If you are a follower of ThinkTankTeacher, you’ve probably heard my story. I was a teacher, my husband lost his job, and so I started a TpT store to help us keep paying the bills. In fact, it was right after we made a huge purchase: our new home. Questions filled my mind. I kept wondering what we were going to do to make ends meet on a teacher’s salary. Enter digital products! First, I had an idea. Next, I sold digital printables for teachers and parents. Of course, I put in the time, and within six months, I was earning five figures a month, well over my teaching salary. Overall, small digital products can earn big money. Learn from my success story to start your own TpT or Etsy printable business!
1. How Did I Start Selling Small Digital Products?
First, my success story started with my husband losing his job, and turned into an amazing opportunity to start a business. Of course, you don’t have to have something horrible happen to get started. In fact, you just need an idea. My idea to start ThinkTankTeacher.com and make escape rooms has made me more than $1 million. This was just with small digital products. Kind of mind blowing when you think about it, right? You can get started too. Yes, you just need an idea.
Sometimes, the idea is the toughest part. First, the secret sauce lies in discovering what truly lights your creative fire and diving right in. The goal? To make your resource shine like a beacon in a sea of digital offerings. Of course, the biggest mistake people make is just focusing on what sells and not what you get excited about creating. Honestly, you want both. In the end, if it’s just a hot seller that you could care less about, walk away. You’ll burn out quickly.
As for me, my mind is a perpetual brainstorming machine, churning out a constant stream of fresh ideas, ways to enhance, and exciting business prospects for both my website, TpT store, and Etsy store. I’ve got this trusty notebook right on my nightstand, ready to capture those lightning-quick ideas. Some become new small digital products, while others remain as sparks of inspiration, waiting for the perfect moment to ignite. Yes, you can do it too!
2. What Kind of Small Digital Products Can You Sell?
Of course, my focus is educational printables and escape rooms, and there are so many possibilities when it comes to small digital products for teachers or homeschooling parents. Overall, the possibilities are endless.
Printable Worksheets
Create worksheets for various subjects like math, language arts, or science, also catering to different grade levels and topics.
Flashcards
Design digital flashcards for vocabulary, math facts, or historical events.
Lesson Plans
Offer detailed lesson plans that align with educational standards, also saving educators valuable planning time.
Interactive Games
Develop interactive digital games or quizzes to make learning fun and engaging for students.
Coloring Pages
Craft coloring pages featuring educational themes, allowing kids to learn while they color.
Graphic Organizers
Design graphic organizers such as mind maps, Venn diagrams, or KWL charts for better comprehension.
Activity Packs
Create themed activity packs with puzzles, mazes, and word searches to reinforce learning concepts.
Digital Planners
Design digital planners tailored for teachers or parents to keep track of lessons, schedules, and goals.
Educational Posters
Craft informative posters covering subjects like history, science, or geography for classroom or home use.
EBooks
Write and sell educational eBooks on specific subjects or teaching techniques.
Digital Art Lessons
Develop step-by-step art lessons that guide students in creating their own artwork.
Science Experiments
Provide digital instructions and materials lists for hands-on science experiments.
Grammar and Writing Resources
Create grammar guides, writing prompts, or editing checklists to improve writing skills.
Math Tutorials
Offer digital math tutorials or problem-solving guides to help students excel in math.
Printable Booklets
Craft informative booklets on various topics, perfect for independent learning or projects.
Historical Timeline Templates
Design templates for historical timelines, making history lessons interactive.
Language Learning Materials
Develop language learning resources like vocabulary cards or pronunciation guides.
Educational Clip Art
Offer digital clip art collections for teachers to use in presentations and also worksheets.
Study Guides
Create study guides for subjects like biology, chemistry, or literature.
Of course, there are so many ideas that can turn into a small digital product success story, just like mine! Learn how to make products that sell on TpT with my Cloaked in Fun Course.
Here are some easy plug-and-play templates that you’ll get with this small digital products course – more ideas for you to make big money!
- Mystery Match Template
- Vocabulary Hunt Template
- Word Wall Template
- Vocabulary Gallery Walk Template
- Escape Room Template
- Task Card Escape Template
- Task Card Secret Code Template
- Gallery Walk Stations Template
- Cause & Effect Stations Template
- Point of View Gallery Walk Template
- Passage Scavenger Hunt Template
- Scavenger Hunt Review Game Template
- Scavenger Hunt Mystery Trail Template
- Color by Number Template
- Comprehension Collection Template
- Question Maze Template
- Text Marking Template
- Game Show Template
- Magic Word Search Template
- Mystery Maze Template
- Secret Code Template
- Interactive Google Slides
- Pick 6 Template
- Pick a Prompt Template
- Newspaper Template
- Anticipation Guide
- Seasonal Puzzle Pack Template
- Escape Room Clipart
- Color by Number Clipart
- PNG Foldables Clipart
- Page Borders Clipart
- Doodle Fonts
Overall, these ideas can make you money and create your own small digital products success story.
