The Ultimate Guide to 35 Profitable Digital Products to Sell on Etsy
Looking to sell digital products on Etsy? You've come to the right place! In this article, we'll cover some of the best and most profitable digital products to sell on Etsy in 2022 & 2023, as well as tips on how to create and successfully market them. Whether you're a seasoned Etsy seller or just getting started with your online business, selling digital products can be an excellent source of passive income. So let's dive in and explore some easy yet highly profitable digital product ideas for Etsy!
Table of Contents:
- Things To Consider Before Picking Which Digital Product To Sell
- Check Out These 35 Best-selling Digital Products on Etsy
- Things To Consider When Selling Digital Products on Etsy
- How to Sell Digital Products on Etsy? (step-by-step)
- Setting up your Etsy shop
- Listing your digital products
- Marketing your digital products
- Which Tools Can Help You Create Digital Product?
- What File Types are Available to You for Etsy Digital Downloads?
- How Does Etsy Digital Download Work?
- How Do You Handle Returns On Digital Products?
- How to Sell Digital Products on Etsy? (step-by-step)
Things To Consider Before Picking Which Digital Product To Sell
What are Digital Products?
Digital products are intangible goods that can be downloaded or accessed online. Some examples of digital products include:
- Printable artwork
- Digital planners
- E-books
- Website templates
- Stock photography
- Fonts and graphic design elements
One of the benefits of selling digital products is that they require no physical inventory, which means lower overhead costs and no shipping hassles. Plus, you can sell an unlimited number of copies of your digital product without worrying about restocking.
Why Sell Digital Products on Etsy?
Selling digital products on Etsy offers several direct benefits for both sellers and buyers. Let's explore the reasons why Etsy is an ideal platform for selling digital products:
- One-Time Creation, Lifetime Sales: Digital products can be created once and sold repeatedly, allowing sellers to earn passive income over time. Once a digital product is listed, it can generate sales without the need for inventory management or additional production costs.
- Affordable for Sellers: Compared to traditional physical products, the costs associated with creating and selling digital products are relatively low. Sellers can start their Etsy journey with minimal upfront investment, making it accessible for small businesses and individual creators.
- Time and Cost Savings for Buyers: Buyers can save both time and money by purchasing digital products directly from designers on Etsy. They can instantly access the products and enjoy the convenience of digital downloads without the need for shipping or waiting for physical deliveries. It's a win-win situation where buyers support talented designers while enjoying immediate access to their desired digital products.
Can You Earn Passive Income With Digital Products On Etsy?
Etsy provides a great opportunity to potentially generate passive income by selling digital products. One of the key reasons is the automated delivery of digital products. Once a customer makes a purchase, Etsy instantly delivers the digital files associated with their order. This automated process allows sellers to focus on creating new products while earning passive income from their existing listings.
Check Out These 35 Best-selling Digital Products on Etsy
To inspire your creative journey, we've compiled a list of 50 best-selling digital products on Etsy. Explore a diverse range of successful products, from printable planners and digital artwork to e-books and graphic design templates. These products have resonated with customers and achieved remarkable success on the Etsy platform. Get inspired and discover your own path to success.
(💡 More resources: Read Etsy 101: How To Find Low Competition Etsy Niches or find your own niches and profit margin with our Category Analysis. )
1. Printable wall art and posters:
Printable wall art and posters are digital files featuring various designs, illustrations, or photographs that customers can download, print, and display in their homes or offices. They are popular on Etsy because they offer affordable and customizable decor options with no shipping costs. When selling these on Etsy, ensure your designs are unique, high-resolution, and available in various sizes and formats. Provide clear printing instructions and consider offering customization options for a personalized touch.
2. Digital planners and organizers:
Digital planners and organizers are electronic files designed to help users manage their schedules, tasks, and goals. They can be used on devices like tablets or computers, often with note-taking or planning apps. These digital tools are popular on Etsy because they offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper planners. When selling them, make sure your designs are visually appealing, user-friendly, and compatible with popular devices and apps. Offer various layouts, themes, and customization options to cater to different preferences.
3. E-books and guides on various topics:
E-books and guides are digital publications covering a wide range of subjects, from self-help and skill development to niche hobbies and interests. They are popular on Etsy because they provide instant access to valuable information without the need for physical shipping. When selling e-books and guides, ensure your content is well-researched, engaging, and professionally presented. Offer a variety of topics to appeal to a broad audience and provide clear descriptions and samples to showcase your expertise.
