Top 10 Platforms to Sell Digital Products & Services for Online Business Owners in 2024
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Hey there, fellow online entrepreneur! If you're looking to dive into the world of digital products or take your existing service business to the next level, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm sharing the best platforms to sell digital products and services in 2024.
It can be a minefield trying to decide the right tech platform for your business so I'm breaking down all the best platforms you can use as standalone checkouts to sell your digital products online and even even your services.
I'm not going to go into all the benefits of why you should be selling digital products or services – you're here because you know you need a better way to create and sell your "stuff" so that it makes it easy for you to collect money for what you offer – and even allow it be done without needing any further input from you (eg. on autopilot).
Let's get stuck in, here is a list of the best 10 platforms (in my opinion):
ThriveCart
SamCart
Gumroad
SendOwl
Stan Store
E-junkie
DPD
Sellfy
Payhip
Snipcart
A look at Each Platform
Please note, apart from numbers 1 and 2 in this list, they are not in any particular order.
1. ThriveCart
If you're looking for an EASY checkout to use for selling digital products and your services, ThriveCart is IT in my opinion. I don't personally use it (yet) as I use my integrated Convertkit Products feature (scroll down to see more on that), but I have used this with plenty of clients and it is the perfect solution. Easy to set up, adjustable to your branding and even offer affiliate options. You can't go wrong with Thrivecart - especially when it's a one-time payment with life-time access AND has the a bonus of course hosting (Learn), in case that's something you may create one day.
Key features: - Lifetime pricing option - Built-in affiliate centre (Pro version)- Subscriptions with dunning management (follow up with missed/ late payments) - Bump offers and upsells.
Pricing: ThriveCart offers a one-time payment of $495 for lifetime access which includes the Learn (course) platform, with a Pro version upgrade at $195 (with features like affiliate centre).
Pros and cons: + One-time fee (great for long-term savings) + Robust affiliate management system + Integrates with popular marketing tools - Limited template options - No free trial available.
This is my favourite option for using an online checkout because it's currently a one-time payment and offers you the option to sell online courses by housing them within their "Learn" arm of ThriveCart. With its strong emphasis on affiliate management, customisable checkout experiences, and integration capabilities, ThriveCart is an attractive solution for entrepreneurs looking for a feature-rich platform without ongoing monthly fees.
2. SamCart
Samcart is the runner up in my opinion, yet still a great platform to use (I have used this with clients). A feature I like on Samcart is their express, and embeddable, checkouts to add directly to a sales page or webpage, which can remove the number of steps in the sales process. It's a bigger investment in the long run (a monthly fee) , but it's simplicity makes it a great option.
Key features: - One-page checkout - Upsells and bump offers - A/B testing - Subscription saver
Pricing: SamCart offers three plans: Launch at $49/month, Grow at $99/month, and Scale at $199/month.
Pros and cons: + Sleek, conversion-optimised checkout pages + Robust reporting and analytics + Great for upsells and cross-sells - Can be pricey for beginners - Limited design customisation options .
SamCart stands out as a powerful platform for online entrepreneurs serious about optimising their digital product sales. With its focus on high-converting checkout pages, robust upsell features, and comprehensive analytics, SamCart is an excellent choice for businesses looking to maximise their revenue and streamline their sales process.
3. SendOwl
This is another simple checkout options for online business owners. It's an all-in-one platform to sell digital downloads, services, stream video and audio, courses (not hosted), and so much more. It's come a long way since I first used it a few years ago, with options to sell pretty much anything you want, in anyway you like and link from anywhere (instagram, website, tiktok, youtube).
Key features: - Digital product delivery - Subscription and membership options - Affiliate management system - Customisable checkout pages - Upsells and bump offers - Drip content functionality - PDF stamping - Integration with major email marketing platforms - Multi-language support
Pricing: SendOwl offers a free 7-day trial with each tier offering $1/ month for the first two months after that and then: - Starter: $18/month - Growth: $37/month - Pro: $89/month - Premium Plus: £199/month
Pros and cons: + Embeddable products to sell anywhere online + Free trial periods + Recurring subscriptions + Cart abandonment emails + Tip jar + Pay-what-you-want pricing features - Limited design customisation for checkout pages compared to some competitors - The affiliate system, while useful, isn't as advanced as some dedicated affiliate platforms - Limited reporting and analytics features compared to some alternatives.
