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Think about selling something that you created once – and selling it forever. That’s the beauty of digital products.  

Digital products can be considered as the hidden gold mines of the internet world. They’re always out there; never go out of stock; and they never require your garage space! From eBooks, online courses, templates and software are useful digital products that make your business model scalable, without needing to have copious stock. 

The best part? The world is increasingly going digital, and there’s never been a better time to dive into creating products that don’t take up physical space but still pack a punch. 

In this guide, we will explain what digital products are, what is the significance of them in business and what steps you can take to create and sell digital products for your own gain with minimal effort. 

Let’s learn! 

Understanding digital products 

To understand what a digital product is, we need to define it in simple terms.  

A digital product is any good that exists solely in digital form, like software, music or digital art.  

Unlike physical products you can touch or hold, digital goods are intangible and can be delivered instantly online. They are created, sold and consumed through eCommerce stores, websites or online marketplaces. 

When you sell digital products, you’re selling something that doesn’t require inventory or storage, which is a key advantage for those looking to explore digital product business ideas. 

There are various types of digital goods to sell. These include online courses, eBooks and even digital templates for business and personal use. Digital goods are sold through websites or third-party websites and can generate substantial revenue.  

The major difference between digital and physical products is that digital items can be reproduced infinitely without additional costs. 

This shift toward digital offerings opens up numerous opportunities for creators and businesses.  

For example, selling digital products online allows you to reach a global audience with minimal overhead.  

There’s an ever-growing demand for quality digital content, whether stock video, graphic design templates or mobile apps. 

Exploring the many forms of digital products 

The world of digital goods is vast and diverse, offering endless possibilities for creators.  

If you’re wondering what is a digital product, exploring the different types available is essential.  

Let’s dive into the major categories and examples of digital products to give you an idea of what you can create and sell. 

By exploring various digital product business ideas, you can pinpoint what best aligns with your expertise and audience. 

Software and apps 

Software products, including mobile apps and desktop programs, are highly sought after.  

Developers create and sell software that addresses various needs, from productivity tools to entertainment apps.  

This type of digital app often requires a membership site or a self-hosted platform to manage subscriptions and user access. 

For example, software and apps like Microsoft Office, Spotify and Zoom provide essential tools for productivity, entertainment and communication in the digital world. 

Online courses and tutorials 

Online education has exploded recently, with platforms offering courses on almost every subject imaginable. 

Whether you create a digital course on photography or offer a step-by-step guide for those looking to learn WordPress online, the potential for digital product sales is immense.  

For example, someone may want to build a website and take an online course to learn WordPress

People want to learn from digital product creators who share knowledge. Courses can meet this demand. 

eBooks 

Another popular digital product is the eBook.  

Writers can create digital books on any topic, from fiction to business guides. eBooks are perfect for self-publishing on platforms like Amazon or selling directly through your online store.  

For example, eBooks, such as ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear offer a convenient way to enjoy literature or self-help content on devices like Kindle and iPads. 

For those interested in passive income, selling eBooks is a great way to monetize your expertise. 

Templates, themes and design assets 

Digital templates, such as website templates, business card designs and resume templates, are in high demand. 

Graphic designers can create digital products that help others build their brands. With the rise of AI in graphic design, creating these assets has become faster and more efficient.  

AI tools assist designers in their creative process by streamlining workflows, inspiring new ideas and providing customers with greater customization options. 

Selling digital art, such as illustrations and graphic design templates, gives creators a steady income stream. 

Digital art, music and videos 

If you’re a creator in the digital art space, you can sell your artwork or stock photography online.  

Musicians and videographers can sell their music, video clips or sound effects to content creators and businesses.  

For example, digital platforms such as Shutterstock, iTunes and Etsy offer digital art, music and video clips, providing artists and content creators with a marketplace to showcase and sell their creations. 

Virtual goods (NFTs, virtual currencies) 

One of the newer forms of digital products includes virtual goods like NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and virtual currencies. These unique items are sold on blockchain platforms.  

For example, virtual goods like NFTs on platforms such as NBA Top Shot and Decentraland are transforming the digital marketplace, offering buyers the chance to own unique, collectible items in the virtual world. 

As the virtual world expands, the potential to sell digital products like NFTs continues to grow. 

Each type of digital good presents different opportunities to sell online and reach your target audience.  

The key is understanding the demand for your specific product and how you can market it effectively. 

Why selling digital products is a smart business move 

Selling digital products offers numerous advantages to help you grow your business online. 

Whether you’re wondering what is a digital product or considering how to start selling, these benefits are key to success. 

