How To Make Money Selling Digital Products (Step By Step Explained)

Finding ways to earn real, lasting income can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re craving more freedom and less hustle. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be searching for something that not only brings in money but also offers flexibility, sustainability, and purpose.

Selling digital products changed everything for me. It allowed me to stop trading time for money, tap into my creativity, and build something that continues to grow—even when I’m offline. This blog will walk you through exactly how to get started selling digital products, from choosing your niche to scaling a business that works for your lifestyle.

My journey: From rock bottom to online success

Let’s rewind to 2022. At the time, I was working as a consultant. I had a handful of clients and was paid well—until I wasn’t. Suddenly, payments stopped coming. Some clients blamed COVID. Others just disappeared. And just like that, my income dried up.

With no money for four months, I found myself drowning in debt. I couldn’t pay the rent and eventually lost my home. My two kids and I moved into my mother’s one-bedroom bungalow. It was humbling. Cramped. Overwhelming. But it also lit a fire in me.

That’s when I turned to selling digital products.

I started with old website templates—ones clients had rejected and left unused on my hard drive. I cleaned them up, added a bit of polish, and put them up for sale. Three months later, I made my first sale: $25. It wasn’t much, but it was hope. And it was a start.

I kept creating. I added eBook templates, digital planners, and printables. By the end of 2022, I was earning consistently. In 2023, my digital product business crossed $500,000 in revenue. In 2024, I passed the $1 million mark. And today? Those same early products are still selling.

If I can do it, you can too.

Rather watch the video instead of reading this blog? Watch here:

Step 1: Choose the right digital products to sell

Before you make your first sale, you need to truly understand what your audience is looking for—not just what you assume they might want. This is a crucial mindset shift that separates hobbyists from successful digital entrepreneurs.

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is creating a product based purely on personal preference or vague intuition. While your creativity is essential, profitability starts with strategy. That means doing intentional research, analyzing real data, and identifying what people are actively searching for and buying online.

When you know what problems your audience is trying to solve—and what they’re already paying for—you can position your products as natural, desirable solutions. This is how you create demand from the start.

Research tools that help you discover what sells

eRank
If you’re planning to sell on Etsy or want insights into online marketplaces, eRank is a powerful tool. It gives you data-driven insights into what’s trending and where the opportunities are. You can search keywords like “printable planner” or “wedding invitation” to view monthly search volumes, competition levels, and related terms.

Use it to:

• Discover high-demand, low-competition niches

• See what’s trending in real time

• Explore which categories are gaining momentum

• Refine your product ideas to better align with what people are already buying

Start your free trial for eRank here →

Pinterest
Pinterest is more than just a place to collect pretty images—it’s a visual search engine that offers real-time insight into what your ideal customers are planning, dreaming about, and saving for later. It’s especially helpful for researching lifestyle-related digital products like planners, templates, invitations, and educational printables.

Here’s how to use Pinterest effectively:

• Type in your product ideas (e.g., “wedding template,” “budget planner”) and review the top-performing pins

• Look for trends in design, copy, and format—what are people saving and engaging with most?

• Pay attention to Pinterest’s suggested search phrases at the top of the results page. These are real, frequently searched terms that can help refine your niche

• Observe seasonal trends by analyzing what products pop up and perform well at different times of the year

Google Trends
This free tool is perfect for evaluating the long-term potential of your product ideas. It shows you the search interest for specific keywords over time, allowing you to compare ideas and identify whether a product is evergreen or seasonal.

Use Google Trends to:

• Compare two or more product ideas to see which one has more consistent or growing interest

• Discover when people are most likely to search for your type of product (e.g., planners in January, invitations in spring)

• Identify stable trends versus short-lived fads

The more you rely on tools like these, the less guesswork you’ll bring into your business—and the more confident you’ll feel when you start creating and launching your products.

Tips for choosing profitable digital products

Once you’ve done your research, here are a few guiding principles to help you choose the right digital products to start with:

Start with evergreen products
Focus on items people need year-round. Think printable planners, habit trackers, resume templates, or educational worksheets. These products tend to perform well consistently and can bring in passive income without needing constant updates or rebranding.

Read here: These digital products ACTUALLY sell!

