The Ultimate Guide to Making Money Online with Ebooks on Gumroad
Discover how to create, sell, and profit from digital products while building multiple income streams
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.
Turn your knowledge into digital products that generate passive income
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Introduction to Making Money with Ebooks
- Why Gumroad is Perfect for Digital Products
- Profitable Ebook Ideas Worth Selling
- Top Tools for Creating Professional Ebooks
- Double Your Income: Design Tools with Affiliate Programs
- Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Sellable Ebook
- Setting Up Your Gumroad Store for Maximum Profit
- Pricing Strategies That Actually Convert
- Marketing Your Ebook to Generate Sales
- Scaling Your Digital Product Business
- Real Success Stories: From $0 to $5,000+/Month
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Turn Your Knowledge Into an Easy Money Online Stream
Looking for legitimate online money earning sites that actually pay? While many platforms promise quick cash, creating and selling ebooks stands out as one of the most reliable things to sell to make money in the digital space. Unlike physical products, digital products like ebooks can be sold infinitely without additional production costs, making them perfect for anyone seeking easy money online.
Why Ebooks Are the Perfect Digital Product:
- Create once, sell infinitely (true passive income)
- No inventory, shipping, or manufacturing costs
- Complete creative control over content and pricing
- Works perfectly as a part time job with full-time income potential
- Establishes you as an authority in your field
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to transform your knowledge, skills, or passion into creative things to sell to make money through Gumroad, one of the most creator-friendly online money making sites available today.
Did you know? The global ebook market is projected to reach $38.4 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 18.7%. Even absolute beginners are tapping into this market to earn money online free fast and easy with minimal starting costs.
Gumroad makes it easy to sell digital products with minimal fees
Why Gumroad is the Perfect Platform for Online Money Earning
Among the many simple websites that make money for creators, Gumroad stands out for its simplicity, flexibility, and creator-friendly approach. Unlike other marketplaces, Gumroad lets you keep up to 96.5% of your sales revenue (minus payment processing fees), making it one of the most profitable online money earning websites.
Gumroad Advantages
- No monthly fees (just pay when you sell)
- Simple setup process (15 minutes or less)
- Built-in payment processing
- Customizable checkout pages
- Email marketing tools included
- Affiliate program capabilities
- Detailed analytics and customer data
Limitations to Consider
- Limited discovery features (requires external marketing)
- Fee structure (3.5% + 30¢ per transaction for Pro users)
- Basic email marketing (may need additional tools for advanced campaigns)
- Limited design customization for product pages
Gumroad has helped thousands of creators convert their expertise into high paying part time jobs. Many successful creators started with just a single ebook and expanded to multiple digital products, courses, and subscription offerings.
“I made over $5,000 in my first month selling my design guide on Gumroad. What started as a side project became my full-time income within 6 months.” – Sarah K., Graphic Designer
10 Most Profitable Items to Sell to Make Money on Gumroad
When choosing what kind of ebook to create, focus on profitable niches where people are actively seeking solutions. Here are ten proven ebook categories that consistently sell well on Gumroad:
- Personal Finance & Money Management – Guides on investing, saving, or debt reduction are perennial bestsellers, as people are always looking for ways to improve their financial situation.
- Specialized Professional Skills – Tutorials on in-demand skills like copywriting, social media management, or web development provide specific value that people will pay for.
- Wellness & Self-Improvement – Practical guides addressing specific problems like anxiety management, productivity, or personal growth resonate with many buyers.
- Creative Templates & Resources – Design templates, writing frameworks, or business starter kits save people time and serve as valuable things to sell to make money.
- Digital Marketing Strategies – Specific guides on growing an audience, SEO, or email marketing help people grow their online presence.
- Online Business Blueprints – Step-by-step guides to starting specific online businesses are popular among those seeking online money making sites.
- Specialized Recipe Collections – Niche cookbooks for specific diets (keto, plant-based, etc.) or cooking techniques perform well.
- Professional Development – Career guides for specific industries or advancement strategies are valuable to professionals seeking growth.
- Specialized Fitness Programs – Workout plans for specific goals or demographics provide targeted value beyond free content.
- Tech Tutorials & Guides – Simplified explanations of complex software or technology can save people hours of frustration.
Pro Tip: The most successful ebooks solve specific problems rather than offering general knowledge. For example, “How to Land Your First $5,000 Freelance Writing Client in 30 Days” will sell better than “How to Become a Freelance Writer.”
