Find out the best platform to sell digital products. Be at the forefront of the digital economy by learning about the 10 best platforms with a detailed analysis of features, benefits, and more.
Discovering the best platform to sell digital products is essential for achieving a successful online business. With options like Shopify, Etsy, and Teachable, the right platform can make all the difference in your e-commerce journey. In this comprehensive guide, I’ve evaluated and ranked the top 10 platforms for selling digital products, including my top 4 recommendations, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect fit.
Sellfy: Best eCommerce platform for selling digital downloads
Shopify: Best platform for selling physical and digital products
Podia: Best platform for selling online courses
Gumroad: Best platform for selling digital products
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent a good chunk of time sitting in front of your computer screen, searching for the “best platform to sell digital products” online. Maybe you’ve even yelled at your search engine, “Show me the answer!” Well, friend, I feel you. The struggle is as real as that neglected houseplant sitting in the corner of your room.
I have been through that labyrinth of endless reviews, comparison tables, and user testimonials. I’ve lived through the nightmare of subscription plans, feature sets, transaction fees, and whatnot. And I did it all so that you don’t have to.
Today, I am here with the ultimate guide for 2024 to save you from the same fate. Whether you’re peddling your knowledge in the form of online courses, selling ebooks, or creating downloadable art, there’s a platform that’s tailor-made for you.
We’ll dive deep into the murky waters of the digital marketplace and emerge with the answer to the million-dollar question – what really is the best platform to sell digital products this year?
Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer vision than an eagle soaring over a cloudless sky. Buckle up, folks! It’s about to get digital.
The Evolution of Selling Digital Products
When I first dipped my toes into the world of selling digital products, things were vastly different. We had platforms that could barely distinguish between physical and digital products. There were limited features, basic storefronts, and customer expectations were, let’s say, less demanding. It was like being handed a hammer and being told to make a Swiss watch.
Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has transformed dramatically. We now have full-service e-commerce platforms that understand the unique needs of digital goods and have evolved to become masters at selling them.
These platforms have grown alongside the surge in digital product popularity, expanding their offerings to include features like easy downloads, licensing, and customer access control.
The market demands have shifted too. Today’s customers aren’t just content with buying your product; they want an experience. They crave sleek, easy-to-navigate interfaces, secure transactions, and instant access to their purchases.
It’s a whole new world, and these modern platforms have risen to the challenge impressively.
Now, let’s dive into some of these game-changers in the industry.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Platform to Sell Digital Products
When you’re launching your digital empire, choosing the right eCommerce platform to sell your digital products online can feel like picking a needle from a haystack.
It’s not just about who has the snazziest website or the most followers on Twitter. No, siree! You need to consider several key factors before pledging your allegiance to a platform.
First up is the platform’s fee structure. Some platforms charge a flat monthly fee, others take a percentage of your sales, and some have a combo of both. You’ll want to do your math to see what works best for your pricing model.
User experience is another crucial factor. Remember, if your customers can’t figure out how to make a purchase within the first few clicks, they’re as likely to stick around as a cat in a swimming pool.
You want a platform that offers easy digital downloads and a user-friendly interface.
Don’t forget about customer service. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a problem and having no one to turn to. Good customer service can make your selling experience smoother and keep your customers happy.
And last but certainly not least, consider security. This is particularly important if you’re looking to sell online courses or other high-value items. Your customers need to trust that their information is safe with you.
Remember, the best eCommerce platform for you is the one that meets your unique needs and blends well with the digital products you’re selling.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and explore some of the best platforms.
Top Platforms for Selling Digital Products in 2024
I bet by now, you’re chomping at the bit, ready to see which platforms made it to the top of my list. Grab a refill of that coffee because we’re about to dive in!
I’ve poured over dozens of options and had countless late nights whittling down the list. And boy, has it been worth it!
2024 has brought us some exciting players in the world of digital commerce. Each platform is unique in its own way, and they’re all raring to help you succeed in selling your digital products.
Whether you’re peddling e-books, music, photography, software, or online courses, these platforms have got you covered.
Now, don’t get too comfortable because this isn’t going to be a walk in the park. We’ll dissect these platforms, pull back the curtains, and take a deep look at what makes each tick.
So let’s discover which platforms could be your partner in digital entrepreneurial success in 2024!
