Digital or Electronic Goods: What Are They, and Which CMS Should You Choose to Sell Them?

Digital or electronic goods are products delivered to customers in digital format, without the need to ship a physical item. These include software, e-books, audio and video content, web templates, and other digital products. Such items are becoming increasingly popular as they offer consumers convenience, instant delivery, and often lower costs than physical goods.

Who Are Digital Goods Suitable For?

Digital goods are an ideal option for entrepreneurs looking to start an online business with minimal production and shipping costs. This format is especially convenient for professionals in creative, educational, or tech fields, as well as those seeking a scalable source of income. For example, freelancers, bloggers, teachers, developers, marketers, and artists can use digital goods to expand their services or monetize their skills.

Types of Digital Goods

Digital goods can be divided into several categories:

1. Software — various programs, plugins, games, operating systems, antivirus software, and more.
2. E-books — both fiction and educational materials, reference books, and study guides.
3. Media content — audio files (music, podcasts), video content (courses, educational videos, movies).
4. Digital licenses and access keys — subscriptions, software licenses, access to exclusive content.
5. Digital services — such as SEO services, online consulting, design projects, and other services provided online.

Advantages of Digital Goods

Unlike physical products, digital goods offer several benefits:

• Instant delivery — customers get access to the product immediately after payment.
• Easy to manage — no need for storage or physical handling.
• Global reach — products can be sold worldwide without limitations.
• Minimal risk of damage — digital products don’t deteriorate and are always available.

5 Popular Categories of Digital Goods for Sale

1. Online Courses and Educational Materials
   Courses on various topics, from programming to cooking, are popular among those seeking to learn online.

2. Software and Plugins
   Developers can sell useful plugins and tools for users.

3. Graphic Resources and Templates
   Fonts, mockups, icons, and other creative elements are always in demand.

4. Musical and Audio Content
   Music, sound effects, podcasts, and audiobooks are popular products for creators and marketers.

5. Photos and Video Content
   Visual materials and stock images are always in demand.

Choosing a CMS for Selling Digital Goods

To successfully sell digital goods, it’s important to choose a platform that provides the necessary features. Here are some options:

1. PrestaShop
   PrestaShop is an excellent choice for managing digital goods. The platform allows you to automate the sales process and manage licenses. With PrestaShop, you get a wide range of modules and tools for customer management, making it an attractive solution for small and medium businesses.

2. WooCommerce
   WooCommerce is an extension for WordPress that supports the sale of digital goods. It’s suitable for small stores but may require additional development for more complex operations.

3. Shopify
   Shopify supports both digital and physical goods and automates file delivery. However, its functionality may be insufficient for complex tasks.

4. Magento
   Magento is a powerful platform for large businesses, offering extensive functionality but requiring significant resources for setup and maintenance. It’s suitable for large companies.

5. OpenCart
   OpenCart provides basic capabilities for selling digital goods and may be suitable for startups and small businesses.

Digital goods present vast opportunities for businesses with minimal costs and wide growth potential. CMS platforms like PrestaShop enable the launch of a fully functional store for selling digital goods while allowing easy management.

Have you considered selling digital goods? Share your experiences in the comments!