Selling digital product opens up an incredible avenue for college students. As busy college students, we’ve got our plates full. You’re probably up to your eyeballs in textbooks, cramming for exams, and always on the hunt for some extra cash. I get it because I’m right there with you, navigating the hustle as a fellow college student. We’ve all been there, with the clichéd part-time jobs and constantly trying to make ends meet. But what if I told you there’s a better way? What if I shared the not-so-secret secret to financial freedom for students like us?

In this blog post, you will come across ideas for digital products to sell online – 28 to be exact – that match your personal needs (and skills). This isn’t a typical get-rich-quick scheme, but one of the best ways of still keeping college real while making extra money. If you’re seeking an overnight route to wealth, I’m afraid this post might not be your cup of tea.

However, if you’re someone who understands that building a reliable income source is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring commitment, patience, and yes, a good bit of hard work, you’re in the right place. I’m speaking from my personal experience, from lessons learned and successes achieved. Over six months, I managed to pull in over $10,000 by selling digital products, and now, I’m going to share the tips and strategies that worked for me.

What are digital products?

A digital product, in simple terms, is something you can’t physically touch but can use on your computer or phone, like a cool app, a fun video game, or your go-to streaming service. For instance, Minecraft or Netflix; these are classic examples of digital products. These can be as simple as printables, eBooks, digital art, and online courses. The whole point of these things is to make your life easier, more entertaining, or more convenient. You use these apps to keep track of things, games to entertain yourself, and streaming services to provide you with countless movies and shows.

Why Should College Students Consider Selling Digital Products?

College life can be both exciting and financially challenging. Selling digital products offers unique advantages for students looking to boost their income and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider selling digital product:

Pros:

1. Creating and selling digital products allows you to work on your own time, making it a perfect side gig for busy college students. You can manage your business around your class schedule, exams, and social life.
2. Unlike traditional businesses, digital products have minimal upfront costs. You don’t need a physical store, inventory, or a large budget to get started. This is especially beneficial for cash-strapped students.
3. Once you’ve created and marketed your digital products, they can generate passive income. This means you continue to earn money while focusing on your studies or other endeavors.
4. Selling digital products can enhance your skills in areas such as content creation, graphic design, marketing, and entrepreneurship. These skills are not only valuable for your current venture but can also boost your resume.
5. There’s a growing demand for digital products like e-books, online courses, and templates. With the right product and marketing, you can tap into a thriving market.

Cons:

1. Creating high-quality digital products can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to the process. Balancing this with your academic workload may be a challenge.
2. The digital product market is highly competitive. Your products need to stand out, which may require significant effort in marketing and promotion.
3. Income from selling digital products can be irregular. It may take some time to build a customer base and start seeing consistent sales.
4. Protecting your digital products from piracy and copyright infringement can be a concern. Implementing effective security measures and understanding copyright laws is essential.
5. Digital product trends evolve rapidly. What’s popular today might not be in demand tomorrow. Staying current and adaptable is crucial.

Which platform best to sell your Digital Products?

When it comes to selling your digital products, choosing the right platform is crucial for your success. Here are five popular options, each with its unique strengths and considerations:

1. Etsy:
   • Pros: Etsy is well-known for its marketplace of handmade and unique items, attracting millions of monthly visitors. It’s an excellent choice if your digital products align with its audience.
   • Cons: Be aware that Etsy can have listing and other fees, and shop suspensions are possible. A strong SEO strategy is crucial to ensure your products reach your target audience.
2. Shopify:
   • Pros: Shopify offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform with a variety of apps and themes, making it a versatile choice. You have more control over your brand and design.
   • Cons: Setting up and managing a Shopify store can be more complex and expensive compared to other options.
3. Creative Market:
   • Pros: Creative Market is tailor-made for digital creators. It provides a platform for fonts, graphics, templates, and other creative assets.
   • Cons: The competition is intense, but the audience is targeted toward your niche.
4. Gumroad:
   • Pros: Gumroad specializes in digital products, offering a straightforward platform with minimal fees. It’s easy to set up and use.
   • Cons: While Gumroad is user-friendly, it may not offer as much customization or branding opportunities as other platforms.
5. Build Your Own Website:
   • Pros: If you want complete control and wish to avoid third-party fees, starting your own website is an attractive option. You can build your brand, control your content, and have full autonomy.
   • Cons: The downside is that you’re responsible for driving traffic to your site, which can be a long-term effort. It’s ideal for those willing to invest time in audience building.

