Everyone's Telling You to Make a Digital Product — But Where Do You Actually Start?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that everyone and their grandmother is posting videos about how you should make a digital product using Canva and sell it online.

These videos usually go something like:
"Instead of watching Netflix every night, spend 30 minutes building a product that could earn you thousands."
Simple. Compelling. Inspiring.

But here’s the problem: they rarely tell you how to begin.

Making the first thing that pops into your head is usually a bad idea. You don’t know if people actually need it, are searching for it, or are willing to buy it. To increase your odds of success, you need to start with the right idea. A successful digital product comes after that.

Step 1: Start With a Problem

The most successful digital products solve something.

Ask yourself:

• What are people struggling with that your product could simplify?
• What decision, process, or frustration are they tired of managing?

Examples:

• For busy professionals, a daily productivity planner.
• For small business owners, editable brand kits or invoice templates.
• For moms building routines, printable chore charts for kids.

It’s tempting to make something just because you think it’s cool. But when you address an actual problem, you start unlocking real demand.

Step 2: Validate With Search-Based Demand

Use search autocomplete to your advantage. Whether on Etsy, Amazon, or Google, start typing your product idea and see what suggestions pop up.

If your idea shows up, it means people are searching for it.

Don’t be discouraged by long-tail keywords (e.g. "boho wedding seating chart template") — they usually have lower competition but higher conversion potential.

Also, study trends:

• Use tools like Pinterest Trends or Google Trends.
• Watch short-form video content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.

Trends come with built-in demand. They show what people already want — you just need to package it. Trends also reveal niche opportunities.

Example:
“Neutral-toned Instagram templates for therapists” started as a micro-trend. Now it’s a full-on sub-market on Etsy and Creative Market. The early creators? They now have hundreds of reviews and a solid stream of passive income.

Step 3: See What’s Already Selling

You don’t have to be the first to market. In fact, pioneers often get arrows in the back. Sometimes, it’s better to join a proven market — and do it better.

Browse marketplaces like Etsy, Creative Market, and Gumroad.

Pay attention to:

• Pricing: Can you position yours higher or lower?
• Design & audience appeal: Is the product well made? Who is it targeting?
• Customer reviews: What do buyers love? What’s missing or could be improved?

You’re not copying — you’re improving.

Step 4: Build an “Idea Bank”

Keep a running list of product ideas, keyword phrases, review notes, trend sparks, and feedback.

Over time, you’ll start spotting patterns — and that’s where things get powerful. You’ll train your brain to recognize what sells, when to act, and how to create products people actually want.

That’s all for now. Keep your eyes open, your notebook nearby, and stay curious. The product idea that changes everything might be closer than you think.

Good luck out there.