How to Start a Side Hustle When You Have No Time or Energy

“I’m working full-time, raising kids… when am I supposed to hustle?”

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re not lazy or unmotivated.

You’re busy. Life is full. Between work, errands, school drop-offs, laundry piles, and trying to squeeze in a few minutes of downtime, it’s easy to feel like there’s simply no room left for a side hustle.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need hours a day or endless energy to start building something of your own.
You just need a smart strategy—and the right kind of side hustle.

In this post, we’re diving into how to overcome the “I have no time” hurdle and sharing why selling digital products is one of the best low-effort side hustle options for busy people. Plus, we’ll show you how to get started for free with our downloadable beginner-friendly guide.

Why Time and Energy Are the Real Struggles for Side Hustlers

When people think about starting a side business, they often imagine:

  • Hustling into the late-night hours
  • Working weekends
  • Giving up family time or self-care

And honestly, that sounds exhausting.

The truth is, most traditional side hustle advice assumes you have hours to spare or that you’re willing to “grind” 24/7. But for many of us—especially working parents or full-time employees—that just isn’t realistic.

Here’s what you really need:

  • A side hustle that doesn’t drain you
  • Flexible, bite-sized tasks
  • A way to build momentum with just 30 minutes a day

That’s exactly what selling digital products allows you to do.

The Best Side Hustle for People with Limited Time: Digital Products

If you’re short on time, selling digital products is one of the most accessible, beginner-friendly, and low-maintenance side hustle options out there.

Why Digital Products Work for Busy People:

Create Once, Sell Forever
No packaging, shipping, or inventory. Once your product is created, it can sell 24/7—even while you sleep.

Low Startup Time
You can design and launch a simple product (like a checklist, planner, or printable) in just a few hours using tools like Canva.

Zero Delivery Hassles
Everything is automated. Your customer buys it, downloads it, and you get paid—no follow-up required.

Works Around Your Life
You can build your business in short, focused sprints: during lunch breaks, while the kids nap, or after dinner.

What Can You Sell as a Digital Product?

Here are a few low-effort ideas to get your wheels turning:

  • Printable planners or journals
  • Budget trackers
  • Meal prep templates
  • Kids’ chore charts or activity sheets
  • Canva templates for social media or business use
  • Affirmation cards or mindset tools
  • Digital guides or mini eBooks
  • Teacher resources or classroom tools (great if you’re an educator!)

And guess what? You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create these. Tools like Canva make it incredibly easy—even for total beginners.

Take the First Step: Download the Free Guide

👉 Free Guide: How to Sell Digital Products Online

If you’re wondering where to begin, this free downloadable guide walks you through:

✔ What digital products are easiest to create
✔ The top platforms to sell them (like Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify)
✔ How to price and package your product
✔ Time-saving tools and resources for beginners
✔ The secret to building passive income—without burnout

This guide is perfect for busy people who want to start small, stay consistent, and build something meaningful over time.

You Don’t Need Hours—You Need a Plan

The biggest myth about starting a side hustle is that it requires a huge time commitment. The truth? Small, focused steps add up fast when you have a clear plan.

Here’s how to get started—even if your schedule is packed:

🕒 Step 1: Choose a simple idea

Pick a digital product you can create in 1–2 hours max. Think: a printable checklist, a 5-page guide, or a planner page.

✍️ Step 2: Design it in Canva

Use a pre-made template to save time. Customize it with your brand colors, a clear title, and simple instructions.

🛒 Step 3: Upload it to a platform

Start selling with easy platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Payhip. They handle payments and delivery automatically.

📣 Step 4: Promote it in 10 minutes a day

Post on Pinterest, Instagram, or share in a Facebook group. One post a day builds visibility over time.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Start a Side Hustle—Even With a Busy Life

You don’t need to work harder. You need to work smarter.

Selling digital products gives you flexibility, freedom, and a way to earn extra income on your own terms—even when time and energy are limited.

