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Digital Products To Sell Online

Best Digital Products To Sell Online (+ How To Get Started)

Lindokuhle Mkhize

Lindokuhle Mkhize

15 July 20238 min read

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Sell Digital Products Online

Picture this: It's a crisp autumn morning, and Sarah, a small business owner from Ohio, is sipping her steaming cup of coffee while browsing the internet for the best digital products to sell online. She wants to know how to grow her venture and how to get started, and fast!

If you're like Sarah, you're not alone. As a small business owner, navigating the maze of jargon and new concepts can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to explore the best digital products to sell online. We'll also provide you with practical tips on how to get started.

What's a digital product?

Simply put, it's an intangible or tangible product offering.

It's delivered and consumed in digital format. Think of an online course, software, or music streaming. A digital product is a digital good that is created, sold, and purchased online. In most cases, it’s even consumed online (except for things like printables). Unlike physical products you buy online, digital products are delivered via the internet.

Small business owners must adopt digital products to compete in today's economy. Youssef Fawzi, a co-founder of Roowaad, highlighted this importance:

"In my view, digital products are essential for small business owners in the U.S. to remain competitive in today's digital economy. A wide range of digital products are available, ranging from customer relationship management (CRM) systems to cloud-based accounting software."

CRM systems can help small business owners track customer data, monitor customer interactions, and build customer relationships. Cloud-based accounting software can help small business owners automate their finances, streamline their bookkeeping processes, and make tracking their cash flow and budget easier.

Social media management tools can also help small business owners manage their social media presence, engage with customers, and build their brand. Finally, e-commerce platforms can help small business owners create online stores and sell products and services. All of these digital products can help small business owners save time and money and stay competitive in the digital economy.

Find or create a digital product

So let's break this down. Finding or creating digital products is a dynamic process that requires the following:

  • Creativity
  • Market awareness
  • Understanding of your target audience.
  • Leveraging of your expertise
  • Staying attuned to market demands.

Are digital products more profitable than physical products?

The short answer is that it depends. Profitability depends on how well you align your products with your customer's needs. It's about how well you adapt your product to market trends.

Let's take a look at some digital product ideas:

Digital art

Digital art offers profitable opportunities. Think of digital files like NFTs or graphic prints. The pros? It's cheaper to produce and carries global market reach. With the right talent and marketing strategy, monetization is inevitable. The cons? The product will need to be trademarked for protection against infringement and copycats.

Online courses

Creating a high-quality course is easy. Providing continuous support to your students and building credibility is what's difficult. Engaging with your audience outside of the course is a crucial element. This can be through online services, newsletters, or private groups.

Digital templates or tools

When it comes to profitability, digital templates and tools for web designers often have an edge over physical products. How? They:

  • Have lower production and distribution costs.
  • Offer scalability for selling digital products without inventory limitations.
  • Provide access to the global market.
  • Provide upselling opportunities for a digital product business.

How to use an app to make selling easy

When it comes to using an app to make selling online business easier, there are a few critical pieces of advice to keep in mind:

First, choose the right app that aligns with your selling needs and provides a user-friendly experience. Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon Seller Central are great places to start.

Next, set up your online store within the app. Make sure it reflects your brand identity and engages with potential customers.

Do some research on the tools available in mobile apps to sell physical products. This will set you apart from the generic sellers.

How to market your digital products?

Marketing your digital products is an ongoing process. Investing in product marketing is as essential as creating it. Consider the following:

  • Sign up to newsletters to stay updated with marketing trends.
  • Adapt to changes in your industry.
  • Refine your strategy constantly.
  • Engage your target audience effectively.

How do I sell digital products online?

Selling digital products online can be a rewarding endeavour. To get your own store started, follow these steps:

  1. Identify your digital product and ensure it provides value to your target audience.
  2. Choose an e-commerce platform like Shopify or Gumroad to set up your online store.
  3. Upload your digital product and create an enticing product listing with descriptions and previews.
  4. Set your product's price, payment options, and delivery/download settings.
  5. Develop a marketing strategy using social media, email, and content marketing channels.
  6. Provide excellent customer support and monitor your store's performance to make necessary improvements.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully selling your digital products online.


FAQs

How can I protect my digital products from unauthorized sharing or piracy?

Implement encryption, DRM techniques, and watermarking, and monitor online platforms for infringements.

How do I market and promote my digital products effectively?

Identify your target audience, utilize various marketing channels, create engaging content, and collaborate with influencers

What are the key considerations for designing an engaging product listing?

Use clear language, high-quality visuals, customer testimonials, and outline pricing and options.

How do I handle customer support for digital products?

Offer clear documentation, provide a dedicated support channel, respond promptly, and monitor customer feedback.

Are there any legal requirements or regulations I should be aware of when selling digital products?

Ensure compliance with intellectual property rights, privacy, and consumer protection laws, and establish clear terms of service and licenses.

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Lindokuhle Mkhize, a skilled creative copywriter and content lead at Trademarkia, brings a wealth of experience in driving innovation and managing teams. With previous success in starting and growing the Innovation and Marketing department at her former creative agency, Lindokuhle boasts expertise in leadership and delivering compelling content. Based in South Africa, Lindokuhle's work focuses on key themes of creativity, effective communication, and strategic marketing.