Whether you’re a designer selling templates, a writer with an eBook, or a coach offering online courses, you’ve likely asked yourself this question:
“Where is the best place to sell my digital products?”
It’s a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. The digital marketplace has exploded over the past few years. We now have platforms for every type of creator, from general marketplaces like Etsy and Gumroad to course-specific platforms like Teachable or Podia. And while having options is great, too many can leave you stuck in decision paralysis.
But here’s the thing — it’s not just where you sell that matters. It’s also how you connect with your audience, nurture them, and keep them coming back. That’s where your sales potential really lies.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- The top places to sell digital products (and the pros/cons of each)
- What to consider when choosing the right platform
- Why your email list is your most valuable asset
- How tools like MailDrip.io can help you simplify marketing and increase conversions
Let’s dig in.
Why Selling Digital Products is a Smart Move
Digital products are having a moment — and for good reason.
They’re scalable, low-overhead, and you only have to create them once. No shipping, no inventory, and no warehouse nightmares. Plus, buyers are increasingly comfortable purchasing things like eBooks, printables, templates, courses, and software directly online.
But while creating digital products can be fairly straightforward, selling them consistently takes some strategy.
That’s where choosing the right platform — and pairing it with smart marketing — becomes essential.
Top Platforms to Sell Digital Products (And What Makes Them Great)
1. Gumroad
Best for: Creators who want a simple, plug-and-play storefront.
Gumroad is a favorite among indie creators for a reason. It’s easy to use, takes care of hosting, checkout, and file delivery, and you can sell everything from eBooks to software licenses. There’s no monthly fee, just a per-sale commission.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Clean interface
- Built-in affiliate marketing
- No upfront cost
Cons:
- High transaction fees at lower tiers
- Limited branding/customization
- Not ideal for complex sales funnels
2. Shopify (with Digital Downloads App)
Best for: Brands looking for full control and scalability.
Shopify is often seen as a physical product store, but with the Digital Downloads app, it works beautifully for selling digital goods too. You get total control over your storefront, branding, and customer experience.
Pros:
- Fully customizable
- Scalable as you grow
- Tons of apps and integrations
Cons:
- Monthly fees
- Learning curve for setup
- You’ll need to manage marketing on your own
3. Etsy (Digital Goods Category)
Best for: Creators of digital art, printables, or templates.
Etsy has a built-in audience searching for creative products. If you’re offering digital art, planners, or design assets, this can be a goldmine.
Pros:
- Huge built-in audience
- Easy to list products
- Trust factor with buyers
Cons:
- Saturated market
- Limited branding control
- Etsy takes a cut of every sale
4. Teachable or Podia
Best for: Coaches, educators, and course creators.
These platforms are made for educational content. If your digital product is a course, workshop, or membership, Teachable and Podia offer great tools to host and sell your content.
Pros:

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- Designed for courses
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools
- All-in-one (video, quizzes, landing pages, etc.)
Cons:
- Monthly fees
- Less flexible for other product types
5. Your Own Website + Email Marketing
Best for: Creators ready to build a long-term brand and audience.
Having your own website gives you full ownership — no algorithms, no competing sellers. Pair that with email marketing, and you have a powerful setup for ongoing, repeat sales.
Pros:
- You control everything
- No platform fees
- Build a loyal customer base
Cons:
- More setup work upfront
- You’ll need to drive your own traffic
So… What’s the Best Place For You?
Here’s the honest truth: The best place to sell digital products is the one that aligns with your goals, audience, and workflow.
Are you just starting out and need simplicity? Gumroad or Etsy might be perfect.
Want to scale your brand and own your customer journey? Build your own site and grow your email list.
Selling a course? Teachable is tailored for that.
Instead of trying to pick the “best” platform for everyone, think about what you need:
- How much customization do you want?
- Do you already have an audience, or will you need to build one?
- Do you want to keep things lean, or are you ready to invest more upfront?
Why Email Marketing is Your Best Friend (No Matter Where You Sell)
No matter which platform you choose, one thing remains true:
Your email list is your most valuable marketing tool.
Social media algorithms change. Platforms can ban accounts or change terms overnight. But your email list? That’s yours. It gives you a direct line to your audience.
That’s where MailDrip.io comes in.
At MailDrip, we make it ridiculously easy for creators and personal brands to nurture leads and convert them into buyers. Our platform is built around drip marketing — a proven strategy of sending targeted emails over time to educate, build trust, and drive action.
With MailDrip.io, you can:
- Automate your product launch emails
- Schedule weekly or monthly tips to stay top-of-mind
- Send offers, freebies, or reminders to re-engage your audience
- Use Pay As You Go credits — no monthly commitment needed
- Choose from beautiful email templates designed to convert
We know creators don’t want bloated tools. That’s why we’ve stripped away the fluff and focused on what matters: helping you sell more, with less stress.
Start with MailDrip.io here — it’s free to try, and you only pay for what you send.
FAQs
Do I need a website to sell digital products?
Not necessarily. Platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Teachable can host your products. But having your own site gives you more control and professionalism in the long run.
How do I get people to buy my digital product?
You need visibility and trust. That comes from consistent marketing, great content, and nurturing your audience over time — email marketing helps with all of this.
Can I use multiple platforms to sell?
Yes! Many creators start on a marketplace for exposure, then build their own site as they grow. Just make sure your branding is consistent.
What kind of digital products sell well?
eBooks, templates, printables, courses, Lightroom presets, coaching programs, and software tools all do great. The key is solving a clear problem or adding value to a specific audience.
Final Thoughts
Selling digital products is more than uploading a file and hoping someone buys. It’s about building relationships, trust, and value over time.
Choose a platform that fits where you are now — and where you want to go. But don’t forget to invest in your audience. Your email list is the one channel you truly own, and the one most likely to bring people back for more.
That’s where MailDrip.io shines — we help you build the kind of email relationships that turn casual visitors into loyal customers.
So here’s our question to you:
Where are you planning to sell your digital products — and how are you going to keep your audience coming back?
Let us know — and if you’re ready to turn your product into a profitable brand, give MailDrip.io a try today. 💌