So instead of waiting for “someday” when life slows down… start today with something small and doable.
Because your dream side hustle doesn’t have to take over your life—it just has to fit into it.

Ready to Start? Grab Your Free Guide 🎉

👉 Download the Free How to Sell Digital Products Guide
It’s your step-by-step roadmap to launching your first product—even if you’re short on time, energy, or tech skills.

You’ve got 30 minutes? That’s enough to make your first move. Let’s do this. 💪✨

How to Sell Digital Products Online Using Shopify (Even If You’re Just Getting Started!)

Have you ever thought about turning your knowledge, creativity, or skills into a product you can sell online? Maybe you’ve imagined creating ebooks, templates, courses, or printables—something people can download instantly and benefit from right away. But then, doubt creeps in: Where do I start? Will anyone actually buy this? Isn’t Shopify just for physical products?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re absolutely in the right place.

In this post, we’re going to walk you through how to sell digital products using Shopify, one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly platforms out there. Even if tech isn’t your thing, even if you’re not sure if your idea is “good enough,” even if you’ve never sold anything online before—this guide will help you take your first steps with confidence. When you’re finished reading this post make sure to grab a copy of my FREE guide that includes the exact steps that I use to make between $200-$500 a day!

Why Digital Products?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why.

Selling digital products is one of the best ways to earn passive income. Unlike physical items, digital products don’t require inventory, shipping, or a huge upfront investment. Once you create your product, you can sell it over and over again, 24/7, to customers all over the world.

Some popular digital products include:

  • Ebooks or guides
  • Workbooks or journals
  • Stock photos
  • Canva templates
  • Spreadsheets or planners
  • Online courses
  • Digital art
  • Music or audio files
  • Website themes

And here’s the best part: you already have something valuable to share. Whether it’s a lesson you’ve learned, a design you’ve created, or a system you’ve built—there’s someone out there who needs exactly what you have to offer.

So, let’s talk about how to get that idea out of your head and into the world using Shopify.

Step 1: Set Up Your Shopify Store

First things first, you’ll need a Shopify account. Don’t worry—it’s super simple.

  1. Go to Shopify.com and sign up for a free trial.
  2. Follow the prompts to name your store and add some basic information.
  3. Choose a theme for your store (you can change this later).

Even if you’ve never built a website before, Shopify makes it easy with its drag-and-drop editor and customizable themes. You don’t need to be a tech wizard—just bring your vision and a little curiosity.

Step 2: Choose and Create Your Digital Product

This is where the magic happens: deciding what to sell!

If you’re not sure what kind of digital product to create, ask yourself:

  • What do people ask me for help with?
  • What tools or resources have I made for myself that others could use?
  • What’s something I’ve learned that I could teach?

Here are a few examples:

  • If you’re a teacher, you could create lesson plans or classroom decor templates.
  • If you love budgeting, you could design a printable budgeting spreadsheet.
  • If you’re into mindfulness, you could write a short ebook on stress relief techniques.

Start small. You don’t have to build a massive course or write a 100-page book. A beautifully designed one-page checklist can be incredibly valuable!

Once you’ve decided, create your product using tools like:

  • Canva (for printables, templates, planners)
  • Google Docs or Microsoft Word (for ebooks)
  • Excel or Google Sheets (for spreadsheets)
  • Audacity or GarageBand (for audio files)

Save your product as a PDF, PNG, MP3, or other digital format depending on what you’re selling.

Step 3: Upload Your Digital Product to Shopify

Shopify doesn’t allow digital file delivery by default, but there’s an easy fix!

Here’s what to do:

  1. Go to the Shopify App Store and search for “Digital Downloads” (this is a free app by Shopify).
  2. Install the app and follow the prompts.
  3. Create a new product in your store.
    • Add a title, description, and price.
    • Upload an image that represents your product (you can design one in Canva).
  4. Scroll down and under the “Digital Downloads” app section, upload your actual file.

