How to sell PDFs on the Internet The Complete Guide
The last update was on September 9, 2022
If you're looking for an easy way to make money passively, it may be time to start selling PDFs online. It's an excellent way to go about it.
Why should you sell online pdfs? Because since you're selling them online, there's no "inventory" to keep track of, you can sell it in as many instances as you want, and you are able to modify and upgrade content to meet the needs of your customers or add new information or images.
Here's what we'll cover:
- What kind of PDFs could you offer for sale?
- How do you make your PDFs?
- Where can you sell your PDFs?
- Getting Paid, Legalities to Consider, and Marketing
What kind of PDFs could you sell?
- How-to guides, tutorials, or even manuals
- Classes
- Magazines
- Templates
- Professional document templates (resumes, invoices, etc)
- Marketing templates (newsletters calendars, newsletters, etc.)
- Catalogues
- Brochures
- Crafts
- Sewing patterns
- Wrapping paper patterns
- Cards for greetings
- Invitations
- Your original art or sheet music
- Reports on the industry
- White papers
What are the best ways to make PDFs?
Make sure you install the right software on your personal computer. You probably already have applications that are able to create PDFs. The majority of word processing software like Microsoft Word, Page on Mac, Page on Mac and Google Docs can create PDF files. Design software like the Adobe Suite will also export your work in PDF format.
- If your PDF is designed to be printed, you must make sure your paper size is compatible with normal printer sheets (A4 or 8.5 11" x 11") ''), or provide various version of your PDF, based upon the paper sizes and printers your audience has available to them.
- Include content such as text or images, and if it's an ebook or course handbook (or anything that won't necessarily be printed) Add hyperlinks to online videos and any other relevant information.
- If you're creating an ebook or a PDF with any text, be sure to examine the grammar and spelling.
- Export and/or print test versions of your PDF to make sure that the text is clear. Also check that there aren't any problems with the font, images, or links, and that the layout doesn't have any issues. The document can be exported in PDF format through "File" followed by "Save as" or "Print".
- Once you're happy with the layout, save the file version as a PDF. If you'd like to to, you may also want to add a level of security by adding a watermark , or password protecting the document for every individual purchaser. This option might not be offered depending the program you're using.
Where can you sell your PDFs online?
There are two ways to sell your PDFs on the internet: an internet-based marketplace or on your website.
Method 1: Online marketplaces
By using this technique it is possible to begin selling your PDFs as soon as you sign up for the seller account. The most well-known marketplaces for selling your PDFs are Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
When you sell on an online marketplace you have their audience as prospective customers, which means you don't need to depend completely on marketing. Additionally, they provide integrated services like terms and conditions, payment systems, and usually the minimum quality of customer and technical support.
But, since you're using a third-party service, there will be fees that you'll need to cover per month, per listing, as well as per transaction contingent on the marketplace. You're also restricted to getting payments according to their calendar.
You'll have to follow the regulations and rules of the company in regards to what's allowed in the listing of products, the items you are allowed to sell and for how much. An important rule to look out for is file dimensions restrictions. Every online marketplace has its restrictions on the maximum size of the file of any digital item could be.
If you're selling the text-only ebook, or simple template, it isn't a concern, because the types of PDFs that are similar tend to have small file sizes. However, if you're selling PDFs like magazine guides for workouts, catalogues, or anything that is packed with pictures or graphics, the file sizes tend to be bigger.
You're also restricted to their appearance and design Any branding you are able to create is minimal as most online marketplaces wish to have the aesthetics consistent across their stores.
Step 2: Go to your web site
If you set up a store on your own website You have the option to customize the user experience and add as much branding as you'd like and cultivate long-lasting relationships with your clients through more frequent marketing strategies such as mailing lists, or exclusive discount offers.
Furthermore, you won't need to be concerned about competition directly and how that can affect your prices. When you're selling your product on an online marketplace buyers can quickly tell what PDF they're looking for is cheaper at another seller's store in the marketplace. If this is the case, you're typically forced to put your PDF's price in line with other sellers. By selling it on your website , you're able to determine the price you'd like to charge and customers will have to spend longer and more effort searching for other alternatives.
