7 Untapped Digital Download Product Ideas to Sell on Etsy (Free Social Media Planner inside!)
Are you ready to turn your creativity into cash? You might have heard that the digital download product market is too saturated, but that's simply not true. In fact, the global digital downloadproducts market is projected to reach $331 billion by 2027, and new sellers are finding success every day on Etsy.
Imagine making extra income or even replacing your full-time job with sales from your own Etsy shop. It’s possible, and today, we’re going to show you how. In this blog, we’ll explore eight unique digital download product ideas that you can start selling right now. These ideas are based on thorough research and real success stories from Etsy sellers who have made it big within the last year.
You'll learn about each product's market demand, see examples of successful shops, and get tips on creating and marketing these products. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the insights and motivation you need to start or elevate your Etsy journey. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can start making money with digital download products today!
Read to the end to download a FREE SOCIAL MEDIA DIGITAL PLANNER for personal use or to resell on Etsy!
Digital Downloads vs. Print on Demand
Digital downloads and print on demand (POD) are popular e-commerce models, each with unique advantages. Digital downloads are entirely electronic products, such as printable artwork and e-books, delivered instantly to customers with no inventory or shipping costs, making them highly scalable. However, they face high competition and intellectual property challenges. POD, on the other hand, involves physical items like t-shirts and mugs that are only printed after an order is placed, reducing inventory risks and allowing for high customization. While POD products require longer delivery times and have higher unit costs, they offer a wide range of customizable products. Understanding these differences helps entrepreneurs choose the best model for their business needs.
Years ago I decided to move away from POD products like tees, mugs, candles and focus mainly on creating and selling digital downloads. My reasons were:
No upfront costs
Quick turnarounds
Less time doing customer service
Control over the product
No shipping and handling
AI makes product creation a breeze!
Higher margins
Inventory is unlimited!
Preschool Printables
Image from EtsyMarket Demand
According to Etsy research platform, Alura, preschool printables are increasingly popular among parents and educators seeking affordable and effective educational materials. The demand for this digital download is driven by the need for engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that can be easily accessed and printed at home or in classrooms. As more parents look for ways to support their children's learning at home, and educators seek diverse resources, the market for preschool digital downloads continues to grow.
This opens a great opportunity for you to gain some passive income!
Example Success Story
Consider NoirDigitals, an Etsy shop owner who created a series of preschool worksheets and activity sets. Within just two months, one of their listings generated over $4,000 in revenue. As you see in above in Alura, one of their printable digital download products currently makes $181 per mo.
The shop itself had only been active for 12 months, showcasing the significant earning potential in this niche. This success was largely due to the high-quality, realistic mockups used to present the products and the continuous expansion of their offerings, which kept customers returning for more.
Tips for Creating and Marketing
Analyze Top Shops: Use Etsy research platforms like Erank or Alura to spy on the top sellers in this niche. Gain valuable insight on their products, keywords they use, listing setup, pricing before making any moves.
High-Quality Mockups: Use realistic and professional-looking mockups to showcase how your printables can be used. This helps potential customers visualize the product in their own settings.
Continuous Expansion: Regularly add new products to your store to keep your offerings fresh and relevant. This encourages repeat business from satisfied customers.
User-Friendly Design: Ensure that your printables are easy to digital download, print, and use. Clear instructions and attractive designs make a big difference.
Targeted Marketing: Promote your printables on educational forums, parent groups, and social media platforms where parents and educators are active. Use keywords related to early childhood education to improve your visibility.
Difficulty Level
Creating preschool printables is relatively easy, especially with the advancements in AI Art platforms. We have previously covered the best FREE AI tools to use for projects like this. The difficulty level is 1 out of 5, making it an excellent option for Etsy beginners. With a bit of creativity and research into current educational trends, you can create engaging and useful printables that cater to the needs of parents and educators.
2. Business Trackers
Rise of Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses
As entrepreneurship and small businesses continue to grow, the need for tools that help manage and track various business activities has increased significantly. Business trackers, which can range from expense trackers to project management tools, are essential for maintaining organization and efficiency. These tools are invaluable for new business owners who need structured ways to monitor their progress and streamline their operations.
