What Digital Products Are in Demand?

Introduction

Digital products have become an increasingly popular way for consumers to access goods and services online. Unlike physical products, digital products exist solely in electronic file formats, and can be downloaded or accessed instantly from any device. The growing demand for digital products presents exciting opportunities for online businesses and digital creators looking to monetize their work.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most in-demand categories of digital products that today’s consumers want. We’ll also look at the benefits driving the popularity of these digital goods.

Ebooks and Digital Books

One of the leading digital products in demand today is the ebook. Ebooks are electronic versions of full-length books designed to be read on smartphones, tablets, e-readers, or computers. Here are some key factors in the rising popularity of ebooks:

Convenience and Portability

Ebooks provide instant access to books from any device, without having to carry around heavy physical copies. Readers can download ebooks directly or access them via e-reader apps and start reading immediately. This makes it easy to read anytime, anywhere. Ebooks also enable features like search, highlighting, and adding notes, which further improve convenience.

Lower Cost

With an average price range of $2-$12, ebooks are generally cheaper than their print versions. The lower price point makes readers more willing to take a chance on buying books across different genres. For publishers, ebooks also have lower production costs compared to print.

Instant Availability

There is no waiting time for printing or shipping with ebooks. New book releases or latest editions can be made available instantly. This caters well to readers’ impatience and desire for immediate access.

Interactive Experience

Many ebooks now integrate interactive elements like images, video, and hyperlinks – creating a more engaging reading experience for consumers. The possibility to embed interactive content adds value.

Environmentally Friendly

With no paper used, ebooks are a green alternative to physical books. As consumers become more eco-conscious, the environmental benefit of ebooks appeals to them.

The growing popularity of e-readers and tablets further propels the ebook market. Recent statistics show:

• Global ebook revenue is projected to reach $16.67 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 14.5% from 2020 to 2027. (Allied Market Research)
• 35% of U.S. adults now use e-readers. 72% of e-reader owners say they have purchased more ebooks since acquiring their device. (Forbes)
• 65% of ebook readers say ebooks have improved their reading experience. (Forbes)

These trends make ebooks a top digital product category that offers online businesses or independent creators huge sales and growth opportunities.

Top eBook Genres In Demand

While readers access ebooks across all genres, some specific categories stand out for their popularity and sales potential:

• Fiction: Novel-length fiction remains the leader, especially popular genres like romance, mystery, thriller, and science fiction. Shorter works like novellas and short story anthologies also have appeal.
• Non-Fiction: Categories like self-help, personal development, business, how-to guides, health, memoirs, and biographies are top sellers. Books that address relevant problems or teach specialized skills have wide appeal.
• Education and Reference: There is high demand for ebooks from this segment, including textbooks, test prep guides, resume/career books, and niche reference works on professional subjects.
• Children’s and YA: Picture books, early readers, chapter books, and young adult fiction are sought after due to the proclivity of young readers for digital formats.
• Niche Non-Fiction: Ebooks on narrowly focused topics and special interests – like hobbies, sports, DIY guides, cookbooks, and travel – have devoted readerships.
• Current Events: Timely ebooks on trending news, political issues, and topics of social/cultural interest capitalize on public attention and information needs.

Strategies to Increase eBook Sales

Here are some effective strategies authors and publishers can use to boost discoverability and sales for ebook offerings:

• Optimize ebook metadata and include strong keywords, categories, and descriptive book summaries to improve search visibility.
• Leverage promotions like discounted pricing, free giveaways, or bundling related titles to increase conversions.
• Share sample content and excerpts ahead of launch to build reader interest.
• Promote new releases and bestselling titles through email newsletters, social posts, and targeted ads.
• Join affiliate programs to allow other websites to promote and sell ebooks for commission.
• Ensure ebooks are available across major retail platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play.
• Implement digital rights management to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution.
• Provide ebook extras like author interviews, bonus chapters, or complementary media content as added value.
• Run time-bound sales events like Book Launch Sales or holiday specials to propel sales.

By catering to popular categories and utilizing the right sales and marketing strategies, authors and publishers can capitalize on the growing ebook market.

Online Courses and Tutorials

Online courses and learning tutorials have exploded in popularity due to their flexibility and convenience for on-demand skills acquisition. Some key factors driving demand include:

Self-Paced Learning

Learners can access course materials at any time and learn at their own pace. This allows fitting learning around busy schedules.

Updated Content

Digital courses can be easily updated to include the latest information, maintaining their relevance and value over time.

Engaging Formats

Courses leverage video, audio, graphics, and interactive elements to create an immersive learning experience online.

Instructor Access

Many courses feature direct access to instructors for support via forums, chat, or messaging. This facilitates better learning outcomes.

Career Advancement

In-demand skills taught through online courses help learners advance professionally and change careers. Their career boosting potential makes them appealing.

Low Cost

Top course platforms offer extensive catalogs starting at $10-$15 per course, making cost less prohibitive. Some even offer free courses.

