Alright, so you’ve got this brilliant idea rattling around in your brain. You’re convinced it’s time to dive into the world of digital products, but where do you start? I’ve been there too, standing at the edge of what felt like a vast digital ocean, wondering how to jump in without sinking. So here’s your no-fluff, simple plan to take your idea from dream to real digital product.
Step 1: Research What Your Niche Wants
The best place to begin is with your audience. What do they crave? What problem are they trying to solve? You might have skills or knowledge in photography, writing, gardening—heck, even how to juggle flaming torches (hey, someone might need that!). The key is to figure out what people in your niche are hungry for.
Pro Tip: Check forums, Reddit threads, or social media groups where your potential audience hangs out. See what questions keep popping up—those are golden opportunities for you to provide solutions.
Fun fact: Did you know that the online gardening niche has grown by 250% in the last five years? There’s something to be said about getting your hands dirty…even if it’s just in digital soil. 🌱
Psychology Boost: Research shows that people love solving specific problems quickly, so offering a product that directly addresses their needs makes them far more likely to buy. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, consumers are more inclined to purchase when a product is “goal-directed” and seems like a shortcut to their desired outcome.
Consumers are more inclined to purchase when a product is “goal-directed” and seems like a shortcut to their desired outcome.
Step 2: Create Bite-Sized, Actionable Content
The phrase “start small” exists for a reason. You don’t need to build a massive course or write a 300-page eBook from day one. Begin with something manageable like a checklist, a beginner’s guide, or an eBook under 20 pages. You’d be amazed at how much people love quick wins. Something that gives them results, fast.
Look at what products already exist in your niche and put your own twist on them. Want to make your product stand out? Add extra value! For example, if you’re selling a beginner’s guide to photography, throw in a video tutorial, a resource list, or even some extra insider tips.
People love feeling like they’re getting more than they paid for.
People want tangible, actionable knowledge, not just theory. They need something they can use immediately. The more value you can pack into a product, the more they'll love it.
Step 3: Set Up – or choose – Your Digital Storefront
You’ve got your product, now you need somewhere to sell it. The good news is, setting up a digital storefront is easier than you think. Platforms like WordPress, paired with a simple e-commerce plugin, can turn your blog into a digital product-selling machine. Or, if you want an even simpler route, try Gumroad. It’s practically plug-and-play.
Check this out: I wrote a detailed post on the best platforms to sell digital products—take a look at my recommendations for WordPress e-commerce solutions or read about how Gumroad can get you selling in minutes!
Quick Tip: Keep the buying process seamless. You don’t want your customers jumping through hoops or clicking through endless pages to check out. According to a study by Baymard Institute, 17% of users abandon their carts because the checkout process is too complicated. Make it easy, make it fast, make it enjoyable.
Step 4: Create a Landing Page That Converts
Think of your landing page like a digital salesperson, except without the awkward handshake. It’s a distraction-free zone dedicated to selling your product. This is where you get to show off your product’s value and why your audience needs it in their lives. You can create a landing page either on your WordPress site or link it to an external selling platform like Gumroad.
What’s powerful about a landing page is its flexibility. You can drive traffic through paid ads (if that’s your thing) or organically through your existing platforms. Either way, it gives your product a polished, professional presentation.
Psychology Boost: People are more likely to make a purchase when they’re presented with a clear, single action to take—this is called the “paradox of choice.” Too many options can actually reduce sales, according to psychologist Barry Schwartz in his book The Paradox of Choice.
Too many options can reduce sales
Step 5: Leverage Your Audience
Whether you have 100 or 100,000 followers, it’s time to promote! Use every platform you have—your blog, YouTube channel, email list, social media accounts—to remind your audience about your product. But here’s the key: don’t just sell. Tell a story. Share the journey of why you created this product, how it changed your life, or what inspired you to make it.
Quick Tip: Remember, people buy with their hearts first and their wallets second. A personal story creates emotional connection, which builds trust. And trust leads to sales. In fact, studies show that consumers are 71% more likely to make a purchase from a brand they feel emotionally connected to (Capgemini).
Storytelling sells. I’ve seen the power of sharing my personal journey—why I created a product, the struggles I overcame—it’s what gets people to trust and buy
You’ve Got This!
Starting with digital products can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Break it down into these simple steps, and you’ll be up and running in no time. Remember, the most important thing is to take action. Don’t worry about perfection—that can come later. Get your product out there, listen to your audience, and keep tweaking.
You’ve got the knowledge, the tools, and now, the plan. Time to turn that dream into a reality!