Once customers purchase, Shopify will automatically send them the download link via email. No packaging. No shipping. Just happy customers getting instant access.

Step 4: Set Up Payment and Checkout

To get paid, you’ll need to connect a payment provider.

In Shopify:

  • Go to Settings > Payments
  • Choose Shopify Payments, PayPal, or another option
  • Follow the instructions to connect your account

Once that’s done, your store is ready to accept payments from all over the world. Yes—it’s really that simple!

Step 5: Customize Your Store

While you don’t need a fancy design to start, it helps to create a welcoming space that reflects your brand and style.

You can:

  • Upload a logo (design one in Canva for free)
  • Write a friendly “About Me” page
  • Add FAQs (like “How do I download my product?”)
  • Create a homepage with a clear message

Keep it simple. Your goal is to help your visitors feel confident and excited about buying from you.

Step 6: Start Selling and Sharing

Your product is live, your checkout is working, and your store is looking great—now it’s time to share your creation with the world!

Here are a few ways to get your first sales:

  • Post on social media – Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or Facebook
  • Email your friends or audience – even a short “Hey, I made this!” message can go far
  • Join online communities – share your product in groups where it’s genuinely helpful
  • Offer a launch discount – give early supporters a special deal

Remember, you don’t need thousands of followers. You just need the right people to find the right product—and Shopify helps you make that happen.

Encouragement for Beginners 💛

If you’re still feeling a little unsure, let me say this:

You don’t have to have it all figured out to start.

Starting is the bravest part. Grab a copy of my free guide to help you get started!

Every successful online seller once stood where you are—wondering if anyone would buy their product, worrying if it was good enough, feeling nervous about the tech. But they took the first step. And you can, too.

You don’t need a perfect product or a flawless store. You just need a clear, simple idea and a willingness to try. Shopify makes the rest easy. And every little action you take moves you forward.

Here’s what could happen next:

  • Your first customer messages you to say your product helped them.
  • You make a sale while you’re sleeping.
  • You feel proud and inspired knowing your creativity made someone else’s life easier.

That’s the power of digital products—and you’re more than capable of tapping into it.

Selling digital products online with Shopify isn’t just for tech-savvy entrepreneurs or big influencers—it’s for everyday people like you. Whether you’re a teacher, a designer, a coach, a parent, or someone with a message to share, your ideas are valuable, and the world is waiting for them.

So take the leap. Set up your store. Create that digital product. Hit publish. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to begin.

And if you ever feel stuck, just come back to this post. You’ve got this. ✨

Want help brainstorming product ideas or designing your first printable? Leave a comment below or reach out—I’d love to cheer you on and help you get started!

Grab a copy of my free guide that outlines the exact system that I use to sell digital products online and make between $200-$500 a day!

How to Sell Digital Products Online and Make $200-$500 Daily

The world of digital products is booming, and if you’ve ever dreamed of making passive income, now is the time to start. With the right strategy, you can create, market, and sell digital products online—generating anywhere from $200 to $500 a day (or more!).

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps you need to take to build a profitable digital product business. And don’t forget to download my free guide—where I break down my proven method in detail and show you how I consistently make between $200 and $500 daily selling digital products online!

Why Sell Digital Products?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about why selling digital products is an excellent way to make money online.

  • Low Startup Costs – Unlike physical products, digital products don’t require inventory, shipping, or storage. Your upfront investment is minimal, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Scalability – Once you create a digital product, you can sell it an unlimited number of times without additional costs.
  • Passive Income Potential – After your product is live, you can automate sales and generate income while you sleep.
  • High-Profit Margins – Without production or shipping costs, nearly all of your revenue is profit.
  • Global Market – You can sell to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

1. Choose Your Digital Product

There are countless types of digital products you can sell. The key is to focus on something valuable that people are actively searching for. Here are a few ideas:

  • Ebooks – Write an informative guide on a topic you’re knowledgeable about.
  • Online Courses – Teach a skill or subject people want to learn.
  • Printables – Create templates, planners, or worksheets.
  • Stock Photos & Graphics – Sell design assets, photography, or branding kits.
  • Digital Art & NFTs – Monetize your creativity through unique digital artwork.
  • Software & Apps – Develop and sell software tools or mobile applications.
  • Music & Audio – Sell beats, sound effects, or voiceovers.

