In the digital age, selling products online has become a lucrative venture for many entrepreneurs.
However, while physical products are often the first thought, digital products such as PDF files, videos, and other downloadable content offer a unique opportunity to make money online with less overhead and inventory management.
Looking back, when the pandemic hit, many local brick-and-mortar businesses were affected by reduced foot traffic. For businesses providing music lessons and fitness classes, social distancing makes it difficult for interactions to occur in person.
In those instances, you can sell tutorial videos that customers can download directly from your site. Or, post videos on a private page on your site that only paid members can access. You can also turn printed books or instructions, like recipes or lesson plans, into a PDF that people can download after purchase.
This guide will walk beginners through the step-by-step process of selling digital content on their own website, providing insights into marketing strategies, e-commerce platforms, and optimizing content for potential customers.
Understanding digital products
Digital products are intangible assets or media that can be delivered electronically. These include PDF files, videos, online courses, templates, and more. Unlike physical products, digital files can be sold repeatedly without the need for restocking. This scalability makes them an excellent option for creators looking to diversify their income streams.
Types of digital products to sell
1. PDF documents
PDF documents are among the most popular digital products. Here are some types of PDFs you might consider selling:
- Ebooks: Share your knowledge on a particular subject.
- Planners: Create interactive planners to help people organize their lives.
- Whitepapers: Offer in-depth information or research on a niche topic.
- PDF Books: Longer, more detailed content on specific subjects.
- Templates: Useful for those needing ready-made solutions for their projects.
2. Video tutorials and how-tos
If you have knowledge or skill sets that you would like to monetize, you can create instructional videos that teach specific skills or concepts. These can be sold as standalone products or part of a broader course. Otherwise, you might also want to offer live or recorded webinars on specialized topics, providing valuable insights and engaging with your audience in real-time.
3. Online courses
For experts who would like to teach in an online setting, but prefer to provide flexibility for students to learn at their own pace, online courses are a great way to package your digital content for a more structure learning process. These can be hosted on platforms like Teachable or Udemy, or directly sold from your website. They include video lectures, downloadable resources, and interactive elements to enhance learning.
If video isn't your forte, you can also consider creating comprehensive written guides or step-by-step tutorials with accompanying visuals. These can be offered as standalone products or bundled with video content for a complete learning package.
4. Templates
We all love a good shortcut, especially when it comes to organizing our lives. That’s where templates and planners come in. Whether it’s a business template for financial planning, marketing plans or a personal planner to keep track of daily tasks, these digital products are always in demand. Plus, they’re super easy to create with tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign.
5. Music and audio files
Calling all musicians and podcasters! Selling your music tracks or exclusive podcast episodes is a brilliant way to monetize your creativity. You can offer individual tracks, complete albums, or even special behind-the-scenes content that fans will adore. This is ideal for musicians looking to distribute their work globally without physical distribution costs. Podcasters who want to offer exclusive content beyond what’s available for free can also consider selling their content online.
6. Graphics and Fonts
If design is your thing, consider creating graphics or fonts. Designers are always on the lookout for fresh graphic packs or custom fonts to use in their projects. Therefore, you can create bundles of illustrations, icons, or design elements that other creatives can use in their projects. By offering unique, high-quality designs, you can carve out a niche in the creative community. You can also design unique typefaces that can be licensed to businesses for their branding and marketing materials.
7. Software, apps and plugins
For the tech-savvy, developing software or apps is a fantastic way to solve problems and make life easier for others. Whether it’s a productivity tool, a game, or a plugin for popular platforms like WordPress, there’s a huge market for software solutions.
8. Photography and stock images
Got an eye for photography? Selling stock photos or exclusive digital prints is a great way to turn your passion into profit. Businesses and creatives are always on the hunt for high-quality images, making this a lucrative opportunity for talented photographers. You can offer high-quality images that businesses and creatives can use in their projects.
How to sell PDFs, videos, and other digital content on your website?
1. Add digital products to your online store
Your online store doesn’t have to be limited to selling and shipping physical products. You can sell digital products, as well. Downloadable products, such as videos, PDF documents or MP3 audio files, can be sold from your site. If you have the GoDaddy's Online Store, you can add digital content to your store. You can upload up to 10 files per product. Keep in mind, there is a file size limit of 2GB.
If you’re using Online Store, see Add digital products for detailed steps on selling digital products in your online store.
You can also sell digital content from your WordPress site. If you have WordPress with the WooCommerce plugin, see Adding and Managing Products to add downloadable products to your online store.
2. Post your digital content on a private page
You can also post your digital content on a private page. A private page can only be accessed by invited customers or members. Once your customers have paid for access, you manually send your customers a link to the private page after their purchase.
If you’re using Websites + Marketing, see Create private website pages.
3. Use the promotional banner
Once you have the digital products on your site, let your customers know that the content is available for purchase. One solution for promoting new products is using a banner at the top of your homepage that links directly to the digital content page.
If you’re using Websites + Marketing, see Add a promotional banner to my website to direct customers to your digital content.
4. Sell access to YouTube videos
Along with content directly sold from your website, another option is to sell access to your unlisted YouTube videos. Unlisted videos are videos that don’t appear in YouTube search results. They are accessed through a specific URL that you share with others. For example, you sell access to the video on your website. Then, once the customer has paid, you send them the link.
Alternatively, you can also set up a membership subscription on Youtube. Many creators upload member exclusive videos for their subscribers, and it's a great way to monetize without utilizing an additional platform.
To learn more about YouTube privacy settings, see Change video privacy settings.
Get started with selling your digital content online today!
Selling PDFs, videos, and other digital content on your website is a viable way to make money online. By choosing the right e-commerce platform, securing your content, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can reach your target audience and grow your digital business. Whether you're offering downloadable PDFs, online courses, or interactive templates, the potential to scale and succeed is significant. Embrace the digital marketplace and start your journey today.
FAQs about selling PDFs, videos and digital content online
Q: How do I determine the price for my digital products?
A: Research similar products in your niche and consider the value your product offers. Pricing should reflect quality, uniqueness, and demand.
Q: Can I sell physical products alongside digital ones?
A: Yes, you can create a diversified store by offering both digital and physical products, expanding your potential customer base.
Q: What type of support should I offer my customers?
A: Provide comprehensive FAQs, tutorials, and email support to assist customers with any issues they may encounter during the purchase process.
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7 essential steps to validate your new business idea
Editor's Note: This article was first published on September 16, 2020 and updated on December 30, 2024.
