Starting an online business has never been easier. It’s not about starting the company but knowing what you wish to sell and how you want to sell it.
Services like writing, marketing, design, and development work are among the most popular among freelancers. But then, things like eBooks, books, all physical items, and digital goods can be sold and purposed online through a specific sales page.
Selling digital products is a great way to secure extra cash inflow. Webmasters, bloggers, writers, and anyone with a website can become digital product sellers.
Here are some methods and platforms you can consider:
Sell on your website
If you already have a website, you can sell your digital products directly on your site. This gives you complete control over the sales process and the customer experience. You can use a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe to handle transactions. The advantage of selling on your website is that you keep all the profits, but the disadvantage is that you're responsible for driving traffic to your site.
Use an online marketplace
There are several online marketplaces where you can sell digital products, such as Etsy, Creative Market, and Envato. These platforms have an existing audience, which can help you reach more customers. The advantage of using a marketplace is that you don't need to worry about driving traffic to your product page. However, you will need to pay a commission on each sale, and you may face more competition from other sellers.
Use a digital product platform
There are several platforms that specialize in selling digital products, such as Gumroad, Sellfy, and Payhip. These platforms handle payment processing, file delivery, and customer support, which can make selling digital products easier. The advantage of using a digital product platform is that they often have built-in marketing tools to help you reach more customers. However, you will need to pay a fee for using the platform.
Use a subscription platform
If you have a product that can be sold on a recurring basis, you may want to consider using a subscription platform like Patreon or Substack. These platforms allow you to offer exclusive content to subscribers, who pay a monthly fee. The advantage of using a subscription platform is that you can generate predictable recurring revenue. However, you will need to create and deliver new content on a regular basis to keep subscribers engaged.
Use social media
You can also use social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to promote and sell your digital products. You can post about your products, run ads, and use influencer marketing to reach new customers. The advantage of using social media is that you can reach a large audience quickly. However, you will need to have a strong social media presence and be prepared to invest time and money into advertising.
In terms of choosing a platform, it's important to consider the type of product you're selling, your target audience, and your budget. You may want to try out different platforms to see which one works best for you. It's also a good idea to read reviews and compare pricing and features before making a decision.
