6 tips for creating digital downloads from someone who’s done it

Deciding to start offering digital downloads as a product, and actually creating those downloads, are two very different tasks. Creating a download might require new skills that you haven’t perfectly honed yet, but that’s okay! Everyone has to start somewhere, and as a creator, you already know that you have valuable information to share. So why not try your hand at putting it in digital download form too as part of your strategy?

You can use these downloads as high-quality lead magnets to help grow your audience or show people the value you might offer in your coaching or course products. Or you could completely dive in and use your downloads as a whole new revenue stream for your online creation business.

Luckily, I have been in your shoes before. I created and sold digital downloads and have tips to share to make the journey easier for you.

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Tips for creating digital downloads

1. Identify your target audience

Before you start creating your digital download, it’s important to have a clear understanding of who you are selling to. What students will most benefit from the knowledge you want to share? This will help you create digital download content that resonates with your prospective students and addresses their specific needs and interests.

If you’re creating a digital download to use as a lead magnet, think about what information would be best to share with that audience. They’re mostly likely people who are just exploring the topic you teach, or are on the fence about purchasing a whole course. Make sure your digital download has information that would inspire the confidence to buy.

2. Offer value

To sell your digital download, you need to convince people that it’s valuable enough for them to spend money on it. Make sure your product provides value to your audience by solving a problem or meeting a need they have. After they download your product they should have complete clarity and answers about their questions. But at the same time the download can prompt more questions where the student might want to take a course or purchase another product to learn more about the topic.

You could also offer your downloads as supplemental content to your other offerings. An example of these could be selling a downloadable time management guide or planner if you offer courses or coaching on time management. While students wouldn’t need to use one with the other, it could help them get the most out of both product offerings.

3. Use a catchy title and compelling product description

The title and product description are crucial for attracting potential buyers. Make sure they accurately reflect the content of your digital download and use persuasive language to entice people to purchase. You should keep this copy consistent across all channels. So if you promote your download in an email, make sure you use the same title, description, and wording when you promote the same thing on your sales page. This will cut down on confusion or any sort of lag time. When a lead decides to buy your download, they’ll be able to quickly make sure they know what they’re buying and it’s the product they want.

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4. Create professional-looking graphics

The visuals of your digital download are important for making a good impression on potential buyers. You want to position yourself as an expert in your area of knowledge. So if your download product looks like an essay you wrote in a Google Doc, it may be lacking the high-quality experience you want your students to have. Use high-quality images and graphics to make your product look professional and attractive. To do this you can use a tool like Canva with pre-designed templates to drop your knowledge into. Before diving into an empty template, take a look around and see what Canva, or any other tool you use, has to offer. Play around with a few and take your time finding the right fit.

5. Price your digital download appropriately

Determine how much your digital download is worth based on the value it provides to your audience and the time and effort you put into creating it. Be sure to consider the cost of any materials you used and any ongoing expenses you may have. One of the best things about digital downloads is they are very affordable to create, and you can sell them repeatedly. This lends itself to affordable pricing so you can reach a larger audience with an affordable digital download and later sell them a premium course or coaching experience. Once the initial lift of creating the download is done, the main thing you’ve got to do is update it when necessary, and promote it. So the cost of labor goes down with each sale you make.

6. Promote your digital download

Once you’ve created your product, it’s important to get the word out about it. Use social media, email marketing, and other online marketing tactics to promote your digital download to your target audience. Be sure to have your downloads featured on your sales page. That way, when someone finds themselves exploring your products, they can find your introductory download. Then they might become a repeat buyer or level up to become a student of yours.

Start creating

With these tips under your belt hopefully you feel ready to start creating your own digital download. Remember, when it comes to downloads the possibilities are endless. You could start out with something simple like a wallpaper or screensaver or a calendar. Or you might even choose to turn one of your most successful blog posts into a download by adding more information and beautiful design to it. Whatever it ends up being, keep in mind that your first might not be your best, but it’s better than nothing. And over time you’ll have some of your own tips on creating digital downloads to offer.