How to Sell Digital Products on Shopify (2024 Guide)

Shopify lets you sell eBooks, PDFs, online courses, or any digital product or service. 

You'll just need to set things up, so the products are automatically delivered to your customers after they buy. 

Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to make sure everything runs smoothly from setup to delivery.

7 reasons digital product sellers choose Shopify

#1 Global reach

Shopify's platform gives you  access to a worldwide audience. This global reach benefits creators by enabling them to:

• Sell 24/7: Your store's open at all times, catering to customers in different time zones.
• Inclusive Market: Reach diverse demographics and expand your customer base.

#2 No inventory management

With digital products, there's no need to worry about physical inventory. This advantage simplifies operations by eliminating storage costs and automating delivery.

#3 High profit margins

With low overhead and almost endless scalability, digital products often come with high profit margins. 

#4 Quick setup and customization

Setting up and customizing a Shopify store is as simple as it gets. 

You can start quickly and customize easily by launching your store with pre-built templates and adjusting design elements later on to match your brand as you grow.

#5 Secure payment processing

Shopify provides secure payment options, so your customers can trust you with their money:

• Integrated payment gateways: Accept various payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, and more.
• Secure checkout: Protect customer data with SSL certificates and secure encryption.

#6 Efficient marketing tools

Shopify is  a great platform for promoting your digital products with built-in features like social media integration. 

Using third-party tools from the Shopify app store  you can integrate email marketing, affiliate programs, and even run promotions, making it easier to market your products all in one place.

There, you can also find our app, Bloggle, which makes blogging and content marketing much easier, especially considering the limitations of Shopify's native blog feature.

#7 Comprehensive analytics

Shopify's analytics tools deliver insights into your sales and customer behaviors. 

Use these insights to:

• Track performance: Monitor metrics such as sales, customer visits, and conversion rates.
• Make data-driven decisions: Optimize marketing strategies based on detailed reports.

How to add digital products to your Shopify store

I'll show you the  steps to set up and sell a digital product (in my example, the Bloggle  eBook), and I’ll also show you how to configure the product  so it's automatically delivered to customers after they make a purchase.

Step 1: Create your product

• Go to your Shopify dashboard.
• Click on "Add Product."
• Start by creating a new product, just like you would for a physical product.
• Name the product and add a description. For this example, we’ll call it the Bloggle eBook. 

• Upload images that give a visual representation of your digital product.

Step 2: Set the price and inventory

• Set the price. 
• Uncheck "Track Quantity" (optional). Since this is a digital product, you usually don’t need to track inventory. If it’s a limited edition eBook for example, you can choose to track the quantity.

Step 3: Specify product type

• Go to the "Shipping" section.
• Uncheck "This is a physical product." 

Step 4: Add variants (optional)

• Go to the "Variants" section (optional).
• If you want to offer different editions of the eBook (e.g., a regular and bonus edition), you can add variants here.

• Set prices for variants. You can assign different prices to different editions.

Step 5: Save your product

• Click "Save." Once you’ve filled in all the details, save your product. However, at this point, the digital product won’t be automatically delivered to customers.

Step 6: Install the Digital Downloads app

• Go to the Shopify App Store and search for "Digital Downloads”. Keep in mind that the app is rather limited and if you want more features you should check out “Easy Digital Products”.

• This app allows automatic delivery of digital products.
• Install and open the app. Once installed, open the app to see your products listed.

Step 7: Link the digital file to the product

• Select your product (Bloggle eBook).
• Click "Add digital files."
• Upload the eBook file (e.g., PDF) that customers will download.

• Upload for each variant (if applicable). If you have variants like a regular and bonus edition, upload the correct file for each.

Step 8: Configure download settings

• Set fulfillment options. By default, the app is set to automatically send the digital file to customers upon purchase.

• Choose a download limit (optional). You can set a limit for how many times a customer can download the file or leave it as unlimited.

Step 9: Save your changes

• Click "Save." Save your settings to ensure everything is properly configured.

Step 10: Test the checkout process

• Add the eBook to the cart and check out.
• Go through the checkout process as a customer would.
• Confirm digital delivery. After completing the purchase, you should see a download button on the confirmation page, and the customer will also receive an email with the download link.

Marketing and selling your digital products

I'll cover essential tactics for marketing your digital products,  like building an email list, promoting your products, and using sales and marketing tips.

#1 Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

An SEO strategy  sets up your website and product pages so that they show up high in search results when potential customers are looking for what you offer. 

Think of it like making your products easier to find in a huge online store.

To get your  SEO in place, think about starting a Shopify blog. A blog can help customers see how your products solve their problems or make their lives better. Use  Bloggle to easily create stunning blogs and rank higher. 

In every blog post, keep the spotlight on your products. Talk about them directly, share stories about how they’ve helped others, or offer tips that relate directly back to your products. This keeps your content valuable and focused, making sure everything you write builds interest and trust in what you’re selling.

