How to Sell Digital Downloads on Etsy | A Beginner’s Guide to Succeed In 2023

  • By: Reece Williams
  • Date: April 29, 2023
  • Time to read: 6 min.

Are you a digital creator looking for a platform to sell your products? Etsy is an excellent option for selling your digital downloads. With over 81 million active buyers, this platform offers a massive market for your products.

However, successfully selling digital downloads on Etsy requires more than just listing your products. You need to understand the platform’s policies, optimize your listings, and promote your products effectively.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to sell digital downloads on Etsy. We will cover everything from creating your shop to optimizing your listings, managing your downloads, and promoting your products.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to start selling your digital downloads on Etsy like a pro.

So let’s dive in and get started!

Understanding Etsy and Digital Downloads

Etsy is a global online marketplace that specializes in unique, handmade, and vintage items. It is an excellent platform for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with customers worldwide. In addition to physical products, Etsy also allows sellers to offer digital downloads.

Digital downloads are products that buyers can download and use on their devices, such as printable art, digital planners, e-books, and music. Etsy allows sellers to offer digital products in various formats, including PDF, JPG, MP3, and PNG.

Before you start selling digital downloads on Etsy, you need to understand the platform’s policies regarding these products.

Etsy has specific guidelines that sellers must follow when offering digital downloads. For example, sellers must ensure that they have the right to sell the product, and the product must be original and not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks.

Additionally, sellers must provide clear instructions on how to download and use the product.

Types of Digital Downloads that Can be Sold on Etsy

Etsy allows sellers to offer a wide range of digital downloads. Some of the most popular types of digital downloads on Etsy include:

Printable art

Printable art is a popular category on Etsy. It includes wall art, posters, and prints that buyers can download, print, and frame to decorate their homes or offices. Printable art comes in various formats, including PDF and JPG.

Digital planners

Digital planners are becoming increasingly popular, especially among tech-savvy users. These planners are digital files that buyers can download and use on their devices, such as tablets and smartphones. They come in various formats, including PDF and GoodNotes.

E-books

E-books are another popular category on Etsy. They include digital books on various topics, such as cooking, self-help, and fiction. E-books come in various formats, including PDF, EPUB, and MOBI.

Music

Etsy also allows sellers to offer digital music downloads. These can be original compositions or covers of popular songs. Music downloads come in various formats, including MP3 and WAV.

Be careful with using copyrighted content on your designs.

If you are designing anything in sports, TV & Film or music niches then you need to tread carefully as anything that infringes on copy right will get taken down and your store maybe shutdown

Setting up Your Etsy Shop for Digital Downloads

To start selling digital downloads on Etsy, you need to set up your shop. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Create an Etsy account

If you don’t have an Etsy account, you will need to create one. Go to Etsy.com and click on “Register” to create an account. You will need to provide your name, email address, and choose a password.

Step 2: Open your shop

Once you have created your account, you can open your shop by clicking on “Sell on Etsy” on the top right corner of the screen. Follow the prompts to set up your shop.

Step 3: Add your shop policies

Your shop policies outline your terms and conditions for selling on Etsy. It is essential to have clear policies that buyers can refer to when making a purchase. Your policies should include information regarding refunds, shipping, and payment methods.

Step 4: Set up your payment method

Etsy allows sellers to receive payments through various methods, including PayPal and credit cards. You will need to set up your payment method to start selling on Etsy.

Creating and Uploading Your Digital Products

After you have set up your shop, you can start creating and uploading your digital products. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Create your digital product

Use software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create your digital product. Ensure that the product is high-quality and meets Etsy’s guidelines.

Step 2: Save your product in the correct format

Etsy allows sellers to offer digital products in various formats, including PDF, JPG, and PNG. Ensure that your product is saved in the correct format.

Step 3: Upload your product to your shop

To upload your product, go to your shop’s dashboard and click on “Add a listing.” Follow the prompts to upload your product, including adding a title, description, and tags.

Pricing Your Digital Downloads

Pricing your digital downloads can be tricky. You want to set a price that is competitive yet reflects the value of your product. Here are some tips to help you price your digital downloads:

Tip 1: Research your competition

Look at what other sellers are charging for similar products. This will give you an idea of what the market is willing to pay.

Tip 2: Factor in your time and effort

Consider the time and effort you put into creating your product. Ensure that your price reflects the value of your time and effort.

“Cheaper” doesn’t always mean “Better”. Pricing your products below your competitors just leads to a price war.

Also, a product with a higher price can lead the customer into thinking your product is worth more. A highly priced product may sell less, but make more money over time due to higher profit margins.

Tip 3: Offer discounts

Offering discounts can be an excellent way to attract buyers and increase sales. You can offer discounts for bulk purchases or during special occasions such as holidays.

Marketing Your Digital Downloads on Etsy

Marketing your digital downloads is essential to attract buyers and increase sales. Here are some tips to help you market your products on Etsy:

Tip 1: Optimize your listings

Ensure that your listings are optimized for SEO. Use relevant keywords in your title and description to make it easier for buyers to find your products.

Tip 2: Offer freebies

Offering freebies such as samples or printable templates can be an excellent way to attract buyers and increase sales.

Tip 3: Promote your products on social media

Promote your products on social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. Use high-quality images and relevant hashtags to attract buyers.

Social media is great for maintaining a business, and moving away from being reliant on Etsy for your traffic – but it should be seen as a “next step” from once you are making regular sales.

Stick to the basics, as this is where a business is built!

Tips for Selling Digital Downloads on Etsy

Here are some additional tips to help you sell digital downloads on Etsy:

Tip 1: Provide excellent customer service

Ensure that you provide excellent customer service. Respond to inquiries promptly and address any issues that buyers may have.

Tip 2: Keep your shop updated

Keep your shop updated with new products and promotions. This will encourage buyers to return to your shop.

Tip 3: Be patient

Selling digital downloads on Etsy takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and you will see results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Digital Downloads on Etsy

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when selling digital downloads on Etsy:

  • Mistake 1: Infringing on copyrights – Ensure that you have the right to sell the product and that it does not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks.
  • Mistake 2: Not providing clear instructions – Ensure that you provide clear instructions on how to download and use the product.
  • Mistake 3: Ignoring customer feedback – Listen to customer feedback and address any issues or concerns that they may have.

A 5 Star rating is the backbone of a strong Etsy store. be sure to encourage successful orders to leave reviews, and work hard to rectify issues for unsuccessful orders.

Often its better to take a hit to rectify an issue then to get a bad review on Etsy

Conclusion

Selling digital downloads on Etsy can be a lucrative business for creative entrepreneurs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your shop, create and upload your digital products, price your products, and market them effectively.

Remember to provide excellent customer service, keep your shop updated, and be patient. With time and effort, you can build a successful business selling digital downloads on Etsy.