15 Ideas To Sell Digital Products Online

If you're looking for ideas on what digital products to sell online, you've come to the right place. I can share some of the most popular types of digital products that are selling right now. From eBooks and courses to templates and plugins, there's a digital product out there for just about every niche and interest.

And with more people than ever working from home and starting their own businesses, the demand for online products is higher than ever. So if you're ready to get started selling digital products, read on for some inspiration on what to sell.

Why Sell Digital Products Online?

Selling digital products online is the most accessible way for anyone to make money because;

1. No inventory - Since digital products are delivered electronically, there is no need to worry about storing and shipping inventory. This can save you a lot of time and money.
2. Save on overheads – Not only inventory and packaging, but you can also save on many of the costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, such as rent, utilities, and employees.
3. Instant delivery - Customers can receive their purchased digital products instantly, without having to wait for shipping times. This is a huge benefit for both you and your customers.
4. Customers may also be more likely to make impulse purchases when they see your product available for purchase online.
5. You can reach a global audience. With an online store, you can reach customers all over the world.
6. It's a great way to build an asset. Unlike physical products, which can depreciate in value, digital products only go down in value over time as they become more popular and others start to copy them.
7. You can automate the sales process. Because no packaging or shipping is involved, once your digital products are set up for sale, the sales process is automated 24/7.

Disadvantages of Selling Digital Products Online

Although there are so many advantages to selling digital products, there are also some disadvantages.

• Because of the vast availability, the market is extremely competitive. It’s difficult to stand out.
• Digital products can easily be copied so multiple users can pass them around for free.
• Others can copy your products and start selling the same or very similar products, which will devalue your original products.

What Kind Of Digital Products Can You Sell?

The sky’s the limit. If you’ve already got a great idea for a digital product, there’s a good chance you can find a way to sell it online. Here are some of the most popular types of digital products:

1. eBooks

Whether you sell your story on the Kindle store or you sell an information PDF on your own site, if you’ve already written up, it’s fairly easy to turn your text document into an ebook. Ebooks can be sold for a variety of price points and, it’s good because you can place hyperlinks in your book, which means you can place affiliate links, making extra money by recommending other people’s products in your book.

No need to mention that there’s a large demand for them, and the market is stupendously competitive. If you’ve got knowledge or expertise that you want to share with others, writing an ebook could be a great way to do it.

2. Online Courses

Online courses offer people an opportunity to learn new skills or knowledge without having to attend traditional classes. If you’re an expert in something, creating an online course could be a great way to share your knowledge with others and earn some extra income.

The most popular platforms for selling online courses are Udemy and Teach:able. You can also sell courses on your own WordPress website using a membership plugin such as Thrive Apprentice.

If you're not sure where to start, consider creating a course on a topic that you've been working on as a hobby or as a career. If you have expertise in a particular area, you can create a course that teaches others how to do what you do. For example, if you're a hair stylist, you could create a course on any areas that you think you are the best at, such as cutting your own hair, coloring hair using natural agents, etc.

Another option is to create an online course that helps people learn a new skill to accomplish a specific goal. For example, you could create a course that teaches people how to start their own businesses.

No matter what type of course you create, make sure it's high quality and provides value to your students. If your course is helpful and informative, students will be more likely to recommend it to others, which can help you sell more courses in the future.

3. Software/Apps

Software is another type of digital product that can be sold online. There are all sorts of software products available, ranging from simple apps to complex enterprise solutions. There’s a good chance you can find a franchising opportunity with a software manufacturer and sell downloadable products online. Some popular software products include: 

• Antivirus software: This type of software protects your computer from viruses and other malicious software.
• Backup software: This type of software helps you back up and restore your files in case of data loss.
• Disk cleanup and optimization software: This type of software helps you clean up your hard drive and improve its performance.
• Document management software: This type of software helps you manage your documents, including scanning, storing, and retrieving them.
• Password management software: This type of software helps you create and manage strong passwords for your online accounts.

If you're a talented developer, you can create an app and sell it on your own website or through popular app stores (as if you’ve never thought of it.) This is supposed to be another great way to earn passive income, as people will continue to pay for your product as long as it remains useful to them. The problem is, the app market is mindbogglingly huge. According to Forbes, there were 8.9 million apps in the world in 2020. The number is surely ever-increasing. If you think your talent can beat others, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try.

4. WordPress Themes

If you have PHP development experience, you know you can create WordPress themes and sell them. If not, the majority of WordPress theme companies offer affiliate programs.

1. Just google “WordPress premium themes”, and you’ll find many developer sites that sell themes.
2. Choose a reputable one. You can separately google the name of the theme, you’ll find user reviews or Trustpilot reviews.
3. If the theme you’ve chosen proves to be reputable, go back to the site, scroll down to the footer, and see if it offers an affiliate program.
4. Join the program.
5. When your application is approved, you’ll be supplied with an affiliate membership dashboard.
6. You are ready to promote the WordPress theme on your website!