According to LearnPlatform’s Q2 2022 report, the online course market is now over $36 billion globally. Other noteworthy statistics on growth include:

• The global e-learning market is predicted to be worth $457 billion by 2026. (HolonIQ)
• At least 77% of U.S. corporations now use online learning to train employees. (eLearning Industry)
• 66% of consumers say they would be more willing to make a purchase after watching an online tutorial. (Wyzowl)

This data highlights the significant opportunities online courses and tutorials create for content creators, subject experts, coaches, and businesses in any niche.

Top Online Course Categories in Demand

While online courses span every subject, the highest student enrollments and sales tend to be in these categories:

Tech Skills Training

Courses teaching programming languages, app development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, web design, and other tech skills see heavy demand from aspiring developers and tech professionals.

Business and Leadership Skills

Digital courses focused on business strategy, marketing, management, corporate communications, HR compliance, data analytics, and other core business skills have wide corporate and entrepreneur appeal.

Creative Skills

From photography to music production, game development, writing, graphic design and more – creative skills courses allow artists and aspiring creators to monetize their expertise.

Health and Wellness

Online offerings focused on fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition, mental health, addiction recovery, and overall wellbeing cater to the health conscious.

Personal Development

Courses on motivation, productivity, goal-setting, communication, relationships, and personal growth have universal appeal for self-improvement.

Finance and Accounting

Offerings targeted at money management, investing, accounting, taxes, and financial literacy aid both personal and professional finance needs.

Test Prep and Academics

Standardized test prep, college admissions coaching, academic tutoring, and language learning are sought after by students.

Lifestyle and Hobbies

Cooking, gardening, arts & crafts, pet care, gaming tutorials appeal to specialty recreational interests and passions.

The above categories have demonstrated customer demand, validating them as profitable course niches for digital education businesses to focus their content efforts on.

Strategies for Creating Successful Online Courses

Experts recommend utilizing the following best practices when creating online courses:

• Conduct market research to identify in-demand topic areas worth investing in. Assess competing offerings.
• Design courses for the ideal student avatar – appeal directly to their goals and challenges.
• Structure content in digestible modules with learning objectives, assessments, and materials for each.
• Blend learning formats – video, readings, audio, graphics, live sessions etc. to cater to different learning styles.
• Include opportunities for teacher and peer engagement via discussion forums, messaging, or live Q&As.
• Provide downloadable resources like worksheets, infographics, or coding files students can refer back to.
• Leverage gamification elements like points, badges, and real-world scenarios to stimulate engagement.
• Make key concepts and takeaways action-oriented so students have clear next steps for applying learnings.
• Offer certificates of completion to document and validate course progress.

Incorporating the above strategies can help course creators succeed in the in-demand online learning space and deliver high value.

Stock Media – Photos, Videos, Templates, and More

Stock media refers to libraries of reusable photos, video clips, templates, illustrations, animations, and other digital assets licensed for commercial use. Here’s an overview of its immense buyer demand:

Flexible Licensing Models

Media licensing is offered on varied payment basis – subscriptions, per item, or bulk packages – suiting different usage needs and budgets.

High-Quality Assets

Stock libraries provide professionally created, high-res assets that enhance the production value of consumer projects or commercial applications.

Time Savings

Accessing ready-to-use stock media is exponentially faster than creating original assets from scratch. This efficiency appeals to buyers.

Regular New Additions

Libraries continually add new content across categories, styles, and trends – maintaining fresh selection for users.

Creative Inspiration

The wide range caters to diverse creative needs and provides a source of discovery and ideas.

Easy Management

Media organization features, like search, collections, and lightboxes, simplify finding and organizing assets for projects.

Legal Protection

Rights-cleared assets eliminate risks of claims for unauthorized usage, giving buyers peace of mind.

According to Grand View Research, the global digital asset management market size was valued at $4.16 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow 6.5% annually through 2030. Key statistics reflecting the ubiquity of stock media include:

• 81% of marketers say they actively use stock photos and videos in their marketing content. (Social Media Today)
• 78% of small businesses leverage templates for crafting digital documents and collateral. (Vistaprint)
• 67% of publishers have increased their use of stock imagery over original photography in the last 5 years. (Digiday)

Given how vital quality visuals are in marketing and design work, the demand for stock media will continue its sharp upward trajectory.

Most In-Demand Stock Media Types

While extensive variety exists, these specific stock media offerings are most sought after in today’s marketplace:

Photographs

• Lifestyle imagery – family, work, health, leisure
• Nature and landscape photos
• Business concepts – teamwork, meetings, technology
• Food and restaurant images
• Culturally diverse photos of people
• Hero images – impressive landscape and skylines

Video Footage

• Nature scenes
• Lifestyle moments – people walking, working, commuting
• Animated typography and motion graphics
• Product videos
• Looping background videos

Graphic Design Templates

• Logos
• Presentations
• Brochures, flyers, and graphics
• Website themes
• Social media assets
• Reports, manuals, and book covers

Illustrations and Vector Art

• Infographics and charts
• Conceptual images
• Cartoons and caricatures
• Icons and emoji
• Maps, blueprints, and diagrams

3D Models and Animation

• Characters
• Logos and text
• Product mockups
• Architectural models

Audio

• Background music
• Sound effects
• Voice-over recordings

Capitalizing on these in-demand categories with diverse, high-quality offerings can help stock media creators maximize value and earnings.