Pro Tip: Start with something simple, like an ebook or a digital template, and scale from there.

2. Create a High-Quality Product

Your digital product should be something your audience values. Here’s how to make it stand out:

  • Research Your Market – Find out what your audience needs and create something that solves their problem.
  • Make It Visually Appealing – Use professional designs, high-quality images, and an easy-to-read layout.
  • Test Your Product – Ensure that everything works smoothly before launching.

If you’re not tech-savvy, use tools like Canva for design, Teachable for courses, and Google Docs for ebooks.

3. Set Up an Online Store

Once you have your product, you need a platform to sell it. Here are some great options:

  • Gumroad – Perfect for beginners; simple setup and handles payments for you.
  • Etsy – Great for selling printables and templates.
  • Stan Store – Ideal for those looking to create multiple products.
  • Teachable – Best for selling online courses.
  • Sellfy – A user-friendly platform for digital downloads.
  • Your Own Website – Using WordPress/Bluehost with WooCommerce for more control.

Setting up a store is straightforward. Upload your product, set a price, and add a compelling description.

4. Price Your Product for Profit

Many beginners make the mistake of underpricing their digital products. Here’s how to set the right price:

  • Research competitors – See what similar products are selling for.
  • Consider the value – If your product provides significant value, price it higher.
  • Test different price points – Start with an affordable price and increase as demand grows.

A good pricing strategy is tiered pricing, where you offer different levels of your product at different prices.

5. Market Your Digital Product

Creating your product is just the beginning. Now, you need to get it in front of the right audience. Here’s how:

Use Social Media

  • Instagram & TikTok – Post engaging videos and carousel posts about your product.
  • Pinterest – Create pins that drive traffic to your store.
  • Facebook Groups – Join relevant groups and provide value before promoting your product.

Email Marketing

  • Build an email list and nurture your subscribers with valuable content.
  • Offer a freebie (lead magnet) to grow your list.
  • Use email sequences to convert leads into customers.

Leverage SEO & Blogging

  • Write blog posts about topics related to your digital product.
  • Use SEO strategies to rank on Google.
  • Link to your product within your content.

Run Paid Ads

  • Facebook & Instagram Ads – Target your ideal customers.
  • Google Ads – Show up when people search for solutions you provide.
  • Pinterest Ads – Drive more traffic to your store.

6. Automate Sales for Passive Income

Once your digital product is selling, it’s time to automate the process and make money on autopilot.

  • Use Funnels – Direct traffic to an opt-in page where they get a freebie before purchasing your product.
  • Set Up Email Sequences – Send automated emails that nurture and convert leads into buyers.
  • Retargeting Ads – Remarket to people who showed interest but didn’t purchase.

7. Scale Your Business to Earn More

To increase your earnings, you need to scale. Here’s how:

  • Create More Digital Products – Expand your offerings to attract a larger audience.
  • Bundle Products – Sell multiple products as a package for a higher price.
  • Affiliate Marketing – Partner with influencers or bloggers to promote your products for a commission.
  • Teach Others – Offer coaching or a membership program for exclusive content.

Download My Free Guide and Start Earning $200-$500 Daily!

Selling digital products online is one of the best ways to earn passive income, and with the right strategy, you can achieve financial freedom.

I’ve put together a step-by-step guide that reveals the exact method I use to make $200 to $500 per day selling digital products. If you’re serious about making money online, you don’t want to miss this!

Start taking action today, and in no time, you’ll be making consistent income with your digital products. Have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m here to help!