4. Website templates and themes:
Website templates and themes are pre-designed layouts and styles for websites, making it easier for users to create professional and visually appealing online platforms. They are popular on Etsy because they save time and effort for website owners while ensuring a polished end result. When selling these templates, offer various styles and formats compatible with popular website builders and content management systems. Provide detailed instructions for customization and implementation, and ensure your designs follow current web design trends.
5. Stock photography collections:
Stock photography collections are sets of high-quality, royalty-free images that customers can use for various purposes like marketing, website design, or social media content. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for sourcing visually appealing imagery. When selling stock photography, ensure your images are original, high-resolution, and cover diverse themes and subjects. Offer various packages and licensing options to cater to different customer needs and ensure you adhere to copyright laws and regulations.
6. Customizable invitation and greeting card templates:
Customizable invitation and greeting card templates are digital files with pre-designed layouts that customers can edit to fit their specific event or occasion. They are popular on Etsy because they provide an affordable, personalized, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional printed cards. When selling these templates, ensure your designs are unique and visually appealing, and compatible with popular editing software. Offer various themes, styles, and formats, and provide clear instructions for customization and printing.
7. Fonts and typography packs:
Fonts and typography packs are collections of digital typefaces that customers can download and use in their design projects, such as logos, websites, and marketing materials. They are popular on Etsy because they offer a wide range of unique and creative type options to enhance visual communication. When selling fonts and typography packs, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and versatile for various applications. Offer multiple file formats and licensing options, and provide clear installation instructions.
8. Graphic design elements (icons, illustrations, patterns):
Graphic design elements include various digital assets like icons, illustrations, and patterns that customers can use to enhance their design projects. They are popular on Etsy because they provide designers with a diverse range of creative resources to improve their work. When selling graphic design elements, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes and styles to cater to different preferences, and provide clear usage guidelines and licensing terms.
9. Social media post templates and presets:
Social media post templates and presets are pre-designed layouts and settings that help users create visually consistent and engaging content for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. They are popular on Etsy because they save time and effort for content creators while ensuring a polished online presence. When selling these templates and presets, offer various styles and formats compatible with popular social media platforms. Provide detailed instructions for customization and implementation, and ensure your designs follow current social media trends.
10. Lightroom presets and Photoshop actions:
Lightroom presets and Photoshop actions are pre-configured settings and adjustments that help users quickly edit and enhance their photos using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop software. They are popular on Etsy because they streamline the photo editing process and provide professional results with minimal effort. When selling these presets and actions, ensure your offerings cater to various photography styles and skill levels. Offer multiple file formats, and provide clear installation and usage instructions, along with before-and-after examples to showcase the effects.
11. Editable resume and CV templates:
Editable resume and CV templates are pre-designed documents that customers can download, customize, and use for job applications. They are popular on Etsy because they provide job seekers with professional-looking, well-structured resumes that help them stand out in the job market. When selling these templates, ensure your designs are visually appealing, easy to edit, and compatible with popular word processing software. Offer various styles, formats, and industry-specific templates, and provide clear instructions for customization.
12. Sewing, knitting, and crochet patterns:
Sewing, knitting, and crochet patterns are digital files containing instructions and designs for creating handmade garments, accessories, or home decor items. They are popular on Etsy because they allow craft enthusiasts to access unique and diverse patterns without the need for physical shipping. When selling these patterns, ensure that your designs are original, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Provide clear instructions, materials lists, and skill level recommendations, and offer various styles and themes to appeal to a broad audience.
13. Digital stickers for planners and digital notebooks:
Digital stickers are graphic elements designed to be used in digital planners or notebooks, often with note-taking or planning apps. They are popular on Etsy because they offer a convenient, reusable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper stickers. When selling digital stickers, ensure your designs are visually appealing, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes, styles, and sizes to cater to different preferences, and provide clear instructions for importing and using the stickers in popular apps.
14. Online courses and workshops:
Online courses and workshops are educational offerings that teach specific skills or topics through video lessons, written materials, and interactive exercises. They are popular on Etsy because they provide customers with instant access to valuable knowledge and personalized learning experiences. When selling online courses and workshops, ensure your content is well-researched, engaging, and professionally presented. Offer a variety of topics to appeal to a broad audience, and provide clear descriptions and samples to showcase your expertise.
15. Print-on-demand product designs (t-shirts, mugs, etc.):
Print-on-demand product designs are digital files containing artwork or graphics that customers can use to create physical products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases through print-on-demand services. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a cost-effective and hassle-free way for customers to create personalized products. When selling these designs, ensure your artwork is original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes, styles, and customization options, and provide clear instructions for using the designs with popular print-on-demand services.
