Best Digital Products for Beginners to Create: Low-Cost Ideas You Can Launch Fast (With Real Example)
Want to make money from what you know? Creating digital products is a smart way to start an online business. It’s perfect for those aiming for passive income.
Digital products are items that exist only in a digital format. Think ebooks, online courses, and virtual goods. They can be sold over and over, making them ideal for beginners wanting to make money from their skills.
As a beginner, you don’t need to spend weeks on a complex product. Simple things like templates, checklists, or toolkits can sell fast. In this article, we’ll look at the top low-cost digital product ideas you can start selling quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the best digital products for beginners to create.
- Learn how to validate demand before creating a product.
- Find out where to sell your digital products.
- Understand how to price your digital products correctly.
- Get insights into launching your digital product quickly.
Why Digital Products Are Perfect for Beginners
Digital products are great for newbies in online business. They come with benefits that are perfect for beginners.
Low Overhead, High Profit Margin
Digital products have low overhead costs. You don’t need inventory or shipping. This means you can start selling with little money upfront. You get to keep more of your earnings because of the high profit margins.
Create Once, Sell Infinitely
Once you create a digital product, you can sell it many times. This passive income is great for those who want to make money with little effort.
Start Without Technical Expertise
You don’t need to know a lot about tech to sell digital products. Many platforms and tools make it easy to create and sell without needing to be tech-savvy.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Overhead | No inventory or shipping costs |
| High Profit Margin | Minimal upfront investment, high margins |
| Create Once, Sell Infinitely | Passive income |
15 Profitable Digital Products for Beginners to Create
Starting your digital product journey is both exciting and overwhelming. But with the right ideas, you can turn your passion into profit. As a beginner, you have many opportunities to create digital products that can be sold online. These products can generate passive income and help you build a successful online business.
Templates (Notion, Canva, Spreadsheets)
Templates are a great starting point for beginners. You can create templates for popular tools like Notion, Canva, or Google Sheets. These templates help businesses and individuals streamline their workflow, plan projects, or manage data. For example, you can make a Notion template for project management or a Canva template for social media graphics.
Checklists and Cheat Sheets
Checklists and cheat sheets are valuable resources that provide quick and actionable information. They can be used in various niches, such as marketing, health, or finance. For instance, you can create a checklist for launching a new product or a cheat sheet for common grammar mistakes.
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) Packs
SOP packs are detailed guides that outline the steps required to complete a specific task or process. They are useful for businesses and entrepreneurs who want to document their workflows. You can create SOP packs for tasks like setting up an online store or creating a social media content calendar.
Swipe Files and Copy Templates
Swipe files and copy templates are pre-designed materials that can be used by marketers and businesses to save time. They include email templates, social media posts, or sales pages. By creating swipe files or copy templates, you can help others achieve their marketing goals.
Prompt Packs for AI Tools
Prompt packs have become popular with the rise of AI tools. These packs contain pre-written prompts that can be used to generate content, such as blog posts, social media updates, or even entire books. You can create prompt packs for specific AI tools, helping users get the most out of these technologies.
| Digital Product | Description | Tools Required |
|---|---|---|
| Templates | Pre-designed templates for Notion, Canva, or Spreadsheets | Notion, Canva, Google Sheets |
| Checklists and Cheat Sheets | Quick and actionable information on various topics | Google Docs, Microsoft Word |
| SOP Packs | Detailed guides for completing specific tasks or processes | Google Docs, Microsoft Word |
| Swipe Files and Copy Templates | Pre-designed marketing materials | Canva, Google Slides |
| Prompt Packs for AI Tools | Pre-written prompts for generating content with AI tools | AI content generation tools |
These are just a few examples of the many digital products you can create as a beginner. By leveraging your skills and creativity, you can develop a range of products that cater to different needs and markets.
More Easy-to-Create Digital Products
If you want to grow your digital product line, there are many easy options. You can make different digital items that meet various needs and tastes.
