Starting a digital product side hustle sounds exciting—until you realize you have no idea what tools you actually need to make it happen.
The good news? You don’t need expensive software or complicated tech. In fact, most of the tools you need to launch and grow a digital product business from home are free or super affordable—and beginner friendly.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what tools to use, what they do, and how to choose the right ones for where you’re at right now.
🛠️ TOOL #1: Canva (Free or Pro)
What it does:
- Design your printables, planners, templates, or eBooks
- Create product mockups and social media graphics
Why you need it: Canva is the easiest way to create beautiful, on-brand digital products—even if you’ve never designed anything before.
Pro Tip: Start with a template and tweak it to save time. Canva Pro gives you more fonts, elements, and features for $12.99/month, but the free version works just fine to start.
🛠️ TOOL #2: A Selling Platform (Pick One)
You’ll need a place to host and sell your product. Here are three great options:
Option A: Etsy
- Perfect for beginners
- Built-in search traffic
- Great for printables, templates, planners
💡 Best for: Getting your first few sales with minimal setup
Option B: Stan Store
- All-in-one storefront designed for creators
- Sell digital products, freebies, courses, coaching
💡 Best for: Moms using Instagram, TikTok, or email to grow an audience
Option C: Payhip
- Simple and affordable
- Instant digital delivery, no monthly fee on the free plan
💡 Best for: Total beginners or budget-conscious sellers
🛠️ TOOL #3: Payment Processor
You need to be able to collect payments securely. Most platforms integrate with:
- PayPal
- Stripe
These tools process the sale and deposit money into your bank account.
🛠️ TOOL #4: Email Marketing Platform (Optional but Powerful)
Want to build a list of buyers and stay in touch?
- MailerLite (free up to 1,000 subscribers)
- ConvertKit (free up to 1,000 subscribers)
Start collecting emails with a freebie, then share helpful tips and promote your digital products.
🛠️ TOOL #5: File Delivery & Storage
Once someone buys your digital product, they need a way to access it.
- Google Drive (free)
- Dropbox
- Your selling platform’s built-in delivery tool
Most platforms handle this for you, but these are great backups or for freebie delivery.
🛠️ TOOL #6: Mockup Generator (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Your product needs to look good. Show what’s inside with tools like:
- Canva (use frames or smart mockups)
- Placeit.net
Pretty previews make people want to buy. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
🎁 Want a Checklist of These Tools (Plus Links)?
I created a free guide that walks you through all the tools, steps, and shortcuts to start selling your first product fast.
📥 Download: “Selling Digital Products from Home”
You’ll get:
- Links to my favorite beginner tools
- A step-by-step process to launch
- Tips to save money and time
👉 Click here to grab your free guide now
💬 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a tech wizard or spend hundreds of dollars on fancy tools. You just need the basics, a clear plan, and a willingness to take imperfect action.
Choose one product. Pick one platform. Start with free tools. And grow as you go.
You’ve got everything you need to start right now. 💛
