Are you a digital planner enthusiast looking to monetize your passion? Or just wondering how to make a digital planner to sell? Etsy provides an excellent platform to showcase and sell your digital planners to a vast audience of eager customers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create digital planners, optimize, and effectively sell your digital planners on Etsy.
From designing captivating planner templates to implementing smart marketing strategies, we’ll cover everything you need to know to establish a thriving digital planner business. Get ready to turn your creativity into profit and make your mark in the digital planning world.
Let’s dive in!
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no cost to you.
HOW TO CREATE DIGITAL PLANNERS
It’s a new year and most people are in enthusiastic mode, celebrating a new beginning, hoping for a new change
New year, new me, they said
And one of the things that are not surprising to be on the lurk is Planner
Yes, google calendar can help you track the date, appointments, and stuff.. but planners are still essential to most people to hold their life together ( speaking from my own self-experience)… and you can basically sell the digital planners that you have created.
You created the digital planner once, but how about the purchase possibility? Endless!
You can sell your digital planners anywhere, but the Etsy platform is beginner friendly and have a vast customer base. So it’s easier to start there.
Psst.. you want to start on Etsy today? Get 40 FREE listings here. Yes, you hear me right. 40 Free listings that you can use to kickstart your digital planners’ business.
To confirm that you get the Free Etsy listings, go to your Etsy shop manager and click on the listing. You can see 40 Free listing on the top right side.
How to create digital planners
1. Research the gap in the digital planner available in the market
Don’t start making the digital planner until you do the research
If you search on Etsy, you can find thousands of digital planners that are intended for their target audience.
Don’t just blindly copy the one that you like
Find the gap.
The area that it’s not there or you feel like you have a better area to improve on the digital planner
If you created a digital planner that looks and functions exactly the same as what has been sold, chances are quite thin and might take a lot of work for you to sell your digital planner
Especially if they are star sellers and have been selling planners for quite some time. They already have their followers and audience
Find something that can separate your planner from the rest.
Go specific or super specific if you have to.
2. Find your niches
What is your digital planner for?
Who are the people that you are trying to help?
For example, you can create a digital planner for busy moms.
To be honest, you can find quite a few planners intended for the busy mom. So, you need to make the niche more specific
To make the niche more specific, try to solve a problem of one person
Yes, ONE person
You might know anyone in your family who is actually a busy mom. Talk to her and ask what is the thing that could help her.
By being extra specific, you might increase the chances of your digital planner outshone the others
- Niche: Digital planner for a busy mom
- Sub niche: Digital planner for busy stay-at-home moms who homeschool their kids.
Did you see the difference?
The second one is more specific and you can add the extra element in your digital planner to help them plan more effectively
3. Draft the digital planner
Draft your idea on the paper first (writing on the paper is the best during the brainstorming process)
List down the element you want to add to creating the digital planner
At this stage, get many ideas from your family and friends.
They might give you some insight on what to add or not to add
P.S: If you have no time to create your digital planner, you can use PLR Planner which you can purchase and modify according to your style. But be sure to read the Terms of conditions for the PLR package you purchase
Want to read more detail on the PLR planner? Head on to this post!
4. Create the digital planner
There are a lot of tools and design programs you can use to create a digital planner. Choose one that you are familiar with or currently using
Based on your experience you should know the limitations, the strength, and what not to do in the design program
Whatever it is, make sure the design program allows HYPERLINK features
What is a hyperlink to create the digital planner?
A hyperlink is the key element of a digital planner. When you click on it, it will bring you to the exact pages that you want
Instead of scrolling multiple pages up and down, using hyperlinks will help your users/ customer to navigate the digital planner easily
5. Create your digital planner using software or design tool
Use software such as Adobe InDesign, Canva, or other design tools to create your digital planner. Include various templates, layouts, and functional elements like calendars, to-do lists, goal trackers, and note sections. Ensure that your planner is well-organized, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
Try using a free design program to increase the chances of accessibility.
When it’s free, chances are people are keener to purchase the digital planner as they don’t have to purchase the program.
1. Canva
You can use the free version but by paying for the Canva premium, you can get a more exclusive design that will make it stand out compared to the rest.
Sign up Canva here and start creating your design now.
2. Keynote App
This is a free app in the Apple play store. You can use it basically on any Apple product
3. PowerPoint
Yes, you can create the planner using PowerPoint. As most people are familiar with PowerPoint, using it as a digital planner won’t be an issue.