The benefits of digital products extend beyond just convenience; they open up new avenues for scalable business growth. Once created, digital products can be sold unlimited times, helping you generate revenue with minimal ongoing effort. 

Unlimited revenue potential 

Unlike physical products, digital products can be sold unlimited times.  

Once created, you don’t need to worry about running out of stock or managing inventory.  

This means you can continually generate revenue from your digital product sales, making it easier to scale your business. 

Expand your reach globally 

One of the best things about selling digital products online is the ability to reach customers worldwide.  

Whether you sell digital downloads, eBooks or online courses, the internet provides a massive global market for your products.  

With the right marketing strategies, you can tap into international demand. 

Automated sales 

Digital products can be sold 24/7 with minimal manual effort.  

Platforms like eCommerce stores or digital marketplaces allow you to set up automated sales processes. This means you can earn passive income while focusing on other business areas.  

With automated systems, customers can pay, receive access and download your product without your involvement. 

Reduced overhead costs 

When you sell digital products, you eliminate many overhead costs associated with selling physical products.  

There’s no need for inventory storage, shipping costs or packaging.  

Your primary investment will be creating and marketing the digital content effectively. 

No inventory hassles 

Another key benefit of digital goods is that you don’t need to worry about managing physical inventory.  

You can focus on creating more products, whether stock photos, resume templates or even a membership site.  

This simplifies the process, letting you invest your time and energy in product creation and marketing. 

Selling digital goods is profitable and flexible. It allows you to work on your terms, whether selling digital goods online through third-party websites or managing your own eCommerce store. 

Step-by-step guide to creating your first digital product 

Creating a digital product involves several key steps that will help ensure success.  

Whether you’re still wondering what is a digital product or how to start selling digital products, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you. 

Step 1: Find your niche 

Before you create any digital product, defining your niche is essential.  

This step ensures that your digital products meet a specific need or solve a problem for your target audience. Focus on a niche you’re passionate about or one where you can leverage your expertise.  

Popular niches include digital art, online education or digital downloads like templates or stock photos. 

Step 2: Choose the product type that suits your market 

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to choose the type of digital product you’ll create.  

You could sell digital goods such as eBooks, online courses, mobile apps or graphic design templates.  

Choose a product type that aligns with the interests of your target audience and complements your skills.  

For example, consider creating and selling digital art or design assets if you’re a designer. 

Step 3: Content creation tools 

Creating high-quality digital products requires the right tools.  

For any digital product, you’ll need reliable content creation tools.  

Tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite are essential for eBooks or digital downloads.  

Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution is an excellent choice if you’re building a website to showcase your digital products. With Bluehost, you can easily create a professional-looking site to host and sell your products. 

Step 4: Packaging and formatting your product 

Once your digital content is ready, it’s time to package and format it for sale.  

Ensure your files are properly formatted so you can easily access eBooks or digital downloads.  

If you’re selling online courses, ensure your lessons are organized and easy to navigate.  

Packaging your product professionally will help create a positive first impression and build trust with potential customers. 

Step 5: Test and gather feedback before launch 

Before officially launching your digital product, testing it with a small group of users is important.  

Gather feedback from beta testers to refine your product. Whether you’re selling digital art, stock photos or digital templates, feedback helps you improve the product and identify any issues.  

This step ensures you’re ready to meet customer expectations when launching. 

To keep your customers engaged and informed, CreativeMail can help you automate email campaigns and follow up with your testers or initial buyers.  

CreativeMail allows you to design and automate email marketing campaigns, nurturing your relationship with customers. With automated email sequences, you can keep customers updated about your product improvements, upcoming launches and exclusive offers—all while reducing the time you spend on manual email management. 

How to sell digital products online 

Once you’ve created your digital product, it’s time to sell it online.  

Selling digital products online involves setting up the right infrastructure, choosing platforms and effective marketing.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your digital products in front of potential customers. 

Step 1: Choose a selling platform 

Choosing the right selling platform is crucial for a smooth sales process.  

You have several online options for selling digital products, including eCommerce platforms, digital marketplaces and subscription services.  

Each option has pros and cons, so selecting a platform that suits your needs is important. 

Setting up your eCommerce store is a great option if you want more control over your sales. Bluehost WordPress hosting plans provide excellent WP solutions for digital marketplace websites.  

Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution

Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to streamline the creation and management of digital product websites.  

Our user-friendly website builder makes it easy to set up a professional site, while their performance-optimized hosting ensures fast load times and reliable service. With built-in SEO tools, you can improve your site’s visibility and attract more traffic.  