Example Success Story
Consider the case of an Etsy seller, SerenatasJourney, who developed a series of business trackers using Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. One of their listings, The Service Business Planning and Tracking Planner has generated $5,000 per month and nearly $20K in revenue to date.
Imagine what that kind of residual income might do in your own life…
This listing is 138 monthly sales for this single digital download product, demonstrating the significant demand and potential profitability in this niche. The seller's success was largely due to their ability to create user-friendly, visually appealing trackers that met the specific needs of small business owners.
Tips for Creating and Marketing
The 1st step is to always use an Etsy research platforms like Erank or Alura to spy on the top sellers in this niche. Gain valuable insight on their products, keywords they use, listing setup, pricing before making any moves.
To create successful business trackers, focus on designing templates that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Utilize tools like Google Sheets or Excel to build your trackers, ensuring they are easy to use and customizable. Offering customization options can help cater to different business needs and increase your digital download product's appeal.
Marketing your business trackers effectively is crucial. Utilize SEO strategies to target relevant keywords, such as "small business management tools" or "expense trackers." Promote your digital download products through business-focused social media platforms like LinkedIn, as well as entrepreneurship forums and groups. Creating informative content, such as blog posts or YouTube tutorials on how to use your trackers, can also attract potential customers and demonstrate the value of your products.
Difficulty Level
Creating business trackers requires a basic understanding of spreadsheet tools and design principles. The difficulty level is 3 out of 5, as it involves technical skills in creating functional and attractive spreadsheets. For those who are not proficient in these tools, you can always outsource the creation process to someone on Fiverr to ensure high-quality products.
3. Remarkable Digital Planners
Image by AmazonOverview of Remarkable Tablet
The Remarkable tablet is an innovative electronic device designed for digital note-taking, reading, and writing, offering a paper-like experience. This tablet is popular among professionals, students, and creatives who prefer the tactile feel of writing by hand but want the convenience and efficiency of digital storage. The Remarkable tablet allows users to organize their notes, annotate documents, and create planners, making it an ideal tool for digital planning.
Also they can be easily accessed via a url link. The best delivery to a customer is to embed the link in a PDF that they can digital download.
Example Success Story
The below image of successful Etsy shop focuses on creating digital planners specifically for the Remarkable tablet. Within just three months, one of their planner listings generated over $5,000 in revenue monthly revenue. This shop had been operational for slightly over a year, demonstrating the significant potential in catering to this niche market.
The shop's success was attributed to its high-quality, device-specific planners that leveraged the unique features of the Remarkable tablet, such as handwriting recognition and customizable templates that can easily be digital downloaded on PDF.
Image from EtsyTips for Creating Niche Products
The 1st step is to always use an Etsy research platforms like Erank or Alura to spy on the top sellers in this niche. Gain valuable insight on their products, keywords they use, listing setup, pricing before making any moves.
To succeed in this niche, it's important to understand the specific needs and preferences of Remarkable tablet users. Create planners that are optimized for the tablet’s functionality, such as incorporating handwriting recognition and easy-to-navigate templates. Detailed guides and tutorials on how to use the planners can add value and attract more customers.
Engage with communities of Remarkable users on social media platforms and forums to promote your digital download products. These communities can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your offerings. Additionally, consider offering customization options to cater to different planning styles and preferences.
Effective marketing strategies include utilizing SEO to target keywords like "Remarkable digital planners" and "digital planners for Remarkable tablet." Highlight the unique features and benefits of your planners in product descriptions and marketing materials. Showcase how your planners enhance productivity and organization for Remarkable users.
Difficulty Level
Creating digital download planners for the Remarkable tablet requires a good understanding of the device's capabilities and user preferences. Designing high-quality planners that utilize the tablet's unique features can be moderately challenging. The difficulty level is 3 out of 5, as it involves specialized knowledge and design skills. However, with the right tools and research, you can create products that meet the needs of this dedicated user base.
4. Daycare Forms
Demand for Professional Templates
Daycare centers and early childhood education providers require various forms to manage their operations efficiently. These forms include enrollment applications, emergency contact sheets, daily reports, and activity planners. There is a high demand for professional, ready-made templates that save time and ensure consistency in documentation. As daycare providers focus on delivering quality care and education, having access to well-designed templates can significantly streamline their administrative tasks.
