What’s the best organic marketing strategy for selling digital products?

The Most Profitable Digital Products to Sell Online

1. Online Courses

An online course works just like an in-person class, except you teach through videos, text, and audio online. Students go through the material at their own pace, with no deadlines or pressure.

You can create short or long courses at different price points. Some people build multiple courses, while others stick to one main offering—it’s totally up to you. Plus, later on, you can create additional digital products that complement your courses.

2. E-Books

E-books continue to grow in popularity. In fact, back in 2015, over 220 million e-books were sold, and experts predict they’ll eventually outsell physical books.

You can write an e-book on any topic you like. The best part? Once it’s finished, there’s little ongoing work—aside from marketing. That means you can keep earning passive income for months or even years.

3. Photography

With millions of people posting content online every day, the demand for original photography is huge. Stock photo websites like iStock and Shutterstock pay creators for their images, or you can sell directly through your own website to keep more of the profits.

You can sell digital files, physical prints, large canvases, or even put your images on mugs and T-shirts. Posting your work on platforms like Instagram and Flickr can also help you attract buyers.

4. Music

Gone are the days when record labels controlled the music industry. Independent musicians can now make a living selling their own music online.

Take Amanda Palmer, for example—she ran one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns ever to fund her album. Today, many artists sell their music directly to fans, keeping full creative control.

You can sell your tracks as digital downloads or stream them on platforms where listeners can support you through subscriptions or one-time purchases.

5. Web Design Elements

Web design elements are in high demand, with some designers making six or seven figures selling WordPress themes. Once you create a theme, it can generate passive income with minimal updates.

Beyond full website themes, you can also sell smaller web elements like buttons, icons, fonts, or social media templates. If you have an eye for design, the possibilities are endless.

6. Research & Data

Many people don’t have the time or patience to gather industry research or data—but they’re willing to pay for it.

If you conduct studies, analyze trends, or compile useful statistics, you can sell your findings as reports, whitepapers, or databases. Businesses and professionals will pay for high-quality, well-organized data that saves them time.

7. Tutorials & Guides

While free tutorials are everywhere online, people are happy to pay for premium, high-quality guides that go deeper.

We live in a DIY culture—people want to learn skills themselves rather than pay someone else to do the work. Whether through video, text, or audio, creating an in-depth tutorial on a popular topic can be a great way to generate income.

8. Software & Apps

If you have programming skills, creating software or apps can be incredibly lucrative. Many software programs solve specific problems—whether it’s boosting productivity, organizing finances, or designing graphics.

Instead of selling one-time licenses, many developers now offer subscription-based software. This model creates a steady, recurring income rather than a single payment upfront.

Even if you’re not a coder, you can hire a developer to build an app based on your idea. Some entrepreneurs have turned simple app concepts into million-dollar businesses.

9. Recipes & Cookbooks

Cookbooks are always in demand. While free recipes are available online, people still buy curated, high-quality recipe collections.

If you love cooking, you can compile your best recipes into a themed cookbook—comfort food, quick meals, or international cuisine. You can even sell recipes through an app or a subscription service.

10. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps have exploded in popularity, often surpassing traditional software in sales. From games to productivity tools, there’s an app for everything.

Some apps are one-time purchases, while others use a “freemium” model, where users can buy extra features. If you don’t have coding skills, you can always partner with a developer to bring your idea to life.

11. Podcasts

Most podcasts are free, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be profitable. Some creators offer exclusive, subscription-based podcasts with premium content.

Another option is a “freemium” model, where listeners can pay for bonus episodes or ad-free versions. Platforms like Patreon allow fans to support podcasters directly in exchange for extra perks.

12. Printables

Printables are a great way to sell digital products that customers can download and print at home.

Popular printables include planners, calendars, to-do lists, scrapbooking assets, and wall art. Once you create a printable, you can sell it repeatedly without additional effort.

13. Swipe Files

A swipe file is a collection of useful assets for a specific industry or task.

For example, copywriters keep swipe files of great marketing copy, while designers collect fonts and color schemes. You can sell swipe files filled with templates, checklists, or research data for people in your niche.

14. Templates & Calculators

People love tools that simplify their work. That’s why templates and calculators sell so well.

You can create templates for business plans, resumes, graphic designs, and more. Custom-built calculators—like mortgage or investment calculators—are also popular because they save users time and effort.

15. Craft Patterns

If you’re into knitting, crochet, embroidery, or other crafts, selling patterns can be a great digital product.

Many people are willing to pay for high-quality, unique designs they can use for their DIY projects. Whether it’s a knitting pattern, sewing template, or cross-stitch design, there’s always a market for fresh, creative patterns.

Selling digital products allows you to earn money with minimal overhead. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or tech-savvy entrepreneur, there’s an opportunity to turn your skills into profit.