30 best digital products to sell online as a college students

1. Notion Templates

In today’s digital age, the demand for organization and productivity tools is higher than ever. Notion templates offer a versatile solution for college students and professionals alike. Notion is a popular platform for managing tasks, projects, and notes. As of 2023, Notion has more than 30 million users world over and this is increasing. Creating and selling Notion templates can be profitable, especially when tailored to specific niches, such as academic planning or project management.

To profit from Notion templates, you can design and sell templates that simplify complex tasks, saving users time and effort. Why not share the templates you’ve created to help you study, stay organized, and manage your schedule? It’s a win-win: your fellow students get access to tools that make their lives easier, and you get to earn some extra income. Plus, as a student, you’re in a unique position to understand the specific needs and challenges your peers face.

People buy Notion templates because they enhance their productivity and help them stay organized. To market your templates effectively, you can leverage social media, Notion’s template gallery, and educational forums to reach a broad audience.

2. Instagram Caption Ideas

There are over 1 billion monthly active Instagram users. People are always on the lookout for fresh and creative caption ideas to make their posts stand out. We all know how time-consuming it can be to come up with the perfect words for our posts. By offering ready-made captions, you’re just saving your peers’ precious time.

These caption ideas provide value by saving users time. Plus, let’s be honest, you know the ins and outs of Instagram better than most, making it easier to monetize this skill. With the increasing importance of personal branding and social media marketing, Instagram caption ideas have gained popularity. With a bit of marketing and quality content, this side gig has the potential to fill your wallet.

3. Social Media Templates

With more than 200 million active users on Pinterest and over 1 billion on Instagram, social media templates have a significant audience. Social media is a powerful tool for promoting businesses and personal brands. We all want to stand out online, but who has the time to create eye-catching content from scratch? That’s where you come in.

These templates allow users to maintain a consistent visual identity on their social media profiles. People buy these templates because they want to stand out online without spending hours designing. To make a profit, you can offer customizable templates and design packs that cater to different styles and niches.

4. Instagram Stories Highlight Covers

Instagram Stories is immensely popular, with over 500 million daily users. To make their profiles more appealing and organized, many Instagram users seek unique Stories Highlight Covers. These icons enhance the aesthetics of Instagram profiles, making them more attractive to visitors. People purchase these icons to visually represent their content categories or brand identity.

5. Social Media Content Planner

Research shows that consistency in posting can boost engagement and followers. Therefore, the demand for content planner remains high. You can create and sell customizable content planner to help users plan and schedule their social media posts. People buy content planner to streamline their social media strategies and maintain a consistent online presence. To profit, you can offer a range of content planner templates and formats, including Excel sheets or Google Docs.

6. Resume Templates

In the competitive job market, a well-designed resume can make all the difference. As of 2021, the U.S. unemployment rate was around 3.9%. College students and job-seekers are constantly on the lookout for effective ways to stand out. You can create and sell customizable resume templates to assist individuals in crafting compelling resumes. People buy these templates to boost their chances of landing their desired job or internship. You can profit by offering templates tailored to different industries and job positions.

7. Printable Planners

Organization is key to academic success, and printable planners provide an efficient solution. As of 2023, there were approximately 16.9 million students enrolled in colleges and universities in the United States. You can create and sell printable planners specifically designed for students to help them manage their academic and personal lives effectively. People buy these planners to stay organized and achieve their academic goals. To make a profit, you can offer planners customized for different academic terms and subjects.

8. Custom Phone Wallpapers

Personalization is a trend that extends to mobile devices. With over 6.92 billion smartphone users worldwide in 2023, there’s a vast audience for custom phone wallpapers. You can create and sell personalized phone wallpaper designs. People buy custom phone wallpapers to express their individuality and personalize their smartphones. You can profit by offering a range of designs, from minimalistic to vibrant, and marketing them through platforms like Etsy, and creative market.

9. Note-Taking Templates

Effective note-taking is a fundamental skill for students. Your digital note-taking templates can cater to this global need. As students around the world pursue education, whether in person or online, they seek tools to enhance their learning experience. People purchase digital note-taking templates to improve their study habits and understand complex subjects. You can profit by offering templates for various subjects and academic levels.

10. College Application Guides

Navigating the college application process can be overwhelming for high school students worldwide. As of 2023, millions of students seek guidance on finding the right college and preparing application materials. You can offer college application guides that provide step-by-step instructions and tips to help aspiring college students. People buy these guides to increase their chances of admission to their desired institutions. To profit, create comprehensive guides for different types of colleges and majors.

