Feeling Overwhelmed by Tech? Here’s How to Start a Side Hustle Without the Headaches

“What platform do I use?”
“What’s a landing page?”
“How do I set up an online store?”

If you’ve ever Googled those questions and ended up closing the tab five minutes later, you’re not alone. One of the biggest pain points for aspiring side hustlers is feeling completely overwhelmed by tech and tools.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a tech wizard to build a successful side hustle in 2024. In fact, with today’s beginner-friendly tools and plug-and-play systems, you can launch your business without coding, complex software, or a graphic design degree.

Let’s walk through how to simplify the tech side of your business—and how The Side Hustle Starter Kit™ can help you launch faster, smarter, and with total confidence.

Why Tech Stops So Many Side Hustles Before They Start

Most new entrepreneurs hit a wall as soon as they start researching how to actually set up their business. Questions start flying:

  • Do I need a website?
  • Should I sell on Etsy or Gumroad?
  • What’s a domain?
  • How do I take payments?
  • Do I need email marketing from day one?

And suddenly, your simple idea becomes a complicated project.

This leads to tech overwhelm—that feeling of being frozen because there are just too many options and too many steps you don’t understand.

You Don’t Need to Learn Everything to Get Started

Here’s the truth:
You only need to learn the minimum viable setup to get your first sale.

You can skip the bells and whistles (like fancy branding, full websites, or expensive software) and instead focus on tools designed specifically for beginners.

Some of the easiest platforms for non-techies include:

  • Canva – for designing logos, product images, PDFs, and social content
  • Gumroad – for selling digital products with zero upfront cost
  • Shopify (Starter Plan) – for easy e-commerce setups
  • Podia – for selling digital downloads and courses with drag-and-drop simplicity
  • ConvertKit or MailerLite – beginner-friendly email marketing platforms with free tiers

These platforms take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters: building your product and connecting with your audience.

The Secret Weapon: The Side Hustle Starter Kit™ 🧰

Launch your side hustle without getting lost in the tech.

The Side Hustle Starter Kit™ was built specifically for beginners who feel overwhelmed by the tech side of things. Whether you’re starting a digital shop, selling printables, or launching an eBook, this kit walks you through everything step by step—with no jargon, no guesswork, and no coding required.

Here’s what makes the Starter Kit a game-changer:

Beginner-Friendly Tool List – No more wondering what platform to use. You get a breakdown of exactly which tools are easiest, why they’re helpful, and how to set them up.
Step-by-Step Launch Guide – Clear instructions that help you go from idea to launch—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Templates That Do the Work for You – From product planners to store set-up checklists and branding worksheets, you get resources that save hours of trial and error.
No Overwhelm, Just Clarity – The kit is designed to cut through the noise and keep you focused on what matters most in your first 7 days.

Whether you’re tech-anxious or just busy, this kit makes getting started feel easy—and even fun.

Skip the Confusion and Start with Confidence

Still wondering how to start your side hustle without all the tech stress? Here’s a simple roadmap:

🛠 Step 1: Choose one platform to start with

If you’re selling digital products, Gumroad or Etsy is perfect for beginners. Both are low-cost and don’t require a custom website.

🎨 Step 2: Use Canva to create your digital product

Canva’s free templates make it easy to design printables, guides, planners, and more—even if you’re not a designer.

🛍 Step 3: Upload and launch

Once your product is ready, upload it to your chosen platform, set a price, and hit publish. Don’t worry about fancy branding or a perfect store layout—done is better than perfect.

💌 Step 4: Start building visibility

Share your offer on Pinterest, Instagram, or in Facebook groups. You don’t need to be on every platform—just start with one and be consistent.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be a Tech Expert to Start a Side Hustle

You don’t need to learn everything. You don’t need to build the perfect store. And you definitely don’t need to waste weeks Googling how to set things up.

You just need a system that’s already laid out for you—like The Side Hustle Starter Kit™—to help you get started without the overwhelm.

Ready to Launch with Less Tech Stress?

Grab your copy of The Side Hustle Starter Kit™ today and get:

  • A simplified tool stack for non-techies
  • Step-by-step instructions for setting up your store
  • Templates to save time and energy
  • Total confidence to move from idea to income—without getting stuck

👉 Click here to download The Side Hustle Starter Kit™ now

Launch your dream business the easy way. No tech headaches, no confusion—just clear, actionable steps made for beginners like you.

Design Software for Digital Products: Why Tools Like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud Are Game-Changers for Online Entrepreneurs

In the world of online business, visuals matter. A lot. Whether you’re designing digital planners, creating social media content, building online courses, or publishing eBooks, the way your content looks can make or break your brand. That’s why using high-quality design software is essential to standing out, building credibility, and ultimately making sales.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the best design software for creating and selling digital products. We’ll highlight the pros and cons of top tools like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud, and help you choose the right one for your creative needs. If you’re looking for how to design digital products online that are both beautiful and on-brand, keep reading.

Why You Need Great Design Software for Digital Products

Selling digital products is all about delivering value in a visually appealing format. You want your customers to enjoy the look and feel of your content—whether it’s a planner, workbook, template, or ebook.

Here’s why the right design tool is non-negotiable:

  • Professionalism: Good design elevates your brand and builds trust.
  • Customization: You need tools that let you personalize every element.
  • Efficiency: Speed up content creation with templates and user-friendly features.
  • Consistency: Maintain a cohesive brand identity across all products and platforms.
  • User Experience: Visually pleasing designs keep your audience engaged and more likely to take action.