This platform strikes a good balance between functionality and ease of use, making it a popular choice among digital product sellers who want a reliable solution without overwhelming complexity.
4. Gumroad
Gumroad is one of the OG's of checkout platforms and it's come a long way since it's humble beginnings. Gumroad offers you the option of a mini store where you can sell a variety of things, well, anything you want really. It's a good starting point for selling online with the option to also add to your own website if needed. The best thing about it is that it comes with no monthly fee, which is great if you're not sure how much you'll be selling at first, but they take a 10% fee. This might just be one of the best options (along with Stan Store below) to get you started.
Key features: Simple, user-friendly interface - Digital product hosting and delivery - Custom landing pages for products - Pay-what-you-want pricing option - Subscription and membership capabilities - Built-in email marketing tools - Affiliate programme - Customisable checkout process - Analytics and reporting - Supports multiple file types and streaming video - Integration with various platforms (WordPress, Zapier, etc.)
Pricing: Gumroad uses a usage-based pricing model: No monthly fee, but 10% per transaction + card processing fee (Stripe or PayPal).
Pros and cons: + Extremely easy to set up and use + No monthly fee for the basic plan (great for beginners or occasional sellers)Extremely easy to set up and use + Built-in audience-building tools -High transaction fees - Limited customisation options for product pages and checkout - Basic affiliate system compared to more robust platforms
Gumroad's "creator-first" approach and simple fee structure make it a popular choice among independent creators looking for a hassle-free way to monetise their digital content.
5. Stan Store
Stan Store has taken instagram by storm. I don't think I can scroll my feed without seeing another digital creator using a Stan Store in their "Link in Bio". Think of it like linktr.ee that allows you to sell with a checkout. If you are a digital creator or influencer, this may just be the best option for you with easy set up and ease-of-use for you and your customers.
Key features: - Designed specifically for creators and influencers - Customisable storefronts - Digital product sales (e.g., e-books, courses, templates) - Physical product sales capabilities - Membership and subscription options - Built-in email marketing tools - Mobile-optimised stores - Integration with social media platforms - Analytics dashboard - Multiple payment gateway options - Automated tax calculations – Calendar Booking & Scheduling - Course Platform.
Pricing: 14-day free trial, $29/month (with annual saving option).
Pros and cons: + User-friendly interface tailored for creators + No coding required to set up and customise your store + Combines digital and physical product sales in one platform +Built-in marketing tools to help grow your audience - Newer platform, so may have fewer integrations than more established competitors - Limited customisation options compared to some more robust e-commerce platforms - While it replaces other platforms, it doesn't have advanced capabilities of each.
This platform is a good fit for creators who value an all-in-one solution that combines storefront creation, product sales, and audience engagement tools. It's especially appealing to those who have a strong social media presence and want to leverage that in their e-commerce efforts.
6. E-junkie
A simple solution to sell downloads and more. Here's what E-Junkie say... Copy-paste a link to sell downloads, or physical goods on any website. Or, create a simple shop in 5 minutes. Sell art, ebooks, comics, game codes, merchandise, and more!
Key features: - Digital product delivery - Shopping cart functionality - Customisable buy now buttons - Affiliate management system - Integration with various payment gateways - Support for multiple currencies - VAT/tax handling - Discount codes and coupons - Customisable email templates - Basic analytics and reporting - Support for both digital and physical products
Pricing: Free 14-day trial, and then tiered pricing depending on number of products (no transaction fee): 10 products $8/mo, 40 products $10/m, 150 products $20/mo, unlimited products $40/mo.
Pros and cons: + Very affordable, especially for businesses with a small number of products + No transaction fees + Simple and straightforward to use + Reliable digital product delivery system - Dated user interface that may feel less modern compared to newer platforms - Limited customisation options for checkout pages - Basic reporting and analytics features - No built-in upsell or cross-sell functionality.
E-junkie's straightforward approach and low cost make it an attractive option for beginners or those who prefer a more hands-on approach to selling their digital products. While it may lack some of the advanced features of newer, more expensive platforms, its reliability and affordability have made it a longstanding favourite among many small-scale digital product sellers.
