Most Profitable Digital Products to Sell Online

Are you trying to find the most profitable digital products to sell online?

In today’s digital age, there’s a growing opportunity to create and sell your own digital products. From eBooks and online courses to software and templates, the possibilities are endless.

But how do you ensure your digital products are not only high-quality but also highly profitable?

This guide is here to help!

🔎 In this article, I’ll cover:

What Makes Digital Products Profitable?

The digital product market is growing at exponential rates.

Statista research found that the projected transactional value of the digital commerce market is expected to reach about $13 trillion by 2029! The number of users is expected to reach over 4 billion in the same time frame.

Digital products offer a unique combination of characteristics that contribute to their high-profit potential.

Low Production Costs

You don’t have to worry about keeping stock, buying materials, or shipping anything. This means lower costs and higher profits because you don’t have many extra expenses for each sale. It’s way easier to grow your business and make more money this way.

Scalability and Global Reach

Digital distribution allows products to reach a global audience without the limitations of physical distribution. This significantly expands the potential market and sales opportunities.

Ease of Updates and Improvements

The ability to automate delivery and access further streamlines the process, reducing the need for manual intervention and customer support. Additionally, digital products can be easily updated and improved, enhancing their value and longevity in the market.

Passive Income Potential

Another factor contributing to profitability is the potential for passive income. Once created, digital products can be sold repeatedly without incurring significant additional costs.

This helps generate ongoing revenue streams. The global reach of the internet also expands the customer base, enabling access to a wider market and increasing sales potential.

Versatility & Diverse Pricing Strategies

The versatility of digital products allows for diverse pricing strategies, including subscriptions, bundles, and tiered offerings, maximizing revenue generation. The ability to personalize and tailor products to specific customer needs also enhances their value and appeal, contributing to higher sales and customer satisfaction.

The combination of low production costs, scalability, automation, global reach, and diverse pricing strategies makes digital products highly profitable ventures with the potential for significant and sustainable income generation.

Top 8 Most Profitable Digital Products to Sell

Most people don’t have trouble understanding why selling digital products is a lucrative and worthwhile endeavor. The bigger problem is deciding which digital products to sell.

If you’re looking for ideas for the most profitable digital products to sell, the below list can give you a good starting point!

Some easy digital products don’t require a lot of time or money to create. However, typically, the most demanding digital products require some level of expertise, commitment, and skill to create, distribute, and maintain.

Note that this list of the most profitable digital products to sell isn’t necessarily in any specific order.

1. Ebooks and Digital Books

Ebooks and digital books are electronic versions of traditional printed books. They’re available for reading on various devices like computers, tablets, and e-readers.

These are among the most profitable digital products for beginners. They offer a convenient and accessible alternative to physical books, eliminating the need for physical storage and allowing for easy portability.

With the rise of e-readers and the growing popularity of digital content consumption, there’s a massive market for eBooks. Once created, ebooks have minimal production and distribution costs.

Ebooks can be easily replicated and sold to a global audience with minimal overhead. They can be sold as standalone products or bundled with other offerings, creating opportunities for recurring revenue streams.

Another reason to sell eBooks is that there are so many different types you can create and distribute. For instance:

• Fiction
• Non-Fiction (self-help, educational resources)
• Technical manuals and tutorials
• Interactive eBooks with interactive elements like quizzes and videos

As one of the easiest digital products to sell, you can target niche topics with dedicated audiences. You can also self-publish eBooks and use a variety of monetization strategies like affiliate marketing.

Easy Digital Downloads provides a user-friendly platform for selling digital products like eBooks. You can easily set up your online store, manage sales, and integrate with popular payment gateways.

2. Online Courses

Educational resources offer so many different digital product ideas that you can use to help start or grow an online business.

Online courses are structured learning experiences delivered digitally, offering a flexible and accessible way to acquire new skills and knowledge. They can range from short, self-paced tutorials to comprehensive programs with live sessions, assignments, and certifications.

Many courses are offered through subscription models or membership programs, generating recurring income streams.

• Video-based courses: Pre-recorded video lectures, often supplemented with downloadable materials.
• Live online courses: Interactive sessions with live instructors and real-time Q&A.
• Membership sites: Offer exclusive access to a library of courses, live workshops, and a community forum.
• Certification programs: Structured courses that culminate in a recognized certification.
• Blended learning: Combines online learning with in-person workshops or coaching sessions.

Easy Digital Downloads can be used to sell your online courses directly from your website. You can integrate a Learning Management System (LMS) like LearnDash or MemberPress.

You can easily set up payment gateways, manage student enrollments, and deliver course content securely.

3. Digital Art and Photography

Digital art encompasses a broad range of artistic expressions created or manipulated using digital tools and technologies. This includes digital photography, photo manipulation, graphic design, 3D modeling, digital painting, and more.

There’s a constant demand for high-quality images and visual content across various industries, including advertising, marketing, publishing, and entertainment.

Creating and selling digital art often requires minimal physical equipment or studio space.

High-quality digital art and photography can command premium prices, especially for commissioned work or exclusive rights. Freelance graphic designers provide services such as logo design, branding, and website design to businesses and individuals.

