Have you ever wanted to sell digital products online? If so, you’ve likely researched many of the different options available to online vendors. From e-commerce software to shopping cart plugins and applications, there are many ways to get your storefront up and running.

The great news is that anyone can sell digital products. Better yet, with no overhead, or inventory to worry about, you can easily set up shop over the course of one weekend!

So, the question is; how do you get started?

Depending on the type of products you intend to sell, and whether you need a feature-laden e-commerce solution, complete with all the bells and whistles or an all-in-one simplified digital delivery system, there are many different options available. We’ll take a closer look at some of the best and easiest options, as well as the most affordable.

It’s my hope that this special report will help you to quickly start selling digital products without getting confused or overwhelmed along the way.  With the digital economy booming, and over $100 billion dollars in digital products sold yearly, there’s never been a better time to create your own digital storefront and get in on the action.

Are you excited yet?  If so, let’s get started!

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Getting Started

When planning your digital storefront, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide what kind of digital products you want to sell.  That way, you can choose an e-commerce platform that does exactly what you need.

There are many different types of digital products to sell, such as books (check out our post on Ebook creation tips and tricks), software, graphics, videos, and music, just to name a few. There are also just as many ways to sell that content, including paid access via a membership or subscription site where you can bill customers on a recurring basis, as well as selling individual digital products through a shopping cart system.

But, what if you just aren’t sure what type of digital content you intend to sell – or, you wish to expand your storefront in the future to include additional product formats?

For many of us, we start out selling individual products and later branch out to include collections or additional auxiliary components that enhance the value of our front running product.

To do that, you’ll need a robust system that can manage upsells, one-time-offers, time-sensitive offers and possibly give you the opportunity to rebill customers on a regular basis for ongoing access to your digital content.

If you aren’t sure what kind of products you intend to sell, or you want to choose a digital storefront solution that will allow you to sell any type of digital content imaginable, allowing you to branch out as your business grows, I highly recommend that you check out Product Dyno.

Product Dyno is powerful, yet a user-friendly system that allows you to sell an unlimited number of digital products either with your own domain or a sub-domain offered through their system.

What I like most about it Product Dyno that you can sell virtually any kind of digital product you can think of, including licenses to plugins, apps, and software, and they make it exceptionally easy with a point and click interface that will guide you through the entire process.

It’s one of the easiest ways to get started, even if you’ve never done anything like this before, or you have limited time to dedicate to setting up your shop.

You can grab a copy of Product Dyno here: https://productdyno.com

Side Note: If you are anything like me and you want to prevent serial refunders from gaining access to your content only to turn around and dispute the charge, you can also use Product Dyno to immediately revoke access to your content.  It’s simply one of the most robust, feature-rich solutions online.

If you want to build your own brand online, rather than simply point customers to a subdomain remotely hosted by your digital storefront provider, you’ll want to register a domain name.  Even if you choose to let your digital market provider host your files, you can still point your domain to the sub-domain and build your own unique brand.

If you are looking for cheap domain name registrations from a company that’s been around for over a decade, check out www.NameCheap.com or www.GoDaddy.com

Cool Resource: If you want to check the availability of domain names on the fly, visit https://www.InstantDomainSearch.com and begin entering in keywords.  The website will tell you whether a domain is available as you type in characters.

Once you have the domain, and you know what kind of digital products you intend to sell, you’ll want to decide whether you plan to host the website yourself or use a service that remotely hosts your products for you.

This is referred to as “self-hosted” or “remotely hosted”.

Remotely hosted simply means that the provider will host your digital storefront for you, where with a self-hosted platform, you are setting up your own website and installing e-commerce software.

With a solution like Product Dyno, for example, you can create subdomains for all your digital product sales pages, or use your own website and Product Dyno can easily protect all your product pages.

If you choose to set up your own hosting account so that you can store files and build your website, I recommend Blue Host as they are not only incredibly affordable and offer fast and reliable servers, but they offer top-notch customer support.

Depending on whether you plan to store your own files, you’ll want to upgrade to a larger server, go dedicated, or you could create an account with a service like Amazon AWS that will host all of your files. You can take a look at their plans here: https://aws.amazon.com

Once you have a domain and hosting account, you’ll be able to start building your product pages and sell your digital products!

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To recap:

1:  Create a content plan that outlines the different types of digital products that you wish to sell.

2:  Purchase a digital delivery and product protection system like www.ProductDyno.com, or an alternative solution.

3. Register a domain name or use an existing one.4. Set up a hosting account with BlueHost, or another provider, so that you can begin building your product pages and sales copy.