Planners and Digital Journals
Planners and digital journals are popular for organizing life. You can make them using Canva or Google Sheets. Tailor them to niches like productivity, mindfulness, or setting goals.
Ebooks and Mini-Guides
Ebooks and mini-guides are great for sharing knowledge. Write about what you know and make detailed guides or short ones. Use Microsoft Word or Google Docs to edit your work.
Short Video Courses
Short video courses are fun ways to teach new skills. You can make series on Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare. Pick topics like marketing, photography, or cooking that people want to learn.
Workshops and Webinars
Workshops and webinars are interactive digital products. They let you connect with your audience live. Use Zoom or Google Meet for live sessions and record them for later sales.
Toolkits and Resource Libraries
Toolkits and resource libraries offer valuable resources. You can gather templates, checklists, or software tools and sell them together. They’re great for professionals and businesses.
| Digital Product | Description | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Planners and Digital Journals | Customizable planners and journals for organization and mindfulness | Canva, Google Sheets |
| Ebooks and Mini-Guides | Comprehensive guides and concise mini-guides on various topics | Microsoft Word, Google Docs |
| Short Video Courses | Engaging video series teaching new skills | Udemy, Teachable, Skillshare |
Exploring these digital product ideas can help you offer more and reach more people. Focus on what you’re good at and what your audience needs.
Digital Products That Require Minimal Design Skills
You don’t need to be a skilled designer to create valuable digital products. Many digital products can be successfully launched with minimal design skills. This makes them perfect for beginners.
Scripts (Sales/Email)
Creating sales scripts or email templates requires more writing skills than design skills. These scripts help businesses talk to their customers effectively. For example, a well-crafted sales script can greatly improve conversion rates.
Design Assets and Brand Kits
You can create useful design assets like brand kits with minimal design skills. These kits include color palettes, typography, and logo templates. They help businesses keep their brand consistent across all marketing materials.
“A brand kit is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a cohesive visual identity that resonates with your target audience.” – Marketing Expert
Stock Graphics
Stock graphics can be created using pre-made templates and design tools, even with minimal design skill. They are used to make marketing materials, social media posts, and websites look better.
Printables
Printables, like planners, art prints, or educational materials, can be made with minimal design skills using tools like Canva. They are popular among customers looking for customizable products.
Starter Bundles
Starter bundles that include templates, scripts, or other resources can be created with minimal design skills. These bundles give new businesses or entrepreneurs the essential tools they need to start.
| Digital Product | Required Skills | Potential Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Scripts (Sales/Email) | Writing, Basic Editing | Businesses, Entrepreneurs |
| Design Assets and Brand Kits | Basic Design, Color Theory | Small Businesses, Startups |
| Stock Graphics | Design Skills, Creativity | Marketers, Bloggers |
| Printables | Basic Design, Content Creation | Educators, Artists |
| Starter Bundles | Curation, Basic Design | New Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners |
By focusing on these digital products, you can use your existing skills to create valuable offerings. You don’t need extensive design experience to do this.
Recurring Revenue Digital Products for Beginners
Starting out, creating digital products for recurring revenue can really boost your business. These models give you a steady income. This lets you focus on growing and making your customers happy.
There are many digital products that work well for recurring revenue. Micro-memberships are a great example. They give members special content or services over and over again.
Micro-Memberships
Micro-memberships are perfect for creators who can keep giving value. For instance, a fitness coach might offer weekly workout plans and nutrition guides to members.
Paid Newsletters
Paid newsletters are another smart way to make recurring revenue. By sharing top-notch, exclusive content, you can draw in subscribers who are willing to pay for your insights.
Mini Consulting Audits
Mini consulting audits give clients personalized advice or analysis on a regular basis. This is great for experts in certain fields who can give practical advice.
Time Investment and Maintenance
While recurring revenue digital products have lots of benefits, they need ongoing time investment and maintenance. It’s key to think about these when picking a product.
