How to Start a Digital Asset Store Business (2025 Guide)
Want to create digital products once and earn from them repeatedly? A digital asset store could be your path to passive income. Whether you’re a designer, photographer, or creative person, you can build a business selling digital items that customers download and use.
As mentioned in our complete guide to work-from-home businesses, digital asset creation offers excellent passive income potential. While it takes work upfront, your products can continue selling for months or years.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital assets are downloadable items that others use in their projects:
- Design templates
- Website themes
- Graphics and icons
- Fonts and typography
- Audio and music files
5 Popular Types of Digital Assets
Here are the most profitable digital assets to create:
1. Design Templates
Ready-to-use designs for:
- Social media posts
- Presentations
- Marketing materials
- Email newsletters
- Website elements
2. Graphics and Elements
Visual assets including:
- Icon sets
- Illustration packs
- Logo templates
- Background patterns
- Frame collections
3. Website Resources
Digital items for web design:
- WordPress themes
- Landing page templates
- UI kits
- CSS templates
- Website graphics
4. Creative Tools
Resources for other creators:
- Font collections
- Photoshop actions
- Lightroom presets
- Procreate brushes
- Vector packs
5. Audio Assets
Sound-based products:
- Music tracks
- Sound effects
- Audio transitions
- Voice-over templates
- Podcast elements
Getting Started (Quick Guide)
Starting your digital asset store requires planning:
1. Choose Your Platforms
Popular marketplaces:
- Creative Market
- Etsy Digital
- ThemeForest
- Design Cuts
- Your own website
2. Set Your Prices
Common pricing structures:
- Single items: $5-25
- Bundle packs: $27-97
- Premium items: $47-197
- Extended licenses: $100+
- Commercial use: Custom
3. Essential Tools
Basic tools needed:
- Design software
- File management system
- Screenshot tools
- Preview creators
- Documentation tools
Success Tips for Beginners
Follow these guidelines:
- Start with one asset type
- Create detailed previews
- Write clear descriptions
- Provide good documentation
- Listen to customer feedback
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Poor quality control
- Weak documentation
- Unclear licensing terms
- Insufficient previews
- Wrong file formats
Quick Start Action Steps
Your first week plan:
- Choose your asset type
- Research top sellers
- Create first product
- Prepare documentation
- Set up shop
Where to Sell Digital Assets
Popular platforms include:
Design Marketplaces:
- Creative Market
- Design Cuts
- UI8.net
- GraphicRiver
- Elements Envato
General Platforms:
- Etsy
- Gumroad
- SendOwl
- Payhip
- Your own website
What’s Next?
Tools and Resources:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Figma
- Sketch
- Canva Pro
- Font creation tools
Platform-Specific Tips:
- Study best sellers
- Read platform guides
- Join creator communities
- Follow submission guidelines
- Learn platform SEO
Pro Tip: Combine your digital assets with graphic design servicesor create assets for social media managers to increase your income!
Want to create educational content? Check out our guide on online teaching to expand your product line!
Have questions about starting your digital asset store? Drop them in the comments below!
This post was last updated on February 13, 2025, to ensure all information is current and accurate.