You can also create and sell stock photography. You can create your own photography website or third-party platforms. For instance, platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock allow photographers to sell their images to a global audience.

EDD can be used to sell digital art and photography prints, licenses, and other digital products directly from your website.

4. WordPress Themes and Plugins

WordPress themes control the visual appearance of your website, including layout, colors, fonts, and overall design. WordPress plugins extend the functionality of your website by adding features like contact forms, eCommerce capabilities, SEO optimization tools, and more.

Millions of WordPress websites worldwide constantly need new themes and plugins to enhance their functionality and improve their user experience.

Many themes and plugins are sold through subscription models, generating ongoing revenue streams. However, you can also sell the premium products for a one-time fee.

Once developed, themes and plugins can be easily distributed to a large audience through online marketplaces. There’s a strong demand for niche-specific themes and plugins catering to specific industries and user needs.

Some examples include:

• Multipurpose themes. Versatile themes that can be adapted for various website types, such as blogs, businesses, and portfolios.
• Niche-specific themes. Themes designed for specific industries, such as real estate, restaurants, or eCommerce.
• E-commerce plugins. Plugins like Easy Digital Downloads and WooCommerce enable users to easily create and manage online stores.
• SEO plugins. Plugins like AIOSEO help website owners improve their search engine rankings.
• Security plugins. Plugins like Wordfence help protect websites from hackers and malware.

You can sell these plugins and themes on third-party online marketplaces, such as ThemeForest.

However, I recommend creating your own website. Easy Digital Downloads can be used to sell your WordPress themes and plugins directly from your own website, providing you with complete control over your sales and marketing.

5. Software and Apps

Software and apps encompass a vast range of digital products, from productivity tools and entertainment applications to business software and specialized utilities.

The demand for software and apps continues to grow exponentially across all platforms (desktop, mobile, web).

Successful software and apps can generate significant revenue through one-time purchases, subscriptions, in-app purchases, and advertising. Subscription-based software and apps generate consistent recurring income streams.

They also can be easily distributed to a global audience with minimal ongoing costs.

• Productivity software. Spreadsheets, word processors, project management tools, CRM software.
• Entertainment apps. Games, music streaming services, video streaming platforms.
• Business software. Accounting software, marketing automation tools, eCommerce platforms.
• Mobile apps. Apps for social media, messaging, navigation, food delivery, and more.
• Utility apps. Tools for productivity, organization, and task management.

While primarily designed for selling digital downloads like eBooks and images, EDD can be adapted to license and sell software and apps, such as simple utilities or desktop software applications.

It has dedicated features and tools for software licensing to make selling and managing license keys a breeze.

6. Music and Audio Files

This category encompasses a wide range of digital products, from individual songs and albums to audiobooks, podcasts, and sound effects.

The digital music and audio industry is a massive global market with a diverse range of consumers. There’s constant demand for new music, audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content.

Some popular examples include Spotify and Audible.

Product variations include:

• Music. Individual songs, albums, EPs, singles.
• Audiobooks. Narrated versions of books, novels, and other literary works.
• Podcasts. Audio or video broadcasts that can be downloaded or streamed.
• Sound effects. Collections of sound effects for use in videos, games, and other media.
• Ambient sounds. Relaxing soundscapes, nature sounds, and other background audio.

Easy Digital Downloads is an ideal platform for selling digital audio files, allowing you to easily manage sales, deliver content, and accept payments.

7. Printables and Templates

Printables and templates are digital files that can be downloaded and printed, offering a wide range of practical and creative uses for both personal and professional purposes.

There’s a constant demand for printable digital products and digital templates across various niches, including home decor, education, business, and personal organization.

Once created, printables and templates can be easily replicated and sold digitally with minimal ongoing costs. You can distribute them across online marketplaces, your own website, and social platforms.

Popular examples:

• Planner templates. Daily, weekly, and monthly planners, budget trackers, habit trackers.
• Digital planners. Interactive PDF planners with hyperlinks and fillable fields.
• Home decor printables. Wall art, posters, greeting cards, party decorations.
• Educational resources. Worksheets, flashcards, coloring pages, activity sheets.
• Business templates. Invoices, contracts, proposals, resumes, presentations.
• Crafts and DIY templates. Patterns for sewing, knitting, crocheting, and other crafts.
• Printable kits. Bundles of related printables, such as a complete party planning kit or a homeschooling resource kit.

Easy Digital Downloads is an excellent platform for selling digital downloads like printables and templates. You can easily set up your online store, manage sales, and deliver files securely.

8. Digital Services

Rounding out our best-selling and most profitable digital products list is more of a general category: online services.

Digital services encompass a wide range of online services offered remotely, leveraging technology to connect businesses and individuals with clients worldwide.

The demand for remote services is constantly growing, fueled by the rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on technology. Services can be delivered to clients worldwide, expanding your potential customer base.

Many digital services require minimal overhead costs, such as office space and physical inventory.