Here’s a look at how much time each product type needs:
| Product Type | Initial Time Investment | Ongoing Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-Memberships | High | Medium |
| Paid Newsletters | Medium | High |
| Mini Consulting Audits | High | High |
Knowing how much time and effort each product needs helps you pick the right one. This way, you can meet your goals and use your resources wisely.
How to Choose the Right Digital Products for Beginners
Choosing the right digital product for beginners means looking at your strengths, what your audience needs, and what’s in demand. It’s key to make a smart choice that helps you succeed.
Matching Your Skills and Experience
When picking a digital product, think about what you’re good at. Choose something that fits your skills well. For example, if you’re great at graphic design, making templates or design assets could be a good start.
Understanding Your Target Audience
Knowing who you’re making your product for is very important. Imagine what they need and what problems they face. Make a product that solves their problems to boost its success.
Time Investment Considerations
Each digital product takes different amounts of time to make and keep up. Be honest about how much time you can spend. For instance, an ebook might take a lot of time upfront, but a checklist or cheat sheet could be quicker.
Proof and Credibility Requirements
Some products, like video courses or consulting, need a lot of expertise and trust. Think if you have the right experience and qualifications. As
“Establishing credibility is key to building trust with your audience.”
If not, starting with simpler products might be better.
By thinking about these points, you can pick a digital product that matches your skills, meets your audience’s needs, and fits the market. This will help you succeed in creating digital products.
Validating Your Digital Product Idea Before Creating
Before you start making a digital product, it’s key to check if people want it. This step helps avoid wasting time and money. “The biggest risk is not taking any risk,” Mark Zuckerberg said. He meant that taking smart risks, like checking your idea first, is vital.
There are smart ways to see if your digital product idea is good. Let’s look at some methods to help you figure out if people are interested.
Pre-Selling Strategies That Work
One top way to check if your product is wanted is by pre-selling it. Make a sales page for your product and see how people react. Use sites like Gumroad or Kickstarter for this. If lots of people pre-order, it shows your product might be a hit.
Building a Waitlist to Gauge Interest
Building a waitlist is another smart way to see if people are interested. Ask people to sign up for a waitlist. This lets you see how much interest there is and get feedback. Use tools like Mailchimp to manage your waitlist and keep people excited about your product.
Competitor Research Techniques
Looking at your competitors can give you great insights. Check out their products, what customers say, and how they sell. This helps you see what works and what doesn’t in your area. You can then make your product idea better.
Minimum Viable Product Approach
The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) method is a smart way to start. It means making a basic version of your product to test it. This way, you can see if people like it without spending too much. Feedback from early users helps you make your product better.
Using these strategies can lower the risk of making a product that won’t appeal to your audience. The main goal is to make sure there’s a market for your product before you spend too much time and money.
Simple Creation Workflow for Digital Products
Making a digital product is easy if you follow a simple plan. This plan has several steps to help you plan, make, and share your product well.
Planning Your Product Structure
First, you need to plan your product’s structure. This means figuring out the content, organizing it, and how to share it with your audience. For example, if you’re making an ebook, you’ll need to decide on chapters, headings, and any images or graphs.
To plan well, think about these things:
- Know who your audience is and what they need.
- Outline your content into easy-to-handle sections.
- Choose how to present it: text, images, videos, or a mix.
Tools for Creating Your First Version
After planning, you need the right tools to make your product. The tools you choose depend on your product type. For instance, if you’re making a template, Canva or Google Sheets might be good. For more complex things like video courses, you might need software for recording screens and editing videos.
Some top tools for making digital products are:
- Canva for designing and templates.
- Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets.
- Screen recording software for videos.
Quality Control Checklist
Before you share your product, make sure it’s good quality. Check for mistakes, make sure it’s consistent, and that it’s easy to use. A checklist can help you check your product step by step.
Here’s what to include in your checklist:
- Is the content right and accurate?
- Is the formatting and style the same everywhere?
- Does the product work as it should?