Top Tools for Creating Professional Ebooks (Your Easy Things to Sell to Make Money)
Creating a professional-looking ebook is essential for commanding premium prices. These tools help you design high-quality ebooks even if you have no design experience:
Drag-and-drop ebook design tools make creating professional publications easy
Canva Free Plan Available
The most user-friendly option for beginners with hundreds of professional templates.
Best for: Visual-heavy ebooks, workbooks, and guides with minimal technical knowledge required.
Designrr From $27/month
Specialized ebook creation software that can transform blog posts, PDFs, or videos into polished ebooks.
Best for: Repurposing existing content and creating professional multi-format ebooks (PDF, EPUB, MOBI).
Learn More About DesignrrBookBolt From $9.99/month
All-in-one platform for creating and selling low-content books like journals, planners, and workbooks.
Best for: Low-content books and specialized tools for Amazon KDP publishing.
Try BookBolt NowGoogle Docs + Convertkit
Simple yet effective combination for text-heavy ebooks with formatting capabilities.
Best for: Text-focused ebooks where content matters more than elaborate design.
Sqribble
Cloud-based ebook creator with 50+ templates and automatic content generation.
Best for: Quick ebook creation with automated content features.
| Tool | Price | Best Features | Ideal For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BookBolt | From $9.99/mo | Low-content book templates, KDP integration, cover creator | Journals, planners, workbooks | Try Now |
| Canva | Free – $12.99/mo | Drag-and-drop interface, huge template library | Visual-heavy ebooks, guides | Try Now |
| Designrr | From $27/mo | Content import, automatic formatting | Repurposing blog content | Learn More |
Double Your Income: Design Tools with Affiliate Programs (Extra Online Money Earning Stream)
Here’s where things get interesting: many of the tools you’ll use to create your ebooks also offer generous affiliate programs. This creates a second income stream where you can earn money online free fast and easy by recommending the tools you already use.
Designrr is one of the most powerful ebook creation tools available for content creators. It can automatically convert blog posts, PDFs, Word documents, and even videos into beautifully formatted ebooks with just a few clicks.
Key Features:
- Import content from blogs, Word documents, PDFs
- Convert YouTube videos to text and ebooks
- Multiple professional templates included
- Export to PDF, EPUB, Kindle formats
- Automatic table of contents generation
Note: I’m currently awaiting approval for the Designrr affiliate program. Check back soon for an exclusive affiliate link that will provide you with special offers!
Top Ebook Design Tools with Lucrative Affiliate Programs:
1. Designrr Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 50% recurring commission (up to $24.50 per month per customer)
- Cookie Duration: 90 days
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Minimum Payout: $50
- Why It’s Great: High commission rate, recurring payments, and a product that solves a real problem
2. Canva Affiliate Program
Note: Canva’s affiliate program is not currently accepting new applications until May 2025.
- Commission Rate: $36 for each new Canva Pro user
- Cookie Duration: 30 days
- Payment Method: PayPal or bank transfer
- Minimum Payout: $20
- Why It’s Great: Well-known brand with high conversion rates
3. BookBolt Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 25% commission on all sales
- Cookie Duration: 60 days
- Payment Method: PayPal
- Minimum Payout: $25
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for KDP publishers and low-content book creators
By mentioning these tools in your ebook or on your website, you can create a passive income stream through affiliate commissions while helping your audience find quality tools.
Affiliate Strategy Tip: Create a “Tools I Use” section in your ebook or a dedicated resource page on your website where you can include your affiliate links. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain trust with your audience.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Sellable Ebook (Turning Knowledge into Things to Sell to Make Money)
Step 1: Choose a Specific, In-Demand Topic
Research topics where people are actively searching for solutions and willing to pay for them.
- Use tools like Amazon bestseller lists, Quora, Reddit, or Google Trends to identify popular topics
- Look for specific problems people need solved rather than general topics
- Validate your idea by checking if similar products are already selling well
Step 2: Create a Detailed Outline
Map out your ebook structure before writing to ensure a logical flow and comprehensive coverage.
- List all major sections and subsections
- Include specific actionable takeaways for each section
- Identify any worksheets, templates, or bonus materials to include
Step 3: Write Your First Draft
Focus on getting your ideas down without worrying about perfection.
- Set a consistent writing schedule (even 30 minutes daily adds up quickly)
- Write in a conversational, accessible tone
- Include practical examples, case studies, and actionable advice
- Focus on delivering genuine value rather than page count
Step 4: Design Your Ebook
Use one of the tools mentioned earlier to create a professional, visually appealing design.