11. Mockups

If you have a passion for photography, consider creating mockup templates. These templates provide a versatile canvas for showcasing products and designs, which is a growing need in the e-commerce industry. E-commerce continues to expand, with online sales expected to reach $1,137 trillion in 2023 in the US. E-commerce businesses and product creators purchase mockup templates to display their offerings in a professional and attractive manner. To profit from this, you can offer a variety of mockup templates for different product categories, such as apparel, electronics, and packaging.

12. Stock Photos

The demand for high-quality stock photos is constantly on the rise. As of 2023, businesses and content creators worldwide seek visual content to enhance their websites, marketing materials, and social media. Stock photo sites, such as Stocksy and Adobe Stock, continue to be lucrative platforms for photographers and image creators.

Selling your stock photos provides an opportunity to share your visual art with a global audience and get paid up to $10,800 directly into your pocket. Many photographers choose this route to maintain control over their profits. You can market your images on stock photo websites, your personal portfolio website, and by engaging with content creators in need of captivating visuals.

13. Custom Phone Case Designs

Custom phone case designs offer users a unique way to express their style through their mobile devices. As of 2023, there are over 6.92 billion mobile phone users worldwide. By offering digital designs that fit specific phone case models, you can success into this market.

People buy custom phone case designs to personalize their phones with artwork or themes that resonate with them. To profit, you can create designs for popular phone models and market them on platforms like Etsy and Casetify, where users can easily customize and print their own cases.

14. Budgeting Tools

Managing finances is a universal concern, and the demand for budgeting tools continues to grow. With a global audience in mind, you can create spreadsheets or apps that help individuals, including students, manage their finances effectively.

People purchase budgeting tools to gain control over their financial situation and save money. To profit, offer tools that can be customized to various financial goals and life situations. You can market these tools through financial blogs, social media, and by collaborating with financial advisors or influencers who emphasize smart financial management.

15. Printable Poster Designs

Decorating living spaces is a global trend, and students often seek affordable and stylish ways to personalize their dorm rooms or apartments. By creating digital poster designs suitable for printing, you can cater to this demand.

People buy printable poster designs to add a personal touch to their living spaces. To profit, offer a range of designs, from inspirational quotes to artistic creations. You can market these designs on platforms like Etsy, where custom and printable artwork is in high demand. Engaging with interior design influencers and using social media to showcase your designs can help you reach a broad audience.

16. Fitness and Health Plans

As health and fitness awareness grows, people worldwide are looking for guidance to stay active and maintain a balanced diet. Offering digital workout plans and meal prep guides can be highly beneficial. People purchase these plans to achieve their fitness goals. To profit, create plans tailored to different fitness levels and dietary preferences. Promote your fitness and health plans through social media, fitness blogs, and partnerships with fitness influencers or trainers.

17. Content Ideas List for TikTok/YouTube

The popularity of content creation on platforms like TikTok and YouTube is skyrocketing. As of 2023, TikTok had over 1 billion monthly active users, and YouTube had 2 billion logged-in monthly users. Content creators are constantly searching for fresh and viral ideas to engage their audiences. Selling content ideas lists can be a high paying business. People buy these lists to spark their creativity and increase their chances of creating content that goes viral. To profit, you can offer a variety of content ideas, including trends, challenges, and unique concepts.

18. Photo Presets

Photography presets are in high demand among photography enthusiasts and content creators. The ability to instantly enhance the look and feel of photos is a valuable tool. As of 2023, photography is a widely practiced hobby, and there is a constant need for tools that simplify the editing process. People buy photo presets to achieve a consistent and appealing visual style for their photos.

19. Printable Stickers

Printable stickers are a delightful way for individuals to add a personal touch to their belongings, and their appeal extends across the globe. With billions of people seeking creative ways to customize their items, the potential market is substantial. People purchase printable stickers for their laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and more while reflecting their unique style. To profit, create sticker packs featuring a variety of themes and moods, ensuring they are print-ready. You can market these printable stickers through your online store, on print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify.

20. Part-Time Job Listings

As college students seek part-time jobs or internships near their campuses, the demand for job listings remains consistent. You can curate and sell lists of part-time job opportunities to your college peers. People purchase these listings to access a wide range of job options.

21. Dorm Packing List

Every year, new students enroll in colleges and universities worldwide, and they face the challenge of packing and organizing their dorm rooms. Offering digital dorm packing lists can be a valuable service. People buy these lists to ensure they have all the essentials for dorm living. To profit, create comprehensive packing lists for different types of accommodations and market them through university websites, social media groups for incoming students, and campus orientation programs.

