Choosing a Platform?

Selling digital goods online has become a lucrative business in recent years. With the growing demand for digital products, there are now several platforms available for selling digital goods. However, choosing the right platform to sell your digital goods can be challenging.

. In this blog post, we'll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a platform for selling digital goods.

Type of Digital Goods

The first factor to consider when choosing a platform is the type of digital goods you are selling. Different platforms have different categories of digital goods, and some platforms may not allow certain types of digital goods. For example, if you're selling software or music, you may want to consider platforms like Amazon or iTunes. If you're selling digital art or printables, platforms like Etsy or Creative Market may be more suitable.

Fees and Commissions

Different platforms charge different fees and commissions for selling digital goods. It's important to understand the fees associated with each platform and how they impact your profit margins. Some platforms charge a flat fee per transaction, while others charge a percentage of the sale price. You should also consider any additional fees such as listing fees, subscription fees, or payment processing fees.

Platforms for Offering Digital Goods

  • Shopify: Shopify offers a variety of pricing plans, ranging from $29 to $299 per month, depending on your business needs. Additional fees include credit card processing fees, which range from 2.4% to 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. Shopify also charges a transaction fee of 0.5% to 2% depending on your pricing plan.

  • E-junkie: E-junkie charges a flat monthly fee ranging from $5 to $60 per month, depending on the number of products you're selling. Additional fees include transaction fees, which range from 2.9% to 7.9% plus $0.30 per transaction, and PayPal fees, which are 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

  • Gumroad: Gumroad offers a free plan, but charges a fee of 8.5% + $0.30 per transaction for sales. For the premium plan, which includes more features, the fee is 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction.

  • SendOwl: SendOwl offers pricing plans ranging from $9 to $39 per month, depending on the number of products you're selling. Additional fees include transaction fees, which range from 0% to 5% depending on your pricing plan.

  • WooCommerce: WooCommerce is a free open-source plugin for WordPress, but you'll need to pay for web hosting, domain name registration, and any additional plugins or extensions you need. Additional fees include payment processing fees, which vary depending on the payment gateway you choose.

Marketplaces for Selling Digital Goods

When it comes to selling digital goods online, it's important to consider the fees and costs associated with different marketplaces. Here's a comparison of the fees and costs of some popular marketplaces for selling digital goods:

  • Etsy: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, and a 5% transaction fee on the item's sale price. In addition, payment processing fees apply and vary depending on the payment method used.

  • Fiverr: Fiverr charges a 20% commission fee on the total order value. This means that if you sell a digital product for $50, Fiverr will take a $10 commission.

  • Envato Market: Envato Market charges a 30-70% commission fee on the item's sale price, depending on the exclusivity of the item. The commission fee is higher for non-exclusive items.

  • Creative Market: Creative Market charges a 30% commission fee on the item's sale price. There are no listing fees or upfront costs.

Overall, the fees and costs of selling digital goods on marketplaces vary depending on the platform you choose. Etsy charges a listing fee and transaction fee, while Fiverr charges a commission fee on the total order value. Envato Market charges a commission fee that varies depending on the exclusivity of the item, and Creative Market charges a flat 30% commission fee. When choosing a marketplace, consider your business needs, the type of digital goods you're selling, and the fees and costs associated with each platform.

Target Audience

When choosing a platform, it's important to consider your target audience. Some platforms cater to specific demographics or niches, while others have a broader customer base. Consider the platform's user demographics, search functionality, and marketing tools to determine if it aligns with your target audience.

Branding and Customization

Branding and customization are important for creating a unique identity for your digital goods. Look for platforms that allow you to customize your storefront, product pages, and customer communications to align with your brand image. This can help differentiate your digital products from competitors and increase brand recognition.

Support and Resources

Selling digital goods can be complex, and you may need support and resources to help you navigate the process. Look for platforms that offer robust customer support, resources, and tutorials to help you sell your digital goods effectively. Some platforms even offer marketing and promotion tools to help you reach a wider audience.

Payment and Payout Options

Payment and payout options are essential for receiving payments and accessing your earnings. Look for platforms that offer multiple payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers. Also, consider the payout schedule and any minimum payout thresholds when choosing a platform.

In conclusion, choosing the right platform to sell your digital goods requires careful consideration of various factors. By understanding your digital goods, fees and commissions, target audience, branding and customization, support and resources, and payment and payout options, you can select the best platform that meets your business needs and helps you achieve your sales goals.