3. What Tech Skills Do You Need to Make Small Digital Products?
Even if you’ve never made a small digital product or printable, you can get started today! Like most digital creators, I got started using PowerPoint and Canva. Both are really easy to use, and, in fact, I have tons of tutorials on ThinkTankTeacher and in my courses.
You really don’t need to be a tech wizard. However, here are some good-to-know tech skills to get started.
Basic Graphic Design
Overall, you don’t have to be a design guru. Of course, platforms like Canva offer user-friendly templates and tutorials that make designing digital products a breeze. If you can drag and drop, you’re on the right track.
File Formatting
First, understanding different file formats (PDFs, JPEGs, and PNGs) is pretty helpful. Of course, you don’t have to be an expert. Of course, most software (like Canva) saves files in the right format for you.
E-commerce Platforms
If you’re thinking of selling online, platforms like Etsy or TpT are also designed to be user-friendly. In addition, they provide tutorials and walk you through listing products and pricing.
Marketing Skills
Next, digital marketing basics are easy to pick up. Plenty of beginner-friendly resources and courses are also available online to help you promote your products effectively. First, save your social media handles. Next, start developing an email list by using freebies and opt-ins to build your customer list. Finally, share your products with your audience on your website. Check out some ways to promote your Etsy digital products using marketing.
4. What are the Main Steps to Get Started Selling Small Digital Products?
I’ve talked about how to start with an idea, basic tech skills needed, and tons of ideas for your small digital products. But what do you really need to get started selling small digital products? Getting started selling small digital products is an exciting journey, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some small digital products steps to get started.
Choose Your Platform
First things first, decide where you want to sell your digital products. You can either start your own website, open an Etsy shop, or create a seller account on Teachers Pay Teachers. (Eventually, you can do all three!) Overall, each option has its perks, so choose the one that suits your goals.
Create Your Digital Product
Next, get creative with your small digital product or printable. Craft an engaging digital product relevant to your niche and audience, whether it’s educational printables, worksheets, escape rooms, or art templates. Of course, pour your passion into making it valuable and user-friendly.
Design a Preview
Next, the fun continues as you create a preview of your digital product. First, give potential buyers a taste of what’s inside. In addition, this sneak peek is your chance to entice them with a glimpse of the value they’ll receive. Also, consider using mockups to give your buyers the best view of your product in action.
Design an Eye-Catching Cover
Your product’s cover page should also be a visual magnet. Of course, make it eye-catching and inviting. Finally, it’s also the first thing potential buyers see, so it needs to scream, “Click on me!”
Create Thumbnails
Next, thumbnails offer an overview of your product. Craft them to be informative and also appealing. Overall, they also help buyers quickly understand what your digital product offers.
Craft a Captivating Title
Of course, your title is crucial for discoverability. Use keywords relevant to your niche to help potential buyers find your product through search engines and also on TpT or Etsy. In the end, SEO is where it’s at to help your small digital products get found.
Write an Informative Product Description
Your product description is also your chance to showcase the value of your digital product. Finally, describe its features, benefits, and how it can be used. Rich in keywords, this description also helps with SEO.
Press Publish
Next, once everything is ready and looking fantastic, hit that publish button. Finally, your digital product is now live and available for purchase!
Passive Income Opportunities
Don’t be overwhelmed if it seems like a lot of steps. Of course, the beauty of selling small digital products is that once the initial effort is done, your products can sell indefinitely. Overall, this means potential for unlimited passive income! Plus, as you gain experience, the process becomes faster and smoother.
Finally, your journey into the world of selling small digital products is also filled with boundless possibilities. Whether you choose to create educational printables, interactive games, escape rooms, or captivating eBooks, your passion and creativity can lead to big money. Of course, remember: you don’t need to be a tech expert to get started. With courses to get you started on Etsy or TpT, your path to success is within reach. Embrace the excitement, follow the steps, and finally, watch as your small digital products transform into a source of both creative fulfillment and financial gain.
Overall, the most important thing to remember is that your passion about your digital products is what truly matters. Just like I did, you can start with just a spark of interest or an awesome idea. Of course, you can grow your skills along the way. In the end, tutorials and templates are your trusty companions on this journey. Finally, don’t hesitate to dive in and explore the world of crafting small digital products with amazing courses designed just for you!