16. Customizable infographics and charts:
Customizable infographics and charts are visually appealing, data-driven graphics that help users present complex information in an easily digestible format. They are popular on Etsy because they enhance presentations, reports, and social media content. When selling these on Etsy, ensure your designs are unique, visually appealing, and easy to edit. Offer various styles, formats, and themes, and provide clear instructions for customization and usage. Make sure your templates are compatible with popular editing software.
17. Animated GIFs and stickers for social media:
Animated GIFs and stickers are short, looping animations or graphics that can be used to enhance social media posts, messages, or websites. They are popular on Etsy because they add a dynamic and engaging element to online content. When selling these on Etsy, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes, styles, and sizes to cater to different preferences, and provide clear instructions for importing and using the GIFs and stickers on popular platforms and apps.
18. E-commerce website templates:
E-commerce website templates are pre-designed layouts and styles specifically tailored for online stores, making it easier for users to create professional and visually appealing e-commerce platforms. They are popular on Etsy because they save time and effort for website owners while ensuring a polished end result. When selling these templates, offer various styles and formats compatible with popular e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce). Provide detailed instructions for customization and implementation, and ensure your designs follow current web design trends.
19. Digital paper packs and backgrounds:
Digital paper packs and backgrounds are collections of digital images featuring various patterns, textures, or designs that customers can use as backgrounds for their design projects, such as invitations, scrapbooking, or digital art. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a diverse range of creative resources for designers and craft enthusiasts. When selling digital paper packs, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes and styles to cater to different preferences and provide usage guidelines and licensing terms.
20. Clip art sets for various themes and occasions:
Clip art sets are collections of digital illustrations or graphics that customers can use to enhance their design projects, such as invitations, marketing materials, or social media content. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a wide range of unique and creative visual elements for various applications. When selling clip art sets, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes and styles to cater to different preferences and provide clear usage guidelines and licensing terms.
21. Virtual event tickets and workshops:
Virtual event tickets and workshops are passes to access online events, classes, or seminars conducted over video conferencing platforms or through pre-recorded content. They are popular on Etsy because they provide customers with unique learning experiences and entertainment options without the need for physical attendance. When selling virtual event tickets or workshops, ensure your content is engaging, valuable, and professionally presented. Offer a variety of topics and formats to appeal to a broad audience, and provide clear descriptions and schedules to inform potential attendees.
22. 3D printing files and models:
3D printing files and models are digital designs that customers can download and use to create physical objects using a 3D printer. They are popular on Etsy because they offer a convenient and cost-effective way for customers to access unique and customizable designs for various purposes, such as home decor, toys, or fashion accessories. When selling 3D printing files and models, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and compatible with popular 3D printers. Offer various themes, styles, and difficulty levels, and provide clear instructions for printing and assembly.
23. Email newsletter templates and designs:
Email newsletter templates and designs are pre-designed layouts and graphics that users can customize to create professional and visually appealing email marketing campaigns. They are popular on Etsy because they save time and effort for businesses while ensuring polished and consistent communication with their audience. When selling email newsletter templates, offer various styles and formats compatible with popular email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact). Provide detailed instructions for customization and implementation, and ensure your designs follow current design trends and best practices.
24. Editable gift certificate and voucher templates:
Editable gift certificate and voucher templates are digital files with pre-designed layouts that customers can customize to create personalized gift certificates, vouchers, or coupons for their business or personal use. They are popular on Etsy because they provide an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional printed gift certificates. When selling these templates, ensure your designs are visually appealing, easy to edit, and compatible with popular editing software. Offer various styles, formats, and themes, and provide clear instructions for customization and printing.
25. Podcast production and editing packages:
Podcast production and editing packages are services that help customers create, edit, and publish professional-quality podcasts. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a convenient solution for individuals and businesses looking to launch or improve their podcast without investing in specialized equipment or expertise. When selling podcast production and editing packages, showcase your experience and skills in audio production, and offer various service levels to cater to different budgets and needs. Provide clear descriptions of your offerings, turnaround times, and communication channels to ensure customer satisfaction.
26. Social media management templates (content calendars, analytics trackers):
Social media management templates are digital files that help users plan, organize, and track their social media content and performance. They often include content calendars for scheduling posts and analytics trackers for monitoring engagement. These templates are popular on Etsy because they streamline the social media management process and help businesses maintain a consistent online presence. When selling these templates, ensure your designs are visually appealing, user-friendly, and compatible with popular devices and apps. Offer various layouts and themes to cater to different preferences and provide clear instructions for customization and usage.
