The 15 Most Popular Digital Products You Can Sell Online in 2024

By Naveed Ahmed | Reviewed by Syed Balkhi | September 20, 2024 | Reader Disclosure

As a creator in today’s digital age, there are countless opportunities to make money online. Finding your niche can be challenging, but there are numerous popular digital products you can sell online to set yourself apart from the competition.

Over the years at WPBeginner, we’ve assisted hundreds of thousands of users in setting up e-commerce stores and recommended various products they could sell. Based on this experience, we’ve identified the top-selling digital products, including music files, videos, blog posts, ebooks, software, apps, podcasts, and premium content.

In this article, we’ll delve into the 15 most popular digital products you can sell online, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you succeed.

What are Digital Products?

A digital product is essentially anything that can be purchased, downloaded, and used on a device like a computer or mobile phone. Think of ebooks, software, videos, music, online courses, and so on – these are all examples of digital products bought from an online store.

They’re delivered electronically, typically through a direct download to your user desktop or via an email containing a download link. You can access them conveniently anytime, anywhere.

Why Sell Digital Products Online?

Digital products offer significant advantages over selling physical goods.

• No Inventory Management: You don’t need to worry about storing or shipping inventory. Once you create a digital product, you can sell it repeatedly.
• No Storage Headaches: Physical products require storage space, often in a warehouse, and might need special conditions like refrigeration, which can be costly. With digital products, storage is effortless.
• Passive Income Potential: Digital products generate passive income. You create them once, and they continue to earn revenue over time.
• Global Reach: Anyone with an internet connection worldwide can buy your digital products, expanding your market significantly.

For more insights, explore the lessons learned from experts who have sold digital downloads for over a decade.

Now, let’s dive into the most popular digital products you can sell online today.

1. Ebooks

Ebooks are a fantastic digital product, and you can write about any topic you want. The best part? Once you’ve created an ebook, you simply market it and enjoy passive income.

If you have a WordPress blog or regularly write articles on other platforms, you can repurpose that content into an ebook. For instance, your most popular guides likely have enough material to transform them into ebooks. Alternatively, you can combine several blog posts on a specific topic into a single ebook.

To simplify the process, consider using lead magnet software like Beacon. It includes a handy blog post recycling feature. Simply paste the URL of your blog post, and Beacon instantly converts it into a professional ebook.

Once you’ve finished writing, add the ebook to your WordPress site for people to download. Check out our guide on how to create and sell ebooks on WordPress from start to finish.

2. Online Courses

The next popular digital product you can sell is online courses. People are always looking to improve their skills and learn new things. You can tap into this opportunity by sharing your knowledge and teaching others through a virtual classroom.

For example, if you’re a fitness instructor, you can create an online course to teach people various exercises.

The best part? Creating online courses requires minimal investment and no technical expertise.

Several tools are available to help you get started quickly. All you need is a domain name for your website, WordPress website hosting, and a Learning Management System (LMS) plugin. LMS software like MemberPress or Thrive Apprentice makes it super easy to create interactive courses without coding. Plus, you can manage students, course materials, offer quizzes, and much more.

Learn more by following our guide on how to create and sell online courses on WordPress.

3. Premium Memberships

Similar to ebooks and online courses, a membership website is another straightforward way to make money online. You can sell premium memberships that grant access to exclusive content and community features.

For instance, you can lock specific guides, cheat sheets, interviews, videos, podcasts, newsletters, and other content behind premium memberships.

Alternatively, you can offer exclusive access to various communities, like a forum, Slack channel, or Facebook group, through a membership site.

The beauty of memberships is that you don’t have to rely on advertising revenue. You can let website visitors support your site and generate recurring income.

Many membership plugins and tools can help you get started. For example, MemberPress allows you to restrict content access, integrate different payment gateways, create unlimited membership levels, enable content dripping, and much more.

To begin selling memberships, check out our step-by-step guide to creating a membership site on WordPress.

4. Tutorials and Guides

You can also sell individual guides and tutorials as digital products. This is a great way to earn extra money if you have long articles or several blog posts on a specific topic.

