The Beginner’s Guide to Selling Digital Products Online

Selling digital products is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to start making money online. Why? Because once you create it once — you can sell it over and over again.

No shipping. No inventory. No tech degree required.

Here’s exactly how to get started, step-by-step.


💡 What Counts as a Digital Product?

A digital product is anything someone can download or access online.
It could be:

  • Planners and journals
  • Budget trackers or spreadsheets
  • Social media templates
  • E-books or guides
  • Resume/CV templates
  • Notion dashboards
  • Worksheets, checklists, or challenge kits
  • Wallpapers or printable art

If someone finds it helpful, beautiful, or time-saving — they’ll pay for it.


🛠 Step 1: Choose a Product Idea

Don’t overthink it. Start with something simple you already use or love.

Try this formula:
What do you know how to make that others would pay for to save time, stay organized, or look good online?

Examples:

  • If you love organizing: sell printable planners
  • If you’re on Pinterest: sell Canva templates
  • If you’re into wellness: make habit trackers or meal planners

Pro Tip: Look on Etsy or TikTok for trending ideas, then put your own twist on it.


🎨 Step 2: Design It (Free Tools Work!)

You do not need Adobe or fancy design software.

Start with:

  • Canva – perfect for templates, planners, and social media kits
  • Google Sheets / Excel – for budget or finance tools
  • Notion – for digital planners and productivity dashboards
  • Microsoft Word / Docs – for guides and PDFs

Keep your design clean and beginner-friendly — especially if you’re selling to other beginners.


🛍 Step 3: Set Up Your Shop

Here are 3 great platforms to sell on (no website needed):

  • Etsy – massive audience, great for planners, templates, journals
  • Gumroad – simple, beautiful checkout, ideal for PDFs and small guides
  • Payhip – beginner-friendly with free tier and no monthly fee

You just upload your product and write a product listing — that’s it!

You don’t need a website or email list to start.


🧾 Step 4: Write Your Product Listing

This is your sales page — make it clear, visual, and benefit-driven.

Checklist:

  • Title with keywords: “Daily Printable Planner for Busy Women”
  • Short, persuasive intro: Organize your day in 5 minutes flat
  • What they get (page count, formats, editable or printable)
  • Who it’s for: Perfect for students, side hustlers, or WFH moms
  • Preview images/mockups

🖼 Step 5: Create Product Images (Mockups)

Use Canva or smartmockups.com to make your product look amazing.

Even if it’s a spreadsheet — you can still make it look Pinterest-worthy.

Tips:

  • Show the product in use
  • Use real-life textures (notebooks, tablets, etc.)
  • Highlight key features with text callouts

💸 Step 6: Price It & Promote It

Start with £3–£12 — lower price = faster customer trust

Where to promote:

  • TikTok tutorials
  • Pinterest pins
  • Instagram carousels
  • Blog post or freebie lead magnet

Start with 1–2 platforms where your audience already hangs out.


✅ Final Tips to Succeed with Digital Products

  • Start simple — your first product doesn’t have to be perfect
  • Make one product, sell it multiple ways (Etsy + Gumroad + email)
  • Keep improving your designs based on what sells
  • Collect reviews ASAP — even from friends or testers

Your Action Plan:

✅ Choose 1 digital product to make this week
✅ Design it using Canva or Notion
✅ Upload it to Etsy, Gumroad, or Payhip
✅ Share it on one social media platform

You only need one small win to build your confidence and start making money from your ideas. This is how your money-making mindset begins 💻✨

Scroll to Top