The Top 5 Selling Digital Product Categories on Etsy
If you’re anything like me, you're constantly trying to find ways to balance being a mom, taking care of the house, and maybe even squeezing in some “me time” without losing your mind. Let me tell you about THE side hustle that changed everything for me — selling digital products on Etsy. I started a digital product template shop, and now I’m making passive income every month.
If you’ve ever thought about jumping into the Etsy world but have no clue where to start, I got you! Today, I’m breaking down the top five best-selling digital product categories on Etsy so you can get a sense of what’s out there, what sells, and maybe even spark a few ideas for your own shop. Let’s go!
Digital Printables on Etsy
1. Printables and Planners
Oh, the sweet, sweet world of printables! If you’ve never ventured into the world of digital downloads, this is hands down one of the most popular and profitable categories on Etsy. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why — people love getting organized (or at least buying the tools that help them get organized). Printables are super versatile, and they cover so many needs: meal planners, daily to-do lists, financial trackers, fitness logs, chore charts for kids… the possibilities are endless!
Busy moms and small biz owners need all the help they can get staying on top of life, but this category goes way beyond that! You can get really creative with your designs. Think of themed planners, wedding checklists, budgeting templates, habit trackers, or even gratitude journals. And the best part is that these are evergreen products that people will always need.
Plus, the barrier to entry is pretty low. You can whip up simple but effective designs in Canva, and before you know it, your printables are up for sale. And the beauty of digital downloads is — you create it once, and it sells over and over again.
2. Social Media Templates
Small business owners, bloggers, and influencers are all trying to keep their social media game strong, but they don’t always have the time (or the design skills) to create eye-catching graphics from scratch. That’s where YOU come in!
Social media templates are a hot seller on Etsy because they save people time while giving them professional, polished content. I’m talking about Instagram post templates, story templates, Pinterest pins, YouTube thumbnails, and more. You can create entire bundles of templates that match certain aesthetics (minimalist, boho, colorful, etc.) or target specific industries like real estate, coaches, or beauty bloggers.
The best part is that these templates are easy to create and customize using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator. Once you’ve made a few, you can bundle them up and sell them over and over. And seriously, the market is HUGE for this because everyone wants their feed to look great!
Resume templates on Etsy
3. Resume and Cover Letter Templates
This one is a hidden gem in the digital product world, and it’s crazy how well they sell. The job market is always competitive, and people are constantly on the lookout for ways to stand out. Creating resume templates isn’t as complicated as you might think. You can easily design clean, modern resumes in Canva, Word, or Adobe and then offer them in formats like PDF, Word, or editable Canva links. Offering matching cover letter templates and references pages is a bonus that customers love because it gives them a complete, cohesive package.
Not only are resume templates practical, but they’re also an ongoing need. People are constantly changing jobs, graduating, or looking for new opportunities. This makes it an evergreen product that can keep bringing in sales all year round.
4. Wall Art and Digital Prints
Okay, this category is HUGE on Etsy, and it’s one of the easiest ways to jump into the world of digital products if you’ve got an eye for design. Digital wall art is basically ready-to-print artwork that customers can download instantly and print at home or through a printing service. I love decorating my space with fresh art, and apparently, a lot of other people do too!
What makes digital wall art so popular is the variety — you can design quotes, abstract art, watercolor pieces, motivational phrases, nursery prints, or even seasonal designs (hello, holiday decor!). If you’ve got some design skills, you can whip up a collection of prints, and trust me, they sell like hotcakes, especially around gift-giving seasons like Christmas or Mother’s Day.
And because digital prints are just that — digital — you don’t have to worry about the hassle of shipping or printing physical items. Customers just download the files, print them however they like, and boom! Instant wall art. It’s a win-win for both you and the customer.
Pro tip: Offering various sizes (like 8x10, 11x14, etc.) makes your products more versatile and appealing to buyers. A lot of people love options!
Business Templates on Etsy
5. Business and Marketing Templates
If you’ve ever started a business, you know that it can be overwhelming — from branding to social media marketing to business planning. That’s why business and marketing templates are a game-changer. Whether it’s branding kits, client contract templates, media kits, or content calendars, there’s a growing market for these kinds of tools on Etsy.
Small business owners, especially those just starting out, are often DIY-ing their entire operation. They don’t always have the funds to hire a graphic designer or marketing agency, so they turn to platforms like Etsy to find affordable, professional-looking templates that can help them create polished presentations, brochures, logos, or business cards.
As a template shop owner myself, I’ve seen firsthand how much people value products that make running their businesses easier. You’re essentially offering them a shortcut to a professional, put-together brand, and who doesn’t want that?
To stand out in this category, think about niche markets you can cater to — realtors, wedding planners, coaches, or freelancers. By creating products that are specific to certain industries, you can tap into a dedicated customer base that’s ready and willing to invest in tools that make their life easier.
Bonus Tip: Why You Should Choose One of These Categories
Now that we’ve covered the top five best-selling digital product categories on Etsy, let me give you a little insider advice. Choose one category to start with, especially if you’re new to the digital product game. It’s tempting to try a little bit of everything, but trust me, focusing on one area and becoming the go-to shop for that type of product will give you a stronger foundation. Once you’ve got your shop running smoothly and making sales, you can always branch out into other categories!
Starting with one of these top-selling categories means you’re entering a proven market with demand. Plus, digital products are a great way to earn passive income while keeping your workload light. You create the product once, and then it keeps selling again and again without needing to replenish inventory or worry about shipping.
How I Got Started and You Can Too
I started my digital product shop selling real estate social templates because I knew it was something people were searching for, and it was an easy place to start. I learned along the way, tweaked my designs, and slowly expanded into other templates like real estate guides and marketing materials. The beauty of Etsy is that it’s okay to start small! You don’t need a full-blown shop with hundreds of products right away. In fact, some of the most successful shops I know started with just a few listings.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a digital product shop, now is the time! Inside Digital Maven I’ll teach you exactly what you need to know to make passive sales on Etsy. Whether you’re making printables, templates, or digital art, the sky’s the limit. The best part is that once you’ve put in the initial work, your products can keep selling with very little maintenance, freeing up your time to focus on what matters most — your family, your life, (and maybe even a little bit of self-care).
Good luck, and I’ll see you on Etsy!
