Discover if digital products are legitimate ways to make money online, how to avoid scams, and proven strategies to build a profitable digital business.
Table of Contents
What Are Digital Products?
Digital products are intangible goods that exist in digital format. Unlike physical products, they don't require inventory, shipping, or manufacturing. Once created, they can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs.
The beauty of digital products? They're the ultimate "set it and forget it" business model. Create once, sell forever. No inventory headaches, no shipping logistics, no physical storage required.
Common Types of Digital Products:
- Ebooks & Guides: PDFs, Kindle books, or interactive digital books on specific topics
- Online Courses: Video tutorials, webinars, or comprehensive learning programs
- Templates & Tools: Canva templates, Excel spreadsheets, Notion templates, or design assets
- Software & Apps: Mobile apps, browser extensions, or desktop software
- Music & Art: Digital music files, stock photos, illustrations, or graphic designs
- Membership Content: Exclusive content behind paywalls or subscription models
See our post on "best digital products for beginners" to discover which options are easiest to start with based on your skills and interests.
Are Digital Products Legit? The Truth
Yes, digital products are absolutely legit — when created and marketed ethically. The digital product industry generates billions annually, with countless legitimate entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses.
According to Statista, the global digital goods market is projected to reach $6.8 trillion by 2025. That's not a scam — that's a massive, legitimate industry.
Why People Question Digital Product Legitimacy:
- Get-rich-quick scams: Too many "gurus" promise unrealistic results with minimal effort
- Poor quality products: Some creators sell subpar content that doesn't deliver promised value
- Overhyped marketing: Exaggerated claims create skepticism about the entire industry
- Lack of regulation: Anyone can create and sell digital products without quality control
The key is distinguishing between legitimate opportunities and scams. Legitimate digital products provide real value, solve specific problems, and have transparent pricing and refund policies.
Common Digital Product Scams & Red Flags
7 Major Red Flags to Watch For:
🚩 Unrealistic Income Claims
"Make $10,000 in your first week with no experience!" — If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
🚩 No Refund Policy
Legitimate sellers offer at least a 7-30 day money-back guarantee. No refunds = major red flag.
🚩 Fake Testimonials
Stock photos with generic names and vague praise. Real testimonials include specific results.
🚩 Pressure Tactics
"Price increases in 3 hours!" or "Only 3 spots left!" — legitimate products don't need fake scarcity.
🚩 Vague Content Descriptions
No clear outline of what you'll learn or receive. Legitimate sellers are transparent about content.
🚩 Anonymous Creators
No real person behind the product, no social proof, no track record. Always research the creator.
Reference: "FTC guidelines on online marketing" for understanding legal requirements for digital product sellers.
Most Legitimate Digital Products to Sell
Not all digital products are created equal. These categories have proven track records of legitimacy and profitability:
1. Educational Courses & Workshops
Teaching specific skills with actionable steps. Examples: "Photoshop for Beginners," "Facebook Ads Mastery," "Python Programming Fundamentals."
2. Practical Templates & Tools
Ready-to-use resources that save time. Examples: "Social Media Content Calendar," "Budget Spreadsheet," "Resume Templates," "Email Swipe Files."
3. Niche-Specific Ebooks & Guides
Deep dives into specific topics. Examples: "Gardening in Small Spaces," "Keto Diet for Busy Professionals," "Local SEO for Small Businesses."
4. Software & Digital Tools
Applications that solve specific problems. Examples: "Chrome Extensions for Productivity," "Mobile Apps for Fitness Tracking," "WordPress Plugins."
💡 Pro Tip: Validate Your Idea First
Before creating any digital product, validate demand by:
- Researching what people are already buying in your niche
- Asking your audience what problems they need solved
- Creating a minimum viable product (MVP) to test the market
- Looking at competitor reviews to identify gaps in existing products
See our post on "how to validate digital product ideas" for a step-by-step guide to ensuring your product will sell before you invest time creating it.
How to Start Selling Digital Products (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose Your Product Type
Start with what you know. What skills, knowledge, or experiences can you package into a digital product? Choose a format that plays to your strengths.
Step 2: Validate Your Idea
Don't create in a vacuum. Use free tools like Google Trends, Reddit communities, and Amazon book reviews to validate demand for your topic.
Step 3: Create High-Quality Content
Focus on delivering exceptional value. Structure your content logically, use professional design, and include actionable steps. Quality beats quantity every time.
