Imagine this: you’ve just launched a printable lunch box planner, and your phone rings — “Please confirm this order!”
A few days in, those ringings turn into a steady rhythm, giving you cash to cover your daily yoga lessons or just enjoy a quiet coffee at home.
That’s what selling digital products on Etsy and Gumroad can do.
With digital commerce that is about to hit $12.93 trillion by 2029 (Statista), these platforms are goldmines for creators like you that wants steady passive income as a side hustle.
Let’s meet Jamie, a stay-at-home dad who started, made it happen, and figure out how you can, too.
Meet Jamie — and Your Options
Jamie’s a designing guy who made a meal planner for his family.
He listed it on Etsy, and boom — sales started rolling in.
Now, he is working on more new listings to take his business to the next level.
Etsy and Gumroad made it possible.
Etsy’s like a busy market square — tons of shoppers, perfect for parenting goodies like planners or worksheets, but it takes 6.5% per sale plus a listing fee.
Gumroad’s your personal storefront — more control, great for niche stuff like courses, though fees are a bit higher (10% + $0.50).
Use Etsy for quick wins, Gumroad for brand-building, or both to increase and double your sales.
Setting Up on Etsy
It’s very simple to do:
- Sign Up:
- Go to etsy.com, pick a parenting-inspired shop name.
- Style It:
- Add a logo and banner — think “lunch box hacks” vibes.
- Choose your Exact Category:
- Find and select category that matches your product niche.
- List It:
- Upload mockups of your planner using Free Basic Canva, write a killer optimized description (you can take some help from Gemini or ChatGPT), and tag it with “kids lunch planner” or “parenting printable.”
- Price It:
- Aim for $5-$20, factoring in fees.
Set it to auto-deliver, and you’re golden.
Setting Up on Gumroad
Just as simple as we do on etsy:
- Join:
Sign up at gumroad.com. - Brand It:
Add a fun header — maybe “Parenting Wins Here.” - Add Your Product:
Upload your file, play with pricing (even “pay what you want”). - Test It:
Make sure checkout is smooth.
Gumroad lets you tweak things — perfect for testing a parenting mini-course.
Getting the Word Out
Making it is step one; selling it is the game.
Try this:
- Social Media: Post pics on Instagram or Pinterest — show your planner in action.
- Emails: Grow a list via your blog, send tips and product teases.
- Blog It: Write about your process to pull in traffic.
- Team Up: Link with parenting influencers for a shoutout.
Tell your story — like how your planner saved your mental health.
People buy from people, not just products.
Real Wins to Inspire You
Alissa Rose went from $1,700 in 2019 to $278,000 in 2021 selling planners on Etsy — SEO and niche focus were her tricks.
MaxPacks turned digital brushes into six figures on inequitiesGumroad with smart marketing.
You don’t need a million buyers — just a few who love what you do.
Your Turn
Etsy and Gumroad are your launchpads. Pick one, set up shop, and share your genius.
That first sale?
It’s closer than you think.
What’s your product idea? Start today — Jamie did, and look where it got him!
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