If you’ve ever dreamed of making passive income without shipping a single box or managing inventory, digital products might be the perfect business model for you. These items are entirely online, meaning you create them once and can sell them over and over again. Whether you’re artistic, organized, or simply resourceful, there’s a digital product idea for you.
Here are some of the easiest digital products you can create and start selling today.
Contents
- 1. Printables
- 2. eBooks
- 3. Templates
- 4. Digital Planners and Journals
- 5. Online Courses or Mini-Workshops
- 6. Stock Photos or Digital Art
- 7. Checklists and Cheat Sheets
- 8. Music, Sound Effects, or Voiceovers
- 9. Spreadsheets and Budgeting Tools
- 10. Memberships or Subscription Content
- Tips for Selling Digital Products Successfully
- Final Thoughts
1. Printables
Printables are one of the simplest and most popular digital products because they appeal to almost everyone. A printable is any file a customer can download and print at home. Think planners, calendars, wall art, chore charts, meal planners, or motivational quotes. You can even niche down by creating printables for teachers, moms, or small business owners.
Why it works: People want convenience and organization without paying for physical products. Printables are quick to design, easy to list online, and sell well year-round.
Tools to use: Canva, Adobe Express, or even Google Sheets for editable templates.
Where to sell: Etsy is a great starting point because customers already search there for digital downloads. You can also list them on Shopify, Gumroad, or your own website.
Example: Create a “Budget Binder Printable Pack” that includes a monthly expense tracker, bill checklist, and savings goal sheet.
2. eBooks
If you have knowledge or a story to share, an eBook is a fantastic way to package it into a sellable product. You don’t need to write hundreds of pages either. Short guides or how-to books sell very well.
Why it works: People love learning from experts and prefer short, actionable advice. eBooks can also help establish your credibility in a niche such as finance, home organization, or personal development.
Tools to use: Google Docs for writing, Canva for designing the cover and formatting, and Gumroad or Payhip for selling.
Example: Write a 25-page guide titled “Side Hustle Success: How to Earn an Extra $1,000 a Month from Home.” You can include real examples, worksheets, and resource links.
3. Templates
Templates are pre-made designs or layouts that help others save time. These could be budget templates, resume designs, PowerPoint presentations, Notion pages, or even business card layouts.
Why it works: Most people want things done quickly and appreciate having a starting point rather than creating something from scratch.
Tools to use: Canva, Microsoft Excel, or Google Sheets depending on the type of template.
Where to sell: Etsy, Creative Market, or even your own website with instant downloads.
Example: Create a “Small Business Instagram Template Pack” with 30 Canva designs that can be customized by business owners for their brands.
4. Digital Planners and Journals
Digital planners are made for tablets and stylus apps like GoodNotes or Notability. These planners and journals allow users to stay organized in a fun, interactive way without using paper.
Why it works: Many people are going paperless but still want the satisfaction of writing or tracking habits by hand on their tablet.
What you can make: Goal-setting planners, productivity journals, gratitude logs, or health trackers. You can add clickable tabs and sections for a more professional look.
Tip: Offer matching sticker packs or digital covers as bonus add-ons to increase value.
5. Online Courses or Mini-Workshops
If you can teach something useful, turn it into an online course. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can record simple video tutorials explaining how to do something such as using Canva, budgeting with Excel, or creating an Etsy store.
Why it works: People are willing to pay to learn new skills, especially if the information helps them make money or improve their lifestyle.
Tools to use: Teachable, Thinkific, or even a private YouTube playlist linked through Gumroad.
Tip: Start small with a one-hour workshop. Once you gain confidence, expand it into a full course.
6. Stock Photos or Digital Art
If you enjoy photography, drawing, or graphic design, stock photos and digital art can become a consistent income stream. Businesses, influencers, and bloggers are always looking for original images and illustrations to use online.
What to sell: Stock photo bundles, clipart collections, backgrounds, icons, or digital wallpapers.
Why it works: These assets are in constant demand and can be sold on multiple platforms at once.
Where to sell: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Etsy, or Creative Fabrica.
Example: Create a collection of “Flat Lay Office Photos” that bloggers can purchase to use in their posts.
7. Checklists and Cheat Sheets
Quick-reference guides are some of the easiest digital products to make. These one or two-page PDFs can help people stay organized or learn new things quickly.
Examples:
- Moving checklist for renters
- Travel packing checklist
- SEO starter cheat sheet
- Daily routine planner for moms
Why it works: People appreciate clear, concise information that saves them time.
Tools to use: Canva or Google Docs. These short products can often lead customers to purchase your other digital tools or templates.
8. Music, Sound Effects, or Voiceovers
If you have musical talent or a pleasant speaking voice, you can create and sell digital audio products. Podcasters, YouTubers, and game developers often look for royalty-free music and sound effects.
Ideas: Podcast intro music, meditation soundtracks, white noise for relaxation, or sound effects for video creators.
Where to sell: AudioJungle, Fiverr, Bandcamp, or your own site.
Bonus tip: You can also offer custom voiceovers or personalized recordings as a premium upsell.
9. Spreadsheets and Budgeting Tools
Practical tools are always in demand, especially those that help people manage money or track goals. You can easily design and sell spreadsheets that help users calculate savings, debt payoff, or expenses.
Examples:
- Side hustle income tracker
- Wedding budget planner
- Debt snowball calculator
- Vacation fund tracker
Why it works: Many people want to improve their finances but don’t know where to start. A well-designed spreadsheet makes it easy for them to stay consistent.
Tools to use: Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or Airtable.
10. Memberships or Subscription Content
Once you’ve created a few digital products, you can turn them into an ongoing membership. Offer subscribers new printables, templates, or resources each month for a small fee.
Why it works: Memberships create predictable, recurring income. Customers also love being part of a community that helps them stay motivated.
Tools to use: Patreon, Substack, or Podia.
Example: Start a “Monthly Money Mindset Club” that includes new budgeting templates, savings challenges, and exclusive resources for members.
Tips for Selling Digital Products Successfully
- Solve a specific problem. Focus on helping your audience achieve a goal or save time.
- Use professional visuals. Display your product using mockups so buyers can imagine using it.
- Promote consistently. Share your products on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Bundle products together. Offer package deals to increase your average sale price.
- Collect customer feedback. Update your products based on what your audience wants most.
Final Thoughts
Creating digital products is one of the easiest ways to start earning passive income. You don’t need to invest thousands of dollars or rent a warehouse. With just your computer, creativity, and a little time, you can create digital items that sell 24/7.
Start small with one idea, test what works, and build from there. Whether it’s a printable planner, a mini-course, or a budgeting spreadsheet, the possibilities are endless. The key is to take action today and start building your digital empire.
