How to Make Digital Downloads for Etsy

Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for individuals who want to run their own businesses. You can post your creations, including digital downloads, and the company will help you manage your storefront.

When thinking of the available products on Etsy, you likely imagine the physical goods like crafts and accessories. Some individuals sell antiques and other vintage items. Digital downloads are part of a completely different sector that may not be immediately as popular.

You can learn how to make digital downloads for Etsy and sell them by using the information in this article. With a little bit of patience and hard work, you can make a steady income by having a storefront full of these products.

What is a Digital Download?

What is a digital download? This question is the first you need to understand before setting up your Etsy shop.

Essentially, you will provide your customers with a digital file. First, they will need to purchase the download, after which they can click on the link. After pressing the button, your customer will receive the file.

If you want to learn how to make digital downloads for Etsy, you need to consider the types of files you can upload. Etsy accepts audio clips, text information, and images.

You will need to upload the file when you list it for sale. When the customers complete their purchases, the products will appear on their “Downloads” tab. After arriving on that webpage, your customers can start the downloading process.

Why You Should Define One Niche When Creating Digital Downloads

When learning how to make digital downloads for Etsy, you need to consider the target audience you want to reach. Focus on one specific niche to make the quickest sale.

When learning how to create digital downloads, you can keep your files within a specific niche to address your customers’ needs. These individuals may purchase if they feel as if your products will help them.

Defining a specific niche can help you with your marketing plan. Your customers will refer your Etsy page to others, as they will see you as the expert in your field. Ultimately, you will lead the competition among the Etsy sellers who want to offer digital downloads in the same niche.

Tools to Create a Digital Download

If you want to learn how to create digital downloads, such as images and text files, there are specific tools you can use. The apps in the list below are best if using graphics and icons. Use the list below to learn how to make digital downloads for Etsy.

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is another popular software you can use to learn how to make a digital print or file. You can save your documents in vector format using this tool, as seen in the below information.

Open the Affinity Designer software.
Click on “File,” selecting “New” in the dropdown menu.
Enter “1/16” under “Bleed” in the product dimensions.
Change the color format to “CYMK.”
Click on “File” again.
Select “Export.” Under “Raster DPI,” choose “0.”
Click “Export.”

After you export your PDF or vector document, you can upload it to Etsy. Your customers will receive a high-quality document, whether it be a text file or a graphic.

Procreate

Procreate is another tool you can use to better understand how to make digital downloads for Etsy. This option is best if you want to make artwork that is attractive enough for any occasion. Learn how to create a digital file to sell on Etsy using Procreate with the below steps.

1. Open the Procreate software on your computer.
2. Click on “Custom Canvas” to open a blank document.

3. Click on “Dimensions” and change your DPI to at least “300.”

4. Change the color profile to “CMYK.”

5. Press on the wrench icon to open the settings on Procreate.
6. Click on the tab labeled “Share.”
7. Choose “PDF” to download the highest quality artwork.
8. Click “Export” to finalize your download.

Canva

Canva has a free and premium version, either of which you can use to learn how to make digital downloads for Etsy. This tool is completely online, and you can truly make personalized documents and graphics. Learn how to download the perfect digital file through Canva using the below list.

1. On a browser, go to canva.com.
2. Create an account by entering your username and password.
3. Use the menu on the left, upload media, browse templates, and choose between shapes and elements.

4. Click on the share icon on the top right of the Canva website.

5. Choose the option labeled “Download.”

6. Under “File Type,” click “PDF Standard.”
7. Press “Download” and wait for the process to complete.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is one of the best tools you can use to learn how to make a digital print or another file. You will perform your work in a working document, setting it up using the information below.

Change your text to outline mode. Click on the “Select” menu, followed by “All.”
Under “Type,” press “Create Outline.”
Click “File,” followed by “Save As.”
Click “Adobe PDF” and press “Save.”
Press on “File” again and click “Export.”
Change the format type to “Adobe PDF.”
Click “Export.”

You will need to ensure that the file is in CMYK mode. This option will ensure that your document prints in the highest quality possible.

What You Should Consider When Opening an Etsy Shop

Now that you know how to make digital downloads for Etsy, you can start working on your shop. You need to make it attractive enough for customers so that you appear trustworthy. Use the below tips to get started selling custom digital files on Etsy.

Naming the Etsy Shop

The first step you need to take when opening an Etsy shop is coming up with the perfect name. When brainstorming the title, you need to remember that the goal is to attract customers.

First, you need your Etsy shop’s name to be as descriptive as possible. Use phrases that concern the digital downloads you want to offer. You could call your Etsy shop Portraits and Poppies if your products are photographs, for instance.

If you cannot determine a unique title, consider using parts of your name. For the sake of privacy, you can even incorporate your initials into your Etsy shop.

Finally, you want the name of your Etsy shop to be simple. It should be easy to pronounce so that your customers can refer you to other people.

Creating Your Shop's Banner

Etsy allows you to customize the look of your shop so that you can individually attract customers. You want every graphic on your page, including the banner, to be a part of your story.

Visit Nurse In The Making

After you learn how to make digital downloads for Etsy, you can start the customization process. Ensure that your banner and shop icon match so that you can offer a comprehensive look to your customers.

Your customers should know what you are all about as soon as they get to your page. The first impression is the most necessary part of the marketing process. If you do not leave your potential customers impressed, they will likely not return.