Setting Up Delivery Systems
Lastly, you need a way to send your product to customers. You might use an ecommerce platform like Shopify or Gumroad to sell and share your product. Make sure the delivery is smooth and fast for your customers.
Important things to think about for delivery systems are:
- Picking the best ecommerce platform.
- Setting up safe payment options.
- Automating how you send out products.
Pricing Strategies for Beginner Digital Products
Setting the right prices is key to making more money from your digital products. As a beginner, knowing about different price levels is important. It affects how much you sell and what people think of your products.
Entry-Level Products ($9-$49)
Entry-level products are cheap and appealing to new buyers. Prices between $9-$49 are perfect for starting out. They let you test the market without scaring off customers. Think simple ebooks, basic templates, or beginner guides.
Core Products ($79-$199)
Core products are more detailed and priced between $79-$199. They’re great for things like video courses, advanced templates, or detailed workbooks. The higher price shows more value and content.
Premium Bundles ($299+)
Premium bundles offer lots of value for a high price. They cost $299 or more and include many products or services. Think complete business toolkits, mastermind programs, or extensive coaching packages.
Creating a Product Pricing Ladder
A pricing ladder lets you offer products at different prices, each with more value. This way, you can make more money from each customer as they buy more. Start with a basic product and add more features or support as you go up.
With a good pricing strategy, you can reach many customers. From those needing simple solutions to those wanting more, you can offer something for everyone. As Pat Flynn said,
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Putting your pricing strategy first is vital for success with digital products.
Best Platforms to Sell Your Digital Products
Choosing the right platform to sell digital products is key to your success. The platform you pick can affect your sales, customer happiness, and business efficiency. It’s important to find a platform that fits your business needs and goals.
Gumroad is great for beginners. It’s easy to use, needs little setup, and lets you sell directly to customers. It’s perfect for creators who want to focus on making content, not setting up complex e-commerce sites.
Gumroad for Beginners
Gumroad is simple and easy to use, making it perfect for new sellers. You can start selling ebooks, templates, and more quickly. It has features like customizable sales pages and payment processing.
Payhip and LemonSqueezy
Payhip and LemonSqueezy are also good for selling digital products. Payhip is simple and easy to use, making selling hassle-free. LemonSqueezy has more features, like subscription management and global sales, for growing businesses.
Etsy for Printables and Templates
If you sell printables or templates, Etsy is worth a look. It has a big customer base looking for unique items. It’s great for selling things like planners, art prints, and custom templates.
Shopify for Scaling Your Product Business
Shopify is good for growing your digital product business. It’s known for physical products but also supports digital sales. It has features for marketing and analytics, helping your business grow.
Choosing the right platform depends on your needs, the products you sell, and your goals. By picking a platform that matches your objectives, you can improve your sales, customer experience, and business growth.
Real Example: Creating and Selling a Notion Template Pack
The demand for Notion templates is high, making it a great time to sell your own pack. Notion’s flexibility has attracted many users looking for customizable templates. This has created a big market for templates that help people work better.
Identifying the Market Need
To do well, you need to find a specific need in the market. You could make templates for managing projects, tracking habits, or managing customer relationships (CRM). Look at what’s popular on Etsy or Gumroad to see what people want.
Creation Process Step-by-Step
After picking your niche, here’s how to make your Notion template pack:
- Make your template easy to use and customize.
- Test it to fix any problems.
- Write a guide on how to use it.
- Put your template and guide together in a file you can download.
Setting Up the Sales Page
Your sales page is key to selling. It should have:
- A catchy headline and description.
- Photos or videos of your template in use.
- What others say about your template.
- A clear way to buy it.
Marketing and First Sales Results
To sell more, use social media, Notion communities, and email marketing. Offer a free template to draw in people and show your skills.
| Marketing Channel | Potential Reach | Engagement Level |
|---|---|---|
| High | Medium | |
| Reddit (r/Notion) | Medium | High |
| Email Newsletter | Low | High |
By following these steps and focusing on a specific area, you can make and sell a Notion template pack. This way, you can take advantage of the growing need for tools to help people work better.