1. Sellfy:
Sellfy is like that reliable old friend who’s been around for ages, always ready to lend a helping hand. Founded in 2011, it’s been a go-to platform for many who want to sell digital downloads. It’s as if the good folks at Sellfy looked at all the challenges of selling digital products and said, “We got this.”
Sellfy makes it as easy as pie when setting up your digital store. With an intuitive interface and many customization options, you can start selling digital products that reflect your brand identity quickly.
What makes Sellfy stand out in the crowded world of digital commerce platforms? It’s their dedication to simplicity and ease of use. You don’t need to spend hours or even days grappling with codes and plugins. Sellfy gets you from “I want to sell this” to “Cha-ching!” before you can say “digital entrepreneur.”
Pros:
- Easy setup: You don’t need to be a tech whiz to get your digital store up and running.
- Customization: From your storefront to your product presentation, Sellfy lets you put your personal touch on everything.
- Digital product versatility: Whether it’s ebooks, music, software, or graphics, Sellfy handles it all.
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations: While Sellfy has the basics covered, it lacks integrations with some popular external tools.
- Transaction fees: Although its transaction fees are competitive, some newer platforms offer lower rates.
Sellfy is a jack of all trades and is ideal for anyone looking to sell various digital products. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or programmer, Sellfy is your faithful sidekick, ready to help you conquer the digital world.
2. Shopify:
Next up is a heavyweight champion in the e-commerce world, Shopify.
Since its inception in 2006, Shopify has grown into a full-service eCommerce platform that’s as comfortable selling physical products as it is digital ones.
If the eCommerce world was a party, Shopify would be the life of it!
Navigating Shopify is like a walk in the park on a sunny day. It’s user-friendly, straightforward, and doesn’t need you to have a degree in computer science. With Shopify, setting up your digital selling platform is as easy as getting your favorite pizza delivered.
What sets Shopify apart is its versatility. It’s like a chameleon, adapting itself to a wide variety of business types and sizes. Its expansive app store lets you tweak your store to your heart’s content, ensuring you have the exact setup you need.
Pros:
- Full-service platform: Shopify is a one-stop shop for all your eCommerce needs, handling everything from hosting to payments.
- Extensive app store: With hundreds of third-party apps, you can supercharge your store with additional features.
- Scalability: Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or running a large enterprise, Shopify can handle your business as it grows.
Cons:
- Transaction fees: Unless you’re using Shopify Payments, you could be charged additional transaction fees.
- SEO features: While Shopify covers the basics, its SEO features might not be as robust as some other platforms.
Shopify is a great fit for those selling physical and digital products. Whether offering online courses alongside printed books or downloadable art alongside framed prints, Shopify gives you the flexibility you need to manage your diverse inventory.
It’s also ideal for businesses looking to scale, given its robust infrastructure and a wide array of features.
3. Podia:
If you’re ready to dive into online courses, then Podia is the platform that deserves your attention.
Founded in 2014, Podia has emerged as a reliable and user-friendly platform for individuals looking to start selling online courses.
It’s a platform designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it accessible to both seasoned educators and beginners alike.
What truly sets Podia apart is its dedication to serving online course creators. With features like pre-launch marketing, membership options, and the ability to host webinars, Podia caters specifically to those looking to offer educational content to their audience.
It’s the ideal platform for individuals who want to focus on creating and selling online courses without the hassle of managing multiple tools or a complex interface.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Podia prides itself on its intuitive design, making it easy for course creators to navigate and set up their online courses.
- All-in-one platform: Podia offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including course hosting, payment processing, email marketing, and more, all within one platform.
- Great customer support: With responsive customer support available through live chat, Podia ensures you never feel stranded during your course creation journey.
Cons:
- Limited customization options: While Podia provides some customization features, the platform may be less flexible compared to other options.
- Limited integrations: Podia’s integration options are not as extensive as some other platforms, which could impact your ability to connect with third-party tools.
So, whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting to share your knowledge with the world, Podia provides a user-friendly and comprehensive platform to showcase and sell your online courses.
Let your expertise shine, and let Podia handle the rest.
4. Gumroad:
When it comes to selling digital goods, Gumroad is a name that stands out in the crowd. Established in 2011, Gumroad has carved a niche for itself as one of the leading platforms to sell digital products.
It has become a go-to platform for creators, artists, and entrepreneurs looking to showcase and sell their digital creations.