Bluehost provides scalability, allowing you to grow your website as your business expands and robust security features, including free SSL certificates, to protect transactions.  

Together with 24/7 support, Bluehost offers everything a content creator needs to build, promote and monetize their digital products efficiently. 

Furthermore, to help you make an informed decision on the best platform for selling your digital products, we’ve put together a comparison of three popular options: Bluehost, Shopify and Kajabi. 

Below is a comparison table to help you decide which platform best suits your needs for selling digital products. 

Feature Bluehost Shopify Kajabi 
Platform type Self-hosted, WordPress-based Hosted eCommerce platform All-in-one course creation and selling 
Ease of use User-friendly website builder Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop builder Streamlined interface for creators 
Digital product sales Excellent for digital product stores Great for product-focused businesses Best for digital courses and memberships 
Pricing Affordable hosting plans, low start-up Higher subscription costs Premium pricing with advanced features 
Marketing tools Built-in SEO, email marketing and tools Integrated marketing features Advanced email marketing, automations 
Customization High level of customization (with plugins) Limited to Shopify templates Limited but focused on course creation 
Scalability Highly scalable with add-ons Scalable but transaction fees apply Scalable with premium pricing 
Customer support 24/7 support 24/7 support 24/7 support 

Each platform offers distinct advantages depending on your business needs. Consider your goals, budget and the type of digital products you’re selling to choose the platform that aligns best with your vision. 

Step 2: Set up your website 

Setting up a website is crucial for selling your digital products.  

Your website is the central hub where customers purchase, download and interact with your products.  

Choose a self-hosted platform that will give you full control over the digital product sales process and ensure a smooth customer experience.  

Ensure your website has clear product descriptions, a secure payment system and a user-friendly design. 

Step 3: Price your product 

Pricing is a critical factor in the success of your digital products.  

Setting the right price for your product ensures you are competitive in the market while valuing your time and effort. Research similar digital product examples to determine a competitive price.  

If you offer a membership site or digital downloads, pricing based on monthly or yearly subscription models can help generate steady income.  

Always remember the value you provide your customers and the long-term passive income potential. 

Step 4: Create a sales funnel 

A strong sales funnel is essential to convert website visitors into paying customers. 

Use tools like email marketing and lead magnets to capture potential customers’ attention.  

With Bluehost email services, you can set up professional email accounts that enhance your credibility and build trust with potential buyers. Offering free resources like eBooks or stock photos in exchange for email sign-ups is a great way to grow your list. 

Once you have a list, nurture your leads by sending targeted emails with discounts, exclusive content or special offers to encourage purchases.  

Additionally, retargeting ads on social media platforms can help you convert interested visitors into buyers. 

Step 5: Offer support and updates 

Once you’ve sold your digital products, providing satisfying customer support is key to building customer loyalty. 

Provide detailed instructions on how to access or use your product.  

Also, offer regular updates to ensure your digital content remains relevant. This can include new digital templates, software updates or exclusive content for your membership site.  

Happy customers are more likely to return for future purchases and recommend your products to others. 

Marketing strategies for digital products 

Once you’ve created your digital products and set up your platform, the next step is marketing.  

Effective marketing ensures your digital product sales reach their full potential.  

Here are solid strategies for marketing your digital products online successfully. 

Social media advertising 

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook are powerful tools for promoting digital products. 

Paid advertisements on these platforms can help you reach your target audience quickly.  

Use creative visuals like videos or graphics to showcase your digital products.  

If you’re selling digital art or stock video, platforms like Pinterest and Instagram work particularly well for visual promotions. 

Content marketing 

Blogging, creating videos and podcasting can position you as an authority in your niche.  

Publish relevant blog posts that educate your audience about your products.  

For example, write a guide on how to use your graphic design templates or digital course.  

Regularly updating your site with helpful content improves your visibility in search engines and helps attract potential customers. 

Affiliate and influencer marketing 

Partnering with influencers and affiliates can expand your reach.  

Influencers with an engaged audience can promote your digital products, whether eBooks, online courses or mobile apps.  

Affiliates can earn easily a commission for every sale they refer, incentivizing them to promote your products. 

SEO for digital products 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is very necessary for driving organic traffic to your website. 

Optimizing your website and product pages is essential if you want potential customers to find you.  

Yoast SEO is among the popular tools for optimizing your WordPress site for search engines. With Yoast, you can easily set up SEO titles, descriptions and keywords for your digital products. 

Yoast SEO

Yoast SEO helps you fine-tune your website’s technical aspects, improving loading speed and mobile friendliness.  