22. Customizable Class Schedules

Class schedules are essential for students globally. By creating digital templates for students to input their class schedules, you can provide a valuable resource. People buy customizable class schedule templates to stay organized and manage their time effectively. To profit, offer templates that can be adapted to different academic terms and systems.

23. Digital Exam Flashcards

Efficient study tools are highly sought after by students worldwide. Digital exam flashcards provide a convenient way to review and prepare for exams. People purchase digital flashcard sets to improve their exam preparation and retention of key information. To profit, create flashcard sets for a variety of subjects and courses.

24. Study/Poster Note

Students, especially in healthcare and other demanding fields, often seek effective study aids. Study notes and posters can simplify the learning process and are highly popular globally. People purchase study notes and posters to grasp complex topics and improve their understanding. To profit, create notes and posters for different subjects and fields. Market your products through academic forums, social media groups focused on education, and partnerships with educators who appreciate your resources.

25. Class Project Templates

In college, various class projects and assignments require students to create professional documents. Providing templates for common project types, such as research papers, presentations, and group reports, can be a valuable service.

Students and professionals buy these templates to save time and ensure their work is structured correctly. To profit, offer templates for different subjects and project types. Market your templates through educational websites, academic forums, and collaborations with educators who value efficient project solutions.

26. Internship Application Pack

Internships are crucial for students looking to gain practical experience. However, the application process can be daunting. Offering an internship application package containing resume templates, cover letter templates, and interview tips tailored for internships can be invaluable for aspiring professionals worldwide.

People purchase these packages to enhance their chances of securing internships in competitive fields. To profit, create comprehensive packages for various industries and positions. Market your packages through university career centers, job search websites, and social media groups focused on internships.

27. Ebooks

Ebooks continue to grow in popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly way to access knowledge. As of 2023, ebook revenue reached US$5,254.00 million in the United States. Writing and selling ebooks on topics like study strategies, time management, or college life tips can be profitable. Readers buy ebooks to gain insights and strategies for personal and academic development. To profit, write well-researched ebooks that cater to the needs of students and professionals.

28. Online Courses

Online learning is a global phenomenon, especially among college students seeking to expand their knowledge. As of 2023, the e-learning market was valued at over $278 billion. Creating video courses on subjects you’re passionate about or excel in can provide valuable education to a diverse audience. People enroll in online courses to acquire new skills and knowledge. To profit, create engaging and informative courses that cater to various interests and skill levels.

How to create and sell digital products as a college students?

Find Your Digital Product Niche

So, you’ve decided to start selling digital products, but where do you begin? The first step is to find a niche that resonates with you. Consider what you are so passionate about and also something that you understand quite well. Your digital product should be in line with your interests and abilities. Moreover, it is important to contemplate market demand. What are people seeking within this niche? How can your digital product offer solutions or add value?

Here’s a tip: Conduct keyword research to understand what people are searching for within your chosen niche. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you discover popular search terms and trends that may guide your product creation.

Research and Brainstorm Digital Product Ideas

Great, you’ve chosen your niche, and now it’s time to brainstorm product ideas. Dive deep into your chosen niche, understand its dynamics, and ask questions like a curious detective:

• What problems or challenges do people face in this niche?
• How can your digital product address these issues or provide value?
• Are there gaps or underserved areas within the niche you can tap into?

While brainstorming, consider looking at existing digital products to see what’s out there. What can you do differently or better? The key is to stand out and offer a unique selling proposition that grabs your audience’s attention.

Create Your Digital Products

With your product idea in hand, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start creating. Make sure your product is of high quality and user-friendly. The goal is to provide real solutions to the problems you’ve identified in your niche. Never waste time in starting to create. Procrastination can be a creativity killer, and you never know what opportunities or challenges you’ll face tomorrow. So, do it now and turn your brilliant ideas into a products that can benefit others. Starting today is the first step.

Here’s a pro tip: As a college student, time management is crucial. Use productivity tools to stay organized and focused during the creation process. Tools like Trello or Asana can help you stay on track and meet your deadlines.

Choose a Sales Platform

Now that you have your digital product ready, it’s time to decide where you’ll sell it. There are various platforms to choose from, each with its unique advantages. You can consider options like Etsy, Shopify, Creative Market, Gumroad, or creating your own website.

