A digital product is a file or online resource delivered electronically, such as an e-book, worksheet or template. Begin with a real reader need and a clear outcome. Avoid building a product only because a platform makes publishing easy.

1. Describe one intended reader and the task they want to complete.
2. Ask whether you have enough knowledge and sources to help accurately.
3. Write a short promise that the product can deliver.
4. Check competing resources and identify a real gap without copying them.

Exercise: Write a product brief for a one-page checklist or short guide. Name the reader, use case, evidence and what the product will not cover.

Outline the steps in the order a reader will use them. Use short sections, descriptive headings, examples and a concise recap. Text-heavy e-books often benefit from reflowable layouts that adapt to screen size; highly visual work may need fixed pages. Add meaningful alternative text for informative images and maintain a logical reading order.

1. Draft the content before decorating it.
2. Check claims and cite sources, including permissions for quoted or visual material.
3. Use consistent heading styles and sufficient contrast.
4. Ask a reader unfamiliar with the topic to follow the instructions.

Canva and word processors can help create multi-page documents, but export behavior can differ from the editable original. Plan a validation pass for the final format.

Exercise: Create a 4-section outline and test one page on a phone-size screen. Ask whether headings, images and instructions remain clear.

Export for the distribution channel and test on an actual reader or preview tool. Amazon KDP accepts EPUB and DOC/DOCX among other formats and recommends checking conversion with Kindle Previewer; PDF support for Kindle e-books is limited to specified languages. Gumroad’s published pricing lists transaction fees that vary between direct/profile sales and Discover marketplace sales. Platform terms and fees can change.

1. Read the current file specifications for your chosen channel.
2. Export the expected format and open it on more than one screen size when possible.
3. Check links, table of contents, page breaks, image descriptions and text flow.
4. Calculate likely proceeds only after verifying current fees, territory, taxes, delivery costs and eligibility.
5. Keep a source file and versioned final export.

Mini-project: Create a short practical guide or workbook with a clear audience, original instructions, sources, accessible headings and a tested final PDF/EPUB. Add a launch checklist with cost and terms verification; do not predict sales.

Revision: Reader need before product. Outline before design. Accessibility and rights matter. Test exported file. Royalties depend on eligibility, costs and actual sales.