Part of the allure of quitting your job and becoming your own boss is being able to make money doing something you really enjoy. But creating a consistent income off your passion doesn’t come easy.
As with most freelancers, there are times when I lie awake stressed about finding more clients, making more money and getting my name out there.
But recently I’ve been searching for other ways to diversify my freelance income to create long-term financial security for myself and my business.
Another way I plan to do that is by selling digital goods online with the help of Shopify ecommerce software or other online stores.
Along with selling my services, this is another smart way to make my business more valuable, so I can help more people get out of debt and create a life they want to live.
What is E-commerce?
Electronic commerce, commonly called e-commerce, is the buying and selling of products or services electronically over the internet or other computer networks.
From payment methods, to transactions, to marketing and even to fulfilling the orders, all the data interaction is done electronically.
With the long-standing success of eBay and the more recent popularity of Etsy, people of all ages and skill levels have been able to boost their income with e-commerce stores and digital products.
And it’s not hard to see why, because there are some great benefits to taking this route with your business.
1. Creates financial security with income diversification
The internet is a very fickle place, especially with Google constantly changing their rules, techniques and policies. One day you could be #1 in the search rankings and the next you’re nowhere to be found.
This is why diversifying your streams of income is one of the best benefits to selling digital goods online – especially if you’re a webpreneur.
In the event your audience decides not to click your affiliate links, you have a slow month of traffic or some other unforeseen income disaster occurs, adding digital products and services to your resume will create financial security for you and your freelance biz.
2. Potential to reach a different and larger audience
Everyone consumes content differently, based on their personality type and learning styles. I prefer to read or listen to content, so I seek out blogs and podcasts.
But some people like to see visual graphics or watch videos, so they prefer sites like Slideshare or YouTube. And then you have the more nostalgic crowd who only consumes content in physical forms, like real books and CDs.
When you diversify the products and services you offer, you have the potential to reach a much bigger and different demographic of people.
Which brings more exposure to your business, giving you the opportunity to make more money and grow your biz.
3. Sets you apart from other bloggers and freelancers
Blogs and freelance sites are a dime a dozen, so to set yourself apart from the crowd you need to offer something different, inspiring or special.
A great way to do that is to offer an ebook, a toolkit, a collection of products or a private forum that help people to improve their lives.
Whatever you’re passionate about or whatever niche you’ve created, producing and selling quality products services, will not only help you stand out, it will give you a head start against the competition.
Have you been thinking of expanding your business with ecommerce and digital products? What’s another benefit to selling products and services online?