If you’re wondering how to design digital products online that convert, it starts with having the right tools.

Canva: The Beginner-Friendly Powerhouse

Canva is a favorite among online entrepreneurs, influencers, and content creators. Its drag-and-drop interface, vast template library, and intuitive tools make it easy for anyone—even those without design experience—to create stunning digital products.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily create and edit designs with no tech skills.
  • Thousands of Templates: From planners to social media graphics and more.
  • Brand Kit: Upload logos, fonts, and brand colors for consistent content.
  • Magic Resize: Instantly reformat designs for different platforms.
  • Collaboration Tools: Share designs with your team or VA in real-time.

Best For:

  • Digital product creators (ebooks, workbooks, journals, templates)
  • Social media marketers
  • Bloggers and course creators
  • Beginners who want pro-level results without the learning curve

Why Canva Is Great for Selling Digital Products

Canva helps you create content that looks professional without hiring a designer. Its template-based system is perfect for fast and consistent design. Whether you’re creating printables, lead magnets, or product mockups, Canva makes the process smooth and efficient.

Plus, with Canva Pro, you get access to premium features like:

  • 100+ million stock photos and graphics
  • One-click background remover
  • Animation features for videos and reels
  • Download options in multiple formats (PDF, PNG, JPG)

For entrepreneurs learning how to design digital products online, Canva offers the perfect combination of ease and impact.

Adobe Creative Cloud: The Professional Design Suite

Adobe Creative Cloud is the gold standard in design software. It includes industry-leading apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more. While it has a steeper learning curve, it offers unmatched power and precision.

Key Tools in Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Perfect for editing photos and creating web graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Ideal for vector-based designs like logos and icons.
  • Adobe InDesign: Great for designing ebooks, digital magazines, and brochures.
  • Adobe Express: A simpler, web-based tool for fast content creation.

Best For:

  • Graphic designers and advanced users
  • Businesses needing complete creative control
  • High-end product creators
  • Brands with complex visual requirements

Why Adobe Creative Cloud Is Worth It

Adobe tools allow for maximum customization. If you’re creating premium digital products or building a creative business, Adobe’s flexibility and detail make it worth the investment. Whether you’re designing a multi-page ebook or intricate planner layout, Adobe gives you the creative freedom to bring your vision to life.

Canva vs. Adobe: Which Should You Choose?

Let’s break it down to help you decide.

FeatureCanvaAdobe Creative Cloud
Skill LevelBeginnerIntermediate to Advanced
PricingFree plan; Pro is affordableSubscription-based; more expensive
TemplatesExtensive, ready-to-useLimited; mostly custom-built
CollaborationEasy sharing and team accessAvailable, but less intuitive
FlexibilityLimited to Canva ecosystemFull creative control
Use CasesSocial media, ebooks, templatesComplex designs, print, professional branding

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, coach, or beginner digital product seller, Canva is probably all you need. But if you’re building a creative agency or want full design control, Adobe Creative Cloud is your go-to.

How to Design Digital Products Online That Sell

No matter which tool you use, the goal is the same: create high-quality digital products that attract and convert. Here are some pro tips:

1. Start with Templates

Both Canva and Adobe offer templates. Starting with a pre-designed layout saves time and provides a structure for your content.

2. Stick to Your Brand

Use consistent colors, fonts, and logo placement. Canva’s Brand Kit feature makes this easy. In Adobe, save your brand settings as styles for repeat use.

3. Focus on User Experience

Design with your customer in mind. Is the layout easy to follow? Are headings clear? Are call-to-action buttons obvious?

4. Use High-Quality Images and Icons

Don’t skimp on visuals. Canva Pro gives you access to premium stock photos. Adobe users can rely on Adobe Stock or external sources.

5. Export in the Right Format

For digital downloads like ebooks and planners, PDFs are usually best. Ensure your file is optimized for both web and print (Canva makes this super easy).

6. Create Mockups

Use Canva or Photoshop to create product mockups that make your digital products look irresistible on your website and Etsy shop.

SEO Tips: How to Rank for “How to Design Digital Products Online”

To ensure your content is seen by the right people, use SEO best practices. Here are a few keyword-focused strategies:

  • Use the keyword “how to design digital products online” in your title, intro, subheadings, and conclusion.
  • Include variations like “best design software for digital products”, “Canva for digital planners”, and “how to use Canva to create templates”.
  • Optimize images with keyword-rich file names and alt text.
  • Link internally to other related posts or product pages.
  • End with a strong call to action to encourage engagement and shares.

Final Thoughts: Your Design Tool Is Your Creative Superpower

In the world of online business, visuals speak louder than words. If you want to succeed in selling digital products, investing in the right design software is a no-brainer.

Canva is perfect for beginners who want fast, beautiful results without the learning curve. It’s affordable, user-friendly, and packed with time-saving tools.

Adobe Creative Cloud, on the other hand, is for entrepreneurs who want total creative freedom. It offers unmatched design precision and is ideal for complex, high-end projects.

No matter which tool you choose, the most important step is to start creating. Practice, experiment, and refine your process as you go. Your next bestselling digital product might be just one Canva or Photoshop file away.

Ready to start designing your own digital products? Whether you choose Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud, you’re setting yourself up for success with the right tools in hand. Start today and bring your creative vision to life!