- Choose a consistent color scheme and typography
- Include visual elements like charts, images, or infographics where appropriate
- Create chapter dividers and a professional cover
- Ensure readability on multiple devices
Creating professional-looking ebooks is easier than ever with BookBolt’s intuitive design tools. Perfect for creating low-content books like journals, planners, and workbooks that sell continuously on platforms like Amazon KDP.
- Professional templates ready to customize
- Interior generator for different book types
- Cover designer with thousands of assets
- Direct publishing to Amazon KDP
Step 5: Edit and Refine
Polish your content for maximum clarity and professionalism.
- Self-edit for clarity, conciseness, and flow
- Consider hiring a professional editor (services start at $50-200 depending on length)
- Have beta readers review your ebook and provide feedback
- Check formatting consistency across all sections
Step 6: Add Value Boosters
Enhance perceived value with additional elements that complement your ebook.
- Include templates, worksheets, or checklists
- Add a resources section with recommended tools (including your affiliate links)
- Consider recording a short companion video or audio file
- Create a beautiful cover that stands out in thumbnails
Step 7: Export in Multiple Formats
Make your ebook accessible to readers regardless of their preferred device.
- PDF (universal format for all devices)
- EPUB (better for e-readers like Kobo, Nook)
- MOBI (for Kindle users)
Time-Saving Tip: If writing isn’t your strength or you’re short on time, consider using AI writing assistants like ChatGPT to help create your first draft. Just be sure to thoroughly edit and personalize the content with your unique insights and experiences.
Gumroad’s intuitive dashboard makes setting up your product page simple
Setting Up Your Gumroad Store for Maximum Profit (Your Simple Website That Makes Money)
Creating your Gumroad account is free and takes just minutes, but these strategic setup tips will help you maximize sales and conversions:
Step 1: Create Your Professional Gumroad Account
- Sign up at gumroad.com with your email address
- Complete your profile with a professional photo and bio
- Connect your payment method (PayPal or direct deposit)
- Set up your tax information (required before receiving payments)
Step 2: Set Up Your Product Page
Your product page is your sales page – make it compelling:
- Create an attention-grabbing headline that highlights the main benefit
- Write a persuasive product description focusing on problems solved and benefits
- Include high-quality preview images or a video walkthrough
- Add testimonials or reviews if you have them (or add them later)
- List everything included in the purchase (main ebook + any bonuses)
Step 3: Upload Your Ebook Files
- Upload all formats of your ebook (PDF, EPUB, MOBI)
- Include any bonus materials as separate files
- Set download options and file access permissions
- Add cover images at the recommended dimensions (1280x720px)
Step 4: Set Up Strategic Pricing
- Research competitor pricing for similar products
- Consider offering tiered pricing options (e.g., Basic, Premium, Ultimate)
- Set up “pay what you want” with a minimum price if appropriate
- Offer a limited-time launch discount to generate initial sales and reviews
Step 5: Configure Your Email Settings
- Customize the purchase confirmation email
- Set up a welcome sequence for new customers
- Create an email opt-in to build your mailing list
- Write follow-up emails to encourage reviews and shares
Step 6: Set Up Your Affiliate Program
- Enable the Gumroad affiliate program for your product
- Set competitive commission rates (25-50% is common for digital products)
- Create affiliate resources (promotional images, sample text)
- Reach out to potential affiliates in your niche
Conversion Booster: Enable the “Offer a sample” feature on Gumroad to let potential customers preview a portion of your ebook before purchasing. This builds trust and increases conversion rates.
Pricing Strategies That Actually Convert (Maximize Your Online Money Earning)
Pricing your ebook correctly is crucial for maximizing both sales volume and revenue. Here are proven pricing strategies:
The Value-Based Pricing Formula
Instead of pricing based on length or comparison to other ebooks, focus on the value your ebook provides:
- Problem Cost x Solution Value = Maximum Price Point
- Example: If your ebook helps freelancers land clients worth $5,000, charging $97 represents tremendous value
Effective Pricing Models for Ebooks:
1. Tiered Pricing Packages
Offer multiple pricing options to capture different customer segments:
- Basic: Ebook only ($19-29)
- Premium: Ebook + templates/worksheets ($39-59)
- Ultimate: Ebook + templates + video tutorials + coaching call ($97-197)
This strategy increases your average order value as many customers will choose the middle option.