Example Success Story
An Etsy seller, TheFlooringGirl created a series of daycare forms using Canva and saw impressive results! One of their listings now generates $173 from 14 sells per month . Within 4 months this Etsy seller now has made $836 total on just 1 listing.
What if you created 10 listings that did just as well, would that be good side hustle money?
The forms were well-received for their professional design and ease of use, making them a go-to resource for daycare providers. The seller’s success was attributed to their ability to create visually appealing, functional templates that met the specific needs of early childhood education professionals.
Tips for Creating and Marketing
To create successful daycare forms, focus on designing templates that are both attractive and practical. Use Canva to create clean, easy-to-fill forms that daycare staff can quickly understand and use. Offer a variety of forms to cover different aspects of daycare management, such as daily schedules, meal plans, and parent communication logs.
Marketing your daycare forms effectively involves targeting the right audience. Utilize SEO strategies to target keywords like "daycare templates" and "childcare forms." Promote your products on platforms and forums where daycare providers and early childhood educators gather, such as educational groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Additionally, consider partnering with early childhood education blogs or websites to feature your products.
Providing customization options can also make your forms more appealing. Allow buyers to personalize forms with their daycare's logo and specific information. Offering bundles of various forms at a discounted rate can also attract buyers looking for comprehensive solutions.
Difficulty Level
Creating daycare forms is relatively straightforward, especially with user-friendly tools like Canva. The difficulty level is 1 out of 5, making it an excellent option for beginners. The primary challenge lies in understanding the specific needs of daycare providers and ensuring that your forms are functional and user-friendly. With some basic design skills and attention to detail, you can create valuable products that meet the demands of this market.
5. Wedding Checklists
Ever-Evolving Wedding Market
The wedding industry is constantly changing with new trends, styles, and preferences emerging regularly. Couples are always looking for the latest ideas and tools to help them plan their perfect day. This creates a continuous demand for updated, innovative wedding planning resources, including wedding checklists. These checklists help couples stay organized and ensure that no detail is overlooked, making them an essential tool in the wedding planning process.
Example Success Story
Consider the example of an Etsy shop that specializes in wedding planning tools, including checklists. One of their wedding checklist listings generated over $3,000 a month within eight months of launching. This success was due to the shop's ability to stay current with wedding trends and provide beautifully designed, comprehensive checklists that catered to modern couples’ needs. Their digital download products were appreciated for their detail and usability, helping them stand out in a competitive market.
Tips for Creating and Marketing
To create effective wedding checklists, keep up with the latest wedding trends and incorporate them into your designs. Offer comprehensive lists that cover every aspect of wedding planning, from budgeting and vendor coordination to day-of timelines and honeymoon preparations. Make sure your checklists are visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Customization is key in the wedding industry. Offer personalized checklists that couples can tailor to their specific wedding plans. Providing options for different wedding themes, sizes, and locations can also make your checklists more attractive to a broader audience.
Effective marketing strategies include utilizing SEO to target keywords like "wedding checklist," "wedding planning checklist," and "custom wedding checklist." Promote your products on popular wedding planning websites, blogs, and social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram, where many couples look for wedding inspiration. Collaborate with wedding influencers or bloggers to review and showcase your checklists, leveraging their audience to increase your reach.
Difficulty Level
Creating wedding checklists is relatively easy, especially with design tools like Canva. The difficulty level is 1 out of 5, making it accessible for beginners. The main challenge lies in keeping your checklists updated with the latest trends and ensuring they are comprehensive and user-friendly. With a good understanding of wedding planning and attention to detail, you can create valuable resources that meet the needs of today’s couples.
6. No-Sew Crochet Patterns
Image by Etsy
Niche Market Potential
To be honest I didnt even know that this existed. However, people are buying this on Etsy. And when I say they are buying it, I mean they are buying a boatload of these easy download patterns! Also they can be easily accessed via a url link.
The best delivery to a customer is to embed the link in a PDF that they can digital download.
No-sew crochet patterns are gaining popularity among crafters who enjoy creating crochet projects without the need for sewing. This niche market appeals to beginners who might find sewing intimidating and experienced crafters looking for quick and easy projects. The unique aspect of no-sew crochet patterns makes them stand out, attracting a dedicated audience willing to purchase innovative and accessible designs.
