Four Kinds Only! What Can You Sell Online?
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today’s question: what can you sell online?
It sounds like a giant question. But the answer is actually small! Every online business sells one of just four kinds of things. Or a mix.
This is the start of Lesson T2. And even if you already sell something, keep reading. You might find new ideas!
The four kinds
- Digital product. A file you download or open. Like an e-book, a template, a recorded course or computer art. You make it once, and sell it again and again!
- Digital service. A job you do from far away. Like designing, translating, giving advice or writing. You do it with your time and skills, usually for one person at a time.
- Physical product. A real thing you can hold, that gets sent to the customer. Like handmade jewelry, printed clothes or things for your home. It needs packing and shipping.
- Physical service. A job you do in person. Like a photo shoot, a guided tour, or handing over something somebody rented. People can book and pay online, but the job happens in real life.
How to pick
Your skills and time. If people already ask you for help with something, a digital service is often the fastest start. If you’d rather make something once and sell it lots, try a digital product. If you love making things with your hands, physical products feel amazing.
Mixing. Lots of businesses mix two kinds. A photographer does a photo shoot and sends the edited photos. If one kind is slow, the other keeps going!
Examples
- A teacher could sell lesson plans (digital product) or online tutoring (digital service).
- A gardener could sell seed kits (physical product) or garden visits (physical service).
- A writer could sell an e-book (digital product) or editing (digital service).
- A crafter could sell handmade things (physical product) or workshops (physical service).
Same person, lots of options!
Three questions to ask yourself
- Do I want to work with my hands, or on a screen?
- Do I want to be paid for my time, or for something I make once?
- Am I okay with shipping things, or would I rather not?
Your answers point to one or two of the four kinds.
Start simple and cheap
Your first thing doesn’t need to be perfect or expensive. Very little money is enough. You’d be surprised! Free listings, free design tools and small one-time costs work for most first offers. No monthly fees before anybody knows you!
Test it small first
Before you make LOTS of stock or a whole course, try a tiny version. One product, one service, or one file. See if people click or buy!
And all four kinds can be sold without showing your face. Your photos, your descriptions and your reviews can build trust.
What’s next?
The next article shows what each of the ten ways to earn sells, using these four kinds. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you choose? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What are the four kinds?
Digital product, digital service, physical product and physical service.
What’s the difference between a digital product and a digital service?
A product is a file that works without you. A service is a job you do with your time.
Can one business sell more than one kind?
Yes! Like a photographer who does the shoot and sends the photos.
Are real things harder than computer things?
Not really. More packing and shipping, but lots of people love them more!
How do I pick my kind?
Notice what you enjoy giving people. That’s the one you’ll keep doing.
Where can I get help if I don’t have much money?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
