Sell Digital Products Online

With all the files that creative people have, there’s money to be in there somewhere. Many of us have old files from projects that we abandoned and are sitting by waiting to be rediscovered. Before throwing away your files, try to sell digital products online and make some side money!

What’s great about selling digital products is that there’s little upkeep once you list an item. Sure it may take a little work up front (here are my easy steps to setting up an online store), but this work is minimal when looking at the long term outcome of generating passive income. Why not test the waters and see if your unused files are worth a little extra cash?

Below are 10 types of digital products that you can start selling today.

Pages & Templates

This is where I started long ago. I found an old goal setting pdf worksheet I created for my students and started to sell digital downloads on my website. Teachers love worksheets that make lesson planning easy, and that was my niche when starting out.

Whatever business you work in, I’m positive you own some type of “worksheet” that would be beneficial to someone in your field. Try listing a couple files and seeing what happens. They can be any type of file – pdf, doc or exe. As your sales blossom you can create more products that will cater to your audience and maximize your money.  Use customer feedback to create more personalized products such as pages and templates that target the problems your audience faces. As you can see I get excited about this stuff! Let’s go back to the basics – first step is to list a few worksheets. You’ve got nothing to lose!

Clipart & Vectors

While pages and templates may be a great starting place, a seasoned designer will have tons of clipart and vectors stowed away. Each image file is exactly what someone out in cyber land is looking for to complete their project.

On my computer I have a file called “Pending Projects”. Most of these projects are images I’ve created and dumped because I wasn’t feeling the project. Within each “pending” project are unique vectors that someone is willing to pay for. This is a great way to add listings to your shop and reach out to new customers. Also, you will be adding extra money in your pocket which is always a win.

Images

If you enjoy taking pictures (who doesn’t?), then why not sell them online? You never know when an image or a photo will speak to someone. For example, say you went on a trip to Prague and took some great pictures of the buses and trains. These pictures might remind someone of their trip and they would be willing to spend $3-4 for that picture.

The worst that can happen is you list your photos and nobody buys them. If you never list your images, you won’t know who may be inspired to want to buy your image. The more photos you add, the more likely one will sell!

Logos

If you’re a designer, chances are you’ve been asked to design a logo for someone. With each design, there may have been several drafts that the client turned down. Each one of those drafts can be converted to something that the public wants. You could also take products you have created for clients, tweak it a little bit, and voila new product! Another way to alter a logo is buy converting the logo into a template format for your customer to create. This is a great way to monetize on drafts that would otherwise go in the computer trash.

Ebooks

Everyone is an expert at something! Chances are you have some old papers from college waiting to be virtually dusted off. You can convert these old term papers into useful how to’s and sell them as mini ebooks. For example, I went to school for Exercise Physiology and I have a ton of papers on the best exercises for certain muscle groups and the best nutrition for different kinds of athletes. Somebody will be willing to pay for your expertise!

Dingbats & Fonts

Fonts are extremely popular right now and can be a lucrative online business once you master the art of fonts. If you’re already a designer, then it’s easy to start creating your own font. Here is a great book that will teach you how to create fonts. If you’re new to graphic design, then fonts may take a little time to learn (check out my review of graphics programs for newbies). Either way, fonts are a popular niche to gain massive income.

Blog & WordPress Themes

Like fonts, creating a blog theme will take a little know how. If you are a designer and you own a website, then you may have played with some of the technical aspects of your website design. If you have partially created WordPress themes then I highly recommend you dust those off and list them! Each of the partially created themes can get you major money! Designing websites will take more knowledge than simply creating a font, but with more knowledge comes more money. If you’re new to designing websites and this seems like an interesting idea, then I suggest you read this book.

Backgrounds & Textures

When I create advertisements for listings I create visual effects that make the product look real. I create fake desks with a shadow effect, fake burlap and fake cloth effects. These are examples of background that can be listed! People love backgrounds because it enhances a product’s listing (which generates more sales). Business owners don’t have time to create realistic looking back drops, they want it done for them. That’s where your listing helps them out! Try listing a background or texture – you have nothing to lose!

Layers

If you’re a graphic designer or photographer, chances are you have a ton of layer effects! These are different layers you add over photos or projects to create a mood. For example, warm toned layers go over wedding photos to create a romantic feel, or contrasting layer effects go over an image of a city to create drama. These layer effects are easy “one click” actions that make photos look professional and polished. Creating layers in a program takes some know how which is why designers are willing to pay for them. If you have layer effects in your library, try selling them. You never know what other designers may be willing to pay for!

Doodles and Drawings

Sometimes creating a design on my computer is more trouble than simply creating the doodle and importing it. As a result, I have lots of little doodles that I have imported over the last few years. Some designs that I’ve imported are doodle borders, little flowers and squiggles. These little drawings are so cute and innocent that people love the unique touch they provide to a digital product.

Each little imported doodle can be sold individually or bundled into a package. The more generic a doodle is, the more likely customers will seek it out for their project. You could also create a pattern with your doodles in various colors. Doodles and drawings are a great starting point if you are looking to start your online business.

Have Fun With Your Listings!

The key is to not over think your listings! Look around for something cute and unique on your computer and try listing it. The worst thing that could happen is nobody buys it. You never know who will pay for your designs, who knows you may have a new career ahead of you! Have fun and let me know how it goes!