Welcome back to PodSchool.

The world of digital products is a magical and mystical place. It’s the passive income we’ve dreamed of – it’s making money while we sleep, it’s confusing?

About a year ago I started my own journey trying to figure out what digital products I’d sell from my podcast and despite the glitz and glamour and excitement, I realized this was not as easy as I thought it would be. 

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Why Digital Products Are Perfect for Podcasters

When I think about the most impactful and accessible ways for podcasters to make money from podcasting, especially within the first year, it’s having a digital product. Most of the time your first  digital product can be created with minimal time and limited overhead. The biggest question is, what are you going to make and how are you going to sell it?

In this episode we’ll work through these two questions, what kind of digital product will you create? Then how will you sell it?

Step 1: What Is a Digital Product?

A digital product is a non-physical product or service designed for use in a virtual space. Think downloadable PDFs, online courses, templates, or even apps.

Online Course
Teach your audience how to master a specific skill you’re knowledgeable about.

Example: Step-by-step guide to mastering personal branding online and offline. 

Templates and Worksheets
Help your audience save time with ready-made resources:

Example: Monthly budget tracker in Excel or Google Sheets for e-commerce business owners. 

Ebooks, Workbooks or Guides
Share your expertise in a comprehensive, downloadable format:

Example: Workbook on how to build an engaged online community on Facebook. 

Membership or Subscription Access
Create a members-only hub with exclusive content:

Example: Bonus podcast episodes, downloadable resources, or behind-the-scenes content, access to a private community or Q&A sessions.

Canva Templates
Offer design tools tailored to your niche:

Example: Customizable social media templates, like graphics for Instagram stories, carousels, or audiograms for small business owners. 

The possibilities are endless. But endless options can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to focus on what your audience needs and what you’re already equipped to create. Click here to use my free tool to get 10 ideas for your next digital product.

Step 2: Find Your First Digital Product Idea

Ask Yourself These Key Questions:

1. What do I already know how to do?
   Use your expertise. If you’ve built systems, tools, or templates that make your life easier, they might help others too.
   
   
2. What does my audience need?
   Listen to their pain points. What are your listeners asking for most often?
   
   
3. What are my most popular podcast topics?
   Your audience’s favorite episodes often reveal the problems they want to solve.
   

Here’s an quick shortcut: I’ve created a free tool to generate 10 digital product ideas based on your podcast and audience. It’s quick, easy, and designed specifically for podcasters like you. Click here!

Step 3: Test Your Idea with a Waitlist

Before creating your digital product, validate the idea. A waitlist is a fantastic way to gauge interest:

• Use tools like Kit (ConvertKit) or Squarespace to set up a free landing page.
• Share the waitlist link in your podcast episodes, social media, and newsletters.

Pro tip: A waitlist not only builds anticipation but also ensures there’s demand before you invest time and money.

Step 4: Create Your Product

Now it’s time to bring your idea to life. Here’s how:

If You’re DIYing It:

• Use Canva for templates, PDFs, and graphics.
• Leverage Google Docs for workbooks or guides.

Need Help?

Platforms like UpWork and Fiverr are excellent for hiring freelancers to create your product. Be sure to:

• Review portfolios.
• Read reviews carefully.

Step 5: Choose Your Sales Platform

Selling digital products is easier than ever. Here are a few options:

• Shopify: A robust platform for selling digital goods.
• Squarespace: Great if you already have a website with this host.
• Linktree: Ideal for simple setups and link sharing.

Upload your product, write a compelling description, and you’re ready to sell! My best advice for new sellers when you’re trying to find the best fit for your product hosting look at how much the monthly hosting is verses how much you think you’ll make per month. You don’t want to lose money on hosting a product that isn’t selling.

Step 6: Sell Without Losing Your Audience

As a podcaster, your audience trusts you to deliver value—not endless sales pitches. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Explain the value: Share how your product will help your listeners.
  
• Tell your story: Why did you create this product? How has it helped you?
  
• Incorporate naturally: Mention your product within the context of your episode, not as an interruption.

Final Thoughts: Your Digital Product Journey

Selling a digital product isn’t just about making money—it’s about solving a problem for your audience and enhancing their lives. Start by identifying your expertise, listening to your audience, and taking small, practical steps to bring your product to market.

Ready to get started? Use my free tool to brainstorm your first digital product idea. It only takes two minutes and will give you tailored suggestions for your podcast. Use it here!

Remember, your podcast is more than a platform for sharing—it’s a launchpad for building something amazing. Let’s make it happen! Want to work with me 1:1? Click here!