However, if you use your site to market your PDFs your sales will be dependent on the way you promote your product. Additionally, you'll need to develop your own terms and conditions in order to ensure all the legalities are covered as dictated by your state and federal laws.
Also, this approach is perfect for those who aren't afraid to solve problems on their own and want to be involved in everything as they build their business.
Option 1 Utilize your site builder's eCommerce functionality.
If you're already making use of WordPress, Squarespace, or other website builders, you are able to add stores on your blog or website through their platform. On some platforms this may be straightforward, while with other it may require you to understand how to code , or pay for plug-ins.
Option 2 Option 2: Make use of a third-party solution to set up an online shop and link to your site.
It doesn't need take nearly as long as you think it would. There are many services, such as , which allow you to build a store on which you can place products or even the whole store onto your website or even act like a stand-alone website.
In the case of it, you can determine the price you'd like to charge and the structure of payment you prefer (recurring instead of one-time, vs pay-what you-want) and get your money immediately in addition to the higher profit margins as you don't need regular fees to cover.
And since the store you run is connected to your website, you can create an integrated customer experience that follows the consumer from the cart until checkout and the marketing content. With 's ability to manage your customers' information and offer statistics, you'll be capable of tweaking and improving the marketing strategies you use.
I tried a few different services before settling on . What impressed me the most about them was how easy everything was to create and begin selling! - Martha Jones, Social Media Shark
Selling PDFs Online Answers to FAQs
What is the best way to sell my PDFs via PayPal?
Many services permit users to take payment using large credit cards. But when you're trying to pick which one you should choose, be sure that they offer alternatives that you are sure the people you are targeting will be interested in, such as PayPal as well as Stripe.
offers PayPal and Stripe payment methods to customers automatically when you sign up for a account. You can sign up for a PayPal or Stripe account automatically when you open an.
How can I earn the money I need to make from PDFs?
In the vast majority of marketplaces online, they will usually transfer your earnings (minus charges) to your account at a bank or payment platform of preference. But, you'll need wait for a set schedule for payment.
If you sell on your website and connect your PayPal or Stripe account to your store's account, you'll earn a commission for each time a customer purchases the PDF. No waiting!
It is it legal to offer eBooks in PDF format?
A simple way to tell if selling PDF books is unlawful or is it not: did you make the content?
If it's a replica or scanned copy of a copyrighted publication, textbook, or any other digitalisation of any existing content, then yes, it's illegal to sell.
If it's a book in PDF format where you've created every aspect of the book yourself you're not allowed to.
What's the most effective way to sell PDFs online?
The simplest answer is marketing. It doesn't matter if you're selling on an online marketplace , or you're selling via your website.
One way to quickly start attracting customers is by using the store or product's URL to promote it on your Facebook and Twitter pages as well as marketing materials including newsletters, ads or advertisements.
With the link to your PDF, you can add fascinating photos and details, or even begin a blog on topics that relate to your PDF downloads. Explore new ways to show why the PDF you download is valuable, interesting, and probably superior to other PDFs available.
Anywhere you attempt to market, think about which kind of consumer you're aiming at. Are teachers searching for printable teaching materials? Is it potential new readers to your sci-fi novel? Are you looking to get started on your agenda of content, and wants to follow a PDF guide?
What is the best place for these types of individuals go to find their info? What can you do to connect with these people?
Reaching out to your target audience is a process of trial and trial and. Be ready to adjust to what your audience is telling you , and stick with your job!
At the end of every blog article, as well as in the bottom of our Google and Facebook ads, there was our URL directly linking to our website. As an afterthought I put it in our IG bio too. Within a short time, I learned that most of our customers came via the IG links! Analytics has helped me understand this customer's journey. I've revamped our marketing plan, shifting it more to IG and revenue has more than doubled over the past year!
- Alex Foster, Entrepreneur
Are you ready to begin selling PDFs?
Now you know the types of PDFs are available, how to make the best ones, and how to market these. In addition, you'll have insight into how payment for your PDFs work along with some legal considerations, as well as the best way to promote your PDF products.
It's really simple, right?