2. Tripwire + Upsell Model
Start with a low-priced offer to acquire customers, then upsell higher-ticket items:
- Offer a mini-ebook or starter guide at a low price ($7-12)
- Immediately after purchase, offer your complete solution at a special discount
- Follow up with additional complementary products via email
3. The Premium Pricing Strategy
Position your ebook as a premium solution with premium pricing:
- Price significantly higher than competitors ($97-297)
- Justify with enhanced content, design, bonuses, and guarantees
- Focus marketing on serious buyers who value results over price
- Include personalized elements to justify the premium (consultations, feedback)
Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid:
- Underpricing: Many beginners price too low (under $10), which signals low value
- Pricing by page count: A 30-page ebook that solves a valuable problem is worth more than a 200-page book of general information
- Not testing different price points: Experiment with A/B testing to find your optimal price
- Offering too many discounts: This trains customers to wait for sales rather than paying full price
Psychological Pricing Tip: Price your ebook at $27 instead of $25 or $29 instead of $30. Research shows that non-rounded numbers are perceived as more thoughtfully priced and can increase conversions by up to 8%.
Marketing Your Ebook to Generate Sales (Turn Your Ebook into Easy Money Online)
Even the best ebook won’t sell itself. Here’s how to market your ebook effectively to drive consistent sales:
1. Build a Pre-Launch Email List
- Create a “coming soon” page with a free sample chapter opt-in
- Offer early-bird pricing to subscribers
- Share behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation
- Use tools like ConvertKit or MailerLite to manage your email list
2. Leverage Content Marketing
- Write guest posts for popular blogs in your niche
- Create a series of blog posts addressing topics related to your ebook
- Share valuable tips on social media with links to your ebook
- Create a free mini-version of your ebook as a lead magnet
3. Harness the Power of Social Proof
- Offer review copies to influencers in your niche
- Collect and display testimonials prominently
- Share screenshots of positive feedback and results
- Create case studies featuring successful customers
4. Create a Strategic Launch Plan
- Announce a specific launch date to create urgency
- Offer limited-time bonuses or early-bird pricing
- Create a launch-week content series (blog posts, live videos, podcasts)
- Follow up with non-buyers to address objections
5. Expand Your Reach with Partnerships
- Recruit affiliates to promote your ebook for a commission
- Collaborate with complementary creators for bundle deals
- Appear as a guest on podcasts in your niche
- Partner with organizations or communities that serve your target audience
6. Utilize Paid Advertising Strategically
- Start with small budgets on platforms where your audience is active
- Create retargeting campaigns for website visitors who didn’t purchase
- Test different ad creatives and copy to optimize conversion rates
- Focus on building your email list first, then selling to subscribers
The 30-Day Launch Formula:
Days 1-10
Build anticipation with teaser content and collect email subscribers
Days 11-20
Share specific benefits, testimonials from beta readers, and behind-the-scenes content
Days 21-25
Announce early-bird pricing and special launch bonuses
Days 26-30
Official launch with daily emails, social media posts, and a live Q&A session
Post-Launch
Follow up with non-buyers, collect testimonials, and adjust marketing based on feedback
Marketing Hack: Create a free “lite” version of your ebook that provides genuine value but leaves readers wanting more. Distribute this widely on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, and relevant communities with a clear call-to-action for the full version.
Scaling Your Digital Product Business (From Side Hustle to High Paying Part Time Job)
Once you’ve successfully launched your first ebook, here’s how to scale your digital product business for increased revenue:
1. Create a Product Ecosystem
- Develop complementary products that solve related problems
- Create different formats (audio courses, video tutorials, templates)
- Bundle existing products for higher-ticket offers
- Set up cross-promotion between your products
2. Implement Automation Systems
- Set up automated email sequences for each product
- Create systems for customer support and engagement
- Automate social media promotion with scheduling tools
- Develop templates for product creation to speed up future launches
3. Expand Your Distribution Channels
- Consider additional platforms like Amazon KDP
- Create licensing options for businesses or educational institutions
- Translate your ebook into other languages to reach new markets
- Partner with course platforms or membership sites
4. Build Recurring Revenue Streams
- Offer subscription-based content updates or community access
- Create a membership site with exclusive content
- Develop software tools or apps related to your expertise
- Offer coaching or consulting packages for premium clients
5. Optimize for Maximum Profitability
- Analyze customer data to identify high-converting traffic sources
- Test different pricing strategies and offers
- Refine your sales funnels based on conversion data
- Outsource time-consuming tasks to focus on high-value activities
Scaling Secret: The fastest way to scale is not always creating more products—it’s optimizing your marketing for existing products. A well-optimized sales funnel can double or triple your revenue without creating any new content.