4. Google slide
Works quite similarly to PowerPoint, google slide is quite easy to navigate
5. Adobe Illustrator
This program is quite expensive and if you are new to this, it can be quite tricky and will take some of your time
But, if you have some basic idea to use this, adobe illustrator is the best in terms of professional-looking planner
6. Goodnote
You have to purchase this app and only those people who own this app can use it
Despite these advantages, good notes are quite easy and can create a good-looking digital planner with less hassle
This is one of my personal favourites in creating the digital planner
7. Planify
This is a program specifically designed to create planners. If you are serious and have extra bucks to kick-start your digital planner business, you can try this one
Planify will remove the restrictions you face in creating the digital planner
8. Creative Fabrica
One thing that can help your design to stand out is to use a specific or special element that is rare and different from the rest
You can purchase some of the elements from Creative Fabrica/ element and reuse the element multiple times.
Creative Fabrica has this sick sticker-making class with the expert. If you plan to sell stickers along with your planner, hop on to this class.
Now that you have created the digital planner, it is time to sell it. If you have created the best digital planner but don’t know how to market it, people won’t be able to get access to your product. And we don’t want that to happen.
HOW TO CREATE DIGITAL PLANNERS TO SELL ON ETSY
1. Set up your Etsy shop to sell digital planners
Ready to open your new shop? Get 40 FREE listings here. Yes, you hear me right. 40 Free listings that you can use to kickstart your digital planners’ business.
The best marketplace to sell your digital planner
Why?
Because it is beginner friendly and quite foolproof
Etsy is swarmed with customers with high buying intentions. They lurk into Etsy to actually buy something.
Higher buying intentions mean, they are purposely coming to Etsy looking to BUY the planners. And if your planner caught their attention, you’ll get your customer!
If you don’t have an Etsy account, sign up for one at etsy.com. Set up your shop by following the prompts and filling in the necessary information. Choose a name that reflects your brand and the type of digital planners you offer.
To confirm that you get the Free Etsy listings, go to your Etsy shop manager and click on the listing. You can see 40 Free listing on the top right side.
2. Optimizing Your Etsy Shop
Let your potential customer know what your Etsy shop is about
Set up your Etsy shop for success by optimizing your shop name, product titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. Discover effective strategies to enhance your shop’s visibility in search results and attract potential customers to your digital planners.
3. Create your product listing
Click on “Listings” and then “Add a listing” to create your product listing.
Include high-quality images showcasing your digital planner. This is the key to a successful digital planner business in Etsy. Since digital planner is quite a competitive niche, one way to stand out is a good high-quality image
Spend some time writing a compelling and informative description that highlights the features and benefits of your planner. You can follow the format (not directly copy and paste) of the best-selling store and modify it according to your liking
Specify that it is a digital product and explain how customers can access and use it. This is important to avoid any confusion which can lead to a low store rating.
You can read more about product listing in this post
Tips to create product listings to sell digital planners on Etsy
Master the art of crafting persuasive product listings that entice customers to click that “Add to Cart” button with these tips
- Write compelling titles & detailed descriptions
- utilizing strategic keywords
- optimize your listings to attract the right audience and boost your sales.
- effectively communicate the value they offer to potential customers
- address their needs and demonstrate why your planners are a must-have for digital planning enthusiasts.
4. Set your pricing
Determine the price for your digital planner. Consider factors such as the effort invested, the value provided, and the competition.
It’s a good idea to start with a competitive but reasonable price to attract initial customers and gather reviews. As you gain traction and positive feedback, you can adjust your pricing accordingly.
Tips to set the right pricing to sell the digital planner
Determining the right pricing strategy is essential for success.
- Explore different pricing models
- Consider factors like competition, the complexity of design, and perceived value
- Set competitive yet profitable prices for your digital planners.
- Remember, the CHEAPER price doesn’t always mean better
9. Upload your digital files
In the listing creation process, you’ll have the option to upload your digital files. Make sure you have the PDF files of your digital planner ready, and upload them as the main product files.
You can also include additional files like instructions, tips, or bonuses if applicable.
Again, make sure your instructions are clear.
10. Choose your payment and delivery options
Select the payment options you want to offer customers, such as PayPal or Etsy Payments. For digital products, you can enable automatic downloads after payment is received.
