Guide to selling profitable digital products on Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon KDP

Digital Products to Sell That Work Best on Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon KDP

Introduction

Why digital products are the future of online income

Digital products are transforming the way entrepreneurs earn—requiring minimal upfront cost, offering global reach, and delivering passive income 24/7. In 2025, global e-learning, AI tools, and template-based solutions are booming, making now the perfect time to build your digital product empire with Resell Ready.

Brief overview of Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon KDP as leading platforms

  • Etsy thrives on creativity—instant downloads like printables, planners, artwork, and templates find eager audiences among shoppers seeking unique, niche content.

  • Shopify empowers creators to launch their own branded stores, offering more control over packaging, subscriptions, and digital delivery via apps like Digital Downloads or SendOwl.

  • Amazon KDP simplifies self-publishing, from low-content journals to high-content textbooks, enabling writers to reach a global audience with ease and minimal costs.

What readers will learn in this article

In this guide, we'll explore:

  • The best digital products to sell on each platform

  • What makes each platform uniquely suited to specific product types

  • Strategic insights to help you match your creations to your ideal marketplace

Plus, you’ll discover bonus inspiration from helpful resources like ResellReady’s “Top 15 Digital Products to Sell That Actually Make Money (2025)”, “Most Popular Digital Products to Sell on Social Media Platforms in 2025”, and their “Build Your Digital Empire” collection.

 

 

1. Why Platform Matters for Digital Product Success

How customer base differs on each platform

Each marketplace attracts distinct audiences:

  • Etsy buyers look for creative, artistic, or customizable digital files that can be used immediately.

  • Shopify shoppers are often drawn through marketing funnels or brand loyalty, expecting polished, standalone products or ongoing services.

  • Amazon KDP customers seek written content—whether quick activity books or full-length novels—with the convenience of Amazon’s trusted ecosystem.

Features unique to Etsy, Shopify, and KDP

  • Etsy: Easy uploads, supports multiple file types (PDF, JPG, PNG), and offers an artistic niche with passive income potential (“make once, sell forever”).

  • Shopify: Full branding control, digital delivery systems, bundling options, print-on-demand integrations, and support for subscriptions or memberships.

  • Amazon KDP: Simple self-publishing, automatic global distribution, and categories ranging from low-content journals to high-content books—all with minimal upfront costs.

Importance of aligning product type with platform strengths

Success means matching your digital product with the platform where it performs best:

  • Use Etsy for printables, templates, art, and creative downloads.

  • Use Shopify for courses, memberships, software, and branded digital products.

  • Use Amazon KDP for books—whether low-content journals or full-length publications.

Plus: You can multiply your revenue by adapting a successful digital format from one platform to others—such as transforming a trending Etsy planner into a bundled course on Shopify, or a printable journal into a KDP notebook.

digital products to sell

2. Best Digital Products to Sell on Etsy

2.1 What Sells Well on Etsy?

Etsy has become a goldmine for digital creators thanks to its massive audience seeking unique, customizable, and instantly downloadable content. Some of the top-performing products include:

  • Printable planners & digital planners – From daily planners to goal trackers, productivity tools always attract repeat buyers.

  • Budget and Excel templates – Shoppers love easy-to-use financial trackers for personal and business use.

  • Social media & website templates – Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, and website themes are evergreen sellers.

  • Digital artwork, clipart, and fonts – Artists can sell custom illustrations, vector files, and typefaces.

  • Lightroom presets, wallpapers, and calendars – Perfect for lifestyle and photography niches, offering quick downloads with a stylish touch.

👉 For even more ideas, check out this guide on 20 High-Demand Digital Products to Sell Right Now.

 

 

2.2 Why Etsy Works for Digital Creators

Etsy is especially beginner-friendly because:

  • Low upfront costs & passive income potential – Upload once and earn forever.

  • Huge artistic/creative audience – Etsy attracts buyers who specifically want aesthetic, handmade, or niche-style content.

  • File type flexibility – Supports PDFs, JPGs, PNGs, and more for instant delivery.

This makes Etsy a perfect platform for anyone wanting to start a side hustle without heavy investments.

 

 

2.3 Key Tips for Etsy Sellers

To stand out in Etsy’s competitive marketplace:

  • Find trending niches – Use search trends to identify what’s in demand. For example, seasonal planners or holiday-themed printables.

  • Focus on quality & updates – Customers return for sellers who consistently improve and expand their offerings.

  • Stand out in growing competition – Invest in polished mockups and SEO-friendly product descriptions.

For deeper insights, browse Top 20 Digital Products to Sell Online in 2025 to see what’s trending across niches.

 

 

3. Best Digital Products to Sell on Shopify

3.1 What Sells Well on Shopify?

Unlike Etsy, Shopify is built for scalability and branding, making it perfect for entrepreneurs who want long-term control over their digital empire. The top-selling categories include:

  • Online courses & webinars – Teach skills in fitness, design, marketing, or personal development.

  • eBooks, audiobooks, and workbooks – Digital reading and learning content is booming.

  • Software & apps – Tech entrepreneurs can launch SaaS tools, plugins, or apps.

  • Membership sites & subscriptions – Recurring income from exclusive communities or premium content.

  • Printables and templates (e.g., PowerPoint, resumes) – Still in demand, especially when bundled with other offers.