Gumroad’s focus on simplicity and dedication to empowering creators makes it unique. It prides itself on being an accessible platform for anyone to start selling their digital products, whether it’s ebooks, artwork, music, or software.
Gumroad’s straightforward approach allows creators to focus on what they do best: creating exceptional digital goods.
Pros:
- Simplicity at its core: Gumroad’s user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to set up and start selling your digital products.
- Flexible pricing options: Whether you prefer fixed prices, pay-what-you-want, or even subscription-based models, Gumroad supports a variety of pricing structures.
- Marketing tools: Gumroad offers built-in marketing tools like email newsletters and analytics, empowering creators to connect with their audience and track their sales.
Cons:
- Limited customization: While Gumroad provides basic customization options, it may lack the extensive branding options available on some other platforms.
- Additional transaction fees: Gumroad charges transaction fees on top of payment processing fees, which can impact your overall profit margin.
Gumroad is an ideal platform for independent creators and small businesses looking to sell digital products directly to their audience.
Whether you’re an artist selling digital art prints, an author offering ebooks, or a musician selling digital music albums, Gumroad provides the tools and support needed to turn your creations into revenue.
So, unleash your creative genius, and let Gumroad help you thrive in selling digital products.
5. AppSumo:
When it comes to platforms to sell digital products, AppSumo is a name that’s hard to miss. Established in 2010, AppSumo has grown into a vibrant online store for digital entrepreneurs and creators.
It’s a platform that thrives on bringing exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions to the table, making it an exciting destination for sellers and buyers in the digital marketplace.
What makes AppSumo unique is its vibrant and active marketplace, with a community that eagerly seeks out new digital offerings.
The platform thrives on providing value-packed deals to its customers, allowing sellers to tap into a ready-made audience. It’s an ideal platform for digital products that can benefit from exposure and attract customers through limited-time promotions.
Pros:
- Exclusive deals and promotions: AppSumo offers a unique opportunity for sellers to showcase their digital products through limited-time deals and promotions, attracting a large audience.
- Built-in marketing reach: With a substantial customer base and a dedicated following, AppSumo provides sellers with increased exposure and visibility for their digital products.
- Community engagement: AppSumo fosters an engaged community of digital enthusiasts, offering valuable feedback, insights, and support to sellers.
Cons:
- Limited control over pricing: AppSumo’s promotional nature may require sellers to offer significant discounts, impacting profit margins.
- Product eligibility: AppSumo focuses on specific types of digital products, so not all categories may be suitable for promotion on the platform.
Whether you’re offering software, online courses, productivity tools, or creative assets, AppSumo provides a platform to amplify your reach and connect you with a community of digital enthusiasts.
So, if you’re ready to grab the attention of a large and engaged audience, AppSumo is the place to be.
6. Adobe Commerce (Formerly Magento):
When it comes to robust eCommerce platforms for selling digital downloads, Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is a force to be reckoned with.
With a rich history dating back to 2007, Adobe Commerce has evolved into a powerhouse platform trusted by businesses of all sizes.
It offers comprehensive features tailored for digital and downloadable products, making it an ideal choice for those in the digital commerce space.
What sets Adobe Commerce apart is its focus on providing a comprehensive solution for businesses selling digital products. With advanced product management features, it caters specifically to the needs of creators and businesses offering digital downloads.
From software, ebooks, and music to graphics and templates, Adobe Commerce empowers sellers to showcase and sell a wide range of digital products with ease.
Pros:
- Scalability and flexibility: Adobe Commerce is highly customizable and can handle the needs of small businesses and enterprise-level operations.
- Advanced product management: The platform offers extensive options for managing digital products, including support for complex product configurations, versions, and digital rights management.
- Extensive integrations: Adobe Commerce boasts a vast ecosystem of integrations, allowing seamless connectivity with various third-party tools and services.
Cons:
- Technical expertise required: Adobe Commerce may require technical know-how or dedicated development resources to fully leverage its capabilities due to its advanced features.
- Higher learning curve: The platform’s complexity can make it more challenging for beginners to navigate and set up compared to some other user-friendly options.
Whether you’re a digital artist, software developer, or an online marketplace for digital goods, Adobe Commerce offers the tools and flexibility to build and grow your digital commerce empire.
Get ready to unlock the potential of your digital products with Adobe Commerce’s robust feature set and industry-leading capabilities.
