The digital product market has exploded in recent years, offering creators and entrepreneurs unprecedented opportunities to monetize their skills and knowledge. From eBooks and online courses to graphic designs and software, the range of digital products is vast. However, with so many platforms available, choosing the right one to sell your digital products can feel like trying to pick the perfect avocado at the grocery store - overwhelming and potentially disappointing if you get it wrong. But don't worry, I've got your back. In this guide, we'll explore the 20 best marketplaces and platforms for selling digital products in 2024, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
Why Sell Digital Products?
Before we jump into the platforms, let's talk about why selling digital products is such a smart move for anyone looking to create a digital business.
- Passive income: Once you've created your digital product, you can sell it again and again without additional work. It's like having a money-making machine that runs 24/7.
- Low overhead costs: No inventory to store, no shipping to handle. Your biggest investment is your time and creativity.
- Instant delivery: As soon as a customer hits "buy," they can access your product. No waiting around for the mailman here.
- High profit margins: Without the costs associated with physical products, you can keep more of what you earn. Cha-ching!
Types of Platforms for Selling Digital Products
Now, let's break down the types of platforms you can use to sell your digital masterpieces:
These are like digital farmers' markets. You set up your stall (listing) alongside other sellers, benefiting from the platform's existing customer base and built-in traffic.
- Pre-existing customer base.
- Built-in search and discovery features.
- Standardized listing and selling processes.
- Platform-handled payment processing.
Think of these as your own digital storefront, allowing you to build a custom experience for your clients. While they require more effort in terms of design and marketing, they offer greater control over branding, customer relationships, and the overall shopping experience.
- Customizable storefronts.
- Full control over pricing and promotions.
- Direct customer relationships.
- Integration with various payment gateways and tools.
These platforms are tailored specifically for digital goods, offering features that cater to the unique needs of digital product sellers. They often provide a balance between the ease of marketplaces and the control of e-commerce platforms.
- Automated delivery systems.
- Licensing and digital rights management tools.
- Integration with content protection measures.
- Specialized analytics for digital product sales.
If you're selling online courses, these platforms provide all the tools you need to create, market, and sell your educational content. They often include features like progress tracking, quizzes, and certification options.
- Course creation and management tools.
- Student engagement features.
- Progress tracking and assessment capabilities.
- Marketing tools specific to educational content.
Best Marketplaces for Digital Products
1. Etsy: Not just for handmade crafts anymore, Etsy has become a go-to for digital products. From printables to digital art, Etsy's large customer base and user-friendly interface make it a great starting point for many digital creators. Plus, their built-in marketing tools can help you get your products in front of the right eyes.
- Extensive, creative-oriented customer base.
- User-friendly interface for both sellers and buyers.
- Built-in marketing and listing tools.
- Strong mobile presence.
- High competition in popular digital product categories.
- Fees can impact profit margins for lower-priced items.
- Limited control over shop appearance and branding.
Best for: designers, artists, and creators of printables, patterns, templates and digital art.
2. Creative Market: If you're in the design space, Creative Market is your new best friend. This platform is a haven for graphic designers, web designers, and other creatives looking to sell digital assets like fonts, icons, templates, and graphics. The quality bar is high, but so are the potential rewards.
- Design-focused audience with high standards.
- Opportunity for premium pricing on quality products.
- Robust search and categorization features.
- Community features for networking and inspiration.
- Strict quality standards make it hard to get approved on the platform.
- Higher competition in popular design categories.
- Limited to design-related digital products.
Best for: graphic designers, web designers, and creators of fonts, illustrations, templates, and design assets.
3. Envato Market: Envato operates a family of marketplaces, each specializing in different types of digital products for creative professionals. Selling on Envato can be highly lucrative due to its large customer base and the demand for high-quality digital assets.
- Specialized marketplaces for different product types (e.g., ThemeForest for website themes, CodeCanyon for scripts and plugins).
- Large, established customer base in the web development and design space.
- Opportunity for high-volume sales of popular items.
- Highly competitive, especially in saturated categories.
- Strict review process for new product submissions.
- Revenue share model may impact profitability for some creators.
Best for: web developers, designers, and creators of website themes, plugins, and digital assets for creative professionals.