Simply convert your guides into a downloadable file like a PDF document. Then, you can charge visitors who want to purchase your content.

For instance, imagine you have a detailed guide on email marketing. You can convert that guide into a PDF and sell it as a digital product.

Various WordPress e-commerce platforms are available to sell digital products. We recommend Easy Digital Downloads because it’s beginner-friendly, offers a shopping cart, integrates easily with payment gateways, and more.

Learn more by consulting our guide on how to sell digital downloads on WordPress.

5. Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are another type of digital product you can sell on your website to generate income. You can create all sorts of useful spreadsheets for your audience.

For example, let’s say you have expertise in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). You can create an SEO technical checklist for beginners and offer it as a paid spreadsheet. Similarly, you can create checklists, templates, calculators, lists, and other types of spreadsheets.

The best part? Creating a spreadsheet requires no investment. Plus, it helps you offer evergreen content that you can use to generate leads and passive income.

For more details, check out our guide on how to sell spreadsheets online.

6. WordPress Plugins

You can also create WordPress plugins and sell them as digital products.

WordPress is open-source software that powers over 43% of websites on the internet. There are over 60,000 WordPress plugins, including free and paid options. This demonstrates the immense potential for creating a revenue-generating plugin.

Typically, you’ll need basic coding knowledge, like PHP, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, to write a plugin. For more information, consult our step-by-step guide on how to create a WordPress plugin.

You can also hire a developer to help you create a plugin. There are many job websites for WordPress developers where you can post a job listing and hire the right talent for a specific project.

If you’re up for a DIY project, you can use a plugin called Pluginception. It lets you create a WordPress plugin right from the WordPress dashboard. To learn more, follow our guide on how to create a WordPress plugin using a plugin.

7. Software and Mobile Apps

Similar to WordPress plugins, you can also create software and mobile apps. There are many SaaS (Software as a Service) products you can create for any niche. It could be productivity software, fitness apps, games, and much more.

SaaS products typically have a recurring subscription model. This means you’ll generate revenue monthly or annually.

Since creating such software and apps requires specific knowledge, you might need to hire developers. This process can be expensive because you’ll need an investment to create the software or buy an existing one (starting from $15,000).

As an alternative, you can convert your WordPress websites into mobile apps and monetize them. Tools and plugins exist to convert your site into an app. For example, imagine you have a membership site. Converting it into an app will help attract mobile users and sell it as a digital product.

On the other hand, you can join affiliate programs and earn a commission for every sale. You can create a WordPress blog to review different programs and apps and promote them as an affiliate. Or, you can create an online store using affiliate products.

For more information, check out our ultimate guide to affiliate marketing for beginners.

8. Website Themes

Similarly, you can create WordPress themes and sell them online.

Themes are essential for all WordPress users, and users often seek themes offering specific features and customization options.

Several platforms allow you to sell website themes. Some of them include Envato, Themeforest, CodeCanyon, and Creative Market.

You can also advertise a free version of your theme in the WordPress.org theme directory. From there, you can encourage users to upgrade to a premium version to unlock more features.

We recommend selling digital products on your websites instead of a marketplace like Envato because they charge a hefty commission on every sale without much benefit. You can use an e-commerce solution like Easy Digital Downloads to create your own digital store.

9. Digital Art and Graphics

If you’re a graphic designer or artist, you can create various digital products and sell them online.

For example, you can create logos, design templates, original digital illustrations, clipart, patterns, brushes, backgrounds, icons, fonts, shapes, and much more.

Additionally, creating assets for different photo editing programs like Adobe PhotoShop, Canva, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Photo can also help you earn money online.

To get started, follow our guide on how to sell digital art and graphics online.

10. Photographs

Another excellent digital product you can sell online is photography. Many people seek images they can use for their websites and WordPress blogs.

There are different types of photos you can sell. Some include stock photos, event images, portraits, drone footage, backgrounds, and much more.

