Discover 6 New Platforms for Selling Digital Products

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. E-Commerce Marketplaces
   • 2.1. Envato
   • 2.2. Creative Market
   • 2.3. Creative Fabrica
3. E-Commerce Platforms
   • 3.1. Payhip
   • 3.2. Gumroad
   • 3.3. Koji
4. Conclusion

Etsy Alternatives: 6 Platforms for Selling Digital Products

Etsy has long been a favorite platform for entrepreneurs to sell their handmade items and digital products. However, due to issues such as account suspensions and limited selling options, many sellers are seeking alternative platforms. This article will explore six alternative platforms for selling digital products, categorized into e-commerce marketplaces and e-commerce platforms. We will discuss the unique features and benefits of each platform, as well as the traffic, product options, and costs associated with getting started.

2. E-Commerce Marketplaces

E-commerce marketplaces are sites where sellers can list their products alongside other sellers and benefit from the platform's existing traffic and customer base. These platforms are particularly suitable for beginners. Here are three popular e-commerce marketplaces that provide great alternatives to Etsy:

2.1. Envato

Envato is an Australian-based company that operates a network of digital marketplaces for creative assets. One of their marketplaces is called Envato Market, where sellers can list and sell digital products such as e-commerce templates, website templates, photos, graphics, and audio files. Envato Market attracts around 21.3 million visits per month, providing a decent amount of traffic for sellers. While signing up for Envato is free, sellers earn around 30% to 50% of their net revenue, depending on the marketplace they are on. Envato Elements, a subscription-based platform, also offers earning opportunities for sellers.

2.2. Creative Market

Creative Market is a platform where sellers can offer various digital assets, including mock-ups, templates, resumes, flyers, and more. Many products commonly found on Etsy, like Canva templates, are also sold on Creative Market. With around 5.9 million monthly visits, Creative Market provides a decent amount of traffic for sellers. Opening a shop on Creative Market is free; however, sellers need to apply and showcase their portfolio to get accepted. Sellers can earn around 50% of their listing price from the sales made on Creative Market.

2.3. Creative Fabrica

Creative Fabrica is a popular platform for selling digital assets like clip arts, patterns, fonts, and SVG files. With approximately 7.7 million monthly visits, Creative Fabrica offers a considerable amount of potential buyers. To open a store on Creative Fabrica, sellers need to fill out an application form and have their products or portfolio ready for review. Once accepted, sellers can earn revenue through sales and referral commissions. Creative Fabrica pays sellers based on downloads and having products on the platform.

3. E-Commerce Platforms

Unlike e-commerce marketplaces, e-commerce platforms allow sellers to create their online store, giving them more control over branding and customer experience. Sellers on e-commerce platforms are responsible for driving their own traffic. Here are three e-commerce platforms that offer alternatives to Etsy:

3.1. Payhip

Payhip is a versatile platform that allows sellers to sell digital products, online courses, coaching programs, memberships, and even physical products. What sets Payhip apart is its lack of monthly fees. Sellers only need to pay a transaction fee of 5% or 2%, depending on the plan chosen. With customizable themes, sellers can create their standalone online store easily. Payhip provides a simple and straightforward platform for sellers to start selling their digital products.

3.2. Gumroad

Gumroad is a hybrid platform that attracts around 26.2 million visits per month. Sellers can use Gumroad to sell various digital assets and memberships. Sellers have the flexibility to set prices and create customized product pages. Gumroad charges a flat fee of $10 for each sale and offers a straightforward platform for sellers to showcase and distribute their digital products.

3.3. Koji

Koji is not a traditional website but rather a tool that allows sellers to create a customized landing page for their social media profiles. With Koji, sellers can link their digital products directly to their social media accounts, enabling followers to make purchases effortlessly. This platform is especially useful for sellers with a significant social media following. Koji does not charge any fees but instead earns a 5% commission on each sale made.

Conclusion

While Etsy remains a popular choice for selling digital products, it's essential for sellers to explore alternative platforms that offer unique features and benefits. Whether sellers opt for e-commerce marketplaces like Envato, Creative Market, and Creative Fabrica or prefer to create their online store using platforms like Payhip, Gumroad, or Koji, they have several viable alternatives to consider. By diversifying their selling platforms, sellers can reach a broader audience and maximize their digital product sales.