How to Sell Etsy Digital Downloads
Etsy is known for being a popular marketplace for vintage and handcrafted items, but it also serves as a great platform for selling digital products. This can be a convenient way to pursue your creative and entrepreneurial interests. In this article, we will look into the advantages of selling Etsy digital downloads, discuss the different types of digital products you can sell, and provide various tips and suggestions.
What Are Digital Products?
Digital products are items that can be purchased and downloaded entirely online, eliminating the need for physical handling or shipment.
Why Sell Digital Products on Etsy?
Etsy is a fantastic platform for creative individuals who excel in crafting digital goods like educational materials, downloadable artwork, customizable templates, and digital guides. The user-friendly interface makes it simple to set up a store and explore all the features available. Selling Etsy digital downloads is made easy with features like instant digital delivery and secure payment processing. One of the key benefits of selling Etsy digital products is that you only need to create them once and can continue to sell them indefinitely. This allows you to sell digital prints on Etsy as a side hustle while focusing on your main source of income. Moreover, selling digital downloads involves minimal overhead costs compared to traditional businesses, as there is no need to worry about production or delivery of physical goods. With a variety of online software tools available for designing digital products, Etsy is the perfect platform for generating passive income.
Digital Products to Sell on Etsy
The range of digital products to sell on Etsy is extensive. Popular categories include:
Templates: Digital templates for resumes, business cards, invitations, and social media posts are highly sought after, providing professional designs without the high cost.
E-books and Tutorials: Writers and educators can create and sell e-books, guides, and tutorials on various topics, offering valuable content to customers.
Graphic Designs: Logos, icons, digital papers, and clipart are popular among creators who need resources for their projects.
Music and Audio Files: Musicians and sound engineers can sell original compositions, sound effects, and loops for use in multimedia projects.
Photography: High-quality stock photos and image bundles for use in various projects.
Printables: Art prints, planners, calendars, coloring pages, and greeting cards. These products are designed for printing and appeal to a wide audience.
IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING PRINTABLES: Printables are a slight variation of Etsy digital products. Printables are designed for customers to print at home or at a local print shop. Unlike regular digital products that are used digitally and not meant for printing, printables are created specifically with the intention of being printed and physically used. This slight difference makes printables a versatile and appealing option for Etsy customers who prefer tangible items.
Cost of Selling Digital Downloads on Etsy
Selling Etsy digital products comes with some expenses. You'll be charged $0.20 for each item you list and a 6.5% transaction fee based on the selling price. Apart from these fees, there are no other costs associated with starting to sell digital downloads on Etsy, which makes it a budget-friendly option for creators looking to sell their digital creations.
Market Research
It is necessary to conduct thorough market research before selling digital products on Etsy. By understanding the current market landscape, you can pinpoint unmet needs and potential target areas. Here are some tools and methods to assist you in your research:
Etsy: Make use of the Etsy search bar to input keywords related to your digital product. The autocomplete feature will suggest long-tail terms that shoppers are actively searching for, providing you with insights into current demands.
Google: Begin by exploring relevant trends related to your niche product. Google Trends allows you to analyze the growth and popularity of specific search terms over time. Take advantage of tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Analytics to analyze search volumes and shopper trends. These tools provide detailed insights into what potential customers are seeking and their purchasing behaviors.
Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer valuable analytical data on audience engagement and specific trends related to your products. Utilize this information to gain a better understanding of your target audience.
Tools and Software for Digital Creation
Choosing the right tools and software is crucial for producing high-quality digital products. Depending on whether your focus is on graphic design, digital illustrations, or templates, it’s important to select tools that align with your creative needs. Here are some popular software options that can enhance your product design:
Design Software: Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate
Photo Editing: Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo
Free Alternatives: Gimp and Inkscape
Specialized Tools: Picmonkey and Affinity Designer
Creative Resources: Creative Market and Envato Elements
E-books and Tutorials: Microsoft Word, Google Doc, and Adobe InDesign
Music and Audio: GarageBand and Audacity
Document Templates: Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
How to Sell Digital Products on Etsy
Once you’ve identified your niche and created your digital products, it's time to start selling them on Etsy. If you don’t have an Etsy seller account yet, follow our step-by-step setup guide. For those who already have an account, simply log in to proceed.
Listing a digital download on Etsy is similar to listing a physical product. You have two options for listing digital products: as an instant download or made-to-order.