7. DPD (Digital Product Delivery)
DPD is primarily for digital downloads and ebooks. They say... DPD allows you to self-publish your e-books and sell digital downloadable products quickly and conveniently. They offer a full 30-day trial (which is great to really trial out the platform) and you get 100% of the sale.
Key features: Secure digital product delivery - Customisable download pages - Automatic VAT/tax calculation and collection - Support for multiple currencies - Integration with various payment gateways - Affiliate management system - Customisable email templates - Flexible licensing options - API for custom integrations - Detailed sales reporting and analytics - Support for subscriptions and memberships - Drip content delivery
Pricing: DPD offers tiered pricing based on storage and bandwidth: 20 products & 1GB $10/mo, 35 products & 2GB $16/mo, 120 products & 6GB $30/mo.
Pros and cons: + Robust security features for protecting digital products + Flexible licensing options for software sellers + Detailed analytics and reporting + No transaction fees - Steeper learning curve compared to some simpler platforms - User interface may feel less modern than some competitors - No built-in website or landing page builder.
DPD shines in its core function of securely delivering digital products, making it a favourite among sellers who need advanced features in this area. While it may not offer the all-in-one marketing capabilities of some newer platforms, its focus on secure, flexible delivery makes it a strong choice for many digital product sellers, particularly in the software industry.
8. Sellfy
Wanting to sell merchandise, digital products and print-on-demand products? Then Sellfy is the dedicated platform for this!
Key features: - Digital and physical product sales - Print-on-demand services - Customisable storefront - Built-in marketing tools (email marketing, upselling) - Shopping cart functionality - Secure file storage and delivery - Subscription-based product options - Pay-what-you-want pricing - Mobile-optimised design - Analytics dashboard - Integration with PayPal and Stripe - Embed options for existing websites.
Pricing: Sellfy starts at $29/mo with increasing tiers, and includes savings when signing up annually.
Pros and cons: + User-friendly interface, easy to set up and use + All-in-one solution for digital and physical products + No transaction fees + Built-in marketing tools + Print-on-demand service integration - Limited design customisation options compared to some competitors - Basic SEO features - Email marketing features are somewhat limited - No built-in affiliate programme.
While it may not offer the advanced customisation or extensive feature set of some larger platforms, Sellfy's straightforward approach and lack of transaction fees make it an attractive option for many independent sellers and small businesses. It's especially well-suited for those who value a balance of features and ease of use, and who appreciate having marketing tools built right into their selling platform.
9. Payhip
Payhip is primarily aimed at course creators and coaches who want to sell digital products, courses and memberships since it also hosts these features. Perhaps this should live in another list for "course hosting" but I've included it here as it's a simple and affordable solution to sell online AND host courses compared to other platforms like Kajabi, Thinkific, Teachable or Kartra.
Key features: - Digital and physical product sales - Customisable storefront - Affiliate management system - Pay-what-you-want pricing option - Subscription and membership capabilities - EU VAT handling - Coupon codes and discounts - Social media selling integration - Customisable checkout process - Instant payouts - Mailing list integrations - Embed options for existing websites
Pricing: Payhip offers a simple pricing structure with a first free tier with transaction fees of 5%, $29/mo with transaction fees of 2% and $99 with zero transaction fees.
Pros and cons: + Very user-friendly interface + No monthly fee for the basic plan (great for beginners or occasional sellers) + Handles EU VAT automatically+ Built-in affiliate system + Supports both digital and physical products - Higher transaction fees on the free plan compared to some competitors - Limited design customisation options for the storefront - Basic reporting and analytics features - No built-in email marketing system (relies on integrations).
Payhip shines in its simplicity and ease of use. It's particularly appealing to creators and small businesses who want to start selling quickly without dealing with complex setups or high upfront costs. It's especially well-suited for those who value simplicity, want to avoid monthly commitments, and appreciate having core selling features in an easy-to-use package.
10. Snipcart
This is a bit of an outlier in this list as it's more of a shopping cart app (where your customer can add multiple products and then checkout) than a standalone checkout platform (which usually offers one product at a time – with some offering bumps and upsells) – and Snipcart may just be the best shopping cart software available.
Key features: - Shopping cart that integrates with existing websites - Support for digital and physical products - Customisable checkout process - Multiple payment gateway integrations - Recurring payments and subscriptions - Inventory management - Discount and coupon system - Multi-currency and multi-language support - Abandoned cart recovery - Digital goods delivery - SEO-friendly structure - Webhooks for custom integrations - API access.
