How Do You Make Money Selling Digital Downloads?

When creators share their artwork and content online, it can be reproduced and distributed throughout social media. The artists and masterminds behind the content never seem to get the credit (or payout) they deserve. As creators look for ways to monetize their work, the solution can be as simple as selling digital downloads. So how can you make money selling downloads? The e-commerce experts at SamCart are here with insight.  

What are Digital Downloads?

Digital downloads are products exclusively created, bought, and sold in the digital format. As the name suggests, customers can immediately download their purchase (often in the form of a .png, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, or .zip file) following their transaction.   So how does the digital download sales process work? At the end of your billing process, these downloads are delivered straight to the customer’s inbox—eliminating the need for packing or shipping. Unlike physical products, these digital products can be purchased over and over again without any inventory replenishment or upkeep from sellers.   The digital download business model might sound too good to be true. But the truth is, online sellers yield serious profits for doing the work most creators distribute on social media for free every day. If you are ready to get started, let’s take a look at the four steps you can take to monetize your work with digital downloads.  

4 Steps to Monetizing with Digital Downloads

Step 1: Choose your online platform

First, you need to find an e-commerce platform that supports digital product sales. While we might be partial to SamCart, it is only because we have fewer fees and more capabilities than alternative options—including Etsy, Amazon,ThriveCart, and others.

Step 2: Pick a template

When you are ready to begin selling, you will not need to build an elaborate website to get started. A single sales page is all you need to monetize your content. Explore the library of SamCart templates until you find a design that speaks to you.

Step 3: Upload your products

Next, upload your product(s), branding, information, and details to your sales page. You can create unlimited pages (without any additional costs) to highlight and sell each of your digital downloads.

Step 4: Start making money

Sit back and watch as your products generate passive income. You do not even need to worry about sending the downloads to your buyers. SamCart will automatically deliver your products after processing customer payments.  

What Kind of Digital Downloads Can You Sell?

It seems like there is a market for digital downloads in almost every industry. With a little creativity, there are endless digital products that creators can design and sell, including:

 
• Educational material for teachers or homeschooling parents
 
• Customizable design templates for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, resumes, and so much more
 
• Printable coloring sheets or workbook pages
 
• Knitting, sewing, or crochet patterns
 
• Digital song downloads
 
• Printable artwork or photographs
 
• Planner or calendar printables
 
• Filters for Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media outlets
 
• Instructional videos and online courses
 
• Printable calligraphy practice sheets or how-to guides
 
• Ebooks or audiobooks
 
• Embroidery patterns
 
• Custom-designed business cards

While this is not an exhaustive list, it is easy to see how online sellers can earn significant, passive income by selling digital products.  

Which Kinds of File Types are Compatible with Digital Product Sales?

When selling your digital products, you will need to upload them in a compatible file type. For digital product downloads, SamCart supports all of the most commonly used formats:  

 
• .png
 
• .jpg
 
• .mp3
 
• .mp4
 
• .pdf
 
• .zip

Sell Digital Products Online With SamCart

You can start selling your digital downloads for free with a SamCart trial today! Our platform helps creators like you monetize their work. We invite you to watch our demo or sign up here online to get started!