Instant Download: Upload the file when creating the listing, allowing customers to receive it immediately upon purchase. You can upload audio, image, or text files.
Made-to-Order: After purchase, the buyer receives a confirmation email but doesn't get the item right away. The order will appear in your Orders & Shipping page, allowing you to track and customize it before finalizing the order by uploading the digital file(s).
Steps for Creating a Digital Product Listing
Specify that the product is digital to prevent data loss during conversion.
Navigate to the Details section and click Add core details.
Select Digital files under Who made it, choose I did, and then click Apply.
Confirm switching the listing to the digital format by clicking Apply, which will delete any previously filled information.
In the About section, click Add file or drag and drop your digital product. You can upload up to five files of 20MB each, totaling 100MB.
Supported formats include .pdf, .doc, .ePUB, .jpeg, .mp3, .txt, .gif, .psp, .iBook, .mobi, .jpg, .zip, .png, .mpeg, .bmp, .mov, .stl, and .rtf.
Other Recommended Settings
Etsy SEO
Make sure to maximize the visibility of your digital product listings on Etsy by utilizing effective SEO strategies. Utilize all 13 tags and include detailed long-tail keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to accurately showcase the unique qualities of your products. This will help potential customers easily discover your listings in search results.
Automatic Renewal
Make sure to activate the automatic listing renewal feature under settings to keep your digital downloads available after a purchase. This will help avoid them showing as out of stock. Once you've configured everything, simply hit publish to make your listing visible. If you want to take a break or make changes, you can always save it as a draft.
How Customers Access Their Etsy Digital Download
When customers buy Etsy digital products, getting their downloads is simple. After making the purchase, Etsy sends a confirmation email containing a direct link to download the digital files. Customers can also log into their Etsy account, go to the "Purchases and Reviews" section, and find their bought items with a "Download Files" button next to each digital product. By clicking this button, they can download the files straight to their device. Etsy guarantees that digital downloads are accessible right after payment confirmation, offering immediate access. If any problems occur, customers should check their email's spam or junk folder, try a different web browser, or reach out to the seller for help via Etsy’s messaging system. For guest checkouts, the download link is included in the receipt email. Etsy’s system is user-friendly and effective, ensuring customers can easily enjoy their digital purchases.
Tips for Success
Make sure your Etsy digital products are well-crafted and free of errors to attract positive feedback and repeat business.
Give thorough descriptions of your products, along with usage instructions and any necessary file access requirements.
Utilize top-notch images and mockups to display your digital products, aiding customers in envisioning the product and its possible applications.
Research comparable products to establish competitive prices, and think about providing package deals or discounts to promote bigger orders.
Provide exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving any problems, as positive interactions foster customer loyalty and result in better reviews.
Important Considerations
Selling digital products on Etsy requires adherence to platform policies and copyright laws. Always confirm you have the proper rights to sell content you didn't make. Make sure your files are easily accessible for customers and test the download process to prevent any problems. Stay current with your listings and market trends to stay competitive. Take into account customer feedback and demand when expanding your product line. Engaging with the Etsy community on forums and social media can offer helpful advice and support to enhance your offerings and boost customer satisfaction.
In summation, Etsy digital downloads offer a fantastic opportunity for creative individuals to turn their passions into profit. As a platform known for vintage and handcrafted items, Etsy also supports a thriving market for digital downloads, providing a convenient way to engage in entrepreneurial activities with minimal overhead costs. The user-friendly interface of Etsy simplifies the process of setting up a store, listing products, and managing sales, making it accessible even for beginners. Good luck selling Etsy digital downloads!
Thank You,
Commerce Canal Team
Becoming a Shopify Partner requires lots of skill and experience, yet it offers talented individuals a great boost to their career. You can become either a Shopify partner and assist sellers on various projects, or you can hire one to help you! If you want to learn more about what it takes to become a Shopify partner, or what services they offer, please click here.
Commerce Canal is a leading Amazon Agency and Walmart Agency. Additionally, we offer clients a vast selection of partnerships and services for all major eCommerce platforms. To view our partners, click here. To get in contact with us, click here.
In need of the newest analytics and marketing dashboard? With our partner Purvey.ai, all of your eCommerce data is simplified and centralized. To sign up for a FREE trial, click here. To see the list of integrations Purvey.ai offers, click here.