Launching Your First Digital Product
The moment you’ve been preparing for – launching your first digital product – is here. It’s time to make it happen. Launching a digital product is a big step. It can be exciting and a bit scary. But with a good plan, you can make sure your launch goes well.
Creating a Lead Magnet Funnel
A lead magnet funnel is key to your launch plan. It’s a valuable resource that people can get by giving you their email. This could be a free guide or a special offer. By getting emails, you can promote your product to those who might buy it.
Email Sequence for Product Launch
An effective email sequence is important for turning leads into customers. Your emails should build excitement, offer value, and encourage a buy. For example, start with an intro email, then share testimonials and offer special deals. The goal is to keep your audience engaged and ready to buy.
Strategies to Get Your First 100 Customers
Getting your first 100 customers is a big deal. Use social media, work with influencers, or offer special deals to early buyers. Paid ads on Google or Facebook can also help you reach more people. The aim is to build a loyal customer base that will support your product.
Using Social Proof to Accelerate Sales
Social proof is a great way to boost sales. Show customer testimonials and reviews to build trust. Use success stories on your sales page or in your marketing. Remember, “Social proof is the new currency in marketing,” and it can really help your sales and reputation.
By using lead magnets, email sequences, getting your first 100 customers, and social proof, you can launch your digital product with confidence. This will help it succeed in the long run.
Common Mistakes When Creating Digital Products for Beginners
Beginners often face common pitfalls when making digital products. Knowing these mistakes can help you do better and succeed.
Overbuilding Your First Product
One big mistake is overbuilding your first product. This happens when you spend too much time and resources on making it perfect. It delays its release. Instead, aim for a minimum viable product (MVP) that meets basic needs.
Neglecting Distribution Channels
Another big error is ignoring distribution channels. Even with a great product, it needs to reach your audience. Use platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, or Shopify to increase visibility.
Pricing Too Low (or Too High)
Pricing your product too low or too high can hurt sales. Research competitors and understand what your audience is willing to pay. This helps find the best price.
Poor Customer Support Systems
Lastly, poor customer support can damage your reputation and scare off future sales. Set up a strong support system to quickly answer customer questions and concerns.
Avoiding these mistakes can lead to a successful digital product. It will connect with your audience and boost sales.
Scaling Your Digital Product Business
To grow your digital product business, you need a solid plan. As you expand, you’ll have to adjust your approach. This ensures you meet growing demand and reach more customers.
Creating Product Bundles
One smart move is to bundle your products. This means grouping several related items together at a lower price. Bundling can boost your average sale and make customers happier. For example, you could pair a Notion template with a guide or video course.
Building an Email List of Buyers
Having an email list of buyers is key. It lets you promote new products to people who are already interested. Use email marketing tools to keep your list engaged and encourage them to buy again. As Neil Patel, a top digital marketing expert, noted,
“Email marketing is not just about selling; it’s about building a relationship with your customers.”
Automating Delivery and Support
Automating delivery and support can save you a lot of time. Use platforms like Gumroad or Payhip to handle product delivery automatically. For support, set up chatbots or detailed FAQs to answer common questions.
Expanding to New Product Types
Lastly, think about introducing new product types. Adding different products can draw in new customers and boost sales. For example, if you sell ebooks, consider adding video courses or workshops.
By using these strategies, you can grow your digital product business. This will help you achieve lasting success.
Conclusion: Your Digital Product Success Checklist
Creating a successful digital product needs careful planning and execution. We’ve made a digital product success checklist to help you start. It covers key steps like validating your idea, creating a simple workflow, and launching well.
Your checklist should include: – Validating your product idea through pre-selling strategies or building a waitlist – Creating a simple creation workflow to streamline your product development – Launching your product with a solid marketing strategy, including email sequences and social proof
By following this checklist, you can make sure your digital product is well-planned and ready for success. Start making your digital product today. It’s the first step to building a successful online business.
