By Tara Dwyer
Selling products online can be a great way to earn extra cash. There are many proven ways to sell digital products fast in today’s world—quality matters. However, how you promote your products is the critical piece to a successful business. Soon, you’ll reap the benefits of receiving passive income from home.
There are several ways to sell, from building your storefront to using an app. But, when it comes to eBooks, Amazon is an attractive choice. In addition, Digital products are more accessible to sell than physical products. Plus, it’s a lower investment. So, let’s talk about six proven methods to sell digital downloads.
1. Membership Websites
Instead of selling digital products individually, you can sell through a membership website. Membership websites can be an easy way to earn. With a membership, you can regularly serve your community with digital products. Creating lifers with common interests is the way to go if you want a steady income. Then, sell digital downloads, including online courses or eBooks, when others join.
A monthly paycheck per person will add up quickly. The paid membership website is excellent if you have a specific niche. You can capitalize on many ideas to sell digital downloads within the community.
Think of the membership as the teacher, teaching your students. Being creative will help you financially. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to earn and attract new members.
There are also several payment options for your site, including the following:
- A one-time fee
- Monthly fee
- Yearly fee
A one-time fee tends to be the most expensive option since it’s a one-and-done approach. However, once the member is in, they are in for life. From there, digital products like eBooks become accessible after the initial payment.
With a monthly fee, there’s less risk involved to the individual. Therefore, the option can appeal to the customer, as they know they can return after a specific time. However, a yearly model ensures a steady cash flow.
Aside from money on your end, you can offer discounts with the annual option. So, the yearly option is often the best bang for the customer’s buck.
2. Marketplaces
Now, you can sell digital downloads through online marketplaces. However, it differs from having a membership website. You don’t have total control over a marketplace as it’s a different company. So, the logo will be theirs instead of your own. However, marketplaces can be an excellent way to find leads. From there, you sell through your online shop.
Examples of marketplaces include the following:
- Amazon
- Udemy
- Skillshare
For eBooks, Amazon is a popular choice through their Kindle Direct Publishing. Uploading and converting your eBook is an easy process. From using Word to converting to their KDP, you no longer have to pay additional fees on your website to sell.
Udemy is another website that suits digital products. The platform is best for online courses. However, Udemy tends to have longer classes than shorter ones. Although, students can also use it from their phones, which is excellent for easy access on the go.
Skillshare is another website best for selling online courses. The platform is excellent for lead generation and promotions. Enjoy shorter class formats from your mobile device. You’re paid a certain percentage in royalties. Of course, the rate depends on how many students enroll in your course.
Although these online platforms cut a percentage of profits, products also gain traction. For example, Udemy takes half of all revenue, a significant amount. With Amazon, customers may search for a particular item. However, they may land on your digital download in the meantime if it’s a similar product.
3. Shopify
Over recent years, Shopify has grown in popularity. While it’s for physical products, you can also sell digital downloads. One advantage is the customer will receive the download as soon as they purchase. After receiving a download link through email, it’s a quick and efficient process to sell.
Through Shopify, you can sell the following digital products:
- eBook
- Study guides
- Templates
For an easy way to download, customers can utilize the digital downloads app from Shopify. After a customer purchases, they’ll receive an email linking to the app. You also can customize email templates based on your brand and digital download.
In the email, it’s best to describe how the customer will receive the product. Also, list steps to download. After you create the product and email, testing it out beforehand is essential. From there, you can make necessary changes once placing a test order. Then, if it works, it’s time to start selling.
4. Etsy
Selling on Etsy can still be a lucrative avenue for your online business. While Etsy has been around for 15 years, it’s still an excellent online service. Etsy makes it easy to upload and sell digital products. As a result, there’s a huge market for every type of niche, from digital prints to guides.
While you don’t need professional skills, design software, including Adobe Illustrator, helps. There are a few options you can choose from when creating your store through Etsy. When listing a digital product, you first create a listing. Then, you can select your download method. You can choose the instant download or the made-to-order option.
With the instant download choice, you’ll upload when creating the listing. The good news is that customers will receive it within seconds of ordering. Made-to-order is when the buyer receives an email confirming the purchase. However, they won’t receive the digital download immediately.
The made-to-order option is standard for products with customization. As the consumer, you’ll create and make necessary changes to each order. So, it takes additional time. While the customer will receive an email confirming the purchase, it’ll be open order. During the process, the customer can keep track of progress and arrival time.
Made-to-order is similar to receiving physical products. However, instead, the customer will receive the digital download via email.
Overall, buying through an Etsy shop leads to selling digital products faster. The easiest method is through instant downloading. When a customer buys through your Etsy shop, you won’t have to worry about a thing. Etsy automatically sends your product. You can sell the same item repeatedly, whether it’s one download or a custom order.
5. Sellfy
If you’re a beginner and need to sell digital products fast, look no further than Sellfy. Sellfy makes uploading and selling easy. However, you can sell directly through your Sellfy storefront. Additionally, you can also integrate Sellfy on your website.
Selling directly on your website is convenient. Plus, you’ll have creative control over the presence and design. From there, you can upload many digital products with all of your content in one place.
Some popular digital downloads include the following:
- Ebooks
- Comic books
- Video/Music
Within just a few minutes, you can design a storefront that resembles your brand best. You can add a logo, create a layout, and even change colors. With the shopping cart, you can earn more. Let your customers add multiple digital products to their cart.
Next, another benefit is the ability to change store language. Regardless of location or native language, Sellfy easily translates while providing mobile optimization.
However, the drawbacks include a monthly price. There’s a free version, but you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to sell digital downloads. Sellfy does come with a 14-day trial for free. Before committing, the trial period is an excellent way to see if Sellfy suits you.
6. Podia
Another platform to sell digital downloads is Podia. Similar to Sellfy, you don’t have to obtain a website. Podia is best for selling downloads, webinars, memberships, and even online courses. So start your project without the hassle.
Benefits of using Podia include the following:
- Email marketing
- Website building
- Messaging with customers
You can also produce blogs that introduce and explain digital products. Again, it’s beneficial if you’re new to business or ones who’re ready to take your earnings to a new level. Plus, you can start for free. However, regular pricing does come with a monthly fee. In addition, many features require monthly payments, such as courses and downloads.
With Podia, you can make a sales page. Then, quickly receive payments, and give customers easy access to digital products. Plus, you don’t need a lot of extra tools.
Podia takes care of the following for you, including:
- Hosting/sales
- Checkout/payments
- Products in one place
It’s easier than ever to sell digital products, especially on Podia. The number one platform handles not just hosting but sales pages. Then, checkout and delivery are super easy and convenient. Your customers will also navigate Podia with ease. So it’s time to sell digital downloads today.
Final Takeaways
Creating and selling digital products is not only booming, but it’s a faster way to earn. Now, you can become your boss with minimal effort. In addition, you don’t have to worry about inventory; there are ways to sell with and without a website. From memberships and marketplaces to Spotify and Sellfy, several options exist to sell.
While quality matters, with the help of Adobe, you don’t have to be a graphic designer to start. Overall, promoting your digital products will be a game-changer. From there, you’ll sell digital downloads efficiently. So, your guide to six proven ways to sell digital products like ebooks faster is complete.
Now, you can start creating and uploading your next creations.
Tara is a community outreach manager at Payhip. She is passionate about creating informative pieces on the creator economy. That’s why she’s always in search of the next big content creator! She has traveled and lived in many different countries, and couldn’t live without sunscreen as part of her skincare regimen.
