How to Create a Profitable Digital Product (Even if You're Not an Expert)

Can I tell you something? The whole idea of creating a digital product used to terrify me. I was completely convinced you needed some fancy degree or a decade of experience before you had anything worth selling. That little voice whispering, "You're not qualified enough"? Oh, I know that voice well. I’m still learning this myself, but what I've discovered is that voice is the number one reason most people never even start. This guide is my attempt to share what's working for me so far, to help you get your incredible knowledge out into the world without waiting for permission.

Why isn't 'being an expert' necessary for creating digital products?

Let me be honest with you. That whole "wait until you're an expert" advice is complete rubbish. I wasted so much time believing I had to have all the answers before I could possibly help anyone else. It held me back for years, and I see it holding back so many brilliant people just like you.

Here's what nobody talks about: your learning journey is the most valuable digital product you have. People don't connect with flawless gurus sitting on mountaintops. They connect with real people who are just a few steps ahead, people who vividly remember what it felt like to be a total beginner. Your struggles, your tiny wins, your "aha!" moments—that's the stuff that is truly relatable and incredibly valuable to someone walking the same path just behind you.

How do I find a product idea when I don't know where to start?

Okay, so you’re sold on the idea of creating a digital product. Fantastic. But now comes the big, slightly terrifying question: what on earth do you actually create? It’s so easy to get lost in a sea of options. An online course? A template? An ebook? I get it, I've been there.

Listen, the internet is full of people trying to sell you on the "most profitable digital product." The reality is... that’s mostly noise. The best digital product for you is the one you can genuinely create from where you are right now, and that your people actually need. It’s that simple. Let's find a product idea that feels authentic to you and solves a real problem, because that's the foundation of a successful digital product business.

What types of digital products can be created easily?

I used to think creating a digital product meant I had to build some massive, Hollywood-production-level online course. It felt completely overwhelming and was just another excuse to procrastinate. The reality is, many digital products can be created quickly and simply, especially when you're just starting out. A beautifully designed template made in Canva can solve a huge problem for a small business owner who isn’t a designer.

Your first digital product doesn't have to be complicated to be valuable. In fact, simple is often better. Digital products include things like a checklist, a planner, or a set of social media graphics. These are perfect starting points for your new business. The key is to start small, solve a real problem, and build from there. Many digital products are born from solving your own frustrations first.

Which digital product to sell when you're just starting a digital product business?

Here’s the thing: your best product idea is probably hiding in plain sight. It’s buried in the questions people already ask you, the problems you’ve recently solved for yourself, or the skill you perform so naturally you don't even see it as a skill. What if I told you the thing you think is "too simple" is exactly what someone else is desperately searching for?

Think about what you've been learning lately. What small thing have you figured out that could save someone else hours of frustration? What spreadsheet did you create for your own use that a friend said was genius? That’s your starting point. You want to create a digital product that doesn’t just make money, but actually makes a difference. That’s how you find a product idea that you can genuinely get excited about.

How can I be sure people will want to buy my digital product?

Let me tell you about a feeling I know all too well: that gut-wrenching fear you’ll pour your heart and soul into creating your digital product, only to launch to the sound of crickets. I’ve absolutely been there. That feeling is the reason so many brilliant ideas never see the light of day. This is exactly why validating your product idea before you build a single thing is non-negotiable.

So many digital products fail because they’re elegant solutions to problems nobody actually has. We’re not talking about formal, stuffy market research here. We're talking about having real conversations with real people. The goal is to find your target audience, understand their deepest frustrations, and gently confirm that the digital product you’re dreaming up is the solution they’ve been actively looking for.

What are the best ways to create and sell digital products without a big budget?

You don't need a massive following or a big budget to pull this off. Trust me. A simple, honest email to your (even tiny) email list can work wonders. Ask about their biggest struggles related to your topic. You'll be amazed at what you can learn from just a handful of replies. This is how you create a digital product people genuinely want.

Another great way is to create strategic free content. Write a blog post that solves one tiny piece of the problem your future digital product will tackle. The engagement it gets—the comments, the questions—is a direct measure of interest. This whole step of the process isn't about getting a "yes" or "no." It's about gathering clues so you can start creating something with certainty, not just hope. This is how you start selling digital products online successfully.

Can I really create a digital product using Canva?

Alright, let’s get into the fun part: actually making the thing. I used to think this was where you needed to be some kind of tech wizard. The reality is, creating a digital product today can be surprisingly simple, especially with tools like Canva. For your first digital product, this is often all you need.

You can create a beautiful ebook, a practical workbook, or a set of social media templates without any design experience. The key is to start small. Don't try to build a massive online course on day one. Create a high-quality template or a short guide that solves one specific problem for your target audience. That’s your win. This kind of user-friendly design means you can start creating digital products immediately without a steep learning curve.

What's a 'Minimum Viable Product' and why does it matter for digital goods?

This is where so many of us get stuck. We try to build the final, all-singing, all-dancing version of our digital product right out of the gate. Please don't do this. I’ve made this mistake so you don’t have to. Instead, focus on creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). What’s the simplest version of your digital product that still solves the core problem for your user? That’s your starting line.

The whole point of the MVP approach is to get your digital product into the hands of real users as quickly as possible. I go into more detail on this in my article exploring some brilliant minimum viable product examples. Their feedback is the most valuable resource you have. This is how you create a truly high-quality product—not by guessing, but by co-creating it with the very people you want to help.

How do I sell my digital product without feeling pushy?

I used to hate the idea of "selling". It just felt so... icky. But then it hit me: selling your digital product is just another way of helping. If you truly believe your digital product can solve a real problem, then telling people about it isn't being pushy. It's an act of service. The real secret to making sales is to build a genuine connection and show the value of your digital product long before you ask for a cent.

This all starts with the content you create and building an email list of people who are actually excited to hear from you. When you do finally launch a digital product, it should feel like the natural next step for them. You're not a salesperson; you're a trusted guide. This whole approach is about making sales by serving first. If you're curious about the bigger picture, I get into some of my own strategies in this piece on effective online marketing.

After the sale: how do I scale my digital product business?

Making that first sale is an incredible feeling, isn't it? But can I be honest with you? That’s not the finish line; it’s the real starting line for your online business. Your first few customers are pure gold. Their insights are your single greatest source of information to improve your product. This is how you go from a good digital product to an irresistible one.

From there, you can scale your business. It could mean creating more digital products, building digital communities around your topic, or refining your marketing to reach a wider audience. The market for this is huge and growing. In 2024, about 17.08 million Australians shop online every month, a number set to grow to around 23.14 million by 2029. You can learn more about the growth of Australia's eCommerce landscape on redsearch.com.au. The key is to keep learning and listening. This is how you build a brand that people want to buy from again and again.

Key Things to Remember

Look, starting this is thrilling, and yeah, a little bit terrifying. As you take this next step, hold onto these truths. They're your anchor.

• Your experience is valuable now: Someone out there is struggling with a problem you solved six months ago. Your knowledge has a shelf life; share your digital product while it's fresh.
• Start small: Your first digital product doesn't need to be an epic online course. A simple template that saves someone an hour is a massive win and a great digital product to sell.
• Talk to actual humans: Building a digital product you know people need—because they've told you—is the quickest way to shut down your inner critic.
• Done is better than perfect: Get your digital product into the world. You can (and should) improve your product based on what real customers tell you.
• Selling is helping: If your digital product can make someone's life easier, telling them about it is an act of service, not a sleazy sales pitch.

You are so much more ready than you think you are. Now, go help someone.
If you want to go a bit deeper into my philosophy on this, you might find my guide on how to create digital products a helpful next read.