Solve a specific problem
People don’t buy digital products just for fun—they buy them to make something easier, faster, more beautiful, or more efficient. Think about your ideal customer’s daily challenges. A busy mom might want a meal planner; a bride might need a wedding checklist. Create something that helps them achieve a goal or simplify their life.

Keep it simple in the beginning
You don’t need a 50-product shop to get started. In fact, starting with one well-researched, beautifully executed product is far more effective. Focus on mastering that one type—understanding how to market it, package it, and price it—before you expand into more categories.

Build with flexibility in mind
Consider how your product could evolve. For example, a simple planner template might later turn into a bundle, an undated version, or a themed seasonal version. Choose a product that gives you room to grow.

Step 2: Use the PLR Library to sell digital products (faster!)

If you’re new to selling digital products, starting from scratch can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not a designer or you’re short on time. The good news? You don’t have to do everything yourself to build a beautiful, profitable business.

This is where the PLR Library comes in. It’s a thoughtfully curated collection of ready-to-customize digital products designed to help you launch faster, with less stress and more confidence.

PLR stands for Private Label Rights, which means you can take these pre-made products, edit them to fit your brand, and sell them as your own. It’s like having a virtual creative team on hand, giving you a shortcut to a fully stocked digital shop—without the design overwhelm or creative burnout.

Why the PLR Library Is a Game-Changer

Here’s how the PLR Library can help you start (or grow) your digital product business:

Access to High-Demand Products
Every product in the library is created based on market research and current trends. That means you’re not just picking random templates—you’re working with digital goods that are already proven to sell. From printable planners and eBook templates to social media kits and trackers, the PLR Library gives you access to products that people are actively searching for.

Trend Reports With Every Product
One of the most valuable features of the PLR Library is the built-in trend report. Each product includes a breakdown of:

• Ideal price points

• Search volume and keywords

• Suggested platforms to sell on

• Audience targeting tips

This saves you hours of research and ensures that you’re launching with clarity and purpose, not just hope.

Curious how a trend report looks like? Open this trend report so you can take a look inside! 

Customizable & Brand-Ready
The designs come in user-friendly formats like Canva or Notion—so even if you’re not a tech wizard, you can easily update the colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand. With a few personal touches, you can transform a template into something completely unique to you.

New Products Every Month
With the monthly membership (just $34), you get access to 10–20 new digital products every month. This means you’re never starting from zero, and you always have fresh, relevant items to add to your shop. It’s perfect for building a diverse product line over time without needing to constantly create everything yourself.

Saves Time, Energy, and Money
Hiring a designer for even one product could easily cost $100 or more. With the PLR Library, you get dozens of high-quality, editable designs every single month—for a fraction of the cost. It’s one of the smartest ways to scale your business without scaling your workload.

Find more information about the PLR Library Membership here →

How to use the PLR Library to launch your first product

1. Browse the Library
Log into the PLR Library and explore the categories that align with your audience and interests. Whether you’re drawn to lifestyle planners, productivity tools, or business templates, you’ll find a wide range of options

2. Download Your Product

Choose your favorite product and download the editable files. These are typically available in Canva, Notion or other beginner-friendly formats.

3. Customize It for Your Brand

Edit the product with your own fonts, colors, brand language, and images. Make it feel like you. This step doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference in standing out and creating trust with your audience.

4. Upload & List Your Product

Once your product is ready, upload it to your selling platform—whether that’s Etsy, Temzli, or your own website. Use the included trend report to help you write your title, description, and tags for maximum visibility.

5. Start Selling

Share it with your audience, pin it on Pinterest, or promote it in your email list. You’ve just launched your first digital product—with way less time, effort, and stress.

Step 3: Pick the perfect selling platform

Once your products are ready, it’s time to answer a key question: Where should you sell them?

Choosing the right platform is a big decision—it influences your visibility, your income, and how much time and energy you’ll need to invest in managing your shop. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, the right platform should support your lifestyle and business goals.

Let’s walk through the most popular options: Etsy, Shopify/WooCommerce, and Temzli.

Etsy

Best for: Beginners who want to start quickly and tap into a large existing audience.

Benefits:

• Built-in traffic from millions of shoppers looking for digital and handmade items.

• Easy to set up and user-friendly for new sellers.

• Trust factor: customers already know and love Etsy.

Drawbacks:

• High fees: listing fees, transaction fees, and mandatory advertising fees can add up quickly.

