Want to start making money online with digital products?

I break it all down inside my Online Creator Course – from choosing your product to launching and scaling your store.

Thinking about selling digital products online?

Marketplaces like Gumroad, Etsy, and Amazon can be a great place to start.

They give you instant access to buyers, require no technical setup, and make the process of getting your first sales way easier.

But, like anything else in business, there are trade-offs.

Here’s what you need to know before you launch your first product on a marketplace.

The Pros of Selling Digital Products on Marketplaces

1. Built-In Traffic

One of the biggest benefits?

You don’t need to bring your own audience.

Marketplaces already have millions of users searching for products every day.

That means your digital product can be discovered organically – without paid ads or social media marketing.

When I first started selling online, this made a huge difference.

I didn’t have an audience yet, but my products still got traction because of marketplace exposure.

2. Instant Credibility

Trust takes time to build.

But if you’re selling on a platform people already know (like Etsy or Amazon) you inherit some of that trust.

Customers feel safer purchasing from a familiar site.

You don’t have to convince them your store is legit.

3. Easy Setup

No code, no complicated tools, no stress.

Most marketplaces walk you through the setup process step-by-step.

It’s perfect for beginners.

You can upload your product, set a price, and start selling – all in one afternoon.

4. No Tech Headaches

When you sell on your own site, you need to worry about hosting, payments, security, and more.

With a marketplace, all of that is handled for you.

You just focus on creating great products.

5. Search and Discovery Features

Marketplaces use their own algorithms to help buyers find what they’re looking for.

If your product matches what people are searching for, you’ve got a good shot at getting seen.

Even without a big following.

The Cons of Selling Digital Products on Marketplaces

1. High Competition

The downside of built-in traffic?

You’re not the only one trying to get noticed.

Popular categories can be saturated, and if your product isn’t unique, it’s easy to get buried.

You’ll need standout visuals, clear descriptions, and maybe even a niche angle to break through.

You need yo stick out in the crowd.

2. Limited Branding

Most marketplaces give you a basic storefront – but that’s about it.

You can’t fully customise the look or experience.

You are locked in to what the platforms gives you.

If brand identity matters to you, this might feel limiting.

3. Fees Add Up

Every sale you make usually comes with platform fees – listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees.

At first, it’s manageable.

But as your sales grow, so do the fees.

Always check the fine print so you know what you’re giving up.

4. You Don’t Own the Platform

This one’s important.

When you sell on a marketplace, you’re building your business on someone else’s land.

If they change the rules, increase fees, or suspend your account, there’s not much you can do.

Having your own site gives you more control long-term.

Should You Sell on Marketplaces?

If you’re just starting out, selling on a marketplace is a smart move.

You can test your product, get feedback, and make some early sales – without needing a website, audience, or ad spend. It’s a low-barrier entry into online business.

But once you’ve validated your product and built some momentum, consider moving to your own platform.

That’s where you’ll have more control, fewer fees, and the ability to build a brand that lasts.

If you want to learn exactly how I went from selling digital products on marketplaces to building a multi-6-figure digital product business, check out my Online Creator Course.

I walk you through the entire process – from product ideas to launch strategies and long-term scaling.