Thanks to technology and the internet, you can now make extra money from home by selling digital products right at the comforts of your home.
Back in the days, buying and selling are done through a brick and mortar store. Today, with the advent of technology and the internet, people can buy what they need and what they want in just one click using their smartphones or computer.
Digital marketing is an emerging trend. It basically refers to products and services marketed online.
In a report published by Optinmonster, it says that “69% of Americans have shopped online, and 25% of Americans shop online at least once per month.“
Furthermore, the report also stated that based on data presented by Invesp, “the countries with the leading average eCommerce revenue per shopper include USA ($1,804), UK ($1,629), Sweden ($1,446), France ($1,228), Germany ($1,064), Japan ($968), Spain ($849), China ($626), Russia ($396), and Brazil ($350).”
In 2018 alone, it is reported that the global digital buyers’ penetration rate was 47.3%, which is definitely big enough, and in the long run, especially with the current situation wherein people are limited to do activities outside their homes, experts believe that the numbers will even rise.
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Let’s face it, in one way or another, we have already bought an item or two or even more through online shops.
Buying online gives us a certain satisfaction, needless to say, it is very convenient as compared to getting or buying items in an actual store.
With the emerging possibilities of online selling plus with the current happenings not just in the country but across the world because of the pandemic, more and more people are getting engaged in the idea of selling online.
To be honest, we won’t be surprised if one day, stores will close and people will just do shopping online.
Anyway, if you are someone who’s also looking into the possibility of selling products or services online, well, we say, you are in the right place!
Today, we are going to share with you a couple of ideas on what you can sell online.
To be honest, there are so many options out there when it comes to what products or services to sell. Today, though, we are going to particularly share with you a few ideas and/or inspiration on what digital products to sell.
WHAT IS DIGITAL PRODUCTS
Okay, so before we even give you a list of digital products that you can sell online, let’s define what a digital product is all about first –
Digital products basically refer to products or e-goods that are considered as intangible items that exist or are available in digital form.
Although they are in digital forms, they can turn into physical products. For instance, if you buy an eBook technically that comes in digital format but, once you print it out, it turns into a physical product.
Before moving on to the next section, if you want to know more about creating and selling digital products, here’s a video by Hey Jessica (we bet you will learn a lot from this):
DIGITAL PRODUCT IDEAS/INSPIRATION
Now that you already know what a digital product is, this time around, we are going to go straight to what we’ve promised from the start — a list of some of the most popular and ideal digital products that you can sell online.
Our list include the following digital products:
- eBooks
- Online Courses
- Printables
- Graphic Designs
- Swipe Files and Templates
- Stock Photos
- Software
- Audio and Music
- Fonts
- Web-Based Applications
- Video
Now, let’s discuss further each item —
eBooks
Electronic books or eBooks have been and continue to be one of the most well-known digital products not only for creators but also among customers.
EBooks are relatively simple and easy to produce as it only requires written text as well as a few relevant images.
Unlike other digital products, eBooks are easy to distribute through popular large marketplaces as well as through self-created online stores. Needless to say, they are easily consumed by customers.
EBooks are read through e-readers, computers, tablets, and even through smartphones. Thus, making it a perfect choice for people who loves to read but are always on the go. It basically spares them from bringing bulky printed books.
Apart from the fact that it requires a very simple process, which is also nice about eBooks is that creators can share almost anything and everything. It could be something that you are fully knowledgeable about, or something personal, or something that you are passionate about.
By creating eBooks you get to advise, educate, inform, or curate existing content with an eBook to eventually sell on your website.
Now, how much you make selling eBooks depends on a lot of factors. Take note that it is a very competitive industry. You need to ensure your book stands out from the rest, and that your content is great so that people will buy it.
To give you an idea, eBooks are normally prices between $2.99 and $9.99. The more you sell, the higher you earn.
Online Courses
Offering online courses is another profitable digital product. In fact, it’s very profitable that some people make six figures a year by selling online classes.