These critical factors impact SEO rankings and the user experience for those visiting your website to purchase digital products.  

Optimizing your website for SEO is a powerful way to increase visibility and boost digital product sales. 

Promotions and discounts 

Promotions like limited-time discounts or package deals can encourage potential customers to buy.  

For example, bundle digital templates, stock photos or resume templates into a single package. This approach adds value and incentivizes purchases, particularly for customers looking for deals. 

Combining these strategies allows you to market your digital products to your target audience effectively.  

Consistent efforts will help establish your brand in the competitive online business landscape. 

Overcoming common challenges in selling digital products 

While selling digital products offers numerous benefits, creators often face a few troubles. 

Realizing and addressing these issues will help you set yourself up for long-term success. 

Understanding the benefits of digital products will help you stay motivated to overcome obstacles and stay focused on creating high-quality content. 

Here are some common hurdles and how you can overcome them. 

1. Creating quality content 

One of the biggest challenges in selling digital products is creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.  

Whether you’re developing an online course, writing an eBook or designing digital templates, the content must be valuable and relevant.  

Ensure your content addresses specific needs or pain points. 

Whether through digital art, stock photography or educational resources, your product should provide tangible value to your customers. 

2. Pricing and value perception 

Setting the right price for your digital products is another common challenge.  

If your prices are too high, you risk scaring away potential customers. If they’re too low, you may not generate enough money to justify the time and effort spent on creating the product.  

It’s essential to find a balance that reflects the value of your digital products. Consider factors like production costs (even if they’re minimal for digital goods), competition and your target audience’s willingness to pay. 

A membership site or subscription model is a great way to create recurring income while keeping your products affordable.  

A monthly or yearly subscription gives customers access to ongoing content, which helps build customer loyalty. 

Legal issues can be a concern when creating and selling digital products.  

Issues like copyright infringement or digital rights violations can negatively impact your reputation and sales.  

To protect your work, ensure that you have clear terms of service, licensing agreements and usage rights for your digital products.  

Make it clear whether your product is for personal or commercial use and offer proper licensing options. 

If you’re selling digital art or music, consider offering a package deal that includes different licenses for personal and commercial use.  

This can appeal to different target audiences. 

4. Building trust with customers 

Building trust is vital for any online business, especially when selling digital products.  

Since consumers can’t physically inspect the product before purchasing, it’s important to provide clear descriptions, testimonials and high-quality previews.  

Offer customer support, clear return policies and easy access to product updates.  

Consider including bonuses like exclusive content or special discounts to build loyalty. Customer loyalty can lead to repeat sales, positive reviews and increased word-of-mouth marketing. 

Final thoughts

There are countless opportunities around the world to create, market and make money from your passions. From eBooks to online classes, the digital landscape has enough opportunities. 

If you have some ideas, don’t just keep them in your mind, convert them into sellable digital products. 

It is also important to develop high standard quality digital products that appeal to the intended target audience. Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution can help you with hosting, selling and managing your products. 

With effective marketing techniques such as search engine optimization and social networking sites, it gets easier to gain clients for your digital products on a global level. 

FAQs 

How much can I make by selling my digital products? 

Earnings from selling digital products can be substantial, especially with the most profitable digital products. With a huge market for digital files, consulting services and online courses, you can scale your profits. As you start creating digital products and promoting them via social media accounts and online communities, customers pay for access, allowing you to grow your business. 

Do I need a site to sell my digital products? 

While not mandatory, having your site is ideal for selling digital products. A personal website allows you to showcase your digital product ideas, manage sales and interact directly with customers. With the right business tools, you can also optimize your site for marketing digital products, making it easier to sell and scale. 

Which is the most reliable platform to sell digital products? 

The most reliable platform for selling your digital products is one that fits your needs. You can use your own website with Bluehost WordPress solutions for more control over sales. For a wider reach, online communities, social media accounts and third-party websites are also great places to market digital products and sell them directly to customers. 

Can I sell digital products internationally? 

Yes, you can sell digital products internationally, as they don’t require physical form. Platforms like social media accounts and your site help reach global customers. With the right marketing digital products strategy, you can tap into a huge market and expand your own business across borders. 

How can I protect my own digital product from piracy? 

To protect your digital products, use business tools for secure file delivery and apply digital rights management (DRM). Offering products on your website and limiting access through membership sites can help control piracy. You can also restrict downloads of digital files to avoid unauthorized sharing, ensuring customers pay for access. 

  • With a background in content writing, I thrive on turning complex concepts into relatable content. I focus on delivering clarity and creativity to help our brands stand out in the crowded digital realm.

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