists, worksheets, art prints, and educational materials. They are popular for their convenience, affordability, and instant access, catering to a wide range of needs, from personal organization to educational activities.
Examples:
- An art instructor offers printable drawing guides for beginners.
- A wedding planner creates “Wedding Planning Checklists” to help couples organize their big day and sells it in their Etsy shop.
- A financial advisor provides “Monthly Budget Planners” to track income and expenses.
- A teacher designs “Multiplication Table Worksheets” to aid students in practicing math skills.
Printables are easy to create with basic design skills and have low overhead costs since they are delivered digitally. However, they typically have a lower price point, requiring high sales volume to be profitable. The market is also saturated, so offering unique and high-quality designs is crucial. To best sell printables, use platforms like Etsy, promote your products on social media, and consider bundling items to increase perceived value.
12. Stock photos and videos
Stock photography and videos are high-quality images and footage that can be licensed for use in various media projects, including websites, advertisements, and social media content. They are essential for businesses and creators seeking fresh and relevant visuals to engage their audiences.
Examples:
- A collection of lifestyle photos for bloggers and influencers.
- Drone footage of cityscapes for filmmakers and advertisers.
- Niche-specific images like food photography for culinary websites.
Selling stock content allows photographers and videographers to monetize their work repeatedly. Passive income potential exists as the same content can be sold multiple times. However, the market is competitive, and earnings per sale can be low due to commission structures. To maximize sales, focus on creating high-quality, in-demand content, use keywords effectively for searchability, and distribute your work through multiple stock platforms.
13. Software and mobile apps
If you’re a developer, these next few options are for you! Designing and building software for either computer or mobile devices is a great way to grow recurring revenue. There are endless software ideas, from tools that automate everyday tasks to complete platforms.
Examples:
- A budgeting app that helps users track expenses and savings.
- A language learning app offering interactive lessons.
- A fitness app providing personalized workout plans.
Creating software or apps can be lucrative due to their scalability and potential for significant growth. Recurring revenue can be generated through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ads. Development costs can be high, and ongoing maintenance is necessary. To best sell software or apps, ensure your product solves a real problem, invest in user-friendly design, and utilize app store optimization and targeted marketing campaigns.
14. Website themes and templates
Website themes and templates are pre-designed layouts for websites compatible with content management systems like WordPress or Shopify. They enable users to create professional-looking websites without extensive design or coding knowledge.
Examples:
- A modern portfolio theme for photographers.
- An e-commerce template optimized for online retailers.
- A blogging theme with customizable layouts.
There is a high demand for website themes due to the continuous creation of new websites. Themes can generate passive income as they can be sold multiple times. However, users may require technical support, and themes must be updated regularly to remain compatible with platform updates. We’d recommend offering your first themes at no or low cost and charging when you add premium features.
15. Website plugins and add-ons
Plugins and add-ons are software extensions that enhance the functionality of existing platforms, such as WordPress or web browsers. They can add new features, improve performance, or integrate third-party services.
Examples:
- An SEO optimization plugin for WordPress.
- A security add-on that protects websites from cyber threats.
- A custom form builder for creating interactive contact forms.
- A Chrome extension that automatically adds email contact information to your CRM
Selling plugins addresses specific user needs and can generate steady income through sales or subscriptions. Technical expertise and ongoing maintenance are essential due to platform changes.
16. Fonts and typography
If you’re a graphic designer, you know the value custom fonts bring. They add character and distinctiveness to visual projects, making them valuable to designers and businesses. Selling them online can be an excellent way for design-oriented creators to make extra money.
Examples:
- A handwritten script font for wedding invitations.
- A bold sans-serif font for corporate branding.
- A vintage-style typeface for retro-themed designs.
Fonts can be sold repeatedly, offering high-profit margins. However, typography design requires specialized skills, and there’s a risk of unauthorized distribution from people who steal fonts. To succeed, create high-quality fonts that meet current design trends and protect your work with proper licensing.
17. Music beats and samples
Beats and samples are short segments of music that producers and musicians can use in their compositions. They are commonly used in genres like hip-hop, electronic music, and pop.
Examples:
- Hip-hop drum loops for beat-making.
- Synth samples for electronic music production.
- Vocal chops for artists to incorporate into tracks.
Selling beats and samples allows you to monetize your creativity. The market is competitive, so unique and high-quality sounds are crucial. To best sell them, define clear licensing terms, use platforms dedicated to music production, and engage with the music producer community.
18. Animations and motion graphics
Animations and motion graphics combine movement, graphics, and text to communicate messages effectively. They are used in advertising, explainer videos, educational content, and entertainment.
Examples:
- Explainer videos to simplify complex concepts.
- Animated logos adding dynamic elements to brands.
- Educational animations for online courses.
There is high demand for engaging visual content. Production is time-consuming and requires technical skills. To best sell animations, focus on creating high-quality, customized content, build a strong portfolio, and network within industries that frequently use animated content.
19. Digital planners and journals
Digital planners and journals are electronic versions of traditional planners, designed for use on devices like tablets and smartphones. They offer interactive features like hyperlinks and customizable pages.
Examples:
- Goal-tracking journals with sections for various objectives.
- Habit trackers to monitor routines.
- Academic planners for students managing assignments.
These products appeal to productivity enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers. The market is competitive, so unique features and designs are essential. To best sell digital planners, optimize them for popular note-taking apps, provide clear instructions, and showcase their benefits through demos or tutorials.
20. Notion templates
Notion templates are pre-built setups for the Notion productivity platform, helping users organize their work, projects, and personal lives more effectively. They leverage Notion’s flexibility to cater to various needs.
Examples:
- Project management templates tracking tasks and deadlines.
- Personal budgeting templates monitoring income and expenses.
- Content calendar templates for bloggers and social media managers.
Notion templates are in demand due to the platform’s growing popularity. However, competition is increasing, so creating unique and highly functional templates is essential. To best sell them, provide clear instructions, offer customization options, and promote them within Notion user communities.
Ready to sell online? Take the next steps with Kartra.
There’s no better time to start than now. Sketch out some ideas for your first digital product or dive into some market research to figure out what your potential customers really need. Remember – selling digital products isn’t just about profits – it’s about creating real value for your customers’ lives or businesses.
Kartra is here to help you turn your digital product ideas into a thriving digital business. From creating webinars and online courses to crafting landing pages and setting up automated email campaigns, Kartra has everything you need to efficiently run and grow your digital product business. Read about how to automate your digital marketing with Kartra.
With some hard work, creativity, and focus, you’re set to build a rewarding digital product business!
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