Step 4: Set Up Your Sales Platform
Beginner-friendly options:
- Gumroad: Simple setup, handles payments and delivery
- SendOwl: More customization options for advanced users
- Shopify + Digital Downloads: If you want a full e-commerce store
- WordPress + WooCommerce: Maximum control and customization
Step 5: Price Strategically
Research competitor pricing. Consider value-based pricing rather than cost-based. Start with an introductory price, then increase as you add more value and testimonials.
Step 6: Market Your Product
Create valuable free content that leads to your paid product. Build an email list. Use social media strategically. Collaborate with others in your niche.
Step 7: Collect Feedback & Improve
Your first version doesn't need to be perfect. Launch, collect feedback, and continuously improve. The most successful digital products evolve based on customer input.
Reference: "Gumroad's creator resources" for beginner-friendly guides on setting up your first digital product store.
Real Success Stories
Case Study 1: From $0 to $15,000/month with Canva Templates
Maria, a graphic designer, started creating Canva templates for small business owners. She validated her idea by posting free templates on Pinterest and tracking which ones got the most saves. Her first paid product was a "Social Media Kit" with 30 templates. Within 6 months, she was earning $15,000 monthly from template sales alone.
Case Study 2: Retired Teacher Creates $8,000/month Course
David, a retired high school teacher, created a course teaching parents how to help their children with math homework. He recorded simple video lessons and created printable worksheets. By marketing through parent Facebook groups and offering a money-back guarantee, he built a $8,000/month business in his first year.
Case Study 3: Fitness Enthusiast Builds $20,000/month Ebook Empire
Sarah, a fitness enthusiast with no formal credentials, wrote a series of niche ebooks like "Yoga for Desk Workers" and "Quick Workouts for Busy Moms." She started with one ebook priced at $7, then created a series and bundles. Two years later, she was earning $20,000 monthly from her digital products.
🔑 Common Success Factors:
- Solved specific, painful problems for a defined audience
- Started small and validated before investing heavily
- Focused on quality and customer satisfaction
- Used simple, affordable tools to get started
- Continuously improved based on customer feedback
- Built trust through transparency and guarantees
Ready to Create Your First Legitimate Digital Product?
Stop wondering if digital products are legit — start building your own legitimate digital business today. The tools are affordable, the market is hungry, and your knowledge is valuable.
🚀 Recommended Starter Platform
Gumroad makes it incredibly easy to create, sell, and deliver digital products — no technical skills required.
Start Your Digital Product Journey →*Affiliate link - I earn a small commission if you sign up, which supports this blog at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital products really profitable?
Yes, digital products can be highly profitable because they have no inventory costs, no shipping fees, and can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs. Many creators earn thousands of dollars monthly from well-positioned digital products.
What's the easiest digital product to start with?
For beginners, templates (like Canva templates, Excel spreadsheets, or Notion templates) and short ebooks or guides are the easiest to create. They require minimal technical skills and can be created relatively quickly.
How much money can I make selling digital products?
Earnings vary widely based on your niche, marketing skills, and product quality. Beginners often make $100-$500 monthly in their first few months, while established creators can earn $5,000-$50,000+ monthly. The key is starting small and scaling up.
Do I need special skills to create digital products?
Not necessarily. You need knowledge or skills that others find valuable. This could be anything from organizing spreadsheets to teaching a hobby. Basic computer skills are sufficient to get started with most digital product types.
How do I avoid scams when buying digital products?
Look for clear product descriptions, real creator information, money-back guarantees, and genuine testimonials. Avoid products with unrealistic income claims, pressure tactics, or anonymous creators. Research the creator's reputation before purchasing.
What platforms can I use to sell digital products?
Popular beginner-friendly platforms include Gumroad, SendOwl, Etsy (for certain digital products), and Shopify with digital download apps. WordPress with WooCommerce is great for more control. Start with the simplest option that meets your needs.
How long does it take to create a digital product?
This varies by product type. Simple templates or short ebooks can be created in 1-2 weeks. Comprehensive courses might take 2-3 months. The key is to start with a minimum viable product (MVP) and improve it over time based on customer feedback.
Your Digital Product Journey Starts Today
Don't let skepticism hold you back. Digital products are legit — and your knowledge could be the solution someone is desperately searching for.
Create Your First Digital Product Now →