You can now sell your images to various stock photography sites like Shutterstock, 500px, iStock Photo, Adobe Stock, and others. Each of these websites has a payment structure where they’ll share a percentage of direct sales or give you a royalty for your copyright.

On the other hand, you can create your own photography website and sell your images there. This way, you don’t have to share profits with a third party, and you have more control over your images.

To help you out, check out some helpful WordPress plugins for photographers.

11. Videos

Videos are the next digital products on our list that you can sell online.

For example, videos like drone footage, stock videos, online training, product reviews, video game reviews, and gameplay footage are some ideas you can use to create a video-based digital product.

One of the simplest ways to monetize your videos is to create a membership video site. This way, you don’t have to rely on advertising revenue from other platforms and get recurring payments from paying users who access your content.

12. Recipes

Are you a chef, home cook, or food blogger? If so, you can sell recipes as digital products.

The food industry is worth trillions of dollars and is highly competitive. However, you can find a niche that resonates with your audience and share recipes to make money.

For instance, you can create a food blog and offer premium recipes to subscribers. Or, you can combine several recipes into an ebook and sell it as a digital product.

Additionally, you can offer cooking courses and other premium content by creating a membership site. We recommend MemberPress for this type of site as it’s the best plugin on the market.

13. Podcasts

Podcasts are audio programs that users can subscribe to. They typically consist of audio files that listeners can download or stream.

There are many topics you can create a podcast about. For example, if your topic is music, you can narrow it down to a specific genre. Similarly, if you enjoy sports, you can create a podcast about football.

Another great way to sell podcasts is to invite industry experts and offer them as masterclasses. You can charge a premium or offer these podcasts exclusively to members to generate income.

Many podcasters rely on their communities to support them, either through a service like Patreon or by creating their own membership site.

For more details, follow our guide on how to create a podcast and do it right.

14. Professional Services and Coaching

You can also sell your expertise as a digital product and help other businesses.

For example, if you’re a copywriter, graphic designer, social media expert, developer, fitness trainer, legal professional, translator, SEO specialist, offer live chat support, or any type of consultant, you can offer your services to others for a fee.

You can now access various freelance job websites like Upwork or create your own site. From there, you just need to promote your expertise on social media and build a following to get more projects and clients.

15. Research and Data

Do you conduct surveys, polls, and research across the industry? If so, you can create digital products and sell research data.

Many companies seek information about their industry. They want to understand their audience better and figure out what they like and dislike.

You can conduct research on popular topics, collaborate with businesses, or simply run a survey to collect data. Afterward, you can create a report, add it to your website, and sell it to consumers.

If you have a membership website, you can also offer studies and data to subscribers.

To see examples, check out some of the research articles we offer for free here at WPBeginner:

• Research: The Truth Behind Making Money Online With YouTube and TikTok Videos (We Analyzed 344 Videos)
• 60+ Internet Usage Statistics & Latest Trends
• CMS Market Share Report: Latest Trends and Usage Statistics
• Blogging Statistics, Trends, and Data – Ultimate List (UPDATED)
• The Definitive Web Hosting Statistics and Market Share Report
• Creator Economy Statistics That Will Blow Your Mind

Bonus: Plugins and Tools to Market Your Digital Products

Now that you know some of the most popular digital products to sell online, you’ll also need to market them to your customers.

Here’s a list of WordPress plugins and tools you can use to promote your product and increase conversions:

• OptinMonster: It’s the best lead generation and popup plugin for WordPress. You can create different campaigns and use smart targeting rules to promote digital products and boost conversions.
• WPForms: This is the best forms plugin for WordPress. You can use it to create an order form, payment form, and much more.
• All in One SEO (AIOSEO): The plugin helps you optimize your website for search engines. This way, you’ll improve your search engine rankings, attract more organic visitors to your site, and boost sales of your digital products.
• MonsterInsights: It’s the best Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. Using the plugin, you can track your digital product performance, see which files get the most downloads, discover the most popular products, and track e-commerce revenue without coding.
• PushEngage: This is a push notification software for WordPress that lets you send customized instant alerts to customers about new products, promotions, deals, etc.
• WP Simple Pay: You can collect online payments on your website using this plugin. The best part is that you don’t have to set up a shopping cart to sell digital products while using WP Simple Pay.