5. Plugins and Extensions

Plugins are pieces of software that extend the functionality of other software products. For example, there are plugins that add new features to WordPress websites. If you’ve got a great plugin idea, there’s a good chance you can find a way to sell it online.

6. ECommerce Templates

As the popularity of online shopping continues to grow, more and more businesses are looking for ways to sell their products and services online. You can develop eCommerce templates to sell.

An eCommerce template is a pre-designed website that users can customize to fit their business needs. 

Currently, Shopify is the most popular eCommerce website builder, and WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce WordPress plugin. Each of them has pros and cons; Shopify is easy to use but it can be costly for individual eCommerce starters. WooCommerce is, on the other hand, free but there are a lot users can do to customize and the functionality can be overwhelming for new starters.

What you can do is create a simple eCommerce template (either part of a website builder or a WordPress plugin) and release it for free but charge users for full access.

7. Stock Photos and Videos

If you are a photographer or videographer, selling photos/videos can be a great way to make money, as there is a demand for high-quality photos and videos.

Many people are looking for images that describe particular situations. That’s what makes a difference between free image sites and premium image sites. Invest in hiring a studio and models, and you can create sellable images.

To get started, you'll also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can do this by creating a website or blog, or by uploading your photos and videos to a stock photography site. Once you have a portfolio, you can start marketing your services to potential clients.

If you're able to create quality stock photos and videos, then selling them online can be a great way to make money. Just be sure to put some thought into marketing and pricing so that you can attract buyers and make sales.

8. Music Tracks

If you're looking for ideas to sell digital products online, one option is to sell music tracks. This can be a great way to make money if you have a talent for music composition or performance.

There are a few different ways you can go about selling music tracks online. 

• Create your own website and sell the tracks directly from there. You'll need to set up a payment system and make sure the site is secure in order to take payments.
• Use a third-party platform like Apple Music or Amazon Music. These platforms will handle all of the payment processing for you and provide a convenient way for customers to purchase and download your tracks.

If you decide to sell music tracks online, it's important to create high-quality recordings that people will actually want to listen to. Make sure the audio quality is good and consider hiring a professional recording studio if necessary. It's also important to choose compelling song titles and descriptions that will entice potential buyers.

And don't forget to promote your music - use social networks, online advertising, and word-of-mouth marketing to get the word out about your new tracks. 

9. Sound Effects

Similarly, you can also create sound effects that people can use in their own projects. This could be anything from Foley sound effects for movies and video games, to background ambience tracks for meditation apps. If you have a good ear for sound and know how to create interesting effects, then this could be a profitable niche for you.

No need to mention that the sound quality should be impeccable and free from noise. Also, think about what kind of customer you are targeting – who will need or want these particular sound effects? Once you have these aspects covered, you can start creating and marketing your product.

10. Code Snippets, Scripts, and Web Tools

Offer code snippets and scripts that potential customers can use to improve their own work. Offer these helpful resources for limited use for free, for example;

• Limited access - users are only allowed to access a part of your program. You charge them for full access.
• 7-14 days free trial.
• Set the number of times users can use it - after 5 times, they are required to pay to continue.
• Set the number of times users can use it per day - they can only use it 5 times a day. If they want to use your tool more frequently, they are required to become a premium member.

While you are offering it for free, you can show off your expertise and build trust with potential customers. Plus, they may be so impressed with your work that they'll be more likely to buy your other products in the future.

If you're not sure what kind of tools you can provide but know you have the skills to create something, here are some ideas:

• A script that helps automate tedious tasks
• A snippet of code that adds functionality to an existing piece of software
• Plagiarism checker
• Quiz/survey maker that users can embed on their websites
• Convert uppercase/lowercase/capital case generator
• Anagram/Paraphrasing tool
• Domain availability checker
• A tutorial on how to use a particular programming language or software package

11. Printable Templates

Printable templates can also be a great way to provide value to your audience and make money at the same time.

People still use paper, for marketing, recreational purposes, or to create various designs. They are looking for templates, for example;

• Coloring books
• Sewing patterns
• Booklet covers and brochures

If you can create these templates using CAD software and make them downloadable, customers can buy them instantly online and print them out themselves.

12. Fonts and Icons

Selling fonts and icons is another good idea to show off your skills. There are thousands of them out there, but everyone is unique, and your own unique quality can reflect the design of your new fonts and icons. Here are some tips to create fonts/icons that sell.

• Consider the overall aesthetic you're going for. What kind of feel do you want your fonts/icons to have?
• Keep it simple. Too many different fonts and icons can be confusing and overwhelming for customers. Stick to a few basic options that work well together.
• Make sure the fonts and icons you create are legible. Nobody wants to struggle to read tiny, intricate text or decipher unrecognizable symbols. Design clean, easy-to-read fonts/icons.