7. Easy Digital Downloads (EDD):
Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) is a top-notch ecommerce plugin that has gained quite a reputation when it comes to selling digital goods on a WordPress website.
With its roots dating back to 2012, EDD has established itself as a reliable and feature-rich platform to sell digital goods.
Designed specifically for online stores focusing on digital products, EDD provides a seamless selling experience right within your WordPress-powered website.
EDD’s dedication to serving the needs of digital product sellers within the WordPress ecosystem makes it unique.
By leveraging the power and familiarity of WordPress, EDD allows you to seamlessly set up an online store for selling digital goods without the need for complex integrations or separate platforms.
Pros:
- Seamless WordPress integration: EDD seamlessly integrates with WordPress, allowing you to sell digital goods directly from your website without the need for a separate platform.
- Robust features for digital products: EDD offers a range of features tailored to the specific needs of selling digital goods, including secure file downloads, licensing, and software updates.
- Extensive extension ecosystem: EDD boasts a thriving ecosystem of extensions that expand its functionality, allowing you to enhance and customize your store to your needs.
Cons:
- Limited support for physical products: EDD’s primary focus is on digital goods, so if you plan to sell a significant number of physical products, it may not offer the extensive features required for managing and shipping physical items.
- Relatively steeper learning curve: Compared to some simpler eCommerce platforms, EDD may require a bit more technical knowledge and familiarity with WordPress to make the most of its features.
EDD is an ideal platform for anyone selling digital products such as ebooks, software, photography, music, or any other downloadable content.
It empowers WordPress users to transform their websites into full-fledged online stores, offering a user-friendly and familiar environment for both sellers and buyers.
With EDD, you can tap into the vast potential of the WordPress community and effortlessly sell your digital goods to a global audience.
8. Teachable:
When it comes to online education and selling courses, Teachable is a leading platform that has made waves in the industry.
Since its founding in 2014, Teachable has become a go-to online platform for creating and selling courses. It offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface that allows educators and entrepreneurs to easily set up membership sites and deliver high-quality online education.
What makes Teachable unique is its focus on online education and its dedication to creating a user-friendly platform for both course creators and students.
It offers a seamless experience for designing and delivering courses, making it an ideal choice for educators, coaches, and individuals looking to share their expertise in a structured manner.
Pros:
- User-friendly course creation: Teachable provides a simple and intuitive course creation process, allowing you to structure and deliver your content efficiently.
- Membership site capabilities: With Teachable, you can create a fully functional membership site, offering students a seamless learning experience and the opportunity to access exclusive content.
- Sales and marketing tools: Teachable offers built-in sales and marketing features, including the ability to create landing pages, run promotions, and engage with your audience.
Cons:
- Transaction fees on lower-priced plans: Teachable charges transaction fees on lower-priced plans, which may impact profitability for creators with lower-priced courses.
- Limited course customization: While Teachable offers some customization options, the level of customization may be limited compared to other platforms.
Teachable is perfect for those who want to sell online courses and create a membership site to engage with their students.
Whether you’re an experienced educator, a coach, or an industry expert, Teachable empowers you to create and sell courses on various topics, ranging from personal development and professional skills to fitness and creative arts.
Get ready to share your knowledge and expertise through Teachable’s easy-to-use platform, where online education meets simplicity.
9. Payhip:
When it comes to selling digital downloads and courses, Payhip is a platform that deserves your attention.
Established to make eCommerce accessible to everyone, Payhip provides an easy-to-use platform for selling digital products.
Whether you’re a seasoned course creator or just starting out on your digital selling journey, Payhip offers the tools you need to set up your own eCommerce store and start selling your digital goods.
What makes Payhip unique is its focus on simplicity and accessibility. It’s an ideal platform for individuals looking to sell digital downloads, such as ebooks, music, software, or templates, as well as those interested in selling online courses.
Payhip’s user-friendly interface and secure digital delivery make it an excellent choice for creators who want to focus on selling their digital products without the complexities of a larger eCommerce platform.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Payhip is designed with simplicity, making it easy for anyone to set up and manage their eCommerce store, even without technical expertise.
- Flexible pricing options: With Payhip, you can set custom prices or offer pay-what-you-want options, allowing you to experiment with different pricing models.
- Secure digital delivery: Payhip ensures secure delivery of digital products to your customers, protecting your content and enhancing the buying experience.
Cons:
- Limited customization: While Payhip provides basic customization options, it may not offer as much flexibility for extensive branding and design customization as other platforms.