4. Creative Fabrica: A rising star in the digital product world, Creative Fabrica is particularly popular for fonts, graphics, and craft files. This platform offers a unique blend of marketplace and subscription models, catering to a diverse range of digital product creators.
- Offers both marketplace and subscription models.
- Growing user base, particularly in the crafting community.
- User-friendly interface for sellers and buyers.
- Strong focus on fonts, graphics, and craft files.
- Newer platform, so potentially smaller customer base compared to established marketplaces.
- Subscription model may impact individual product sales.
- Competition is increasing as the platform gains popularity.
Best for: font designers, graphic artists, and creators of digital craft files (e.g., SVG files for cutting machines).
5. Design Bundles: As the name suggests, this platform is great for selling bundles of design assets. It's particularly popular for SVG files and other craft-related digital products. Their "Commercial License" option can be attractive for buyers looking to use products in their own businesses.
- Opportunity to participate in high-value bundles.
- "Commercial License" option attractive to business buyers.
- Strong presence in the craft and DIY markets.
- Regular promotional events can boost visibility.
- Bundle pricing may impact individual product value perception.
- Revenue from bundles may be lower than individual sales.
- Platform's focus on bundles may not suit all product types.
Best for: designers of SVG files, craft-related digital products, and creators willing to participate in bundle deals.
6. TheHungryJPEG: Another design-focused marketplace, TheHungryJPEG is known for its font bundles and graphic design resources. They frequently run promotions that can help get your products in front of more buyers.
- Regular promotions and bundle deals can increase exposure.
- Strong presence in the font and graphic design community.
- User-friendly interface for sellers.
- Engaged customer base looking for design assets.
- Heavy focus on bundles may impact individual product sales.
- Competitive marketplace, especially for popular design categories.
- May require frequent new product releases to maintain visibility.
Best for: font designers, graphic artists, and creators of digital design assets.
7. Gumroad: While straddling the line between marketplace and platform, Gumroad has earned its place in this list due to its simplicity, flexibility, and creator-friendly approach. It offers a straightforward solution for creators looking to sell digital products directly to their audience.
- Extremely easy setup process.
- Supports a wide variety of digital product types.
- Built-in marketing tools and analytics.
- Allows for direct customer relationships.
- Less built-in traffic compared to larger marketplaces.
- Requires more individual marketing effort.
- Fee structure may be less favorable for high-volume, low-price items.
Best for: independent creators of various digital products, including ebooks, software, music, and courses.
E-commerce Platforms for Digital Products
8. Shopify: The 800-pound gorilla of e-commerce, Shopify isn't just for physical products. With the right apps, it can be a powerful platform for selling digital goods. Its robust features and extensive app ecosystem make it a versatile choice for sellers who want full control over their store's look and feel. As our personal favorite and the platform we use for our own website, we can attest to its power and flexibility for digital product sales.
- Highly customizable storefront.
- Robust features for inventory management, analytics, and marketing.
- Large app ecosystem for extended functionality.
- Excellent integration with various payment gateways and tools.
- Monthly subscription cost may be high for beginners.
- Requires some technical know-how for optimal setup.
- Not specifically designed for digital products, may need additional apps.
Best for: established creators looking for a scalable solution, especially those who are looking to add more features like a blog, subscription etc.
9. WooCommerce (WordPress): If you're already familiar with WordPress, WooCommerce can turn your website into a digital product powerhouse. It's highly customizable and can handle everything from ebooks to software licenses. Plus, being open-source means there's a vast community of developers creating plugins to extend its functionality.
- Highly flexible and customizable.
- No monthly fees (though hosting and some extensions may have costs).
- Large community of developers creating extensions.
- Seamless integration with WordPress sites.
- Requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
- Security and updates need to be managed manually.
- Can become complex with multiple plugins and extensions.
Best for: WordPress users comfortable with technology, looking for a highly customizable solution.
10. BigCommerce: Another heavyweight in the e-commerce world, BigCommerce offers solid features for digital product sellers. It's known for its robust built-in features and scalability, making it suitable for growing businesses.
- Built-in features for digital product delivery.
- Strong SEO tools and multi-channel selling capabilities.
- Scalable solution suitable for growing businesses.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive for small sellers.
- Learning curve may be steep for beginners.
- Some advanced features only available on higher-priced plans.
Best for: growing businesses looking for a scalable solution with strong multi-channel selling features.