• Strict policies: your shop can be suspended or shut down without warning, especially if a product violates their evolving terms.

• Heavy competition: standing out takes strategy and patience.

Verdict: Etsy is great for getting started, especially if you don’t yet have an audience—but be prepared for limitations in control and profit margins.

Shopify or WooCommerce

Best for: Entrepreneurs who want full ownership and control over their business.

Benefits:

• You own your store and your customer list—no middlemen.

• Keep 100% of your profits (aside from basic platform/hosting fees).

• Fully customizable design and branding.

• Great for scaling long-term and building a serious brand.

Drawbacks:

• You’re responsible for driving traffic through marketing, SEO, or paid ads.

• Technical setup and maintenance can be intimidating or time-consuming.

• Higher upfront investment of time and possibly money for design, apps, and tools.

Verdict: Ideal for those ready to invest in a long-term business and build a standalone brand—but it requires effort to grow your own traffic and visibility.

Temzli

Best for: Creators who want a simple, affordable platform with no commissions.

Benefits:

• Just $9.99/month with no extra fees—you keep 100% of your profits.

• Built-in traffic from a niche-focused marketplace.

• Easy to set up: no coding, no complicated integrations, just upload and go.

• Your shop feels like a personal storefront—clean, branded, and focused on your offers.

Drawbacks:

• It’s a newer platform and not as widely known (yet).

• Less advanced features than a custom website (but perfect for simplicity and speed).

Verdict: Temzli is a hidden gem for digital product creators who want ease, speed, and profit control—without dealing with fees or tech overwhelm.

Open your shop on Temzli for $1 the first month →

Choosing what’s right for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all. The right platform depends on your current season, your goals, and how much time and energy you want to put into setup and marketing.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Want to launch fast with minimal setup? Start with Temzli or Etsy.

• Want to build your own brand with full control? Choose Shopify or WooCommerce.

• Want to maximize profits without giving up ease? Temzli is a beautiful middle ground.

The best part? You can start with one and expand later. Many successful sellers start on Etsy or Temzli and move to their own website once they’re ready to scale.

Next, we’ll dive into how to promote your products and start making sales. But first, if you haven’t already, revisit Step 2 and explore how the PLR Library can help you fill your store with beautiful, market-ready products faster than ever.

Step 4: Drive traffic organically with Pinterest

Now that your digital products are live, it’s time to bring people to your shop—and Pinterest is one of the most powerful (and underused) tools for doing exactly that.

Unlike social platforms where your content disappears after a day or two, Pinterest is a visual search engine. That means the content you share can continue working for you for months, even years, after you post it.

It’s quiet, evergreen visibility—and it works beautifully for digital product creators, especially if your products are visually appealing, purposeful, and practical.

Why Pinterest is so effective for digital products

Your content lives longer
Pins have a much longer lifespan than Instagram posts or TikToks. A single pin can bring in traffic for months, sometimes even years. This makes Pinterest one of the most sustainable ways to drive consistent traffic to your shop.

Pinterest users are planners—and buyers
People come to Pinterest with intention. They’re not just scrolling to kill time—they’re searching for solutions, tools, and ideas to help them take action. That’s why planners, templates, checklists, and other digital tools perform so well.

It’s a search engine, not just a social network
Pinterest operates like Google with pictures. When someone types in “printable wedding planner” or “meal planning template,” Pinterest surfaces the most relevant content. If your pin is optimized properly, your product can show up for exactly the right audience—without you needing to constantly post or promote it.

How to use Pinterest to drive traffic to your digital shop

Here’s how to get started, even if you’ve never used Pinterest for business before:

Design vertical, scroll-stopping pins
Use Canva to create beautiful, vertical graphics (1000 x 1500 pixels is ideal). Include a clear product image (a mockup works well), your branding, and text that highlights the product’s value—think things like “Editable Wedding Budget Template” or “Daily Planner Printable.”

Write SEO-friendly pin titles and descriptions
Just like Google, Pinterest uses keywords to understand what your content is about. Be intentional with your wording. Use phrases your audience is actually typing in—like “digital budget tracker” or “undated life planner.” Avoid vague or clever titles; clarity is more important than creativity here.

