Starting a digital business can feel like stepping into a whole new world—exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. If you’re just beginning your journey, it’s easy to wonder, “What do I really need to succeed?” When I began selling digital products in 2019, I had those same questions. Over the years, I discovered that having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference. Whether you're building a side hustle or aiming to make this your full-time career, I want to help you feel confident about the next steps. So, let’s dive into the essential tools every digital entrepreneur needs to build and grow their business.
1. A Reliable Website Platform
Your website is more than just an online presence; it’s the foundation of your business. It’s where people get to know you, browse your offerings, and make purchases. You don’t need a complicated setup to start—just a platform that’s easy to navigate and allows you to showcase your work professionally.
- WordPress – A powerful, flexible platform that lets you grow as your business grows.
- Shopify – Ideal if you're focusing on e-commerce, especially for product-based businesses.
- Wix or Squarespace – Great options for those who prefer simple, drag-and-drop builders to create visually appealing websites without technical know-how.
When I first launched my digital product shop, I started simple, gradually adding features as I became more comfortable. You don’t need perfection from the start; it’s about getting your presence online and growing from there.
2. E-Commerce Platforms for Selling Digital Products
If your business involves digital products like mine, choosing the right platform for selling those products is essential. These platforms handle the transactions, product delivery, and even customer communication, so you can focus on creating.
- Etsy – A fantastic option if you’re just getting started. With Etsy’s built-in audience, you don’t have to worry about attracting traffic right away. Start an Etsy shop and get 40 free listings with my link here! That's more than enough to fill your shop!
- Gumroad – Easy to use, offering digital downloads, memberships, and subscriptions.
- Payhip – Perfect for selling digital products quickly, with a user-friendly interface and no upfront fees.
- Beacons – A newer platform that allows creators to sell digital products, memberships, and even book consultations directly through social media profiles like Instagram or TikTok.
When I first listed my digital products, Etsy gave me a platform with ready-made traffic, allowing me to focus on refining my products. For creators who use social media heavily, Beacons is a great option for integrating your product sales directly into your online presence. It’s all about finding the platform that works best for your goals and audience.
3. Graphic Design Software
Creating professional, attractive digital products is a must—but you don’t need a design degree to make it happen. Thankfully, there are tools that make creating beautiful designs simple, even for beginners.
- Canva – My go-to tool for almost everything! Whether it’s designing social media posts or product mockups, Canva offers templates that make your work look polished.
- Adobe Spark – Another great option for quick, creative design projects.
- Crello – Like Canva, this platform provides a user-friendly experience with lots of templates.
When I was starting out, Canva felt like a lifesaver—it made the design process fun and easy, even when I had little experience.
4. Email Marketing Software
Building relationships with your audience is key to long-term success. An email list gives you direct access to your potential customers, which is invaluable when growing your business.
- Mailchimp – A great starting point for beginners, offering easy automation and templates.
- ConvertKit – Built for creators, with advanced features to grow your list and communicate effectively with your audience.
- MailerLite – Perfect for beginners with its intuitive interface and automation tools.
When I began email marketing, I realized how powerful it was to have a direct line to my audience. It’s more personal than social media, and it allows you to share exclusive content, new products, and special offers with the people who are genuinely interested.
5. Project Management Tools
Running a digital business means juggling a lot of tasks—whether it’s product creation, marketing, or customer service. Staying organized helps you stay focused on what matters.
- Trello – A visual tool that helps you organize projects and tasks in a way that’s easy to manage.
- Asana – Ideal if you’re managing multiple projects or working with a team.
- Notion – A flexible tool that can serve as your personal workspace for everything from task management to notes and product planning.
These tools have helped me stay on track when launching new products or managing client work. The more organized you are, the less stressful your workload becomes.
6. Payment Processing Tools
Getting paid is, of course, a vital part of running a digital business! Payment processors make it easy to accept money from customers, whether they’re purchasing your products or hiring you for services.
- PayPal – Widely used and trusted around the world.
- Stripe – Excellent for recurring payments or subscriptions.
- Square – Great for both online payments and in-person sales if you ever take your business to markets or events.
Choosing the right processor depends on your needs, but making the payment process simple for your customers is key.
7. Social Media Scheduling Tools
Social media plays a big role in growing your digital business, but it can also be time-consuming. Scheduling tools allow you to plan and automate posts, so you can stay consistent without being tied to your phone.
- Later – Ideal for Instagram, offering a simple drag-and-drop scheduling tool.
- Buffer – Perfect for managing multiple social media accounts and tracking engagement.
- Hootsuite – A comprehensive tool for managing and scheduling posts across multiple platforms.
Consistency is key when building your brand online, and these tools help free up time to focus on other aspects of your business.
8. Cloud Storage Solutions
As a digital entrepreneur, you’ll create a lot of content, and you need a safe place to store it all. Cloud storage tools make it easy to access your files from anywhere and ensure you never lose important documents or projects.
- Google Drive – A great free option that integrates with Google Docs and Sheets.
- Dropbox – Excellent for file sharing and storage, especially for larger files.
- OneDrive – Microsoft’s cloud solution, perfect if you’re already using Office products.
Backing up your work regularly ensures that nothing important gets lost, no matter what tech issues may arise.
Starting a digital business isn’t about having the perfect setup from day one. It’s about getting the essential tools in place so you can begin serving your audience and growing your business. As someone who’s been on this journey, I want to encourage you to take the leap, start simple, and let your tools grow with you.
As you begin to explore these tools and build your digital business, remember that you're not alone on this journey. I’ve created a collection of PLR business products designed specifically to help you launch and grow your business with ease. These ready-to-use resources are perfect for simplifying your workflow, and the best part? You can resell them if you choose to, creating an additional income stream while building your brand. Whether you're looking to fast-track your business setup or offer valuable resources to your own clients, my PLR products will give you a head start. I also offer products in categories like spiritual, wellness, fitness, digital marketing, home management, and more, with new launches every week! So, whether you're just starting or looking to expand your offerings, there’s always something to explore. Check them out and take your digital business to the next level!
