Guide to Building a Digital Product Business
Do you know your idea is like money waiting to happen? Maybe you’re a teacher who knows how students can score high in JAMB. Maybe you have some great business proposal templates, CV templates for Nigerian job seekers, or even a video course on making tasty small chops. Here is a simple guide to building a digital product business.
These are easy steps you can follow to turn your idea into a profitable online business in Nigeria. The good news? You don’t need a shop or factory to make money today. What you need is just your phone or a laptop. You can create a digital product and sell it at any time to people in Nigeria and beyond.
Step 1: Find an Idea People Will Pay For
Don’t just create what you like. Create what people need and will pay for.
- Use Your Skills
What do people ask you to help them with? Graphic design? Writing CVs? Farming tips? Your skill can solve someone’s problem.
- Spot Common Problems
What struggles do people have? Maybe “writing business plans to get loans,” or “easy recipes for busy new moms,” or “tough topics in Mathematics.” Check if People Want It: Don’t guess. Ask in WhatsApp groups or on Twitter/X: “Would you want a simple guide on [your topic]?” Look on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Do people ask questions about your topic? Are others selling something similar?
If yes, that means people want it. Example: Instead of a broad “How to Cook” course, try “How to Start a Home-Based Small Chops Business for Weekend Events.” It’s more focused and will sell better.
Step 2: Create Your Product
Your first product must help solve a problem.
- Choose a Format
PDF: Perfect for ebooks. Create your guide in Google Docs or Word, then save as PDF for easy download.
Video Course: You can record short lessons with your phone. Use free apps like CapCut to edit.
Audio Lessons: This is good for recording your lessons like a podcast.
Templates or Designs: Create ready-to-use resumes, business plans, planners, or social media posts with Canva.
Make It Easy to Understand: Break your guide into small parts. For example, in the small chops course:
- Equipment needed
- Five basic recipes
- How to price for profit
- How to get your first customers
Make sure your customers feel they got their money’s worth.
Step 3: Set Up Your Online Shop
You need a place to sell your product and receive payment.
- Option A: Use a Platform (Easiest)
Selar is a popular Nigerian platform. You upload your product, set a price, and get a link to share. They handle payments and delivery, but take a small fee. Gumroad and Payhip are international options that you can also use for selling your products.
Pros: Quick and simple setup; they manage payments and delivery.
Cons: They take a small commission.
- Option B: Do It Yourself (More work, more control)
Use Instagram or WhatsApp Business as your store. Get payments via bank transfer, Opay, Moniepoint, Paystack, or Flutterwave. After payment, send the product link manually.
Pros: You keep all your money.
Cons: It’s more work and harder to manage with many customers.
Start with Selar.co to make things easy.
Step 4: Get Your First Customers
Even the best product won’t sell if no one knows about it.
- Tell People You Know
Family, friends, WhatsApp groups—don’t be shy.
- Use Social Media
Share helpful tips on Twitter/X and Instagram to build trust. Join Facebook groups or Twitter spaces related to your topic and answer questions.
- Give Launch Discounts
Offer a special lower price to your first 10–20 customers. It creates urgency. Ask for Testimonials: When customers are happy, ask for voice notes or messages. This builds trust in Nigeria.
Step 5: Manage and Grow Your Business
Respond Quickly: Answer questions politely and fast—this makes customers happy.
Ask for Feedback: Find out what works and what can be improved.
Make More Products: Your happy customers are likely to buy again.
Make sure your payment platform supports local methods like Bank Transfer, USSD, and debit cards. Keep your product files small so customers don’t spend too much on data. Always deliver exactly what you promise to build trust.
Your Next Step
Your idea can be turned into money money-making opportunity. It’s more than just a thought. You don’t have to wait for it to be perfect. Pick one good idea today, tell someone about it, and start generating your own income. You can start with this ready-made planner template or CV template to start building a successful digital product business. Start your digital business journey today.
