In the first quarter of this year, consumers have purchased $250 billion in digital goods. This feat, which the United States Department of Commerce notes marks a 2.4% increase, should prove exciting to anyone considering opening up their own digital storefront.

Starting from scratch can be a little scary. Not to worry, we’ve simplified the procedure into 4 easy to manage steps!

Keep reading as we show you how you can start selling digital products as soon as possible!

1. Optimize Your Descriptions

Your product listings can make or break your online selling career, so you’ll need to make sure your copy is up to snuff.

To start, utilize product-specific keywords throughout the listing. This can help your SEO ranking, which determines where your site will show up on a search engine. The higher the listing, the likelier you are to receive more traffic.

You’ll want to paint a picture, as well. Think about how you buy products. You want to see how a purchase can improve your life in some capacity; that’s the same task you’re facing by selling online.

Finally, make sure you’re taking great photos. A product photo is the first thing most customers will see, so make sure it’s a positive first impression.

2. Simplify Checkout

With access to a world of products and information at their fingertips, customers expect simplicity and speed from their shopping experience. Particularly when it comes to completing a purchase.

Customers are less likely to complete a purchase if a storefront continuously redirects them or forces a login. In fact, more than almost 1 in 4 customers will abandon the sale altogether if they feel the process is too complicated or if they’re forced to create an account.

Your online store needs to feature a variety of checkout methods, including guest checkout, that accounts for consumers’ growing demands.

The faster the process, the more sales you’ll see.

3. Spotlight Customer Reviews

While brands can build consumer trust through community engagement and branding, the majority of consumers would rather hear about a product from another customer.

Suffice to say, it’s up to your team to do everything in your power to build a library of customer reviews.

The best source of encouragement? Communication, of course!

Let your audience know you appreciate their review. If/when someone leaves a negative review, respond to the review and let them know you’ll reach out to fix the issue.

4. Save Time and Money by Outsourcing

You’ve followed the steps above, and you’re on your way to creating a great digital marketplace by adding the first product to your online store. That’s exciting progress, but now that you know how the process works, it’s time to step up the pace.

Since you only have so much time and energy throughout the day, consider bringing in help via a freelancer.

Whether you’re interested in hiring a freelancer for a single service, like product photography, or you’re looking for someone to help you manage your storefront, you’ll only pay for the services that you need, as long as you need them.

Enlisting help with even a few tasks allows you to be more productive and efficient, so make sure to give this tip some thought.

Your Gateway to Selling Digital Products

Selling digital products can be a great way to make some money and expand your brand. Follow these tips, and always put yourself in your customers’ shoes. You’re sure to increase traffic in no time!

For more tips on growing your online business, make sure to browse the rest of our tech section!