Pricing: Snipcart uses a simple pricing model: If you sell under $1000USD, the monthly fee is $20, above that it's 2% on every transaction and no monthly fee.
Pros and cons: + Easy integration with existing websites + No need to change your current tech stack or CMS + Highly customisable to match your brand + Supports both digital and physical products - Requires some technical knowledge to set up and customise - 2% transaction fee can be high for large-volume sellers - No built-in storefront; relies on your existing website (which for some could be considered a pro if they prefer to keep everything on their own site).
Snipcart is flexible with a developer-friendly approach. It's particularly appealing to businesses that already have a website they're happy with and just want to add robust e-commerce capabilities. Snipcart offers a level of customisation and integration that's hard to match. It's especially well-suited for businesses that value having complete control over their website's look and feel while leveraging powerful e-commerce tools.
Bonus Options: Alternative Platforms for Selling Digital Products & Services
Now, let's look at a few alternative options that might not be dedicated checkout platforms, but can still get the job done, and may even be a better choice if you already have certain tech options in place.
PayPal buttons
Good old PayPal buttons can be a simple solution for selling digital products and services. They're easy to set up and widely recognised, but they lack advanced features like upsells or detailed analytics. Also, I've never been a big fan of Paypal as they can sometimes hold your money without any notice if you start generating larges sums of money (it's never happened to me, but I have heard it around the interwebs!).
To set this up, go to your Paypal dashboard and navigate to the "Pay & Get Paid" link in the top bar. In the Accept Payments list, choose Pay Links & Buttons. Simply fill in the details or go to the link on the top right, Manage Link & Buttons> Create a Button for a variety of options.
Stripe payment links
Since most checkout platforms integrate with Stripe, you'll likely already have a stripe account set up for your bsuiness. Stripe is actually the payment processor that's the "middle-person" in the transaction. Stripe actually offers a straightforward way to create payment links for your products or services.
To set up a payment link within your Stripe account, see the menu on the left side of your dashboard, click the ...More link and go to Payment Links. Fill in the details for the product and Stripe will generate a link for you. This is more ideal for services that you provide since there's no native automation to deliver something on the other side, although you could use Zapier to create an "if this happens, do this" automation to send details to your email service provider and then send out an email with a link. The alternative is create a custom message after payment with a link to download your digital file. It's a little cumbersome, but a good way to get started without having to invest in other platforms.
Acuity Scheduling
While primarily a scheduling tool, Acuity also allows you to sell digital products alongside your services. It's a great all-in-one solution for coaches and consultants.
ConvertKit Commerce
If you're already using ConvertKit for your email marketing, their Commerce feature allows you to sell digital products directly to your audience. This is one of the easiest ways to add a pop up to your site that handles the transaction and checkout. To get started, log in to your dashboard and go to Earn > Products.
Squarespace Commerce
If you already have a Squarespace website, you may want to consider selling your digital products (and services) through your site – you can access it through your dashboard Selling>Products. It's free to use in terms of additional fees to Squarespace but they charge quite a hefty fee on the transaction (currently 9%). If you're making a fair amount of sales, then you may want to consider one of their add-on packages. One of the benefits of something like this is that you can have a shopping cart on your website which means multiple products can be bought at one time. It's a great option if you'd like to keep things all in one place, but for me (I have a Squarespace website) their fees don't warrant the ease of an "all-in-one" platform. Please note this option is different from the ecommerce platform they offer, which requires a Business plan.
See this article from Squarespace: Squarespace Digital Products Pricing
Wordpress Plugins
If you have a Wordpress site, then there are numerous plugins you can use to create an online store that's integrated with your website. These are more advanced options, with a bigger barrier to entry but an option nevertheless. The most simple (and popular) plugin you can use is probably Easy Digital Downloads, which as it's name suggests means you can easily sell digital products without the worry of a full shop integration.
Shopify / Wix Store
These are alternative platforms to sell your products in an online store separate to your website. Whilst these platforms are mostly aimed at physical product businesses (e-commerce), you can sell digital products too. This is a more robust and advanced option which I won't go into detail on because that's not the purpose of this post. I wanted to mention them as they are alternative you can consider.
