Best Side Hustles for Selling eBooks
The rise of digital platforms has made selling eBooks a lucrative side hustle for Canadians.
The rise of digital platforms has made selling eBooks a lucrative side hustle for Canadians. Whether you're a writer, designer, or simply an entrepreneur looking to capitalize on this growing market, eBook stores provide a flexible and scalable way to earn income. Here's a detailed guide on how to start and grow an eBook store as a side hustle in Canada.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon KDP is one of the easiest platforms to get started with selling eBooks. Authors can self-publish eBooks on a global scale with minimal costs. It's perfect for writers who want to retain control over their content and royalties.
Income Potential:
- $100 to $5,000+ per month, depending on book quality, niche, and marketing efforts.
- Royalties range from 35% to 70% per sale.
Tools and Resources:
- Writing Tools: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener.
- Design Tools: Canva or Adobe InDesign for cover design.
- Marketing Tools: Amazon Ads and social media platforms for promotions.
How to Get Started:
Gumroad
Gumroad is a platform for creators to sell digital products, including eBooks. It allows you to create a customized storefront and sell directly to your audience.
Income Potential:
- $500 to $10,000+ per month, depending on your audience size and book pricing.
- You keep 90% of the sale price after Gumroad’s fees.
Tools and Resources:
- Content Tools: Grammarly for editing, Canva for formatting.
- Marketing Tools: Email newsletters (e.g., Mailchimp) and social media ads.
- Analytics: Gumroad’s built-in analytics for tracking sales.
How to Get Started:
Payhip
Payhip is an all-in-one eCommerce solution for selling eBooks and other digital products. It offers marketing tools like affiliate programs and discount codes to help boost sales.
Income Potential:
- $300 to $7,000+ per month, depending on your niche and marketing.
- Transaction fees: 5% on free plans, with subscription options for lower fees.
Tools and Resources:
- Writing Tools: Reedsy for writing and formatting.
- Design Tools: Vectr for cover creation.
- Promotion Tools: SEO optimization and affiliate marketing.
How to Get Started:
Shopify
Shopify enables you to create your own eCommerce store, giving you full control over branding and sales. You can sell eBooks alongside other products or focus exclusively on digital goods.
Income Potential:
- $500 to $15,000+ per month, depending on your marketing efforts and niche.
- No additional fees beyond Shopify’s subscription costs.
Tools and Resources:
- Platform: Shopify Digital Downloads App.
- Design: Fiverr for outsourcing cover designs.
- Marketing: Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and SEO tools like Ahrefs.
How to Get Started:
Teachable
Teachable is an online platform primarily for courses, but it also supports selling eBooks. This is ideal if your eBooks complement educational content or courses.
Income Potential:
- $500 to $8,000+ per month, depending on your audience and course integration.
- Teachable takes 10% of sales on free plans, with options for subscription-based pricing.
Tools and Resources:
- Content: Use Google Slides or PowerPoint for creating eBooks with visual aids.
- Marketing: Use webinars and email marketing to promote your eBooks.
- Integration: Bundle your eBooks with online courses.
How to Get Started:
Etsy
Etsy is known for handmade and unique items, but it’s also a great marketplace for digital products like eBooks. Cater to niches such as DIY projects, crafts, or personal development.
Income Potential:
- $300 to $6,000+ per month, depending on the niche and SEO.
- Etsy charges a small listing fee ($0.20 per item) and a transaction fee (6.5%).
Tools and Resources:
- SEO Tools: Marmalead or eRank to optimize listings.
- Design Tools: Canva for creating visually appealing eBooks.
- Analytics: Etsy’s built-in tools for tracking sales and trends.
How to Get Started:
Final Tips for Success
- Find Your Niche: Cater to specific audiences such as self-help, fitness, or business.
- Focus on Quality: Invest in professional editing and design to stand out.
- Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok are excellent for promoting eBooks.
- Analyze Trends: Use tools like Google Trends to identify popular topics.
Starting an eBook store in Canada can be an exciting and profitable venture with the right tools and strategies. Choose a platform that suits your needs, leverage the available resources, and market your content effectively to turn this side hustle into a thriving business!