11. Squarespace: Known for its sleek, designer-friendly templates, Squarespace is a great option if you want a beautiful storefront with minimal fuss. While not as customizable as some other options, it's a solid choice for creators who prioritize aesthetics and ease of use.
- Beautiful, responsive templates
- User-friendly interface requires minimal technical knowledge
- Built-in marketing and SEO tools
- Integrated email marketing features
- Less customizable than some other platforms
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Digital product features may be less comprehensive than specialized platforms
Best for: creators prioritizing aesthetics and ease of use, particularly those in visual fields.
Specialized Digital Product Platforms
12. Stanstore: Designed specifically for digital products, Stanstore offers features like customizable storefronts, automated delivery, and integration with email marketing tools. The platform's focus on digital products means that sellers can benefit from features that are often overlooked by more general e-commerce solutions.
- Customizable storefronts for unique branding.
- Automated delivery systems for instant product access.
- Integration with popular email marketing tools.
- Secure file hosting and download management.
- Less name recognition compared to larger e-commerce platforms.
- May have a smaller built-in audience than established marketplaces.
- Learning curve for utilizing all available features.
Best for: digital creators looking for a specialized platform with robust features for selling and delivering a wide range of digital products.
13. Sellfy: This all-in-one e-commerce solution is tailored for digital products, print-on-demand items, and subscriptions. Sellfy's user-friendly interface and quick setup process make it a go-to for creators who want to start selling quickly.
- Easy-to-use interface with a gentle learning curve.
- Supports various product types beyond just digital downloads.
- Embedded buy buttons for selling on external sites.
- Flexible pricing options, including pay-what-you-want.
- Limited design customization options compared to some competitors.
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans can eat into profits.
- Less robust marketing tools than some specialized platforms.
Best for: creators who want to sell a mix of digital and physical products with minimal setup hassle and time investment.
14. Payhip: Known for its simplicity, Payhip is a great option for beginners. It handles EU VAT, offers affiliate management tools, and even has features for selling memberships and subscriptions.
- Simple and intuitive platform, ideal for beginners.
- Handles complex issues like EU VAT compliance.
- Built-in affiliate management system.
- Flexible pricing with no monthly fees.
- Limited customization options for store design.
- Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors.
- May not scale as well for very large businesses.
Best for: beginners and small-scale sellers who prioritize simplicity, low costs, and built-in affiliate management.
15. Podia: Straddling the line between specialized platform and course platform, Podia offers tools for selling digital downloads, online courses, and memberships. Its all-in-one approach can be appealing for creators who offer a variety of digital products.
- All-in-one solution for various digital product types.
- User-friendly course creation and membership tools.
- Integrated email marketing features.
- No transaction fees on any plan.
- Limited design customization options.
- May be more than needed for simple digital download sellers.
- Fewer advanced marketing tools than some specialized platforms.
Best for: educators, coaches, and content creators who offer a variety of digital products including online courses, ebooks, and memberships.
16. Beacons: This platform is unique in its focus on creating a customizable link-in-bio page where you can showcase and sell your digital products. It's particularly useful for creators with a strong social media presence.
- Ideal for social media-based creators and influencers.
- Integrated analytics to track performance.
- Tip jar feature for additional monetization.
- Mobile-optimized design for seamless user experience.
- Limited to link-in-bio functionality.
- May not suit all types of digital products or business models.
- Less robust e-commerce features compared to dedicated platforms.
Best for: social media influencers and creators looking to monetize their following through a streamlined bio link page and simple digital product sales.
Course-Specific Platforms
17. Teachable: One of the most popular platforms for online course creators, Teachable offers robust tools for creating, marketing, and selling your courses. It's known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set that caters to both beginners and experienced course creators.
- User-friendly course creation tools with customizable options.
- Built-in marketing features including affiliate programs.
- Supports multiple instructors and course bundling.
- Handles VAT and EU tax compliance.
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans can be high.
- Limited theme options for course design.
- Email marketing features are basic compared to dedicated email tools.
Best for: educators, trainers, and content creators looking for a comprehensive platform to create, market, and sell online courses.
18. Udemy: While Udemy is more of a marketplace for courses, it's worth mentioning due to its large user base. It can be a great way to get your courses in front of a large audience, though you'll have less control over pricing and marketing.
