How To Sell Digital Products + 10 Profitable Ideas to Try

Key takeaways: 

• There are plenty of digital products you can sell. There are courses, templates, eBooks, music, and more. Choose what fits you best.
• Start with what you know. Focus on one product, test the waters, and build from there.
• You can sell globally with simple marketing. Reach anyone, anywhere with the right platform and a clear message.

Everybody wants financial freedom. Finding a digital product to sell is one of the best ways to get there. No physical inventory, no shipping, no limits—just something you create once and sell repeatedly.

But how do you actually do it? Stick with us as we walk you through how to sell digital products online.

What are digital products?

Digital products, as the name suggests, are items sold in digital format. This means you can only access them on electronic devices like computers, phones, and tablets. To name a few, you have your eBooks, design templates, and online courses.

What makes digital products unique is that they’re intangible merchandise. But don’t confuse them with digital services. Their key difference is that digital products are ready to use immediately once they are sold, while digital services usually require ongoing work or interaction from the seller.

However, some digital products come with specific terms. For example, access might be time-limited, or ownership might only apply to certain parts of the product, depending on the seller’s terms.

Why sell digital products? 

If you’ve been thinking about starting something of your own but aren’t quite ready to go all in, selling digital products is the way to go. It’s a low-risk, exciting way to test the waters, grow your skills, and build something that could truly take off.

And the best part? There’s a ton of profitable digital products out there. In fact, digital product transactions have grown by 70% in the past two years alone.

Here’s why digital products sell well:

• Low overhead costs. The most you’ll spend on digital products are the tools needed to create them, like cameras, phones, or computers. These are items you likely already have or could use for other projects. So even if you buy this equipment, it’s never a loss.
• High profit margins. Digital products have low creation and selling costs, meaning you keep more of the profit. Once your product is out there, it can be downloaded or purchased an unlimited number of times, making the earning potential endless.
• Growing demand. People love going digital. It’s convenient, with a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, it’s something they can take everywhere, use anywhere, without worry. Are you looking for a quick lesson? Take a crash course. Not so good at design? Grab a template. The need is there—and it’s growing!
• Global reach. Digital products have the potential to reach customers worldwide. It’s an incredible opportunity to make your mark and have a global impact while growing your business.
• You can automate selling. With digital products, you don’t need inventory or to actively sell your products. They can sell themselves if marketed correctly. Just like how you can download a template with the click of a button again and again, you can set your products to do the same.
• You don’t need to be a specialist or an expert. You don’t need a PhD or even a college degree to start creating digital products. What matters most are your skills, knowledge, and your ability to turn those into something marketable. Credentials can certainly help you build authority, but they aren’t required to get started.
• It’s a flexible market. Digital products can evolve, just like you can. If your eBook sells well, you can turn it into an audiobook. You can transform insights into podcasts or even create art from digital templates. The possibilities are endless, and you can keep growing with your market.

Sounds enticing? It should. Selling digital products comes with huge upside and minimal downside. The key is knowing which digital products suit you best.

The most profitable digital products online

Not all digital products are easy to sell. Some products are more profitable or beginner-friendly than others. To help you find a good starting point, we’ve highlighted a few types that are popular, accessible, and worth exploring, such as:

• Digital art and graphics
• Printable and Digital Templates
• Fonts and typography
• Stock photos
• Social media badges and customization items
• eBooks and audiobooks
• Online courses
• Music & audio files
• Virtual goods for gaming
• Stock videos
• Non-fungible tokens (NFTS)
• AI-driven products

If any of these catch your eye, check out the full rundown below and discover which digital product speaks to you.

Digital art and graphics

Digital art is always in demand because businesses want strong visuals, and content creators need graphics that stand out.

Digital art prints let artists sell digital versions of their artwork that customers can print out at home or at professional print shops. From custom illustrations and branding assets to logos and visual add-ons, there’s no shortage of people looking for original work.

If you love designing, this is one of the easiest ways to turn your skills into income. Once you’ve created your pieces, you can sell digital art on platforms that match your style and audience. Here are a few of those places:

• ArtStation. A great platform for showcasing high-quality digital art.
• Etsy. Perfect for selling custom prints, illustrations, and digital downloads.
• Creative Market. Best for design assets, templates, and branding elements.

Printables & digital templates

Printables are one of the easiest digital products to sell. People love custom designs, but they don’t want to start from scratch. That’s where you come in.

You can make digital templates like planners, invitations, business forms, and stationery. Instead of creating printables from a blank page, buyers simply download, print, and they’re good to go. You can also create editable templates to give buyers more flexibility and expand your reach.

