If you’ve been wondering what digital products can I sell on Shopify, you’re tapping into one of the fastest-growing areas of online commerce. Shopify is well known for physical product sales, but selling digital products on Shopify opens new doors with less hassle and more scalability.
This detailed article will walk you through popular digital product ideas, the benefits of selling digital goods, how to set up your store, and tips to boost your sales. Whether you’re a creative, a coach, a developer, or just curious, you’ll learn exactly what digital products can I sell on Shopify and how to do it well.
Why Selling Digital Products on Shopify is a Smart Move
Before diving into what digital products can I sell on Shopify, let’s understand why digital products have exploded in popularity:
- No inventory worries: Digital products require zero physical stock, so you never run out or have excess.
- Instant delivery: Customers get their purchase immediately via download links or access codes, creating instant gratification.
- Global sales: You can sell worldwide without shipping costs or customs hassles.
- High-profit margins: Once created, digital products cost little to distribute, maximizing your earnings.
- Flexible pricing and bundling: You can easily update pricing, bundle products, or offer subscriptions.
- Passive income opportunities: Create once and generate sales repeatedly without ongoing work.
Because of these benefits, digital products to sell on Shopify are attracting new entrepreneurs and side hustlers alike.
What Digital Products Can I Sell on Shopify? Popular & Profitable Options
Let’s answer the core question with a detailed list of in-demand digital products you can sell on Shopify:
1. Ebooks, Workbooks, and Guides
Ebooks are classic and versatile digital products. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, how-to manuals, or workbooks, there’s a market for well-written content. For example, an author could sell self-help ebooks, or a gardener could create a detailed planting guide.
Because ebooks are easy to create and distribute, they’re a great first step into digital selling.
2. Online Courses and Workshops
With the boom in online learning, selling courses is hugely profitable. You can teach anything — from cooking, marketing, coding, to wellness and crafts.
Many entrepreneurs use Shopify alongside learning platforms to sell course access, allowing full control over branding and customer experience.
3. Digital Art, Graphics, and Templates
Graphic designers and artists have a thriving market selling digital art prints, social media templates, logos, icons, fonts, and more.
For example, a social media marketer might buy Instagram story templates to streamline content creation, making these products highly desirable.
4. Music, Audio Files, and Podcasts
Musicians, podcasters, and sound engineers can sell beats, royalty-free music, sound effects, or exclusive podcasts.
With demand rising for unique audio content, this niche is a great digital product to sell on Shopify.
5. Software, Plugins, and Web Tools
Developers can sell apps, website themes, plugins, or SaaS subscriptions. Shopify supports secure delivery and license management for such products.
This market requires more technical skill but offers high returns.
6. Printables and Planners
Printable products include calendars, to-do lists, meal planners, wedding invitations, and budgeting sheets.
Customers love printables for their convenience and customization options. Sellers benefit from simplicity and fast turnaround.
7. Photography and Stock Images
Photographers can license their photos to bloggers, marketers, or designers looking for quality visuals.
You can sell individual photos or subscription access to collections.
8. Memberships and Subscriptions
Offering access to exclusive content, communities, or ongoing learning as a subscription creates steady income.
You can bundle digital downloads with memberships for maximum value.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sell Digital Products on Shopify
Now that you know what digital products can I sell on Shopify, here’s how to launch your digital product business step-by-step.
Step 1: Find Your Niche and Product Idea
Start with your skills, interests, and market demand. Use tools like Google Trends or keyword research to identify trending topics or gaps.
Ask yourself: What do I know that others want? What digital product fits that need?
Step 2: Create Your Digital Product
Focus on quality and solving a problem for your target audience. For example, if you create an ebook, make sure it’s well-written and visually appealing. For courses, invest in clear video and audio.
Step 3: Set Up Your Shopify Store
Sign up for Shopify and select a theme optimized for digital goods. Customize your homepage, product pages, and checkout to highlight your product benefits.
Step 4: Upload Your Digital Files Securely
Shopify’s Digital Downloads app or third-party tools like SendOwl ensure customers get their files immediately and securely after purchase.
Step 5: Price Your Products Competitively
Research competitors to price fairly. Consider offering tiered pricing, bundles, or limited-time discounts.
Step 6: Write Compelling Product Descriptions
Explain how your product helps customers. Use bullet points for features and benefits, and include testimonials if possible.
Step 7: Set Up Payment and Delivery
Choose your payment gateways, and test the checkout and download process to ensure smooth customer experience.
Step 8: Promote Your Store
Use SEO, social media, email marketing, and content marketing. Partner with influencers or run ads to increase visibility.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even though digital products simplify selling, there are some challenges:
- Piracy and unauthorized sharing: Use watermarking and license terms.
- Technical issues: Provide clear download instructions and customer support.
- Standing out in a crowded market: Differentiate with unique branding, quality, and customer engagement.
- Building trust: Use testimonials, social proof, and guarantee policies.
Real-Life Success Story: Emily’s Printable Planner Store
Emily loved organizing and creating planners for her own use. When she asked, what digital products can I sell on Shopify, she realized printables were a perfect fit.
Starting with a few monthly planners, Emily built a loyal customer base by offering customizable options and helpful tips via her blog. Over two years, her store grew to include budgeting sheets, fitness logs, and wedding planners — all digital downloads.
Emily’s story shows how passion combined with smart product choice and consistent marketing creates a thriving digital product business.
The Best Marketplaces to Complement Your Shopify Store
While Shopify is your main platform, expanding to other marketplaces can increase sales:
- Etsy: Great for printables, art, and handmade digital goods.
- Udemy, Teachable: Ideal for hosting courses alongside Shopify sales.
- Amazon Kindle: Best for ebooks, expanding reach to a large audience.
- Creative Market: Popular for design resources and templates.
Using these alongside Shopify creates multiple sales channels and enhances credibility.
Tips to Maximize Your Digital Product Sales on Shopify
- Use email marketing to nurture leads and encourage repeat purchases.
- Leverage social media to showcase your products and share customer stories.
- Offer freebies or samples to attract subscribers and build trust.
- Continuously update your products based on customer feedback and trends.
- Use analytics to understand customer behavior and optimize your offerings.
Final Thoughts
So, what digital products can I sell on Shopify? The possibilities are vast — from ebooks and courses to music, software, printables, and more. With low startup costs and global reach, digital products offer a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and creatives alike.
Remember, success takes time and effort. Focus on quality, customer experience, and consistent marketing. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different products or pricing strategies.
ESSOJ — Every Successful Software Offers Joy — applies here as well. The joy of building something meaningful, reaching customers worldwide, and earning passive income makes the journey worthwhile.
If you’re ready to start, take the first step today. Research your niche, create your digital product, and launch your Shopify store. The digital marketplace is waiting!
