You’ve probably heard of the e-commerce revolution and the rise of selling platforms like Shopify. But have you ever considered exploring other alternatives to sell your digital products?
In this article, we’ll introduce you to Big Cartel, an e-commerce platform dedicated to creators, and show you how to sell digital products on Big Cartel in a few simple steps.
What are digital products and why are they important in e-commerce?
Digital products are intangible goods that can be sold and distributed online without physical support. Here are some examples of digital products:
- Downloadable files (e-books, templates, graphics, etc.)
- Online courses and video lessons
- Software and applications
- Subscriptions to online services
Selling digital products has several advantages over physical products:
- No shipping or inventory management fees
- Higher profit margin
- Ability to reach a global audience
Big Cartel: An e-commerce platform dedicated to creators
Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform that stands out for its market positioning. It mainly targets artists, designers, and craftsmen who want to sell their creations online. Here are some reasons why Big Cartel is an interesting alternative for selling digital products:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Affordable pricing plans, with a free plan to start
- Customizable store design
What sets Big Cartel apart from other e-commerce platforms for selling digital products?
Big Cartel, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy are four popular e-commerce platforms. However, they have notable differences for selling digital products.
Here’s a comparison table of Big Cartel’s advantages and disadvantages compared to these competitors:
| Platform | Big Cartel Advantages | Big Cartel Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Affordable pricing plans | Fewer features and third-party apps |
| Simple and easy-to-use interface | Less customization possibilities | |
| Focus on creators | ||
| WooCommerce | No fixed monthly fees | Requires a separate website creation |
| Independent from WordPress (less maintenance) | Fewer features and support compared to WooCommerce | |
| Etsy | Focus on creators | Less visibility in the market compared to well-established Etsy shops |
| Free plan to start | ||
| More control over appearance and store customization |
How to create an account and set up your Big Cartel store to sell digital products?
To start selling digital products on Big Cartel, follow these steps:
- Sign up on Big Cartel and choose a pricing plan suitable for your needs.
- Customize your store design by choosing a theme and adding your logo, colors, and typography.
- Configure your payment and shipping settings.
- Add additional pages, such as an “About” page or a contact page.
To optimize your store for selling digital products, consider:
- Highlighting your digital products on the homepage
- Using high-quality images to illustrate your products
- Writing detailed and appealing descriptions for your digital products
How to add and manage digital products on Big Cartel?
Adding digital products on Big Cartel is a simple process:
- Log in to your Big Cartel dashboard.
- Click on “Products”, then on “Add a product”.
- Select “Digital product” as the product type.
- Upload your digital file (up to 500MB) or add an external link to the product.
- Write a title and description for your digital product.
- Set a price for your product and choose the accepted currencies.
To manage your sales and digital product inventory, Big Cartel allows you to:
- Track sales and downloads of your digital products
- Automatically send a confirmation email and download link to customers
- Limit the number of allowed downloads for each digital product
Marketing strategies and customer service for successful digital product sales on Big Cartel
To maximize your digital product sales on Big Cartel, adopt these marketing and customer service strategies:
- Use email marketing to inform your customers about new products and promotions on your digital products.
- Be active on social media to promote your products and interact with your audience.
- Offer special deals and discounts to encourage customers to buy.
- Collaborate with influencers or partners to increase the visibility of your digital products.
- Optimize your store’s SEO to improve your ranking on search engines.
To provide excellent customer service when selling digital products on Big Cartel, consider the following points:
- Respond quickly to customer questions and requests.
- Provide user guides and tutorials to help customers use your digital products.
- Offer technical support and after-sales service to resolve any issues.
- Regularly ask for feedback and reviews to improve your products and services.
Conclusion
Big Cartel is an interesting option for those looking to start selling digital products, especially for creators and small businesses. The platform offers affordable pricing plans, a simple interface, and a focus on creativity.
However, it is essential to consider its limitations, such as fewer features and third-party apps, compared to more robust platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
The choice of the ideal platform for selling digital products will depend on your specific needs and goals. The key is to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each solution.
FAQ
Is Big Cartel free?
Big Cartel offers a free plan that allows you to sell up to 5 products. Paid plans with more features and the ability to sell more products are also available.
How can I accept payments for my digital products on Big Cartel?
Big Cartel supports several payment gateways, such as PayPal and Stripe. You can set up these options in your store’s payment settings.
Can customers leave reviews on my digital products on Big Cartel?
Big Cartel does not offer a native feature for customer reviews. However, you can add this functionality using third-party apps or by integrating widgets on your site.
Can I sell physical and digital products in the same Big Cartel store?
Yes, you can sell both physical and digital products in your Big Cartel store. Simply select the appropriate product type when adding a new item to your catalog.
Can you sell digital products on big cartel ?
Yes, you can definitely sell digital products on Big Cartel. The platform makes it easy to sell these products by offering features that help you manage downloads and transactions seamlessly.