Etsy will handle the delivery of the digital files to your customers once the purchase is made.
Way easier than selling physical products where you have to think about postage, stock etc. Selling digital products on Etsy is competitive but rewarding once it takes off.
You might be interested in reading this post:
11. Promote your digital planner
Let the world know about your product! There’s no use if you creating a very good digital planner but people are unable to buy it because they don’t know about it.
Use social media platforms, such as Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, to promote your digital planner and attract potential customers. If you own a website, you can share your product there.
Start with your small circle of family and friends and expand your promotion.
Create engaging content related to planning, organization, and productivity. If you have the budget, consider running targeted ads to reach a wider audience.
You can also collaborate with influencers or join relevant online communities to spread the word about your digital planner.
Tips to promote your digital planner to sell on Etsy
- Discover various marketing strategies to promote your digital planners and attract a wider audience.
- Utilizing social media platforms or collaborating with influencers and engaging in targeted advertising
- explore methods to increase exposure and drive traffic to your Etsy shop.
- Learn effective marketing techniques to increase your digital planner sales on Etsy.
- Discover how to utilize email marketing, and participate in promotional events to expand your reach and attract a loyal customer base.
13. Provide excellent customer service
Respond promptly to customer inquiries, address any issues, and provide support if needed. Aim to deliver a positive customer experience, as satisfied customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your digital planner to others.
Tips for providing good customer service to sell the digital planner
Building a strong customer relationship is crucial for long-term success.
- Handle inquiries and support efficiently
- Leverage positive feedback to build credibility and encourage repeat purchases.
- Provide post-purchase support to ensure a positive buying experience.
Want to know more about how to increase your Etsy conversion rate? (read: Make people buy your product), click here.
14. Tracking Performance and Making Improvements
Learn how to monitor the performance of your digital planner business on Etsy. It is a real business which means we need to explore the importance of tracking sales, analyzing customer feedback, and measuring the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
Use these insights to continuously improve your digital planners and optimize your shop for better results.
Tips to track the performance of your digital planner
Create an Excel sheet or Google spreadsheet to keep track of your inventory and performance data. This is important to track your progress and identify your profit in selling the digital planner.
Selling digital planners on Etsy presents a lucrative opportunity to share your creativity with a global audience and generate income doing what you love. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create and sell your digital planners successfully on Etsy. Embrace the digital planning community, stay innovative with your designs, and provide exceptional customer service to establish a thriving business. Start your journey to digital planner success on Etsy today!
Etsy alternative to selling your digital planner
When it comes to selling digital planners online, Etsy is a popular platform. However, there are several alternatives available that offer different features and opportunities. Let’s explore some Etsy alternatives for selling your digital planner, along with their pros, cons, fees, and other related information:
1. Shopify
While Shopify is known for its e-commerce capabilities, it can also be used to sell digital products like digital planners.
With Shopify, you have full control over your online store, including design, branding, and product listings. You can integrate digital delivery apps like Digital Downloads to handle the distribution of your digital files.
- Pros: Shopify offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform where you can create your online store and customize it according to your brand. It provides various marketing and sales tools, including integrations with social media platforms.
- Cons: Setting up and managing a Shopify store requires more technical knowledge compared to Etsy. You’ll be responsible for driving traffic to your store and managing all aspects of your business.
- Fees: Shopify has different pricing plans starting from $29 per month. Transaction fees vary depending on the plan, with lower fees for higher-priced plans.
2. Your own website or social media
The disadvantage of using platforms such as Etsy and Shopify aside from the fees is you don’t have full control or autonomy over your product
Building your own website using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace gives you complete control over your online presence. This could be the next step once you have learned SEO.
You can create a dedicated shop section to sell your digital planner directly to customers. This option requires more setup and maintenance, but it provides greater flexibility and customization options.
You can first use social media to get your brand recognition. You can either use your personal social media or separate one specifically for your product, that’s entirely up to you.
Diversify if possible. Don’t put all eggs in one basket.
3. Gumroad
Gumroad is a popular platform for selling digital products. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, allowing you to upload and sell your digital planner directly to customers. You can find many creators selling their Notion templates on Gumroad.
You have control over pricing, file formats, and delivery options. Gumroad also provides built-in marketing tools and analytics to help you promote and track your sales.