Building Your Digital Store

If you want to set up shop quickly and easily, and you plan to host your own files and create your own website that features your digital product pages, I recommend installing WordPress.  Not only will it be easier to create an attractive website (even if you lack design experience), but you can set up a fully-functional e-commerce website using powerful plugins that instantly add shopping cart functionality to your website.

Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation so you don’t have to manually upload files, or configure anything.  If you’ve chosen BlueHost as your hosting provider, you’ll be able to access this feature from within your main account manager.  Just log in and search for “Wordpress Installation” to get started.

Tip: If you need help with WordPress, one of my favorite resources for beginners is found at https://www.WPBeginners.com. This website offers comprehensive tutorials and guides on everything WordPress, from customizing your themes to optimizing your website for the major search engines using free plugins.

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems online, and one of the easiest to use so don’t be afraid to give it a try.  It’ll make building and designing your own storefront or digital shop a lot easier.When it comes to building a digital product store that features a shopping cart system, WooCommerce is one of the more popular plugins.

You’ll have to spend some time configuring the plugin to work the way you want it to, but once you’ve set it up it will add shopping cart functionality to your website, and automatically deliver your products to paying customers.

Here are my favorite shopping cart plugins for WordPress:

https://wordpress.org/plugins/woocommerce/

https://en-ca.wordpress.org/plugins/wp-easycart/

If you really don’t want to build your own digital storefront, or if you already have a website that features sales copy for your products but you are looking for an easy way to protect your files and automate the process from checkout to delivery, Product Dyno is definitely the better option. Here’s how I’ve used Product Dyno to sell some of my information products without needing a hosting account but still being able to build my own brand:

Step 1: I registered a domain that matches the kind of content I am selling. For example, if you were planning to sell a course on Social Marketing for business owners, you might register something like social marketing expert, or SocialMarketingGuide.

Step 2:  I log into my Product Dyno account and set up a product page. Instead of using a free sub-domain offered by Product Dyno, I choose to use a custom domain. All I have to do in order for my domain to work with Product Dyno’s system is log into my domain registrar account and change my DNS servers to point to app.productdyno.com

After a day or two, my DNS settings will propagate and whenever potential customers enter my domain name into a search engine or visit it directly, they will automatically be directed to my product page hosted by Product Dyno!

It’s that easy.  That way, instead of having to spend time customizing templates and configuring plugins or shopping carts, I can spend my time developing new digital products.

Selling Products With Shopify

Another easy way to set up a digital shop is with Shopify. Not only is the interface easy to navigate, but Shopify will host everything for you.

In case you aren’t that familiar with Shopify, here’s a quick overview:

• Shopify offers merchants a remotely-hosted solution to selling digital products via their “Digital Downloads App”.
• All you have to do is upload your digital product, set a price, and your customer will be guided through the entire process from purchase to delivery. Better yet, you can automate the entire process so that orders are immediately fulfilled!

Shopify is also one of the most cost-effective ways to sell both physical and digital products online, although I personally prefer it for physical products.

Also, if you’re not skilled with web design and don’t want to mess with HTML or code, you can easily snag a copy of one of their free templates and create a beautiful digital shop within a few minutes.

Another great thing about Shopify is that there are many different third-party developers working on creating plugins and scripts that enhance the functionality of your Shopify store.

For example, one developer offers a simple way to sell hundreds of physical products through drop shipping where you never have to worry about shipments or inventory costs, while being able to tap into a massive catalog of hot-selling products.

You can find out more about this plugin here: https://www.oberlo.com/

Another way to sell digital products through Shopify is by installing a third-party app called SendOwl.  With SendOwl, they will host your digital products for you while ensuring reliable delivery of your products.

You can also set up time sensitive download links that encourage potential customers to make the purchase before the offer is no longer available.

At the time of this writing, SendOwl is the highest rated digital delivery app on the Shopify marketplace.

SendOwl is available here: https://apps.shopify.com/sendowl

If you are interested in selling access to music, stock photo or videos, you can easily create custom pages on your store where you can offer paid access to all of this content.

Customers will be able to create a free account, purchase their “digital pass”, and log into their account.  One of the best solutions we’ve found is Sky Pilot, available here: https://apps.shopify.com/sky-pilot

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Note: Shopify starts at around $30 per month.

To recap:

1:  Create a Shopify account and choose your storefront theme. You’ll be able to choose from both free and premium (paid to use) templates directly from within your account.

