Is Selling Digital Products on Gumroad a Smart Move? Let's Explore!
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Chapter 1: The Leap into Entrepreneurship
On a chilly, fog-laden day in December 2020, I signed off from my job for the final time. I was uncertain about my financial future, but I knew I could never return to a full-time salaried position. After more than ten years in various advertising agencies, I had finally secured a role I was proud of, only to find myself overwhelmed by 50-60 hour workweeks, juggling three different positions, and managing the mental well-being of numerous tech employees.
In a bold move, I left without a clear plan and started taking on consulting projects. Since then, I have been consistently engaged in helping brands and non-profits create marketing strategies, messaging frameworks, and digital advertising plans. While I enjoy supporting organizations that contribute positively to society, I can't shake the feeling that I'm merely scratching the surface.
Recently, I realized that I was overlooking a significant opportunity: selling digital products. I have encountered numerous posts on Medium boasting about individuals earning $10K a month or even $1MM a year through digital sales. Yet, I often ponder what those initial stages were truly like. It's easy to look back and declare that certain strategies were successful, but that doesn't accurately convey the uncertainty and courage required when embarking on a new venture.
Today, I've decided to document my thoughts as a reference for my future self and as a source of comfort for all creators who often feel uncertain, remembering that every creator starts somewhere.
The video "Gumroad Review: Is it REALLY Better Than Etsy?" provides insights into the platform's strengths and weaknesses, which might help guide your decision-making process.
Chapter 2: Recognizing My Value
The spark to sell digital products ignited when I received unexpected feedback from my clients. It wasn’t about my strategic acumen or my pleasant demeanor; rather, it was about my templates.
I have a deep affection for Excel—so much so that I often create templates to streamline processes for my clients. For instance, I once made a checklist for Medium submission guidelines just for fun! My clients were truly enthusiastic about these templates. A non-profit I worked with adopted a regular social media strategy after I designed a planner to enhance collaboration among their teams.
My digital advertising creative master sheet provided essential instructions and best practices for my clients, ensuring their ads were effective. I also created a reporting dashboard that compiles a weekly performance review, which can be easily shared with their VP of Marketing.
The astonishing part? All these templates were originally created for my own convenience; I never imagined others would find them valuable!
That's when the realization hit me: why keep these useful resources to myself? It was time to share them with the world.
Section 2.1: Facing Imposter Syndrome
However, that's when my imposter syndrome reared its head. The most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship, in my experience, is battling self-doubt. Who am I to think my skills might be beneficial to others?
For fellow creators grappling with similar feelings, know that you’re not alone. It's an ongoing struggle, but I remind myself that I have a vision that could lead to success if I persist. I also keep my Artists Emergency Kit handy for moments when I need encouragement from my supporters.
The video "Gumroad Review & Tutorial: Should You Use it To Sell Your Products in 2019?" discusses whether Gumroad is the right platform for your digital sales, offering valuable insights.
Section 2.2: Reflecting on My Journey
Let’s tackle the tough question: "How am I feeling?" In the current economic climate, it's a loaded inquiry!
I'm feeling a mix of nerves and hope. The uncertainty of this new venture certainly makes me anxious. As I stand here with a handful of free downloads and no sales yet, I can’t predict what lies ahead. Yet, my optimism stems from my confidence. After over ten years in digital marketing, working with a diverse array of brands, from Fortune 500 companies to fledgling tech startups, I believe in the value of my products because they've already proven beneficial for my clients.
So yes, I’m feeling both nervous and hopeful—though perhaps a bit more on the anxious side.
Chapter 3: Valuable Lessons Learned
What helps calm my nerves is the awareness that I possess a wealth of knowledge. While I may be new to this selling venture, I am not starting from scratch.
Everyone has unique abilities that can be shared with others. The challenge lies in recognizing these skills and finding ways to share them. I’m comfortable working with Excel, and I can quickly whip up spreadsheets. This is a skill not everyone has, and once I understood that, it became clear that I could create products that genuinely assist others.
Imposter syndrome can be a significant hurdle, but it's crucial to acknowledge these feelings and work through them with patience. As Dory wisely says, "just keep swimming!"
Section 3.1: Understanding Market Needs
One of the hardest lessons I've learned, and continue to learn, is that it’s not about me. My abilities only matter if they meet a real need in the market. As I set out to establish my online store, I aimed to ensure that the products I offered would directly address common marketing challenges.
Conclusion: Setting Strategies for Success
Before concluding, I want to share my strategies and aspirations for the future. This reflection will serve as a benchmark to help me understand what worked and what didn’t as I embarked on this journey. I hope the strategies outlined below will pave the way for sales and revenue growth:
- Consistent branding: I’ve developed product image templates using Canva to ensure every product has a cohesive look, complete with a featured image, a snapshot of the template, and a clear description.
- Leveraging my network: I plan to promote my products heavily on LinkedIn and through marketing email lists, where I have a solid concentration of potential clients.
- Early adopter discounts: Subscribers to my marketing email list will receive templates for free, along with additional discounts for niche communities to attract early customers who can help spread the word.
- Sharing with clients: You never know who might know someone looking for solutions. When I announced my template sales, one client instantly connected me with a friend seeking affordable advertising options.
Wish me luck! 🫣
I'm anxious about exposing myself and uncertain about the future! If this resonates with you, follow my journey as I navigate entrepreneurship and share the lessons I learn along the way. Interested in snagging a template for yourself? Use code "LAUNCH25" for a 25% discount on any of my digital advertising, social media, branding, and communications templates and guides, with prices starting as low as $7!
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