- Pros: Gumroad is user-friendly, making it easy to set up and sell your digital planners. It provides customizable options for product delivery and supports various file formats. You have control over pricing and can offer discounts or bundles.
- Cons: Gumroad has fewer built-in marketplace features compared to Etsy. You need to drive your own traffic and market your products independently.
- Fees: Gumroad charges a transaction fee of 3.5% + $0.30 per sale, along with payment processing fees.
4. Sellfy
Sellfy is another platform designed for selling digital products, including digital planners. It provides customizable product pages, secure payment processing, and automated delivery of digital files to customers.
Sellfy also offers marketing features like discount codes, affiliate programs, and email marketing integration.
- Pros: Sellfy is designed specifically for digital product sellers. It offers a user-friendly interface, a customizable storefront, and supports multiple file formats. Sellfy also provides marketing tools, including email marketing and discount code options.
- Cons: Sellfy’s marketplace and discovery features are not as robust as Etsy’s. You’ll need to invest time and effort in marketing your products independently.
- Fees: Sellfy offers different pricing plans starting from $19 per month. Transaction fees range from 0% to 10% based on the plan.
5. Creative Market
Creative Market is a marketplace specifically for digital assets and creative resources. It has a dedicated section for selling digital planners, where you can showcase and sell your designs.
Creative Market provides a wide reach to a creative community and offers tools to manage your shop and track sales.
When choosing an alternative platform, consider factors such as ease of use, pricing structure, audience reach, marketing features, and the platform’s reputation.
Researching and comparing the fees and transaction costs associated with each platform is also beneficial to ensure they align with your business goals.
- Pros: Creative Market is a marketplace dedicated to creating products, including digital planners. It has a large audience of creative professionals and enthusiasts, offering a potential customer base. The platform handles transactions and provides exposure to a targeted audience.
- Cons: The competition in Creative Market can be high, making it challenging to stand out. The marketplace has a specific aesthetic, so your digital planners should align with its style.
- Fees: Creative Market charges a 30% commission on sales.
6. Payhip
- Pros: Payhip is a user-friendly platform that allows you to sell digital products, including digital planners. It offers customization options for your store and provides secure file hosting and delivery. Payhip also offers built-in marketing tools, such as discount codes and affiliate programs.
- Cons: Payhip has fewer built-in marketplace features compared to Etsy, so you’ll need to drive traffic to your store independently.
- Fees: Payhip charges a transaction fee of 5% per sale, along with payment processing fees.
Why create and sell digital planners?
1. Easy accessibility
Just imagine, you are out with your friend, and they proposing an idea for a quick staycation, 3 months from now.
You can, a) scribble somewhere on your hand/paper and forget bout it right after you reach home, b) Mark it on your Google calendar not realizing it happened on the same day as your mom’s birthday, c) Mark it on future plan on your digital planner, in which you can sort it out later
Out of these 3 scenarios, which one do you feel can help you feel more organized and won’t freak out once the day approaches?
It’s the c option
One good thing about the digital planner is that you can access them anytime anywhere
It’s like you have a good VA on your side, making your life tad a bit easier
2. Can decorate as much as you want it
One thing I like about digital planners is, how you can customize and decorate them with almost any type of images
For visual people, this feature will make you feel more attracted and actually will use your digital planner well
3. Low-cost business system
If you are low on budget or just a student with not much money, creating a digital planner as your first side hustle might be it
By using the tools that you might already have (iPad), and some fees for your product listing, you are good to go.
Tips for selling the digital planner on Etsy
1. Use SEO to optimize your listing
Look at the best-selling planner. How do they write their listing? What is the keyword they use?
Imitate the best and improvise
Do not copy and paste exactly how they write their listing but just get the inspiration
2. Provide clear instructions to your customer
Sometimes, the tricky part of selling the digital product is the customer doesn’t realize that they will not get an actual product.
It seems quite obvious but without a proper disclaimer, your customer might get confused which can lead them to give you a low rating
And you don’t want that to happen
Provide clear instructions and disclaimers for your digital product
3. Provide an alternative program for the same design
Make the design compatible with various design platforms.
This will increase the chances of more people getting your planner
4. Provide multiple options in your store
Avoid selling 1 design. Why? You cant have feedback on which design people will love.
Provide options. People love options
5. Get your family and friends to purchase your product and get some feedback from them
Most of the time, people will only purchase the listing when they see the item is already purchased by others.