Creating the About Us Page for Your Shop

When you create an about section for your Etsy shop, you want to make it as personalized as possible. Tell a story about yourself or about how you got the idea for your company.

One of the most necessary parts of learning how to create digital downloads to sell on Etsy is making your brand cohesive. When you have a story on your page that reflects on the products you sell, you can find the perfect customers for your shop.

Use some of the files you sell on the about us page of your Etsy shop. Customers can immediately see the types of products they will receive without committing to a purchase. This aspect will help you stand out and look unique.

Work on SEO

Search engine optimization is one of the best tools you can use when creating any digital business. You want your customers to find your page easily, so you have to make sure you speak their languages.

Part of search engine optimization involves using keywords. Take the time to look up the words used when customers search for digital downloads and incorporate those terms. Put those words in your product descriptions and the about us page.

Another essential aspect of search engine optimization involves needing alternative text on images. Place a caption on any graphics or photographs you want to sell on your Etsy page. Describe what appears on the image or file so that your customers know what is in front of them.

Read the Etsy Seller Handbook

The Etsy seller handbook is the best tool at your disposal when learning how to create digital downloads to sell on Etsy.

You can learn more about search engine optimization so that you can get found among thousands of shops. You can also help yourself represent your brand in the best way possible. Ultimately, you want to create the best brand you can so that your customers continue returning.

The handbook also covers any legal issues you may encounter when becoming a business owner on Etsy. You can learn more about the taxes you will need to pay and charge, as well as the shipping types you can offer.

Finally, in the Etsy handbook, you will find information about building a community. There are details about growing a company and staying productive to help you to develop necessary relationships.

What You Should Consider When Selling Digital Downloads on Etsy

When learning how to create a digital file to sell on Etsy, there are specific considerations you have to keep in mind. Think about where you will store your products and any legal issues you may encounter, for instance.

Storage

The first consideration you need to keep in mind when learning how to make digital downloads for Etsy is how to store all of your products. Naturally, these files will take up space on your computers and other devices.

Consider purchasing an external hard drive or flash drive for storing your digital files. Think about how many of the products you have at any one time to determine how much space you need.

You need to keep your digital files organized, no matter where you store them. Sort them by date or category, and put them in their own folders on any device. You will know where to find a product that a customer wants to buy right away.

Dropbox

When learning how to create digital downloads to sell on Etsy, you may not want to use physical storage options. Consider using the cloud instead. There are several platforms you can sign up for, most of which are free for you to use.

Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage options you can use for your digital files. Use your Microsoft account to open this cloud storage option. You can upload files directly from Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, for instance.

If you would rather use a more popular cloud storage option, sign up for Google Drive. You need to have a Google account to get started with this tool. Google Drive has limited storage options, but you can upgrade by paying a monthly fee.

Finally, there is Adobe Creative Cloud storage you can sign up for. This option costs money, but it comes with your Adobe account. Anything you create in Adobe Illustrator, for instance, will automatically upload to the cloud.

Types of Digital Downloads to Sell

After you determine the storage option you want to use for your digital downloads, you need to think about the types of files you want to sell. There are endless possibilities when learning how to make digital downloads for Etsy.

Some shop owners choose to sell photographs or other graphics. Customers will print these on canvases, hanging them up in their homes for displays. They may use the graphics as a backdrop for an invitation or any other kind of paperwork.

You can also consider selling audio files as a form of digital download. Customers may want to buy soundtracks for their movies or other video content.

Finally, some individuals sell digital downloads such as calendars and other templates. These products help customers stay organized in their day-to-day lives. They ultimately save others sometime when they do not have any.

Pricing

When learning how to create a digital file to sell on Etsy, you need to determine how much you want to charge. Do not make your customers pay more than you may want to pay yourself.

Consider how much work you put into your digital downloads, and let your customers see how much hard work you put in. You want your files to be of the highest quality, and these individuals should immediately see that.

If you have more details in your files, you will charge a higher price. If your downloads are relatively simple, you can charge less.

Infringement Notices

Copyright notices are some of the most important laws you need to abide by when learning how to make digital downloads for Etsy. You want to make sure that any work you have up for sale is your own. Do not steal from other creators.

If you steal from other creators, you may face fines and other issues. You do not want to run into legal trouble, and it is not worth losing your business. Always ask for permission first or seek out copyright rules if you need to use someone else’s work.

Licenses for Selling

Finally, Etsy does not require that you purchase a business license before you set up a shop. You are allowed to operate a store without this paperwork. When it comes time for taxes, Etsy will send you all the necessary income information so that you can file as an independent business owner.

Etsy has a strong community of sellers in place. You can work with them to find out more about the best business practices.

Customer service agents are always available so that you can ask them questions about your shop. You need to keep things moving so that you can become the best business owner you can be.

Open an Etsy Shop for Your Digital Downloads

You can learn how to make digital downloads for Etsy with ease. It is possible to sell audio clips, graphics, visual files, text documents, and photographs. The possibilities are endless, and you can make significant money by reaching out to the customers you care about the most. Always keep them in mind.

When selling these digital files, you must always consider the price point you want to start. Make your products affordable, and ensure that all of your products fulfill a need.

Finally, you need to make sure that your Etsy shop is attractive enough for any customer. You want those individuals to have a good first impression so that they always come back for more.