 

 

3.2 Why Shopify Works for Digital Entrepreneurs

Shopify gives creators the freedom to build and scale their brand with features like:

  • Full control over branding & pricing – No restrictions on how you market or package products.

  • Ability to bundle products – Sell digital kits or combined packages for higher order values.

  • Integration with delivery apps – Tools like SendOwl and Shopify Digital Downloads simplify product delivery.

It’s the go-to platform for those wanting more control compared to marketplaces like Etsy.

 

 

3.3 Key Tips for Shopify Sellers

To maximize profits on Shopify:

  • Protect your content & licensing – Ensure your courses, templates, or downloads are safeguarded from piracy.

  • Scale with subscriptions and memberships – Turn one-time buyers into recurring customers with ongoing offers.

  • Use print-on-demand alongside digital offers – For example, bundle a digital journal with a physical printed version.

Want step-by-step guidance? Explore Resell Ready’s Masterclasses designed to help you scale your digital store like a pro.

4. Best Digital Products to Sell on Amazon KDP

4.1 What Sells Well on KDP?

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has opened the doors for writers, designers, and entrepreneurs to turn written or designed content into books that sell globally. Popular categories include:

  • Low content: journals, notebooks, and planners — simple to create but highly profitable with the right niche.

  • Medium content: coloring books, puzzle books, and activity books — loved by both children and adults.

  • High content: novels, textbooks, cookbooks, and guidebooks — ideal for authors and experts who want to share in-depth knowledge or stories.

For inspiration, see what’s trending in this guide to top-selling digital products for 2025.

 

 

4.2 Why KDP Works for Authors and Creatives

KDP continues to grow in popularity because it offers:

  • Simple publishing process – Upload your manuscript or design, and Amazon handles the rest.

  • Global audience reach – Tap into millions of Kindle readers and book buyers worldwide.

  • Minimal upfront costs – Unlike traditional publishing, you don’t need large budgets; you can start with just time and creativity.

Additionally, KDP allows you to sell both digital Kindle editions and print-on-demand paperback versions, giving sellers multiple streams of income from one product.

 

 

4.3 Key Tips for KDP Sellers

To stand out in Amazon’s crowded marketplace:

  • Choose the right category (low vs. high content) – Beginners may find success with low-content books like journals, while experienced authors can focus on high-content projects.

  • Design for niche markets – For example, a gratitude journal for new moms or a puzzle book for seniors.

  • Leverage print + Kindle formats – Offering both digital and physical options increases your visibility and sales.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas each month, check out Resell Ready’s New Monthly Drops for ready-to-use inspiration.

 

 

5. Summary Table: Top Digital Products by Platform

Here’s a quick comparison of the best-performing digital products across Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon KDP:

Platform

Top Digital Products

Unique Features/Advantages

Etsy

Planners, digital artwork, templates, printables

Artistic niche; instant downloads; low upfront cost

Shopify

Courses, eBooks, software, memberships, templates

Full control; scalable; integration with delivery apps

Amazon KDP

Journals, coloring books, activity books, novels

Self-publishing ease; global reach; print + digital options

Each platform shines in different areas, so success depends on matching the right digital product to the right marketplace.

 

 

✨ Pro Tip: Many creators diversify by selling on multiple platforms — for instance, offering printable planners on Etsy, online courses on Shopify, and a companion workbook on Amazon KDP. This multiplies visibility and income potential.

6. Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” platform for selling digital products — it truly depends on your strengths and goals.

  • Etsy is perfect if you love designing creative, artistic printables like planners, templates, and digital art.

  • Shopify is best if you want to scale a digital business with full control over branding, pricing, and bundling.

  • Amazon KDP shines if you’re passionate about writing or creating books, whether that’s journals, coloring books, or full-length novels.

The key is to start with one platform, master it, and then expand. Many top digital entrepreneurs diversify their income by selling across all three platforms — building passive income streams that support each other.

If you need inspiration, check out 15 top digital products that actually make money in 2025 to help you decide your starting point.

 

 

7. Related Reads / Next Steps

If you’re ready to take the next step in your digital product journey, here are some valuable resources:

By learning how to repurpose one digital product across multiple platforms (e.g., a printable planner on Etsy, turned into a workbook on KDP, and marketed via Shopify), you can maximize profits and minimize effort.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I sell the same digital product on Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon KDP?
 Yes — but with adjustments. For example, a printable planner on Etsy can be turned into a fillable workbook on Shopify and a low-content journal on Amazon KDP. Repurposing is key to maximizing reach.

2. Which platform is best for beginners in digital products?

  • Etsy is easiest for beginners due to low startup costs and built-in traffic.

  • Shopify requires more setup but gives you full control.

  • KDP is perfect for writers and creatives who want to publish books without upfront investment.

3. How much does it cost to start selling digital products?

  • Etsy charges small listing and transaction fees.

  • Shopify has a monthly subscription (plus apps if needed).

  • KDP is free to publish — Amazon takes a royalty cut per sale.

4. What digital products have the highest profit margins?
 Templates (planners, social media kits), online courses, and eBooks often deliver the best profit margins because they can be created once and sold infinitely without additional costs.

5. How do I stand out in a competitive digital product market?
 Focus on:

  • Targeting a specific niche (e.g., teachers, moms, small businesses).

  • High-quality designs and easy-to-use files.

  • Using SEO-friendly titles and descriptions so customers can find your products.

  • Consistent updates and branding to build trust.

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