We hope this article has helped you discover the most popular digital products to sell online. You might also want to check out our guide on easy and low-cost online business ideas that make money and the best email marketing tools to promote your digital products.

Conclusion

The digital product landscape is constantly evolving, offering new opportunities to monetize your skills, passions, and expertise. By understanding the most popular digital products and leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can establish a profitable online business and achieve your financial goals.

FAQs

What are the best platforms to sell digital products?

There are many platforms you can use to sell digital products. Some of the most popular options include:

• Your Own Website: This gives you complete control over your brand and customer experience.
• Etsy: A popular marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, but also a good option for selling digital products like printables and art.
• Gumroad: A platform specifically designed for creators to sell digital products like ebooks, courses, and software.
• Thinkific: A platform for creating and selling online courses.

How can I protect my digital products from piracy?

While you can’t completely prevent piracy, you can take steps to make it harder for people to steal your work:

• Use Digital Rights Management (DRM): DRM software can restrict copying and sharing of your digital products.
• Watermarking: Add your logo or copyright information to your digital products.
• Use a Secure Hosting Platform: Choose a reputable hosting provider that offers security features to protect your data.

How do I market my digital products effectively?

Here are some effective marketing strategies:

• Social Media Marketing: Promote your products on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Content Marketing: Create valuable content that attracts your target audience, like blog posts, videos, and infographics.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters with product promotions and updates.
• Paid Advertising: Consider using platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience.

What are the best payment gateways for digital products?

Some popular payment gateways for digital products include:

• PayPal: A widely recognized and trusted option.
• Stripe: A popular choice for online businesses, offering a user-friendly interface and strong security.
• Square: A good option for businesses that also have a physical presence.
• Apple Pay: A convenient payment option for Apple device users.

How do I handle customer support for digital products?

Providing excellent customer support is essential for any business.

• Be Responsive: Respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Offer Multiple Support Channels: Provide support through email, live chat, or a dedicated help desk.
• Create a Knowledge Base: Provide helpful resources and FAQs to answer common questions.

How do I price my digital products?

Pricing your digital products is important, and there are several factors to consider:

• Value: Determine the value your product offers to your customers.
• Competition: Research how your competitors price their similar products.
• Cost: Calculate the cost of creating and marketing your product.
• Target Audience: Consider the purchasing power of your target audience.

What are the best tools for creating digital products?

Here are some tools that can help you create digital products:

• Canva: A user-friendly design tool for creating graphics, presentations, and social media content.
• Adobe Photoshop: A powerful photo editing software for creating professional-looking graphics.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: A video editing software for creating high-quality videos.
• Audacity: A free and open-source audio recording and editing software.
• WordPress: A powerful platform for creating websites and digital products.

What are some tips for creating high-quality digital products?

Here are some tips for creating high-quality digital products:

• Focus on Your Audience: Understand your target audience’s needs and interests.
• Provide Value: Create products that solve problems, provide insights, or entertain your audience.
• Pay Attention to Design: Make your products visually appealing and easy to use.
• Test and Iterate: Get feedback from your customers and make improvements based on their input.

How do I get started selling digital products online?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

• Choose a Niche: Identify a topic or area you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in.
• Create a Product: Decide on the type of digital product you want to create, like an ebook, online course, or software.
• Set Up Your Website: Choose a website platform like WordPress and create a website to sell your products.
• Choose a Payment Gateway: Select a payment gateway to process transactions.
• Market Your Product: Use various marketing strategies to promote your product and attract customers.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when selling digital products?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not Defining Your Target Audience: Creating products without understanding your audience’s needs.
• Not Providing Value: Offering products that lack substance or usefulness.
• Ignoring Customer Feedback: Not seeking feedback from your customers to improve your products.
• Not Promoting Your Products: Failing to market your products effectively to attract customers.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.