- Access to a massive, built-in audience of learners.
- No upfront costs to host your course.
- Handles all aspects of payment processing and customer service.
- Opportunity for organic discovery within the platform.
- Limited control over pricing and promotions.
- High competition due to the large number of courses.
- Udemy takes a significant percentage of sales.
- Less ability to build your own brand.
Best for: course creators who want to tap into a large existing marketplace and don't mind less control over pricing and branding.
19. Thinkific: Another solid choice for course creators, Thinkific offers extensive customization options and robust marketing tools. It's known for its user-friendly course builder and strong customer support.
- Highly customizable course site and learning environment.
- No transaction fees on any plan.
- Robust quiz and assessment features.
- Offers a free plan to get started.
- Email marketing and affiliate features only available on higher-tier plans.
- Limited options for student discussions and community building.
- Can be pricier than some competitors for advanced features.
Best for: course creators who want extensive customization options and are willing to handle their own marketing and student acquisition.
20. Kajabi: More than just a course platform, Kajabi is an all-in-one solution for digital entrepreneurs. It offers tools for creating and selling courses, membership sites, and other digital products, as well as email marketing and affiliate management features.
- Comprehensive suite of tools for courses, websites, email marketing, and more.
- Advanced automation features for marketing and student engagement.
- High-quality, customizable themes and layouts.
- No transaction fees on any plan.
- Higher price point compared to many competitors.
- Steeper learning curve due to the wide array of features.
- Limited third-party integrations as it aims to be an all-in-one solution.
Best for: established digital entrepreneurs and businesses looking for an all-in-one platform to host courses, build websites, and manage marketing campaigns.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform
Choosing the right platform is like choosing the right pair of shoes - what works for someone else might not work for you. Here are some key factors to consider:
Fees and pricing: Look at transaction fees, monthly costs, and any other charges. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best - consider the value you're getting for the price.
Ease of use: If you're not tech-savvy, a user-friendly platform can save you a lot of headaches. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and good documentation.
Payment options: The more payment methods you can offer, the easier it is for customers to buy from you. Check what payment gateways each platform supports.
Marketing tools: Some platforms offer built-in SEO tools, email marketing integration, or even ad credits. These can be valuable in getting your products in front of potential customers.
Integration capabilities: If you use other tools in your business, check if the platform can integrate with them. This can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Customer support: When things go wrong (and they sometimes do), good customer support can be a lifesaver. Look for platforms that offer responsive support through your preferred channels.
Legal Considerations
Before you start selling, make sure you've got your legal ducks in a row:
Copyright and licensing: Ensure you have the rights to sell your digital products. If you're using any third-party assets, make sure you have the appropriate licenses.
Terms and conditions: Clearly outline the terms of sale, including refund policies and usage rights. Many platforms provide templates, but it's worth customizing these to your specific products.
Tips for Successfully Selling Digital Products
- Choose the right platform for your niche: Consider where your target audience is most likely to shop. A platform that's great for selling fonts might not be the best for online courses.
- Create high-quality products: In the digital world, reputation is everything. Invest time in creating products that truly deliver value to your customers.
- Price your products appropriately: Research what similar products are selling for, but don't be afraid to charge what your product is worth. Remember, you're selling value, not just a digital file.
- Provide excellent customer service: Respond promptly to questions and concerns. Good customer service can lead to repeat buyers and positive reviews.
- Leverage marketing tools: Use the marketing features your chosen platform offers. Many provide tools for email marketing, social media promotion, or even running discounts and promotions.
Conclusion
Whew! We've covered a lot of ground, from sprawling marketplaces to niche platforms. The world of digital product sales is vast and varied, offering opportunities for creators of all types. Whether you're selling ebooks, courses, design assets, or any other type of digital product, there's a platform out there that's perfect for you.
Remember, the "best" platform is the one that aligns with your needs, your products, and your target audience. Don't be afraid to experiment - many creators find success by selling on multiple platforms.
As we move further into 2024, the digital product market shows no signs of slowing down. With the right products, the right platform, and a bit of marketing savvy, you can carve out your own slice of this lucrative pie.
So what are you waiting for? Pick a platform, create your product, and start selling... Wait, don't tell me you don't know what digital product to sell? Don't worry, we've got you covered again! Check our list of 80 profitable digital products to sell in various niches.