Etsy Store
This is an alternative option if you like the idea of having a "store" or shop, but don't want the technical hassle of hosting or setting up your own. This powerful platform used by many makers and creators allows it's users to create digital products to sell in their store. You'll find many designers using Etsy for selling templates and such the like!
Funnel Software
If you plan on taking your online business to big levels, you may want to consider funnel software for a comprehensive system to allow upsells, cross-sells, limited-time-offers and more, with a variety of sales pages or landing pages. Some of these include: ClickFunnels, LeadPages (although this has limited checkout capability), Kartra, Kajabi or even Thinkific (these last three are primarily marketed as online course platforms but they do the whole shebang). Some others I've come across are Funnel Gorgeous and Groove Funnels.
Client Management Software
Another option to get paid for your services is by using a full client management platform like HoneyBook or Dubsado. These are full integrated platforms to allow you to send estimates and proposals, get contracts signed and then get paid through invoicing or checkouts. These are great options if you intend to have a high turnover of clients that will be using an off-the-shelf service (a service that's repeatable).
How to Choose the Right Checkout Platform for Your Business
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here's how to narrow down your choices:
Assess your business needs
What types of products or services are you selling? How many? Do you need advanced features like upsells or an affiliate program?
Consider your technical skills
Some platforms are more user-friendly than others. Be honest about your tech savviness (or lack thereof), or if you want to hire someone to manage these for you.
Evaluate your budget
Consider both short-term costs and long-term value. Sometimes, paying a bit more upfront can save you money in the long run.
Think about scalability
You may want to choose a platform that can grow with your business. You don't want to outgrow your platform in six months!
Barrier to entry
Or you may want to just get started with selling your services and digital products and need to bootstrap with minimal costs, so do consider what could be the least resistant path to getting started.
Tips for Success in Selling Digital Products
Now that you're armed with knowledge about the best platforms, let's talk about how to make the most of them:
Creating high-quality products
Remember, the platform is just a tool. The real star of the show is your product. Focus on creating valuable, high-quality digital products that solve real problems for your audience.
Effective marketing strategies
Even the best platform won't sell your products for you. Develop a solid marketing strategy to get your products in front of the right people.
Providing excellent customer support
Happy customers are repeat customers. Make sure you're providing top-notch support to build a loyal customer base.
Continuous improvement and adaptation
The digital world moves fast. Stay on top of trends, gather feedback, and be willing to adapt your products and strategies as needed.
Conclusion
Phew! We've covered a lot of ground today. From Thrivecart to Snipcart, and some unexpected options like Acuity Scheduling, there's no shortage of platforms to help you sell your digital products and services.
The digital product market is booming, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you're selling e-books, courses, software, or any other digital goodies, having the right platform to showcase and sell your wares is crucial. It's not just about having a pretty storefront; it's about finding a solution that streamlines your sales process, integrates with your existing tools, and helps you grow your business.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best platform for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and business goals. Take some time to explore your options, maybe even try out a few free trials, and find the platform that feels like the perfect fit for your online business.
The world of digital products is exciting and full of potential. With the right platform backing you up, you're well on your way to building a thriving online business. So go on, pick your platform, and start selling those amazing digital creations of yours!
FAQs
Q: Do I need a separate website to sell digital products?
A: Not necessarily. Many of the platforms we've discussed allow you to sell products without a separate website. However, having your own website can help with branding and marketing.
Q: Can I sell both physical and digital products on these platforms?
A: Some platforms, like Sellfy and Snipcart, support both digital and physical products. Others are specifically designed for digital goods. Check the features of each platform to see if it suits your product mix.
Q: How do I handle VAT for digital products in the UK?
A: Many of these platforms have built-in VAT handling for digital products. However, it's always best to consult with a tax professional to ensure you're complying with all relevant regulations.
Q: Can I use multiple platforms to sell my digital products?
A: Absolutely! Many successful online businesses use a combination of platforms to reach different audiences or sell different types of products.
Q: How important is mobile optimisation for selling digital products?
A: Very important! With more and more people shopping on mobile devices, having a mobile-optimised checkout process can significantly impact your sales. Look for platforms that offer responsive design or mobile-specific features.
There you have it! Your comprehensive guide to the best platforms for selling digital products and services in 2024. Happy selling!