2:  Create your content pages and set up your products. Be sure to add a terms and conditions page, as well as a privacy page.  You can do that using Shopify’s free page generator here: https://www.shopify.com/tools/policy-generator/terms-and-conditions

3. Configure your settings including your preferred payment provider. Disable the “shipping” setting if you plan to sell only digital products. You can do this from within the Products page.
4. Add your digital products to your Shopify store. Be sure to provide as much information about your products as possible.
5. Configure your email templates. These are sent out via the Shopify system whenever someone purchases a product.6. Place a test order to ensure everything is working properly. You won’t be charged for making test orders.
6. Register a domain name and direct it to your Shopify URL. (Not necessary, but it helps you build your own brand).You can find out more here: https://www.shopify.ca/sell/digital-products

Another easy way to set up a digital shop is with Shopify. Not only is the interface easy to navigate, but Shopify will host everything for you.

In case you aren’t that familiar with Shopify, here’s a quick overview:

• Shopify offers merchants a remotely-hosted solution to selling digital products via their “Digital Downloads App”.
• All you have to do is upload your digital product, set a price, and your customer will be guided through the entire process from purchase to delivery. Better yet, you can automate the entire process so that orders are immediately fulfilled!

Shopify is also one of the most cost-effective ways to sell both physical and digital products online, although I personally prefer it for physical products.

Also, if you’re not skilled with web design and don’t want to mess with HTML or code, you can easily snag a copy of one of their free templates and create a beautiful digital shop within a few minutes.

Another great thing about Shopify is that there are many different third-party developers working on creating plugins and scripts that enhance the functionality of your Shopify store.

For example, one developer offers a simple way to sell hundreds of physical products through drop shipping where you never have to worry about shipments or inventory costs, while being able to tap into a massive catalog of hot-selling products.

You can find out more about this plugin here: https://www.oberlo.com/

Another way to sell digital products through Shopify is by installing a third-party app called SendOwl.  With SendOwl, they will host your digital products for you while ensuring reliable delivery of your products.

You can also set up time-sensitive download links that encourage potential customers to make the purchase before the offer is no longer available.

At the time of this writing, SendOwl is the highest rated digital delivery app on the Shopify marketplace.

SendOwl is available here: https://apps.shopify.com/sendowl

If you are interested in selling access to music, stock photo or videos, you can easily create custom pages on your store where you can offer paid access to all of this content.

Customers will be able to create a free account, purchase their “digital pass”, and log into their account.  One of the best solutions we’ve found is Sky Pilot, available here: https://apps.shopify.com/sky-pilot

Note: Shopify starts at around $30 per month.

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To recap:

1:  Create a Shopify account and choose your storefront theme. You’ll be able to choose from both free and premium (paid to use) templates directly from within your account.

2:  Create your content pages and set up your products. Be sure to add a terms and conditions page, as well as a privacy page.  You can do that using Shopify’s free page generator here: https://www.shopify.com/tools/policy-generator/terms-and-conditions

3. Configure your settings including your preferred payment provider. Disable the “shipping” setting if you plan to sell only digital products. You can do this from within the Products page.
4. Add your digital products to your Shopify store. Be sure to provide as much information about your products as possible.
5. Configure your email templates. These are sent out via the Shopify system whenever someone purchases a product.6. Place a test order to ensure everything is working properly. You won’t be charged for making test orders.
6. Register a domain name and direct it to your Shopify URL. (Not necessary, but it helps you build your own brand).You can find out more here: https://www.shopify.ca/sell/digital-products

Another easy way to set up a digital shop is with Shopify. Not only is the interface easy to navigate, but Shopify will host everything for you.

In case you aren’t that familiar with Shopify, here’s a quick overview:

• Shopify offers merchants a remotely-hosted solution to selling digital products via their “Digital Downloads App”.
• All you have to do is upload your digital product, set a price, and your customer will be guided through the entire process from purchase to delivery. Better yet, you can automate the entire process so that orders are immediately fulfilled!

Shopify is also one of the most cost-effective ways to sell both physical and digital products online, although I personally prefer it for physical products.

Also, if you’re not skilled with web design and don’t want to mess with HTML or code, you can easily snag a copy of one of their free templates and create a beautiful digital shop within a few minutes.

Another great thing about Shopify is that there are many different third-party developers working on creating plugins and scripts that enhance the functionality of your Shopify store.

For example, one developer offers a simple way to sell hundreds of physical products through drop shipping where you never have to worry about shipments or inventory costs, while being able to tap into a massive catalog of hot-selling products.

You can find out more about this plugin here: https://www.oberlo.com/

Another way to sell digital products through Shopify is by installing a third-party app called SendOwl.  With SendOwl, they will host your digital products for you while ensuring reliable delivery of your products.

You can also set up time-sensitive download links that encourage potential customers to make the purchase before the offer is no longer available.

At the time of this writing, SendOwl is the highest rated digital delivery app on the Shopify marketplace.