27. Coloring pages and activity sheets for adults and children:
Coloring pages and activity sheets are printable or digital files featuring illustrations, puzzles, or games that provide entertainment and relaxation for adults and children. They are popular on Etsy because they offer an affordable and eco-friendly way to engage in creative activities. When selling coloring pages and activity sheets, ensure your designs are original, visually appealing, and cater to different age groups and skill levels. Offer various themes and styles to appeal to a broad audience and provide clear printing or usage instructions.
28. Subscription box printables (recipe cards, self-care ideas, etc.):
Subscription box printables are digital files designed to complement subscription box services, such as recipe cards for meal kits or self-care ideas for wellness boxes. They are popular on Etsy because they enhance the user experience and add value to the subscription service. When selling subscription box printables, ensure your designs are unique, visually appealing, and relevant to the theme of the subscription box. Offer various styles, formats, and customization options, and provide clear instructions for printing or usage.
29. DIY party decoration templates (banners, cupcake toppers, etc.):
DIY party decoration templates are digital files containing designs for various party decorations, such as banners, cupcake toppers, or invitations, that customers can download, print, and assemble at home. They are popular on Etsy because they provide an affordable and customizable alternative to store-bought decorations. When selling these templates, ensure your designs are visually appealing, easy to print and assemble, and available in various themes and styles. Provide clear instructions for printing, cutting, and assembling the decorations, and consider offering customization options for a personalized touch.
30. Editable menu templates for restaurants and cafes:
Editable menu templates are pre-designed layouts that restaurant and cafe owners can customize with their menu items, prices, and branding. They are popular on Etsy because they save time and effort for business owners while ensuring a professional and consistent look for their menus. When selling editable menu templates, ensure your designs are visually appealing, easy to edit, and compatible with popular editing software. Offer various styles, formats, and industry-specific templates, and provide clear instructions for customization and printing.
31. Customizable infographics and charts:
Customizable infographics and charts are visually appealing, data-driven graphics that help users present complex information in an easily digestible format. They are popular on Etsy because they enhance presentations, reports, and social media content. When selling these on Etsy, ensure your designs are unique, visually appealing, and easy to edit. Offer various styles, formats, and themes, and provide clear instructions for customization and usage. Make sure your templates are compatible with popular editing software.
32. Animated GIFs and stickers for social media:
Animated GIFs and stickers are short, looping animations or graphics that can be used to enhance social media posts, messages, or websites. They are popular on Etsy because they add a dynamic and engaging element to online content. When selling these on Etsy, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes, styles, and sizes to cater to different preferences, and provide clear instructions for importing and using the GIFs and stickers on popular platforms and apps.
33. E-commerce website templates:
E-commerce website templates are pre-designed layouts and styles specifically tailored for online stores, making it easier for users to create professional and visually appealing e-commerce platforms. They are popular on Etsy because they save time and effort for website owners while ensuring a polished end result. When selling these templates, offer various styles and formats compatible with popular e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce). Provide detailed instructions for customization and implementation, and ensure your designs follow current web design trends.
34. Digital paper packs and backgrounds:
Digital paper packs and backgrounds are collections of digital images featuring various patterns, textures, or designs that customers can use as backgrounds for their design projects, such as invitations, scrapbooking, or digital art. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a diverse range of creative resources for designers and craft enthusiasts. When selling digital paper packs, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes and styles to cater to different preferences and provide usage guidelines and licensing terms.
35. Clip art sets for various themes and occasions:
Clip art sets are collections of digital illustrations or graphics that customers can use to enhance their design projects, such as invitations, marketing materials, or social media content. They are popular on Etsy because they provide a wide range of unique and creative visual elements for various applications. When selling clip art sets, ensure your designs are original, high-quality, and available in multiple file formats. Offer various themes and styles to cater to different preferences and provide clear usage guidelines and licensing terms.
Things To Consider When Selling Digital Products on Etsy
How to sell digital products on Etsy? (step-by-step)
Setting up your Etsy shop
Before you start selling digital products on Etsy, you'll need to set up an account and create a shop. Here's how:
- Sign up for an Etsy account if you haven't already.
- Go to "Sell on Etsy" and click on "Open Your Etsy Shop."
- Choose your shop language, country, and currency.
- Name your shop and customize its appearance.
- Set up your payment and billing options.
Once your shop is set up, you're ready to start listing your digital products.
Listing your digital products
To list a digital product on Etsy, follow these steps:
- Click on "Add a new listing" in your shop manager.
- Upload high-quality images that showcase your digital product. You can use mockups to help customers visualize how the product will look when printed or used.
- Write a descriptive title, including relevant keywords to help potential customers find your product.
- Choose appropriate categories and tags for your product.
