Digital Products

Digital Products to Sell Online: Types Compared

An overview of digital product types, the effort each takes, and how to choose your first one.

This guide is in progress

We’re still researching and expanding this article. The basics below are accurate to our knowledge, but check back for the full guide.

Illustration of a tablet showing a download icon beside a PDF file

Digital products are files or online resources customers download or access instantly — templates, printables, guides, courses, presets, and more. Here’s an overview of product types, what each takes to create, and how to choose your first one.

Types of digital products

Digital product types compared
ProductEffort to createGood fit if you…
Printables (planners, checklists, worksheets)LowCan organize information clearly
Spreadsheet & document templatesLow–mediumAre good with Sheets, Excel, or Docs
Design templates (Canva, presentations)MediumHave an eye for layout
Short e-books or guidesMediumCan teach a narrow skill well
Photo presets & stock photosMediumAre a skilled photographer
Online mini-coursesHighCan teach on video and support students

Choose your first product

  • Start with a small product that solves one specific problem.
  • Pick a format your buyer already knows how to use.
  • Validate demand: look for questions people repeatedly ask, and existing products with reviews.
  • Read licenses for any fonts, images, or elements you include.

Ready to build? Our step-by-step guide to selling digital templates covers creation, platforms, fees, and pricing math.

Editor’s note

This overview is being expanded with platform comparisons and a launch checklist for each product type.

Sources and further reading

  1. U.S. Copyright Office — Frequently Asked Questions

About Ethan Wilson

Writes practical side hustle guides for GetSideHustles.

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