• Freelance writing and editing. Providing writing, editing, and proofreading services to businesses and individuals.
• Graphic design and web development. Designing websites, logos, and other visual content for businesses.
• Marketing services. Social media management, SEO, email marketing, content marketing, paid advertising.
• Virtual assistance. Providing administrative, technical, and creative support to businesses and individuals.
• Online consulting and coaching. Offering expert advice and guidance on various topics, such as business strategy, marketing, and personal development.

💡Learn more about the best service ideas to sell.

Tips for Creating Profitable Digital Products

There are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding and creating your unique product ideas.

Identify a High-Demand Niche

Conduct thorough market research to identify a profitable niche with a strong demand for your type of digital product. Analyze competitor offerings to understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify opportunities to differentiate yourself.

Create High-Quality Content

Your primary focus should be to create digital products that are valuable, high-quality, and provide real value to your target audience. Pay attention to presentation and ensure your products are well-formatted, easy to consume, and visually appealing.

Consider incorporating interactive elements like quizzes, videos, and downloadable resources to enhance the user experience.

Build an Audience

Develop a strong online presence through social media marketing, content marketing (blogging, vlogging), email marketing, and other online channels.

Engage with your audience, build relationships, and foster a community around your brand.

Collect email addresses to build your email list and nurture leads.

Offer Excellent Customer Support

Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide helpful solutions to any issues they may encounter.

Offer clear and concise instructions and support documentation for your products.

Build a strong reputation for excellent customer service to encourage repeat business and positive reviews.

Continuously Improve

Regularly gather feedback from your customers to understand their needs and preferences.

Analyze your sales data to identify areas for improvement and optimize your products and marketing strategies.

Stay updated on the latest industry trends and adapt your offerings accordingly.

How to Sell the Most Profitable Digital Products

Selling products online requires a robust and user-friendly platform. While several options exist, WordPress combined with the Easy Digital Downloads plugin emerges as the most effective solution for several reasons.

WordPress provides unparalleled flexibility and customization options. You can easily create a unique online store that perfectly reflects your brand and meets your specific needs.

WordPress boasts a massive ecosystem of themes, plugins, and resources, allowing you to easily extend the functionality of your store with features like SEO optimization, email marketing integration, and social media sharing.

WordPress is an open-source platform, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

💡 Learn more about using WordPress for eCommerce.

Why Easy Digital Downloads?

Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) is specifically designed for selling digital products, offering a streamlined and user-friendly experience for both sellers and buyers.

EDD seamlessly integrates with WordPress, making it easy to set up your online store and start selling your products. It offers a range of powerful features, including:

• Flexible pricing options. Offer various pricing options, such as one-time purchases, subscriptions, and product bundles.
• Secure payment gateways. Integrate with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net to ensure secure and efficient transactions.
• Download protection. Protect your digital files with robust download protection features to prevent unauthorized access.
• Discount codes and coupons. Offer discounts and incentives to attract customers and boost sales.
• Detailed sales reports. Track your sales performance with detailed reports and analytics.

Key Advantages of WordPress and EDD

• Control. You have complete control over your online store, including design, branding, and marketing.
• Scalability. Easily scale your business as your product offerings and customer base grow.
• Cost-effectiveness. A cost-effective solution with a wide range of free and affordable options.
• Ease of use. User-friendly interface and intuitive features make it easy to manage your store and sell your products.

By leveraging the power of WordPress and the robust features of Easy Digital Downloads, you can create a successful online store, effectively sell your products, and build a thriving online business.

FAQs on the Most Profitable Digital Products

Let’s wrap up with frequently asked questions about what digital products sell the most and some tips to use for your digital products business ideas.

What are the most profitable digital products to sell?

Some of the most profitable digital products to create and sell include:

• Online Courses: High-demand and often command higher prices. 
• Ebooks: Low production costs, easily scalable, and can be bundled with other offerings. 
• Software and Apps: High-growth market with potential for high-profit margins. 
• Membership Sites: Generate recurring revenue through exclusive content and community access. 
• Printables and Templates: High demand and low production costs, easily scalable.

What are the best platforms to sell digital products?

WordPress with Easy Digital Downloads. This combo offers flexibility, customization, and a user-friendly interface specifically designed for selling digital products. 

Other popular options include WooCommerce and Shopify.

How much can I earn from selling digital products?

Digital product sales and earnings vary greatly depending on factors like the type of product, pricing strategy, marketing efforts, and audience size. Some creators earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others generate six-figure incomes.

What are the best ways to market digital products?

• Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to reach your target audience. 
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and nurture leads with targeted email campaigns. 
• Content Marketing: Create valuable content like blog posts, videos, and podcasts to attract and engage your audience. 
• Paid Advertising: Utilize platforms like Google Ads and social ads to reach a wider audience. 
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content for search engines to improve organic visibility. 

Remember that building a successful eCommerce business takes time, effort, and consistent marketing.

Start Selling the Most Profitable Digital Products

If you want to make money selling digital products online, it’s important to invest in the right tools. Easy Digital Downloads is the ideal solution for WordPress users. You can use it to create an online store and sell all different types of digital products.

Ready to dive in? Grab an EDD pass and start selling the most profitable digital products in no time!

What’s next? Learn about the best pricing models for digital products.

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!