Here’s a pro tip: Each platform has its features and audience. Research and choose the one that aligns with your target customers and fits your needs. Don’t forget to look into the platform’s fees, payment processing, and ease of use.

Market and Promote Your Digital Products

Creating your digital product is just the first step. Now, it’s time to get the word out and attract your target audience. A solid marketing strategy is key to your success. Here’s how you can go about it:

• Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to engage with your audience. Share your journey, behind-the-scenes insights, and offer value through your content.
• Consider offering free trials or samples of your products to give potential customers a taste of what you’re offering.
• Launch email marketing campaigns to keep your audience informed about your latest products and offers.

Remember, stay adaptable, learn from customer feedback, and remain updated with the ever-changing market trends.

What Sales and Promotion Tips Work Best for Selling Digital Products?

Here are some effective tips:

1. Engage on Social Media: Don’t just post and disappear—engage with your audience. Share tips, answer questions, and spark conversations. Own it by being present and interactive.

2. Offer Freebies and Samples: People love free stuff! Offering free trials, samples, or demos of your product can hook potential customers by showcasing its value.

3. Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Positive reviews and testimonials are your best friend. Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences. It adds authenticity and trust to your brand.

4. Email Marketing: Build an email list and leverage it. Send out newsletters, exclusive offers, or updates. It’s a personal, direct way to reach your audience.

5. Value-Packed Content: Create content that adds value. Blogs, videos, or podcasts can educate, entertain, and promote your products subtly.

6. Use Visuals and Demos: Visuals are eye-catching and effective. Provide demos, infographics, or video content to showcase your product’s features.

7. Limited-time Offers and Flash Sales: Creating a sense of urgency can drive sales. Limited-time offers or flash sales can push potential buyers to make a decision.

8. Optimize Your SEO: This can help potential customers find you more easily.

9. Consistency is Key: Stay consistent in your messaging, posting schedule, and brand identity. Consistency builds trust and reliability.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Test different strategies, see what works best for your product, and adapt along the way. Experimentation and learning from both successes and failures are the keys to mastering the art of selling digital products.

Essential Skill Set Before Selling Digital Products

Before you start selling digital products, it’s essential to have some key skills. You don’t need to be an expert, but having a basic skill set can be incredibly helpful. If you’re new to this or want to improve your skills, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn.

1. Basic Graphic Design Skills: You don’t have to be a professional, but knowing your way around graphic design software can be a real asset. If you’re just starting out, platforms like Skillshare, and Adobe Creative Cloud offer beginner-friendly courses and tools.
2. Copy Writing: Copy Writing is a powerful tool, having good writing skills can help your products shine. Websites like Skillshare and ProWritingAid offer courses and tools to enhance your writing.
3. Continuous Learning: Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your niche is crucial. You can do this by following industry blogs, enrolling in online courses, and watching YouTube tutorials. Learning is a continuous process in the digital world.
4. Collaboration and Outsourcing: You don’t have to do it all alone. If there are tasks that aren’t your strong suit, consider outsourcing them. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr having lot’s of of talented individuals who can help you.
5. Video Editing Skills: Basic skills in video editing can help you create video tutorials, and promotional content. Tools like Adobe Express and InVideo offer user-friendly options for beginners.

I’ve personally found these platforms highly beneficial in my skill development:

1. Skillshare: Skillshare is an excellent platform to hone your creative and technical skills. It offers a wide range of online courses, particularly in design, writing, photography, and more.
2. Teachable: Teachable is a fantastic platform if you’re considering sharing your expertise through online courses. It allows you to create and sell your own courses, providing an opportunity to monetize your knowledge and reach a global audience.
3. One Month: If you’re looking to become proficient in coding or web development, One Month is a superb choice. It offers short, intensive online courses that focus on practical skills, making it perfect for those with limited time.
4. YouTube: YouTube is a fantastic platform to learn new skills. You can find plenty of tutorials, courses, and helpful channels covering various topics related to creating digital products. What’s great is that most of it is free, making it a valuable resource for enhancing your skills and staying updated with the latest trends.

Taking the First Step and key factors for Success in Selling Digital Products

Selling digital products can be a cool way to make money and learn new stuff, even if you’re in college. You don’t have to be a pro – just know a little bit and be open to learning. There are lots of ideas, and you can sell them on places like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website.

The goal is to help people with your products and keep trying, even if it feels hard at first. It might take some time, but you can do it. I trust you.

So, go ahead and try it out – who knows, your stuff might become super popular, and you can make money even while you’re still in school. Good luck and have fun selling!