Have you ever thought about creating a digital product but weren’t sure where to start—or even what kind of product to create? If so, this is the blog post you’ve been waiting for. Adding digital products to my photography business was one of the best investments I’ve ever made, and I truly wish I’d done it sooner.
The eCommerce industry is booming, worth trillions of dollars, and if you’re not tapping into this, you’re leaving money on the table. The great news? You don’t need a degree or years of experience to succeed online. In fact, starting an online business today is easier than it’s ever been.
And here’s the kicker: there are people out there who are ready and willing to pay for your expertise. Selling knowledge isn’t exploitation—it’s creating value. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to start selling digital products. You just need to be one step ahead of someone else.
Step 1: Where to Start – Research and Identify a Pain Point
To create a product that people will buy, you first need to understand what your audience needs. A great place to begin is by asking yourself: What questions do I get asked over and over again?
For example, in my own photography business, people often asked me about photo editing apps and tools. This led me to create my Lightroom presets, which turned out to be an instant hit. Similarly, I noticed many people struggled with email pitching, so I developed a step-by-step eBook on how to pitch using Instagram. It resonated with my audience because I addressed a specific pain point.
Actionable Tip: Pay attention to the questions your audience asks on social media, in your DMs, and through email. Look for patterns. What’s the most common struggle or need? That’s the starting point for your digital product.
Step 2: Create Your Product Outline & Set a Deadline
Once you’ve identified a pain point, it’s time to start outlining your product. Whether it’s an eBook, a course, or a set of digital resources (like Lightroom presets or stock photos), breaking it down into manageable chunks will make the process much smoother.
Actionable Tip: Break your product into chapters, modules, or sections. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away, but outlining the core structure will give you clarity.
Set a firm deadline for yourself. This will help you stay focused and avoid procrastination. The longer you delay, the more opportunities you’re missing—and the more your audience has to wait.
Step 3: Start Writing & Creating
The key to moving forward is to just start. Whether you’re writing an eBook, filming a course, or designing templates, the process begins with action.
I always recommend writing your first draft without overthinking it. You can always edit later. In fact, I often leave my drafts for a few days before coming back with fresh eyes. This gives me space to refine my ideas or add something new that I hadn’t considered.
Actionable Tip: If you’re creating a course or any video content, schedule specific days for filming and editing. Stick to your timeline to avoid delays.
Step 4: Design & Branding
Design matters. It’s not just about making things look pretty—it’s about creating a professional, cohesive experience for your customers. I personally use Canva for designing eBooks because it’s user-friendly and free. If design isn’t your strong suit, consider outsourcing this to a designer who can help elevate your product.
The look and feel of your digital product should align with your brand’s identity. The more polished and professional it appears, the more value your customers will perceive.
Step 5: Price Your Digital Product
Pricing is always tricky. You don’t want to set your price too low—this could devalue your product—or too high, which might scare potential buyers away. The key is finding a sweet spot where you feel the price reflects the value of the product.
Actionable Tip: A good strategy is to launch at an introductory price, then gradually increase it as demand grows. People often perceive a lower price as a better deal, so test different price points and see how your audience responds.
Step 6: Sell Your Digital Product
Selling your product is where things can get tricky if you’re not using the right platform. I’ve tried various eCommerce tools in the past, but Sellfy has been the most reliable and easiest to use. It’s a hassle-free platform for selling digital products, subscriptions, and memberships—and it offers excellent marketing features, including email campaigns, discount codes, and upselling.
Actionable Tip: Set up your online store with a platform like Sellfy, which offers user-friendly features designed for creators. It integrates well with your website, so you can start selling immediately.
Step 7: Plan Your Launch & Build Hype
Don’t launch on a whim. A successful launch is all about building anticipation. Share sneak peeks, discuss your product in your emails, and let your audience know why they need it in their lives.
Actionable Tip: Start promoting your product at least a month before launch. Engage with your audience by asking for feedback on your product ideas, and share snippets of what’s coming. The more people hear about it, the more excited they’ll be to buy.
Seven days before your launch, ramp up the hype. Share bonus content, exclusive offers, and let your audience know about any limited-time discounts. The fear of missing out (FOMO) will motivate people to buy right away.
Step 8: Create a Sales Funnel & Opt-In
Once your product is live, the next step is to create a sales funnel. This could be as simple as adding your product to your existing email welcome sequence, or you could build a completely new opt-in that nurtures your audience before making the sale.
Actionable Tip: Use your blog or social media to direct people to your sales funnel. Offer a lead magnet (like a freebie or guide) that ties into your digital product, and nurture leads until they’re ready to buy.
Step 9: Keep Promoting & Optimize
Launching isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. To keep the momentum going, consistently promote your product across your email list and social media. I recommend setting up a sales calendar and sticking to it. Even after your initial launch, you should continue sharing updates, customer testimonials, and new content to keep your product top of mind.
Actionable Tip: Incorporate subtle product mentions in every email you send out. It’s a great way to keep your digital product in front of your audience, without overwhelming them.
Your Takeaway: Don’t Wait—Start Now!
Let’s be real: If you’re reading this, it’s time to create and sell your own digital product. Your audience is out there, waiting for the solutions you can provide. Don’t let fear hold you back—market research is your best friend, and with the right launch strategy, you can create a product people are excited to buy.
Remember, creating digital products doesn’t just generate income—it also positions you as an expert in your field. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring your digital product idea to life.