The e-Learning industry is rich in innovation. Needless to say, it’s growing over time. In fact, even traditional institutions start to explore new ways to make their content available to learners.
Online courses are an ideal product that fits people who have specific expertise. As one, you can basically create an online workshop or an online course, teaching about your expertise to interested learners.
If you opt to offer online courses, it is important to note that there are a few different ways wherein learning material can be sold. It could be as a downloadable one-off course, a downloadable collection of courses, or as a memberships/subscription to a web-based service.
When it comes to selling your courses, while you can sell them using your website or your social media platforms, you may also consider using online platforms like Udemy where there is already a built-in audience looking to buy products such as yours.
While how much you earn from selling online courses varies, many creators earn between $1,000 and $5,000 a month.
Printables
Printables refer to digital documents that you can print out and use on a day-to-day basis. This is an ideal product for those who have no time to create their own.
There are a lot of different kinds of printables. You can opt to create worksheets, calendars, to-do lists, everyday routine guides, coloring sheets for kids and/or adults, labels, fill-in-the-blank lists, and many more.
Ideally, before you even make your products available to the consumers, you should use them first. That way, you are ensured that your product actually works, and also it will help you understand deeper why people find them helpful.
Some people find the idea of creating printables intimidating because of the fact that some creators are really good at creating visually appealing printables. But, here’s the thing, you actually do not have to be a pro. In fact, there are a lot of tools that are available online that you can use — Canva is one perfect example.
Also, when creating printables, keep in mind to have a specific target market. That way you get to create something that will actually work for them.
How much you make will also depend on a lot of factors like the platform you use to sell your product, the effectiveness of the product, and so on. To give you an idea, some people make $2,000 to $3,000 a month by selling printables on Etsy.
Graphic Designs
Obviously, this digital product is ideal for those who have a graphic design or digital art background.
Graphic artists as well as digital art artists can create a wide range of one of a kind and valuable products that sell. They can create logos, PowerPoint themes, icon packs, as well as original artworks, and many more.
Although there are a lot of freelance graphic design gigs out there, selling digital products will help you earn extra money for you and your family.
Imagine, if graphic designers can make roughly $45,000 a year, by selling digital products they can definitely make more money! After all, how much your products are will depend on you and your ability to create amazing creations.
Swipe Files and Templates
If you have writing skills, this one’s a perfect digital product idea for you.
A swipe file refers to a short document that comes with a written copy that is customizable. A swipe copy has to be of high-quality and displays an effective and proven formula.
Basically, people buy swipe files to make their lives easier. They use your writing as a basic template but personalizes it to fit their needs, at the same time, ensuring that they get the same results.
Another digital product that you may consider selling is actual templates that help people meet a specific goal. One perfect example would be a resume or a CV template.
Unfortunately, some people find it challenging to create one from scratch, so instead, they buy actual templates and just add their personal information to make it look like their own.
Again, similar to other digital products we’ve already mentioned, how much you make will depend on a few factors, but ultimately, it has to be something that is efficient.
Stock Photos
Do you love taking pictures? If your answer is yes, selling stock photos may just be the perfect digital product idea for you!
Don’t worry, you do not have to be a professional photographer to make money from selling stock photos. Any photography enthusiasts can submit their photos to stock photo sites and earn from them.
What’s nice about selling stock photos is that you are not limited to certain types of photos only. You can sell anything — from people to nature to food and even landscapes. Just a quick reminder, though, when selling photos of people, make sure you have their permission first. Also, be mindful of any specific rules that photo websites have to avoid any problems.
Basically, in most stock photo sites, you do not get paid immediately. Usually, how it works is that you earn a commission every time someone downloads your photo.
If you are thinking of shifting your career to this, well, we have to be honest, it’s not a great idea. It doesn’t make as much money as other digital products. However, it could be a good side gig to earn extra money.
Software
The software industry is a huge industry. Needless to say, it continues to grow year after year. With that, there comes a lot of opportunities to make money from — and selling software is one.
