So, you’re ready to dive into the world of digital products—but you’re not quite sure where to start. Should you create an ebook, a planner, or a workbook? Each has its own strengths, and the best choice really depends on your goals, your audience, and how you want to position yourself. Let’s break it down so you can figure out which digital product is the right fit for you.
Why Digital Products Are a Smart Choice
Before we compare, let’s pause for a second: why digital products at all?
Well, they’re:
Low cost to create – No printing or shipping needed.
Scalable – You can sell the same file over and over again.
Flexible – Perfect for different audiences (coaches, creators, small business owners, or even everyday consumers).
Passive income potential – Once it’s made and marketed, it can keep earning for you.
That’s why so many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and even side hustlers are jumping into digital products right now.
Option 1: Ebooks
What they are:
Ebooks are digital books that provide knowledge, stories, or solutions in a downloadable format (usually PDF, ePub, or Kindle-friendly).
Best for:
Coaches and experts who want to share their expertise.
Creatives who want to package their knowledge into a resource.
Entrepreneurs who want to build authority in their niche.
Pros:
Great for lead generation (you can offer them free in exchange for emails).
Builds your credibility as an expert.
Can be repurposed into blog posts, guides, or social media content.
Cons:
Requires more upfront writing time.
Needs strong visuals and formatting to stand out.
Example: A beauty coach creating an ebook titled “The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing for Salon Owners.”
Option 2: Planners
What they are:
Planners are digital or printable tools designed to help people organize their lives, goals, or businesses.
Best for:
Creatives targeting busy professionals, students, or moms.
Business coaches who want to give clients practical tools.
Anyone in the productivity, lifestyle, or self-care niche.
Pros:
Super popular (people love planners and always want new designs).
Can be niche-specific (fitness planners, financial planners, content planners, etc.).
Easy to customize with Canva templates.
Cons:
Heavily saturated market (so you’ll need to niche down).
Works best when bundled with other products or marketed creatively.
Example: A social media strategist selling a “30-Day Content Planner for Instagram” on Etsy or Shopify.
Option 3: Workbooks
What they are:
Workbooks are interactive guides with exercises, prompts, and activities that help the user take action and apply what they’ve learned.
Best for:
Coaches who want clients to reflect, journal, or implement strategies.
Course creators who need companion materials for their programs.
Educators or trainers teaching step-by-step processes.
Pros:
High value because they’re hands-on.
Perfect for upselling (add them to courses, memberships, or workshops).
Great way to engage customers and help them see real results.
Cons:
Takes thought and creativity to design engaging exercises.
Often works best paired with another product or service.
Example: A mindset coach creating a “30-Day Self-Confidence Workbook” with journal prompts and activities.
So, Which Digital Product Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
Go with an ebook if you want to educate and establish authority.
Choose a planner if your audience needs organization and structure.
Create a workbook if your goal is to guide people through a process or transformation.
Of course, you don’t have to stick to just one. Many digital entrepreneurs start with one format and then branch out. Imagine bundling your ebook + workbook + planner into one premium package—now that’s serious value for your audience (and more income for you).
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the “best” digital product isn’t about what’s trending—it’s about what works for your audience and aligns with your expertise. Whether you’re writing ebooks, designing planners, or creating interactive workbooks, remember: people are looking for solutions. If your digital product helps them solve a problem, save time, or achieve a goal, you’re already ahead of the game.