Fonts and typography

A unique font can dramatically change a brand’s look, which is why designers and businesses always search for fresh typography styles. If you enjoy working with letters and have an eye for creating unique calligraphy, you can sell your fonts on:

• Creative Market
• MyFonts

Stock photos

Great photography is always in demand because businesses, marketers, and content creators need high-quality stock photos for websites, ads, and social media. If you’re passionate about photography, you can sell individual photos or themed bundles on:

• Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock
• Getty Images

Social media badges & customization items 

Personalization is huge on platforms like Twitch and Discord. This is because streamers and online communities love using custom emotes, badges, and profile graphics to stand out. If you’re good at digital design, you can sell these on:

• Etsy. for pre-made designs
• Fiverr. for custom orders

eBooks and audiobooks

People love convenience. We want to access everything through their smartphones, including books. That’s why eBooks and audiobooks keep growing in popularity. In fact, audiobooks made up 9% of all book sales in the US as of 2022.That is why self-published authors start from creating eBooks and audiobooks before investing in publishing physical copies. Once you create an eBook or audiobook, you can sell it again and again without extra effort. A well-chosen topic can turn into a steady source of passive income.

They’re not too hard to sell, either. eBook and audiobook online platforms include:

• Amazon KDP
• Apple Books

Online courses

Not all online courses are digital products. Live coaching and interactive sessions require your time, so they fall under digital services. Pre-recorded courses, on the other hand, are true digital products. You create them once and sell them repeatedly with little effort.

A pre-recorded course can be just as valuable, especially when you bundle it with extras like workbooks, templates, or access to a private community.

• Teachable and Thinkific. Better options if you want more control over pricing and content.
• Udemy. If you’re an expert in your field and want to tap into a large audience. Just keep in mind that they do have higher standards for course approval.

Music & audio files 

If you’re into music and audio, there’s a solid market waiting for you. Content creators, podcasters, and filmmakers all need background music, intros, sound effects, and voiceovers—and they’re willing to pay for it. You don’t need a recording label or fancy studio. A good setup at home and some creativity can go a long way.

You can create royalty-free tracks, ambient loops, podcast jingles, or even niche sound kits. You can go to platforms:

• AudioJungle
• Bandcamp
• Gumroad

Virtual goods for gaming 

Gamers love to customize everything— skins, emotes, gear, maps, and user interfaces.  And guess what? they’ll happily pay for it. If you’re a developer or designer, you can turn your digital assets into serious income.

Start with small designs like avatar accessories or in-game badges that are in high demand. Once your items are live through platforms like Itch.io and Unity, they can generate sales on repeat.

Stock videos

If you’ve got an eye for visuals, stock video is a solid way to get paid for it. Businesses, creators, and ad agencies are always hunting for good footage. That could be sweeping drone shots, city life, slow motion, or even simple how-to clips.

You don’t need a fancy production team. Just shoot, edit, upload, and let your clips do the heavy lifting. Share your masterpieces on platforms like:

• Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock
• Pond5

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) 

NFTs are unique digital tokens attached to a digital product. This can be art, music, videos, or even virtual goods. While they don’t directly sell the product itself, they represent the code attached to the item, which can be traded for cryptocurrency down the line. Think of NFTs as collector’s items. They sell based on the desire for exclusivity and the appeal of owning something rare.

Here’s where you can create and sell NFTs:

• OpenSea
• Rarible
• Foundation

AI-driven products

Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms are all the hype right now, but many people still don’t know how to use them effectively. This is where AI-driven products come in. People are looking for prompts, ways to explore their creative side, or guidance on how to navigate platforms like DALL-E, ChatGPT, and Google’s Gemini. 

If you’re creating chat prompts, guides, or AI-generated images, these products sell well on platforms like: 

• Etsy
• Gumroad
• Prompthub

How to sell digital products 

Now that you know what works, it’s time to explore how to sell your own digital product. That starts with choosing the right one.

This part isn’t always easy. The market is saturated, and you’re not just competing locally. You’re competing globally. But with the right focus, there’s still plenty of space to grow. That said, here’s your step-by-step guide to getting started:

• Pick a digital product to sell online
• Choose the right platform 
• Set up your production and sales process
• Market your digital products

They might sound easy, but there’s more to it. Read on to find out what it really takes to sell digital products online. 

Step 1: Pick the digital products to sell online 

Start by thinking about your audience. What do they need? What are you good at? The sweet spot is where those two things meet.

You don’t need to chase every trend. If you’re a writer, maybe it’s an eBook. If you love teaching, an online course might feel more natural. And if design is your thing, try templates or graphics. Stick to what you know, especially in the beginning. You can always expand later or team up with someone to fill in the gaps.

Once you have a feel for what you’re going to create, run this idea by your friends and family. You can also use market validation methods like surveys and market research, to know whether or not it’s marketable.

Step 2: Choose your platform

Once you know what you’re selling, the next step is choosing where to sell it. You don’t need to stick to one. In fact, the most successful creators rely on many platforms to expand their reach and grow their brand.

However, it’s important to know where to start. Here are a few directions you can take:

Digital product marketplaces (Niche storefronts)

If you want to target a specific audience, digital product marketplaces are the way to go. Their purpose is simple: to sell specific or similar types of digital products. They’re great places to start since your target audience is already there.

The only downside to selling here? You’re competing with other creators in the same space.

Social storefronts

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are powerful places to sell. They reach large audiences, and their smart feeds show your products to the people most likely to buy them. This is why social commerce is one of the fastest ways to boost your brand and grow your customer base.