Example Success Story
One successful Etsy shop specializing in no-sew crochet patterns made an insane $21,000 per mo!!! They have made over 133K on this pattern alone! The shop had been open for only seven months, highlighting the high demand and profitability within this niche. The seller's ability to create detailed, easy-to-follow patterns that required no sewing attracted a wide audience, including both novice and seasoned crafters.
Tips for Creating and Marketing
To create successful no-sew crochet patterns, focus on designing projects that are both visually appealing and easy to complete. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions with plenty of photos or video tutorials to help users follow along. Offering a range of patterns, from simple to more complex projects, can cater to different skill levels and keep your audience engaged.
Marketing your no-sew crochet patterns effectively involves targeting crochet enthusiasts through various channels. Utilize SEO strategies to target keywords such as "no-sew crochet patterns," "beginner crochet projects," and "easy crochet designs." Promote your products on craft-focused platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Ravelry, where crafters share and discover new projects. Engaging with crochet communities on social media and participating in forums can also help you reach a broader audience.
Collaborating with influencers in the crochet and crafting space to showcase your patterns can significantly boost your visibility. Offering free samples or discounts to first-time buyers can encourage more people to try your patterns and leave positive reviews.
Difficulty Level
Creating no-sew crochet patterns requires specialized knowledge in crochet techniques. The difficulty level is 4 out of 5, as it involves designing innovative projects that do not require sewing, which can be challenging. However, if you have expertise in crochet or can partner with someone who does, you can tap into this lucrative niche and create patterns that appeal to a wide range of crafters.
7. Social Media Planners
Importance for Influencers and Businesses
Social media presence is crucial for influencers and businesses. Effective social media management can lead to increased engagement, brand awareness, and ultimately, business growth. Social media planners help users organize their content, plan posts, track engagement, and streamline their overall social media strategy. For influencers, these planners are essential tools for maintaining a consistent posting schedule and analyzing the effectiveness of their content.
Also they can be easily accessed via a url link. The best delivery to a customer is to embed the link in a PDF that they can digital download.
Example Success Story
ShopTemplateQueen, an Etsy seller specializing in Notion-based social media planners as digital downloads found significant success. Within less than a year, their listings generated over $5,000 per month. By targeting a specific platform like Notion, they were able to stand out in the crowded market of generic social media planners. Their products were well-received for their detailed, easy-to-use layouts that catered specifically to the needs of influencers and small business owners.
Tips for Creating Niche Products
To create effective social media planners, focus on the specific needs of your target audience. For influencers and small businesses, this means including features like content calendars, post ideas, engagement trackers, and analytics sections. Design your planners to be user-friendly and visually appealing, ensuring they are easy to navigate and customize.
Consider offering digital download planners tailored to different social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This specialization can help you attract a broader audience looking for tools specific to their primary platform. Providing detailed instructions or tutorials on how to use your planners can also add value and make your products more appealing.
Marketing your social media planners effectively is crucial. Utilize SEO strategies to target keywords like "social media planner for influencers" and "Notion social media planner." Promote your products through social media channels, focusing on platforms where influencers and business owners are active. Collaborate with influencers to review and showcase your planners, leveraging their audience to increase your reach.
Difficulty Level
Creating social media planners requires a solid understanding of social media strategies and the specific needs of influencers and businesses. Designing comprehensive and effective planners can be moderately challenging, especially if you aim to offer platform-specific features. The difficulty level is 3 out of 5, as it involves both design skills and knowledge of social media management. However, with thorough research and user feedback, you can develop products that significantly benefit your target audience.
Enjoy this FREE Digital Planner from us!
Trill Pieces is thrilled to offer an exclusive FREE giveaway: a Notion digital planner designed for social media and content creation! This versatile planner can be used for personal organization or resold on platforms like Etsy for profit. By accepting this gift, you'll also be opting into our monthly newsletter, where we share the latest Etsy money-making tips and AI business insights.
Instructions: Once you receive the Notion link, simply locate the 3 dots in the upper right corner and duplicate the locked planner. Your duplicated version will be unlocked, allowing you to fully customize the fields and design to suit your needs. Don't miss out on this valuable resource – grab your planner below and start organizing your success!
