Do you ever wake up and wish you were somewhere on an island looking out the window over the ocean? Somewhere far from your same old routine? If any of this sounds similar to your day to day thoughts, becoming a digital nomad might be something you’ve not only heard of but heavily considered.
Maybe you’re like me; a thirty-something year old millennial who has rented an apartment in an expensive city for nearly a decade. I made it through the 2020 pandemic with little to nothing that I actually own. I wasn’t one of the people who found their entrepreneurial calling and built a successful business. I didn’t strike gold in Crypto yet still my income had to double after going through a breakup in the midst of it all. Essentially I had everything going for me, but then the world stopped and I lost my knowledge on which way to take my life or how to achieve my dreams. All I’d ever worked towards fell apart and all I’d ever wanted for myself was to make enough money to travel the world chasing adventure, new experiences, learning about art and different ways of living.
Then one day, I realized I could have everything I wanted. I just had to get to work. And that realization is what has gotten me here, sitting on my chair, somewhere on an island, looking out a window over the ocean. Far away from where I come from and right at the beginning of my journey.
You can share the same story with your own twist on your path towards becoming a digital nomad. But before you start selling all your stuff and blindly picking a spot on the map, you'll need a way to earn money from anywhere. That's where online selling comes in, offering you the freedom to roam while you work.
Not all online selling methods are created equal. For instance, if you're looking to work from home, stocking up on inventory might seem like the way to go. But for a true digital nomad experience, you need a way to sell products without being tied down by physical stock.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to sell online while living the nomadic lifestyle. Here are some of the best options:
Selling Digital Products: Whether it's ebooks, online courses, or digital art, selling digital products can be a low-cost way to start earning money online. With platforms like ETSY and Amazon you can publish and list any digital product for free, making it a great option for digital nomads.
Getting started with dropshipping involves a few important steps to set up your business smoothly. First things first, you need to find your niche - that's your specific corner of the market where you'll focus. Then, it's crucial to scope out the competition so you know what you're up against. These steps are conquered best with the help of a website like Viable View, a platform which helps you to identify opportunity, risk and so much more based on the niche you choose to sell products in. Once you've got a handle on your niche and competitors, it's time to find a reliable supplier who can consistently deliver quality products on time.
Next up, let's talk branding. This is where you get to put your stamp on things with your business name, logo, and colors. Make sure it all speaks to your target audience. Then, you'll need to set up your online store. Whether you go with WordPress or a website builder, make sure it suits your needs.
Don't forget the legal stuff! You'll need to decide on your business structure and get any necessary licenses sorted. And when it comes to money, it's smart to keep your personal and business finances separate. Track your expenses and revenues closely for financial stability.
Now, onto promotion! You've got to get the word out about your store. Try everything from paid ads to partnering with influencers and engaging with your community. And don't sleep on platforms like TikTok for extra visibility.
With dropshipping, you handle the sales and marketing while your suppliers take care of the nitty-gritty logistics. It's a flexible setup that lets you focus on growing your business.
Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business involves several key steps to get you up and running smoothly. Firstly, it's important to find a niche that resonates with you - something that matches your interests, style, or passion. This will help differentiate your business in a crowded market. Once you've identified your desired niche, the next step is deciding what products to sell that align with it. For instance, if your niche revolves around yoga enthusiasts, you might consider offering yoga pants, mats, and towels. These items can easily be sourced through platforms like Printful, Teelaunch or Society6.
After deciding on your niche and products, it's time to set up your business and online storefront. Platforms like Shopify offer seamless integration to create your online store quickly. Once your store is set up, it's time to design and list your products. Creating attractive mockups can enhance the professional look of your shop and attract potential customers.
Finally, it's time to launch and start selling your products. Marketing and scaling your store are crucial at this stage. Consider strategies like collaborating with influencers who have a dedicated following in your niche. Their endorsement can build trust and credibility, driving more traffic and sales to your store. By following these steps and staying dedicated to your business, you can build a successful print-on-demand venture.
There are many online platforms which provide the space for creators to sell digital products online. Understanding the difference between a marketplace like Etsy vs a place like Shopify where you get to create your own branded space is a key to making sure you list your products in the most optimum space. Think of it like the difference between going to a grocery store vs going to a farmer’s market in the real world.
Selling digital products online can be lucrative if approached with a plan! The first step is to choose the type of digital product you want to sell, whether it's ebooks, online courses, software, digital art, music, or templates. Consider your expertise and passions when selecting a product niche. Once you've decided on your product, it's time to create it. For ebooks, write valuable content and format it using software like Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign. For online courses, plan your curriculum and create video content using tools like Skillshare or Udemy. Software development requires proficiency in programming languages and frameworks, while creating digital art, music, or photos involves using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva among many others.
After creating your digital product, you need to choose a platform to sell it on. There are several options available, including marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, and Creative Market, where you can list and sell your products directly to customers. Alternatively, you can create your own website using platforms like Shopify, WordPress, or Squarespace. Online learning platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare are great for selling online courses, while app stores such as the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Steam cater to software and app developers. Once your store is set up, it's crucial to promote your products effectively. This can be done through social media marketing, influencer collaborations, discounts, free trials, email marketing, and paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads.
In addition to the general guidance on selling digital products, there's also the opportunity presented by Viable View. Viable View is a platform specializing in finding opportunities for both virtual and physical products, offering comprehensive resources for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to identify promising products to sell online. Through services such as market research, product sourcing, validation, and opportunity insights, Viable View streamlines the process of finding and launching successful digital products. Its user-friendly interface provides access to curated product recommendations, market data, and industry trends, while its subscription-based model offers tiered membership plans with varying levels of access to features and resources. By leveraging Viable View's services, entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of success in the competitive online marketplace, thanks to its community engagement and support for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
I can only hope this information brought value to you in the same way that it has brought value to me on my journey as a digital nomad. This knowledge has enabled me to reach places and see the world in a way I never thought I would and it is my honor to pass on everything I know to bring you one step closer to your dreams. You can achieve anything you set your mind to with a bit of grit, determination, strategizing and consistency!
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