- Fewer integrations: Payhip has a more limited selection of third-party integrations than some larger eCommerce platforms.
Whether you’re a content creator, an artist, or an educator, Payhip provides the tools you need to set up your own eCommerce store and monetize your digital products.
Embrace the simplicity and convenience of Payhip as you embark on your digital selling journey and bring your creative ideas to life.
10. SamCart:
When it comes to selling digital products online, SamCart is a platform that stands out from the crowd. With a history rooted in helping entrepreneurs streamline their online sales, SamCart has become a trusted platform for selling digital products. It offers comprehensive features designed to optimize the selling process and maximize conversions.
What makes SamCart unique is its focus on optimizing the checkout process and increasing conversions. It provides a range of features tailored to help entrepreneurs effectively sell their digital products, from customizable checkout pages to advanced order management capabilities.
Pros:
- Checkout optimization: SamCart’s robust checkout system is designed to reduce cart abandonment and boost conversion rates, providing customers a seamless and user-friendly experience.
- Upsell and order bump capabilities: With SamCart, you can easily incorporate upsells and order bumps into your sales funnels, increasing your revenue potential.
- A/B testing and analytics: SamCart provides tools for A/B testing and detailed analytics, allowing you to optimize your sales pages and track the performance of your digital products.
Cons:
- Higher pricing: SamCart’s pricing plans may be relatively higher compared to some other platforms, which could impact affordability for those just starting out or on a tight budget.
- Limited customization options: While SamCart offers some customization features, the level of customization may be more limited compared to some other platforms.
SamCart is ideal for digital product creators who want to optimize their sales funnels and maximize their revenue potential.
Whether you’re selling online courses, ebooks, software, or other digital goods, SamCart offers the tools and features to enhance your selling process and deliver a seamless experience to your customers.
Get ready to take your digital product sales to the next level with SamCart’s conversion-focused platform.
Tips on How to Maximize Selling on These Platforms
Now that we’ve explored the top platforms for selling digital products, it’s time to unlock the secrets to maximizing your sales on these platforms.
Whether you’ve chosen Sellfy, Shopify, Podia, Gumroad, Adobe Commerce, Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), Teachable, Payhip, or SamCart, each platform has unique features and strategies to help you sell more effectively.
First, let’s talk about discount codes. Many of these platforms offer the ability to create and distribute discount codes, which can be a powerful tool to attract customers and incentivize purchases. Experiment with discount strategies, such as limited-time promotions or special offers for loyal customers, to drive sales and create a sense of urgency.
Next, consider leveraging the free plan options available on some platforms. This allows you to test the waters and get a feel for the platform’s capabilities before committing to a paid plan.
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the platform’s features, optimize your product listings, and refine your marketing strategies.
Another tip is to leverage your own website. While these platforms provide a ready-made marketplace, having your own website can further enhance your brand presence and provide a centralized hub for your digital products.
Utilize the integration options the platforms provide to seamlessly embed your products or redirect customers to your website for a personalized experience.
Lastly, take the time to understand and leverage the unique features of each platform. Whether it’s Shopify’s extensive app store, Podia’s membership site capabilities, or Teachable’s course creation tools, each platform has its own strengths.
Dive into the platform’s documentation and resources to fully explore and capitalize on these features to enhance your selling experience.
By implementing these strategies and leveraging the unique features offered by each platform, you can maximize your sales and create a thriving digital product business.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your digital marketing hat, and get ready to take your selling game to the next level on these top platforms.
In Conclusion: Which is the Best Platform?
After an in-depth analysis of the top platforms for selling digital products in 2024, it’s time to answer the burning question: which platform takes the crown as the best?
Well, here’s the truth: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best platform for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, goals, and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another.
As you navigate through the vast landscape of digital commerce platforms, we encourage you to evaluate your own needs and priorities. Consider factors such as pricing, features, customization options, scalability, and integrations.
Reflect on your specific digital product offerings and business requirements to determine which platform aligns best with your vision.
We also invite you to give the recommended platform a try. Take advantage of their free trials or explore their demo versions to get a hands-on experience. Experiment, test, and adapt as you uncover the platform that resonates with your unique selling style.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer to the best platform, we’ve provided you with the knowledge and tools to make an informed decision. Embrace the possibilities, seize the opportunities, and embark on your digital selling journey with confidence.