#2 Building an email list

An email list is great for staying in touch with potential and current customers, but the challenge often is how to build one. 

Here are a few options:

• Opt-in forms: Place convenient opt-in forms on your website. Offer incentives like discounts or free content.
• Lead magnets: Create lead magnets such as e-books, guides, or templates. Make them valuable to your audience.
• Webinars: Host webinars on relevant topics. Collect participant information for your email list.

Use a well-designed, simple format to collect emails.

#3 Promoting your products

Effective promotion increases visibility and drives sales. Focus on:

• Social media: Share engaging content about your digital products. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Content marketing: Write blogs related to your products. Use SEO tactics to rank higher in search engines.
• Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with influencers in your niche. Their endorsements can drive traffic to your store.
• Blogging: Blogging on Shopify helps your SEO, drives organic traffic, and establishes your brand as an authority.

Regularly update your promotional strategies based on performance data.

Using Sales and Marketing Tips

Use these sales and marketing tips to convert visitors into customers:

• Discounts and coupons: Offer time-limited discounts. Encourage quick purchasing decisions.
• Email marketing: Send newsletters with product updates and offers. Personalize content to engage your audience.
• Upselling and cross-selling: Suggest related products at checkout. Increase the average order value.

Managing your digital products

Tracking sales data offers insights into your digital products' performance. Here’s how you can effectively monitor and analyze your sales:

• Dashboards: Use Shopify's built-in analytics dashboard to get an overview of sales trends, customer behavior, and revenue.
• Reports: Generate detailed reports on sales, traffic, and customer acquisition. You can find reports under the "Analytics" section in your Shopify admin.
• KPIs: Focus on key performance indicators like conversion rate, average order value (AOV), and customer retention rate.
• Google Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics with your Shopify store for advanced tracking and insights.

Handling customer service

Providing excellent customer service maintains customer satisfaction and loyalty. Here's how to manage it effectively:

• FAQs: Create a comprehensive FAQ page to address common inquiries about your digital products. This reduces the volume of repetitive questions.
• Support tickets: Use a helpdesk app like Zendesk or Freshdesk to handle support tickets efficiently.
• Automated responses: Set up automated email responses for common issues like download problems or missing files. This ensures timely communication.
• Live chat: Implement a live chat feature on your Shopify store to provide instant support and enhance customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I start selling digital products on Shopify?

To start selling digital products on Shopify, sign up for a Shopify account, select a pricing plan, and install a digital downloads app. Then, add your digital products by uploading them, creating detailed descriptions, and setting pricing. Configure your fulfillment settings for automatic delivery to ensure a smooth buying experience.

What are the benefits of selling digital products on Shopify?

The benefits include reaching a global audience, 24/7 sales, no inventory management, high profit margins, secure payment processing, and efficient marketing tools. Shopify also offers quick setup, customization options, and comprehensive analytics to track performance.

Do I need a special app to sell digital products on Shopify?

Yes, you need to install a digital downloads app from the Shopify App Store. These apps enable automatic delivery of digital products and help manage download options and purchase limitations.

How do I effectively market my digital products on Shopify?

Utilize email marketing, social media, content marketing, and influencer partnerships. Build an email list using opt-in forms and lead magnets, offer discounts, and implement upselling and cross-selling strategies to engage your audience and drive sales.

What kind of digital products can I sell on Shopify?

You can sell various digital products on Shopify, including e-books, online courses, digital art, music, software, and printable templates. Identify your niche and create detailed product descriptions to attract your target audience.

How do I optimize the customer experience for selling digital products on Shopify?

Customize email templates for timely notifications, remove shipping options during checkout, and adjust fulfillment settings for automatic digital delivery. These strategies help create a seamless and satisfying purchasing experience for your customers.

How do I monitor and manage sales of digital products on Shopify?

Use Shopify's analytics dashboard to monitor sales data, generate detailed reports, and track key performance indicators (KPIs). Enhance customer service by creating an FAQ page, using helpdesk apps for support tickets, and implementing live chat features.

Do I need a license to sell digital products on Shopify?

Typically, selling digital products does not require a specific license. However, it’s essential to check local regulations and ensure compliance with any legal requirements or restrictions applicable to your business type and location.

How much does Shopify charge per sale for digital products?

Shopify charges a transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ per sale. The fee varies with different subscription plans: 2.5% + 30¢ for the Shopify plan and 2.4% + 30¢ for the Advanced Shopify plan. Consider these costs when pricing your digital products.

Digital products on Shopify summed up

Selling digital products on Shopify offers a profitable opportunity for creators.

With no inventory to manage and the ability to reach a global audience 24/7, it's an ideal platform for digital goods. 

Effective marketing strategies, such as building an email list and leveraging social media, will help you get and keep customers.

Monitoring sales data and providing excellent customer service will maintain your store's success.