They’re easy to use too, but fraud can be a drawback. To keep shoppers confident, set up a verified product page, share clear product details, and post updates regularly.

Your own online store (eCommerce website)

If you’re serious about building a brand, having your own online store or eCommerce store is a big step forward. It gives you more control over how your product looks, how your audience experiences it, and how your own business grows.

However, it’s a bold move that requires careful thought. While an online store can help position your brand as an authority in the industry, it’s best to start one once you’re confident in your products first.

Step 3: Set up a production and sales process

This is where you take your product idea and turn it into something real. There are a few key steps that can help you create, price, and sell your digital product with confidence.

Focus on quality

Your product doesn’t need to be perfect, especially in the beginning. What matters most is that it’s useful, clear, and shows you’re serious about providing value. As you grow, your products will naturally get better too.

Price it right

Pricing can make or break a sale. If you’re just starting out, keep things competitive so it’s easy for people to say yes. You can increase the prices of your digital products once your brand becomes known. Avoid pricing too high from the start or slashing prices later. Doing so can confuse your audience and hurt your positioning.

Build a sales funnel

 Think of your sales funnel as a guided tour from someone first hearing about your product to actually buying it. You want to grab their attention, build their trust, and then make buying a breeze. Even simple things like product previews or free downloads can help smooth the path.

Set up your payment process

Customers need a fast and secure way to pay. Tools like PayPal, Stripe, or integrated checkout options make it simple. Just make sure everything is clear and easy to follow.

Deliver a good customer experience

Once someone buys your product, don’t leave them hanging. Make sure they get it right away, and that the experience is smooth from start to finish. The better the process feels, the more likely they’ll come back or share it with others.

Step 4: Market your digital products

When you’re just starting out, marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just about getting your product in front of the right people and seeing what sticks.

Here are a few easy ways to start promoting your work:

• Post where your audience hangs out. Online groups, marketplaces, and niche communities are perfect places to share your product and get quick feedback.
• Offer a freebie. A preview or mini version of your product can help people get to know your style and build trust without pressure.
• Use clean visuals and captions. A good image paired with a short, clear message is often more effective than a long explanation.
• Encourage word of mouth. Happy customers, friends, or followers can help spread the word.
• Try small paid ads. If you’ve got a little budget, a promo post on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook can help you get in front of a wider audience fast.
• Partner with brands and influencers. Working with content creators and well-established brands is one of the most effective ways to promote your digital products. Look for trusted figures in your industry who would benefit from what you offer. Just make sure they aren’t selling similar products to avoid competing with their audience. Consider offering a discount link that they can provide to their audience or followers.
• Explore affiliate marketing. Much like how brands offer commissions for promoting their products, you can apply the same strategy to your own. You don’t have to offer money as an incentive. Consider offering a free course, guide, or any digital product if they can get others to sign up or make a purchase.
• Do email marketing. If you find yourself consistently generating content alongside your digital products, it may be time to look into email marketing. With a professional email, you appear more credible, and it allows you to notify your followers about what’s new. While email marketing works best with a website, even without one, an email list is the best way to keep patrons updated on webinars, live events, and courses or streams you’re hosting.
• Practice content marketing. This tried-and-tested method is a surefire way to keep your audience engaged. Even if you don’t create digital products regularly, giving a peek into your creative process has always been a great way to connect with your audience. Think blogs, videos, and podcasts. Once you’ve mastered these, you can even start selling them as exclusive content, adding value to your offerings and building a more dedicated following.

What to watch out for when selling digital products 

Let your creativity run wild but always double-check before you share. It’s easy to accidentally use something that belongs to someone else. And just like you wouldn’t want anyone copying your work, it’s smart to protect what you’ve made as well.

Here’s a quick checklist to help keep your content safe:

• Use original work whenever you can.
• If you use music, images, or fonts, make sure they’re royalty-free or properly licensed.
• Credit quotes and add disclaimers if needed.
• Avoid brand names, logos, or characters you didn’t create.
• Add usage terms or licenses if you’re selling creative content.
• Watermark your files or use Digital Rights Management (DRM) to prevent copying.
• File for Intellectual Property (IP) rights to protect your creative work.
• If you’re building a brand, it’s best to secure a trademark as well. That way, every logo, design, and slogan you use can’t be used by anyone else.
• Check your platform’s rules before uploading or selling.

If you’re planning to expand, look into registering your business or setting up a website. These will make things official and give you more control. But if you’re just selling a product or two, there’s no pressure. Keep it simple, protect your work, and grow at your own pace.

Create, sell, and profit online 

You’ve made it to the end, and now you’ve got everything you need to get started. All your bases are covered: choosing your digital product, setting up sales, and finding customers.

Now it’s time to jump in. Start simple, experiment, and tweak as you go. You don’t need a perfect brand or a detailed plan on day one. Just create something valuable and put it out into the world. You can always grow as you go.

And when you’re ready to grow, we’re here to help. At Network Solutions, our beautiful templates and AI website builder make launching your eCommerce site a breeze. If you’ll need a hand our eCommerce design team is always ready to help out.

Frequently asked questions