13. PLR Products

If you have no skills to create anything of your own, there's a solution to it. You can sell PLR (private label rights) products online. PLR products are already created by someone else anonymously but come with a license allowing the purchaser to put their own name on the product and claim it as their own.

PLR products can be ebooks, videos, software, training programs, or bundles of various formats. PLRs are good, mainly for the following 3 reasons.

1. You can make money from nothing - When you resell PLR products, you keep all of the profits. There is no need to split the profits with the product creator. This means that you can potentially make a lot of money by reselling PLR products.
2. It's a great way to get started in internet marketing - Reselling PLR products is an excellent way to get started in internet marketing. If you're new to internet marketing, then reselling PLR products is a great way to learn the ropes and start generating income online.
3. You can build a list of subscribers quickly - When you resell PLR products, you can build a list of subscribers quickly. This is because people who purchase your products will be interested in receiving more information from you in the future. As your list grows, so will your potential income from selling PLR products.

Where to get good-quality PLR products and how to use them can be explained here: What Is PLR (Private Label Rights)?

14. Sell Domains

Domain names can be bought and sold through domain marketplaces like Namecheap.com. The prices of domains vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of the domain (measured in years), the extension (e.g., .com, .net, .org), and the overall popularity of the term. Here's a step to take to sell domains;

1. Find out the value of your domain. There are a few ways to do this, but the best way is to use a domain appraisal service. This will give you an estimated value of your domain based on its age, traffic, and other factors.
2. Choose a good time to sell. The best time to sell your domain is when it is most valuable. This means you should wait until after it has been renewed and all of the Whois information has been updated.
3. Set a reasonable price. Once you know how much your domain is worth, set a price that is 10-20% below that amount. This will help ensure that you get the most interest in your domain and result in more offers.
4. List your domain for sale on popular marketplaces. There are many websites where you can list your domains for sale, but some of the most popular are Afternic, Sedo, and GoDaddy Auctions. Be sure to include all of the relevant information about your domain in the listing so potential buyers know what they're getting.
5. Promote your domains for sale. To get the most exposure for your domains, you need to promote them. You can do this by using social media, email marketing, and even paying to advertise.

By following these steps, you can sell your domain for the most money possible.

15. Sell Pre-Made Websites

Many people are looking to buy pre-made websites because;

• It will save website beginners a lot of time and effort. Creating a website from scratch can be a very time-consuming process and it takes them some technical knowledge and skills, so it will be a great shortcut for them.
• They may not have the budget to hire someone to build them a custom site. Custom websites can be quite expensive, so buying a pre-made website can be a more affordable option for some buyers.

If you are good at creating a simple WordPress website that contains a generic homepage, legal page, contact page, FAQ page, etc., and put it on a marketplace such as Flippa, you can make some money from it. 

You may also want to consider bundling your websites together into packages. This can be a great way to increase your profits while still providing potential customers with a good deal. For example, you could sell three basic websites for $500 each or one deluxe website for $1,500.

How To Sell Digital Products Online – Step By Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start selling digital products online.

i. Find a niche market.

If you’re selling design templates, there is no point in targeting people who also create design templates. Your target audience will be individuals, marketers, and also designers who create something from a template. So it’s important that you find a niche market. This will help you focus your efforts and make it easier to reach the right prospects.

ii. Create quality content.

Once you've found your niche market, the next step is to create quality content. This includes everything from blog posts and articles to eBooks and digital courses. Make sure your content is valuable and relevant to your target audience.

iii. Build an audience.

Before you can start selling digital products, you need to build an audience. You can do this by promoting your content through social media, email marketing, and other channels. Once you have an audience, you can start thinking about ways to monetize it.

iv. Choose the right platform.

There are many different platforms you can use to sell digital products online. Some of the most popular include Gumroad and Payhip. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before choosing one.

v. Set up your storefront.

Once you've selected a platform, it's time to set up your storefront. This involves creating a product page with all the necessary information (price, description, etc.). You'll also need to create a payment gateway so customers can purchase your products.

vi. Promote your products.

The final step is to promote your products. This can be done through social media, email marketing, and other channels. Be sure to track your sales and conversions so you can continue to improve your marketing efforts.

The disadvantage is, everyone else who's in a similar situation as you may be selling the same product.

Conclusion

There are many ways to sell digital products online, and the best approach depends on what types of products you're selling. If you're selling eBooks, for example, you'll want to focus on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords. 

If you're selling software or other digital products that require a license, however, you'll need to use a platform like Gumroad. No matter what type of digital product you're selling, though, there are plenty of options out there for getting it in front of potential buyers. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect solution for your needs.