If you are someone who is knowledgeable in writing codes of any kind (whether it be web-based applications, website templates, mobile apps, video games, desktop software, or anything), then, this is the perfect digital product idea for you!
The possibilities are endless, and financially, it can be very fulfilling.
Audio and Music
Do you love creating music? How about audio files?
Audio, as we know, is a powerful tool to communicate messages. Currently, there are different types of audio digital products, but the most common are audiobooks, recorded lectures, foreign language lessons, and many more.
The same goes for music. Music is used in different ways — it could be to uplift your mood or use it in a film or a presentation you are creating. Similar to audio files, music also comes in different forms like musical samples, background noises, karaoke versions of songs, reusable sound effects, as well as full lyrical or instrumental music tracks.
Regardless of usage, both audio and music allow you to make money on the side. While the rate varies depending on the requirement, making audio or music is surely something that is worthwhile.
Fonts
Another popular digital product that you may be interested in selling are fonts.
Yes, there are already tons of fonts available online. But, people continue to find new and exciting fonts to use!
The market for this particular digital product is huge — although admittedly, the competition is high as well. Thus, it is important to create fonts that stand out from the rest,
Also, fonts can be customizable. You can offer such service to clients who particularly want to own a specific font.
There are different platforms that buy fonts. So, if you want to take this route, you may want to check out MyFonts, YouWorkForThem, HyeForType, and many more.
Depending on where you sell your fonts, commissions or payments vary as well.
Web-Based Applications
Web-based applications are similar to software, which we already have discussed earlier. The only difference though is that software is not downloaded from the web.
Meanwhile, web-based applications, as the name suggests encompassing anything customers pay to use using a web browser.
Although these are not practically digital products, apps are can be sold and perceived the same.
Just like creating software, making applications can be financially fulfilling, too especially if the app you created becomes big.
Video
Videos are very popular, at the same time, a very effective tool in delivering information on the World Wide Web — especially for the current generation who are so into videos.
Anyway, depending on your goals, your video content may be something that is informative, educational, or entertaining.
Unlike texts, videos can be more engaging. Needless to say, it can be easily consumed by simply clicking the play button, and watching.
Video creations or video digital products are ideal for people who are great public speakers and are knowledgeable about certain topics or niches. Furthermore, you must also be someone who has a visual-based passion, and someone who loves sharing your thoughts on the video.
Again, rates vary, but some video creators are able to make $5,000 or more a month. So, imagine how much you get in a year! But of course, your video has to be very good for people to watch it, and for you to earn from it.
TIPS FOR SELLING DIGITAL PRODUCTS ONLINE
Before we end, allow us to share with you a few important tips if you wish to sell digital products online.
First, research. Similar to many businesses, you have to do some in-depth research to see how your target market is at the moment. Are they buying digital products? What particular products are they fond of? Researching will help you project a possible outcome once you put your product out there.
Second, test. As a seller, you have to make sure that your product is perfect. So, before you even start selling your products, make sure to test it over and over to ensure its efficiency.
Third, marketing strategy. For your digital products to sell, you have to come up with an effective, long-term marketing strategy.
Lastly, great customer service. Regardless of any flaw, customers will keep patronizing you and your products as long as you provide them excellent customer service. It’s probably safe to say that this is the key to a successful business — online or not.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON DIGITAL PRODUCTS
Although we cannot guarantee that you will make big money from selling digital products, one thing is for sure, selling them can help diversify your income. Eventually, when the stars aligned, it can even replace your full-time job.
Here’s the thing, creating digital products should not be hard either. All you got to do is to start small. Start from the basics, and slowly workaround to achieve your goals.
To be honest, selling digital products is one of the most ideal things to do especially if you want to start a business or simply want to start selling but you do not have money to invest in it. With digital products, you can start anytime — all you need is your skill and talent, and your computer and the internet.
Are you excited to try your luck in selling digital products?
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