Link directly to your product page
Every pin you create should take the user straight to the page where they can learn more or purchase the product. Don’t miss this step. The easier you make the journey from pin to purchase, the more conversions you’ll see.

Create boards that align with your niche
Organize your pins into curated boards like “Small Business Tools,” “Digital Planners,” “Wedding Printables,” or “Home Organization Templates.” This not only improves your Pinterest SEO, but helps users find and explore more of your products in one place.

Read here: How I Used Pinterest To Make $100K+ Selling Digital Products  →

A quiet but mighty marketing machine

Pinterest was one of the biggest drivers of traffic to my shop in the early days—and honestly, it still is. The beauty of Pinterest is that once your pins are live and optimized, they continue to circulate, attract clicks, and bring in new customers without ongoing effort. It’s one of the few platforms where your content works for you over time, not just in the moment.

So, if you’re looking for a low-stress, high-reward way to market your digital products organically, Pinterest is it. Start with just a few well-designed pins for your most popular products, stay consistent, and watch the momentum build.

In the next step, we’ll explore how to scale your shop sustainably—because once the sales start rolling in, you’ll want to know exactly how to take things to the next level.

Step 5: Scale smart & sustainably

Making your first sales is a beautiful milestone—it validates your idea, gives you confidence, and proves that people are willing to pay for what you’ve created. But once those initial sales come in, the real question becomes: How do I turn this into consistent, scalable income?

This is where intentional growth comes in. Scaling your digital product business doesn’t have to mean working more hours or constantly chasing the next big launch. Instead, it’s about building smart systems, reinvesting wisely, and making decisions that support both your revenue goals and your lifestyle.

Ways to scale sustainably (without burning out)

Add new products in your niche
Start by expanding your product line around what’s already working. If your printable planner is selling well, consider creating themed versions (like a meal planner or a business planner), undated versions, or bundles. This helps you serve your existing audience in deeper ways without reinventing the wheel.

Reinvest in tools, templates, or support
As your business grows, so should your systems. Use part of your profits to invest in tools that save time—like upgraded design software, email marketing platforms, or digital mockup templates. If you’re ready, hire a freelancer to help with design, SEO, or admin tasks. This frees up your time so you can focus on strategy and creativity.

Stay consistent with marketing and promotions
Scaling doesn’t require launching new products every week—but it does require showing up consistently. Keep sharing your bestsellers, re-promote seasonal products when relevant, and run small, intentional campaigns throughout the year. Email newsletters and Pinterest scheduling tools make this easy and sustainable.

Diversify with bundles, upsells, and product extensions
Once you’ve built a solid core offering, consider packaging products together or adding premium versions. A basic planner can become a complete organization bundle. An eBook template can evolve into a full content kit. These additions raise your average order value and give loyal customers more ways to buy from you.

Real-life scaling stories

One friend of mine started by selling digital clipart. At first, her shop was slow to grow—but after exploring adjacent product types, she added wedding invitations and baby shower printables. Within months, she was earning over $2,000/month. What changed? She leaned into what people were already buying and offered complementary solutions.

Another friend had a small collection of Notion templates but wasn’t seeing the traction she wanted. After a little market research, she realized that OneNote was an underserved niche. By offering similar planners in both formats, she doubled her audience and found her sweet spot.

Build slow. Build strong.

There’s no one path to success. Your version of scaling might look like adding five new products this year. It might be shifting to a new platform, outsourcing your design work, or finally creating that signature bundle. What matters most is that you grow in a way that feels aligned—with your energy, your values, and the lifestyle you’re building.

True sustainability isn’t about doing everything all at once—it’s about building something that lasts. Something that continues to pay you, serve your audience, and evolve with you.

Your next level is already within reach. Keep refining, keep experimenting, and keep showing up. Because the foundation you’re building now is the future version of your dream business—and it’s already unfolding.

Final Thoughts: Build a business that works for you

Selling digital products isn’t just about making money—it’s about making your money, your way. It’s a feminine, freedom-first way to build a business that doesn’t burn you out.

Remember:

• Choose products with demand
• Use tools like Pinterest and eRank to guide your strategy
• Speed up your launch with resources like the PLR Library
• Start selling on platforms that support your goals
• Grow gradually, with intention

You don’t need to do it all at once. Start small. Start now. And watch what’s possible.

Here’s to building a beautiful business—and a life—you love.