Strategies for Stock Media Success

These tips can help stock creators succeed in this flourishing digital product niche:

• Consistently add new content aligned with market needs and ingest user-generated keyword data to identify on-trendgaps.
• Curate visually appealing samples and collections around themes to inspire discovery.
• Tag assets thoroughly with relevant descriptive keywords and model info. Optimize for search.
• Provide assets in both high-res and compressed formats for flexible use.
• Ensure racial, cultural, gender, and age diversity in contributed content to provide representation.
• Bundle assets like templates, fonts, and graphics that complement each other for easy coordination.
• Organize a searchable and navigable library structure focused on user experience.
• Implement referral programs to incentivize existing users to invite new customers.
• Run seasonal sales and promotions around major events, holidays, awareness months etc.
• Foster an active user community through forums, contests, talking to customers etc. to spur engagement.

By differentiating offerings and crafting a stellar user experience, stock media creators can tap into the lucrative digital media market.

Software and Apps

The software and application industry has boomed with the reliance on computers and mobile devices for work, entertainment, shopping, socializing, and more. Let’s examine the factors driving software demand:

Enhanced Productivity

Specialized software provides features and automation to complete tasks faster and optimize workflows. This efficiency boost is highly valued.

Business Critical Systems

Software that handles key business functions like sales, project management, HR, payroll, metrics, and more are essential for operations.

Entertaining Experiences

Fun and engaging apps for gaming, live-streaming, messaging friends, killing time with quizzes or viral videos provide entertainment that consumers covet.

Simplified Processes

Apps that simplify everyday activities like personal finance, travel, fitness, dating, food delivery, or ride sharing add convenience that users crave.

Custom Solutions

Custom corporate software tailored to specific business needs provides solutions not supported out-of-the-box, creating competitive advantage.

Continuous Innovation

Frequent software updates and new feature releases keep programs relevant and add further appeal for users to upgrade.

Per Gartner, global IT spending on enterprise software alone is projected to grow 11% to $675 billion in 2022, indicating the massive scale of the software and apps landscape. Further evidence of growth includes:

• There are currently 5.4 million apps available between Apple and Android app stores. (Statista)
• 1 in 4 Americans say they cannot go a single day without their smartphone apps. (Salesforce)
• 80% of software companies already use data-driven insights from customer analytics to improve their product experiences and drive adoption. (Superwise.ai)

Software and apps will continue to proliferate across operating systems, platforms, and devices – creating prime opportunities for developers and publishers.

Top Software & App Categories in Demand

While apps exist for virtually every purpose, these categories demonstrate especially lucrative market potential:

Business Intelligence and Analytics

Platforms delivering real-time data and insights on critical business metrics have become a must-have for data-driven decision making.

Cybersecurity Solutions

Antivirus, data protection, and network security software is highly sought after by companies and consumers alike to guard against growing cyber threats.

Project Collaboration Tools

File sharing, task management, concurrent editing, and team communication apps that facilitate remote work coordination are ubiquitous.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

CRMs help businesses manage relationships and interactions across the customer lifecycle – from marketing automation to sales/service.

Human Resources (HR) Software

Tools addressing essential HR needs like recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and performance management are in demand from businesses of all sizes.

Educational Learning Apps

Fun, interactive games and programs focused on reading, writing, math, critical thinking, and academics appeal to parents seeking to boost their children’s skills.

Workflow Optimization Systems

Solutions like inventory management, POS systems, order processing, routing, and supply chain enable smooth business operations.

Assistants and Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots handling customer communications or personal assistants managing schedules, search, and task lists are in vogue.

Mobile Commerce Apps

Apps that enable shopping, banking, reservations, and easy payments on the go provide convenience that consumers love.

Recognizing these high-opportunity software niches can steer development decisions and investments toward promising segments.

Strategies for Software Developers

Experts recommend the following strategies for creating winning software products:

• Validate demand for an app’s purpose through customer surveys and analysis of target audience needs.
• Incorporate intuitive UX design principles focused on simplicity and ease of use, avoiding unnecessary complexities.
• Provide in-app guidance and tutorials to get users onboard quickly, reducing learning curves.
• Continuously A/B test with actual user groups and incorporate feedback to refine the app.
• Make adoption easy by distributing through major app marketplaces and facilitating seamless installs and onboarding.
• Plan an upgrade release roadmap to keep users engaged with new features.
• Pursue viral strategies like referral programs and social sharing options to gain momentum.
• Monitor ratings, reviews, and usage metrics closely to resolve issues quickly.
• Leverage push notifications judiciously to share relevant value without annoying