SendOwl is available here: https://apps.shopify.com/sendowl

If you are interested in selling access to music, stock photo or videos, you can easily create custom pages on your store where you can offer paid access to all of this content.

Customers will be able to create a free account, purchase their “digital pass”, and log into their account.  One of the best solutions we’ve found is Sky Pilot, available here: https://apps.shopify.com/sky-pilot

Note: Shopify starts at around $30 per month.

To recap:

1:  Create a Shopify account and choose your storefront theme. You’ll be able to choose from both free and premium (paid to use) templates directly from within your account.

2:  Create your content pages and set up your products. Be sure to add a terms and conditions page, as well as a privacy page.  You can do that using Shopify’s free page generator here: https://www.shopify.com/tools/policy-generator/terms-and-conditions

3. Configure your settings including your preferred payment provider. Disable the “shipping” setting if you plan to sell only digital products. You can do this from within the Products page.
4. Add your digital products to your Shopify store. Be sure to provide as much information about your products as possible.
5. Configure your email templates. These are sent out via the Shopify system whenever someone purchases a product.6. Place a test order to ensure everything is working properly. You won’t be charged for making test orders.
6. Register a domain name and direct it to your Shopify URL. (Not necessary, but it helps you build your own brand).You can find out more here: https://www.shopify.ca/sell/digital-products

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Selling Products With Amazon

If you’ve written a book, report, or online course, you can put it in front of thousands of potential buyers just by creating a KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) account with Amazon.

Why should you sell your digital products on Amazon?  Here are just a few reasons:

• Approximately 5% of all internet traffic visits Amazon.com each month.
• Amazon is the 5th most visited website in the United States.
• Amazon is the 14th most visited website in the entire world.
• Amazon has captured one of the most lucrative demographics in existence – childless women over age 35 making $60,000+ per year.

The KDP program allows authors and publishers to make their content available for sale through the Kindle platform as well as in paperback format through either your KDP account or www.CreateSpace.com

There are two price points in place based on your digital content pricing:

• Earn 70% of every sale of your digital product when it’s priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
• Earn 35% of every sale of your digital product when it’s priced between $0.99 and $2.98 and on products $10 and up.

Obviously, the most lucrative price point for your digital content is between $2.99 and $9.99.

Once you publish one of your information products on the platform, it will be available to anyone who has a Kindle device, as well as anyone who downloads the Kindle app to their computer, or mobile device. The Kindle app is available for both Mac and PC computers, as well as many different devices including iOS (for iPad and iPhone) and Android.

You can publish nearly anything on the KDP platform, as long as it is original content and not private label material, and that you own the rights to publish the content. You are also not allowed to sell content that is available free on other websites unless you set it as free on Amazon as well. Amazon’s terms indicate that they must always be offering the best price point on products sold within their marketplace.

Here are a just few ideas of digital products you can sell:

• Short stories
• Box sets/collections of content
• Cookbooks
• How-to books
• Novels
• Online courses compiled into one book
• Poetry collections

To get started, create your free KDP account here:  https://kdp.amazon.com

When you create your account, you’ll be asked to provide payment information, your address and citizenship.

You can change your payment preferences at any time. Just keep in mind that should you change your details in the middle of regular payment, it could delay your payments from being disbursed.  Double check your bank account information to ensure that it’s accurate before you publish your digital product.

Keep in mind that your book can take 24-48 hours to appear on the Kindle marketplace, and during that time you are unable to make any changes to your submission.

When your books’ status changes from within your KDP account, you can then make changes, including price changes, description changes, and even category changes but keep in mind that each time you make any changes your book it goes back into “review” mode and can take another 24-48 hours to update.

There are 3 main stages of updates:  Review, Publishing, and Live.

• Review means that your digital content is being reviewed by Amazon staff in order to ensure that it follows their publishing guidelines.
• Publishing means that your content has been approved and is now being published in the Amazon marketplace.
• Live means your content is now available for purchase.

Tip:  Amazon offers authors with the opportunity to create an Author Page that is connected to all your digital content. You can do this through “Author Central” at https://AuthorCentral.com

Building this bio page will help you reach out to new readers, connect with existing ones and share your most up-to-date information about you. You can also link your blog to this page and your recent posts will automatically be added to your author page on Amazon.

Aside from Amazon, you should also consider selling your digital content on other marketplaces in order to maximize your income.  Other marketplaces include: Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and through Apple and Kobo

I do this with a free Draft 2 Digital account, available at https://www.Draft2Digital.com

With Draft 2 Digital, I’m able to sell all my digital content across multiple marketplaces, all from within one account.  Smashwords (www.Smashwords.com)  is another company that offers the same opportunity to publish content across various networks all from within one centralized location.

Note: Both companies will pay you monthly, via Paypal.