Real Success Stories: From $0 to $5,000+/Month with Online Money Making Sites
Case Study #1: Michael’s Financial Freedom Blueprint
Niche: Personal Finance for Millennials
Product: “Debt Destroyer: The 90-Day Plan to Financial Freedom”
Price Point: $37 (Basic), $67 (Premium with spreadsheets), $197 (Ultimate with coaching call)
Marketing Strategy: Built an audience on YouTube with practical finance tips, then directed viewers to a free calculator tool that collected email addresses
Results: Generated $8,700 in the first month and now averages $5,200/month in passive income with minimal ongoing work
Key Insight: “Building trust before selling was crucial. I gave away 80% of my best content for free, which made selling the remaining 20% much easier.”
Case Study #2: Jennifer’s Design Template Empire
Niche: Graphic Design Templates for Small Businesses
Product: “The Ultimate Social Media Template Bundle” (collection of 200+ templates)
Price Point: $29 (Single use), $59 (Commercial license)
Marketing Strategy: Offered 5 free templates via Pinterest, built email list, launched to subscribers with early-bird pricing
Results: After six months of consistent marketing, now generates $3,800-$4,500 monthly in passive income
Key Insight: “Creating the templates once and selling them repeatedly has been life-changing. I work about 5 hours per week maintaining the business and creating occasional new templates.”
Case Study #3: David’s Technical Skills Academy
Niche: Programming Skills for Non-Technical Professionals
Product: “Python for Busy Professionals: Learn to Automate Your Work in 21 Days”
Price Point: $89 (ebook + code examples), $249 (+ video tutorials and community access)
Marketing Strategy: Created free mini-course on LinkedIn, offered exclusive bonuses for early adopters
Results: Started with just 37 sales in month one ($3,293), scaled to $12,000+ monthly with expanded product line
Key Insight: “The real breakthrough came when I started focusing on specific pain points rather than general ‘learn to code’ messaging. People don’t want to learn Python—they want to automate tedious tasks and advance their careers.”
“What all these success stories have in common isn’t luck or special connections—it’s identifying specific problems, creating valuable solutions, and consistently implementing proven marketing strategies.” – Gumroad founder Sahil Lavingia
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Money Online with Ebooks
Earnings vary widely based on your niche, marketing efforts, and product quality. Successful creators earn anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ monthly from a single ebook. The average successful ebook generates $1,000-$3,000 per month once properly marketed.
No special technical skills are required. If you can use basic word processing software, you can create an ebook. Tools like Canva and Designrr make the design process accessible to complete beginners with drag-and-drop interfaces.
Focus on solving the problem completely rather than hitting a specific page count. Successful ebooks range from 30 to 200+ pages. Many top-selling ebooks are relatively short (40-60 pages) but packed with practical, actionable information.
While you can’t completely prevent piracy, you can reduce it by using Gumroad’s built-in security features, watermarking your PDF, and focusing on creating such high value that customers want to support you. Remember that pirates were unlikely to be paying customers anyway.
No, many successful ebook sellers start with zero audience. You can build an audience alongside your product development or leverage existing platforms and communities where your target customers already gather.
Selling ebooks provides higher profit margins than physical products, requires no inventory management, and creates truly passive income once the initial creation and marketing are complete. Unlike freelancing or consulting, your income isn’t directly tied to your time.
You don’t need to be the world’s foremost expert, but you should be knowledgeable enough to provide genuine value. Many successful ebooks are written by people who document their journey learning something and help others avoid the mistakes they made.
You can start with $0 by using content marketing, email outreach, and community engagement. As you start generating sales, reinvest 20-30% into paid advertising to scale more quickly.
Ready to Start Your Ebook Journey?
Creating and selling ebooks on Gumroad is one of the most accessible ways to start earning passive income online. With no technical barriers to entry and minimal startup costs, it’s the perfect part time job that can grow into a full-time income stream.
Remember: The key to success isn’t just creating an ebook—it’s creating a valuable solution to a specific problem, packaging it professionally, and marketing it effectively to the right audience.
Start with one high-quality ebook, focus on genuinely helping your readers, and you could be just 30 days away from your first online money earning success story.
Ready to create your first low-content book? BookBolt makes it easy to design and publish profitable journals, planners, and workbooks.
Get Started with BookBolt Today