It’s a sign that the product is actually worth to be purchase
Ask your family and friends to support your business and leave some feedback on your store
AND.. that’s it!
You can start your digital planner business with a few simple clicks.
Block your weekend and work on that dream of creating your side hustle.
FAQ on “How to create digital planners to sell on Etsy”
Q1: How do I create digital planners to sell on Etsy?
A: To create digital planners, you’ll need design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Start by designing planner templates with different layouts, sections, and interactive elements. Save them in a high-resolution, print-ready format like PDF or JPEG.
Q2: Can I use pre-made templates for my digital planners on Etsy?
A: Yes, you can use pre-made templates as long as you have the necessary commercial use rights or have created them yourself. Ensure that the templates are unique and not available elsewhere to maintain the originality of your offerings.
Q3: Are there any specific dimensions or file requirements for digital planners on Etsy?
A: Etsy doesn’t have strict requirements for dimensions or file types, but it’s recommended to use standard paper sizes like A4 or Letter. Save your files in high-resolution formats and consider providing both portrait and landscape orientations for customer convenience.
Tips: Use various dimensions to expand your target market
Q4: How can I make my digital planners visually appealing?
A: Use a combination of attractive fonts, colors, and graphics that align with your target audience’s preferences. Incorporate functional elements like clickable tabs, hyperlinks, and interactive checkboxes to enhance the user experience. Experiment with different design styles to make your planners stand out.
Q5: Should I include instructions or tutorials with my digital planners?
A: Providing instructions or tutorials can add value to your digital planners. Create a separate PDF guide or include detailed descriptions within the planner itself to help customers understand how to use and customize the templates effectively.
Tip: Video instruction is highly recommended as it will provide a clear view to the customer
Q6: Can I offer both dated and undated digital planners on Etsy?
A: Yes, you can offer both options to cater to different customer preferences. Dated planners provide convenience, while undated planners offer flexibility for users to start at any time. Clearly label and differentiate between the two types in your product listings.
Q7: How do I price my digital planners on Etsy?
A: Consider factors such as the complexity of your designs, the time invested, and the perceived value of your planners. Research similar products on Etsy to gauge market prices and find a balance between affordability and profitability.
Q8: Can I customize my digital planners for individual customers?
A: While you can offer customization options like personalization of covers or sections, it may be challenging to provide extensive individual customization for each customer. Consider offering add-on services or a separate listing for personalized versions to manage customization requests effectively.
Q9: Do I need to include a commercial use license for my digital planners?
A: It’s recommended to include a commercial use license specifying the terms under which customers can use your digital planners. This helps protect your intellectual property and clarifies any limitations on reselling or distributing the files.
Q10: Can I update or modify my digital planners after listing them on Etsy?
A: Yes, you can update or modify your digital planners as needed. Etsy allows you to edit your listings, add new files, or improve existing designs based on customer feedback or your creative vision.
Remember to familiarize yourself with Etsy’s policies and guidelines to ensure compliance while creating and selling digital planners on the platform.
Q11: What file format should I use for my digital planner?
PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common file format for digital planners. It ensures compatibility across different devices and allows for easy printing.
Q12: How do customers receive the digital planner after purchase?
Etsy handles the automatic delivery of digital files to customers after they complete their purchase. Customers can download the files directly from their Etsy account.
Q13: Can I offer refunds for digital planners?
Etsy’s refund policy for digital items is typically non-refundable. However, it’s important to have clear shop policies regarding refunds and address any customer concerns promptly and professionally.
Q14: Can I sell physical versions of my digital planner alongside the digital version?
Yes, you can sell physical versions of your digital planner as a separate product on Etsy. Keep in mind that physical items require additional considerations such as production, inventory management, and shipping.
Q15: How can I promote my digital planner on Etsy?
Utilize Etsy’s built-in marketing tools, such as tags, titles, and descriptions optimized for search visibility. Additionally, promote your digital planner through social media, blogging, collaborations, and engaging with relevant communities.
Q16: Do I retain ownership of my digital planner after selling it on Etsy?
Yes, you retain full ownership of your digital planner. However, customers typically purchase a license to use the planner for personal use, and it’s important to specify the terms of use in your product description or shop policies.
Remember to always refer to Etsy’s seller policies and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding selling digital products on their platform.