- Write a detailed description, highlighting the features and benefits of your digital product. Be sure to include instructions on how customers can download and use the product.
- Set a price for your digital product. Consider the value it provides and research similar products on Etsy to get an idea of the market price.
- In the "Type" section, select "Digital."
- Upload your digital files (up to five files with a maximum size of 20MB each).
- Set your processing time and shipping options (since it's a digital product, there is no shipping fee).
- Review your listing and click on "Publish."
Congratulations! Your digital product is now live on Etsy.
Marketing your digital products
To maximize sales, you'll need to effectively market your digital products on Etsy. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Optimize your listings: Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to improve your search ranking on Etsy.
- Offer excellent customer service: Respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally, and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
- Utilize social media: Share your products on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to increase their visibility.
- Run promotions and sales: Offer discounts or run limited-time promotions to entice customers to make a purchase.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your digital products to their audience.
- Create valuable content: Write blog posts or create videos related to your niche, and share them on your website and social media channels to attract potential customers.
- Build an email list: Collect email addresses from your customers and website visitors, and send regular newsletters with updates, promotions, and valuable content. Email marketing is an effective way to build a loyal customer base and drive repeat purchases.
- Analyze your performance: Regularly review your shop's analytics to identify trends and areas for improvement. Track your best-selling products, traffic sources, and conversion rates to make data-driven decisions for your business.
By following these tips and consistently putting in the effort, you'll be well on your way to successfully selling digital products on Etsy. Happy selling!
Which Tools Can Help You Create Digital Product?
To succeed in the competitive world of Etsy, it's essential to leverage the right tools. Here are some popular tools for creating digital products:
- Canva: A versatile platform for creating and selling digital designs.
- Corjl: Ideal for hosting editable templates.
- Templett: An alternative to Corjl for template hosting.
- Adobe Photoshop: A powerful tool for editing images and creating digital designs.
- Adobe Illustrator: Perfect for creating vector graphics and illustrations.
- Adobe Lightroom: Excellent for photo editing and creating Lightroom presets.
- Affinity Photo & Designer: Alternatives to Photoshop and Illustrator without a monthly subscription.
- Gimp: A free online alternative to Photoshop.
- Inkscape: A free alternative to Illustrator.
- Picmonkey: An alternative to Canva for graphic design.
- Procreate: An illustration tool specifically for iPad.
- Apple Keynote: Ideal for creating digital planners for apps like Goodnotes.
- Esale.io: Automate and simplify tasks such as Etsy listing optimization, keyword research, competition analysis, and performance tracking. Make data-driven decisions, enhance product descriptions, and optimize pricing strategies.
Additionally, consider exploring platforms like Creative Market and Envato Elements for high-quality graphics and fonts to speed up your creative process.
What File Types are Available to You for Etsy Digital Downloads?
Etsy supports a wide range of file types, allowing sellers to choose the most suitable format for their digital products. The most commonly used file types on Etsy are JPG, PNG, and PDF. The choice of file type depends on the nature of your product and its specific requirements.
Here are some examples to consider:
- JPG (or JPEG): This format is widely used for images and photographs. It provides good quality while keeping file sizes relatively small. If you are selling visual artwork, prints, or digital images, JPG can be a great option.
- PNG: PNG files are commonly used when transparency is required, such as for graphics with a transparent background or layered designs. If you are selling graphics that need to be easily overlaid on different backgrounds, PNG or SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files might be the best choice.
- PDF: PDF is a versatile format suitable for various types of digital products, including e-books, guides, printable templates, and digital patterns. It preserves the formatting and can be easily viewed and printed across different devices. If you are selling digital books, instructional guides, or printable resources, PDF is often the preferred format.
If you are unsure which file type to choose for your specific product, you can use research tools like ETSYhunt or browse similar listings from other sellers in your niche to see what file types they are using successfully.
How Does Etsy Digital Download Work?
Etsy provides a great opportunity to potentially generate passive income by selling digital products. One of the key reasons is the automated delivery of digital products. Once a customer makes a purchase, Etsy instantly delivers the digital files associated with their order. This automated process allows sellers to focus on creating new products while earning passive income from their existing listings.
How Do You Handle Returns On Digital Products?
Since digital products are often lower-priced items and creating them doesn't incur additional costs, I generally recommend offering full refunds to dissatisfied customers. Sometimes, resolving an issue for a few dollars may not be worth the effort. It's also a good practice to avoid negative reviews on your Etsy store. Remember, customer satisfaction is key to building long-term relationships and generating positive word-of-mouth for your Etsy store.
AI-powered Etsy Shop Manager