Ever feel like you’re creating the same stuff over and over? Learning how to create templates could be your ticket to freedom.
Templates aren’t just convenient – they’re one of the most profitable digital products you can create.
And unlike complicated digital products that take months to build, you can create a professional template in a single afternoon.
Let me show you how…
Why Templates Are Pure Gold in the Digital Product World
Templates are the unsung heroes of the digital product landscape.
While everyone’s chasing complex course creation, templates are quietly making creators a fortune.
Here’s why learning how to create templates is a game-changer:
- Create Once, Profit Forever – Build it once, sell it thousands of times
- Massive Time-Saver – No more starting from scratch on every project
- Low-Effort, High-Value – Templates solve immediate problems for buyers
- Scales Perfectly – Selling to 1,000 people takes the same effort as selling to 10
- Lower Refund Rates – Templates deliver instant value, leading to happier customers
According to Digital Commerce 360, template marketplaces have seen a 43% growth in the past year alone as businesses and creators look for ways to streamline their workflows.
The demand is massive and growing.
Let’s dig into exactly how to create templates people will actually pay for…
Understanding the Value of Templates (It’s Not What You Think)
Most people completely misunderstand why templates sell.
They think it’s about design or features.
Wrong.
Templates sell because they solve PROBLEMS.
Here’s what makes templates so valuable:
| Value Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Time-Saving | People will pay to avoid starting from zero |
| Professional Quality | Templates make amateur work look pro-level |
| Consistency | Creates cohesive branding across materials |
| Reduced Decision Fatigue | Eliminates hundreds of small choices |
| Predictable Results | Templates take the guesswork out of creation |
The most successful template creators focus on solving specific problems for specific audiences.
Generic templates = generic sales.
Targeted templates = serious money.
For more insights on creating valuable digital products, check out my guide on how to create printables.
Planning Your Template That People Actually Want
Most template creators start with design.
Big mistake.
The magic happens in the planning phase.
Here’s how to create templates people will line up to buy:
Know EXACTLY Who You’re Creating For
Generic templates don’t sell.
Period.
You need to get crystal clear on who needs your template and why.
Consider these factors when defining your audience:
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Age/Demographics | Who specifically will use this template? |
| Profession | What industry or role are they in? |
| Skill Level | Beginners? Experts? Something in between? |
| Pain Points | What frustrates them about creating this content? |
| Goal | What are they trying to achieve with this template? |
The more specific you get, the more your template will resonate.
Examples of well-defined audiences:
- “Life coaches creating their first welcome packet for clients”
- “E-commerce store owners writing product descriptions”
- “Real estate agents creating property listings”
Notice how specific these are? That’s your goal.
Define the EXACT Purpose of Your Template
Your template needs a crystal-clear purpose.
It should solve ONE specific problem really well.
Here’s how to define your template’s purpose:
| Purpose Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Organization | Client onboarding checklist template |
| Planning | 90-day content calendar template |
| Education | Workshop slide deck template |
| Marketing | Email sales sequence template |
| Analysis | Social media metrics tracking template |
Each of these has a clear, specific purpose focused on solving ONE problem.
That’s what sells.
For more ideas on creating purpose-driven content, check out my guide on how to create an online course.
Designing Your Template That Stands Out
Design matters.
But not in the way most people think.
The best-selling templates focus on USABILITY over fancy graphics.
Here’s how to create templates that look professional and work flawlessly:
Choose the Right Tools for YOUR Skill Level
You don’t need expensive software to create profitable templates.
Choose tools that match your skill level and template type:
| Tool Type | Best For | Popular Options |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | Visual templates (social media, presentations) | Canva, Adobe Illustrator |
| Document Editors | Text-based templates (contracts, guides) | Microsoft Word, Google Docs |
| Presentation Software | Slide decks, webinar templates | PowerPoint, Google Slides |
| Spreadsheets | Calculators, trackers, planners | Excel, Google Sheets |
| Website Builders | Page templates, sales pages | WordPress, Webflow |
Pro tip: Start with tools you already know. You’ll create better templates faster.
The most profitable template I ever created was a simple Google Sheet that helps people track expenses. Nothing fancy, just extremely useful.
Include These Must-Have Template Elements
The difference between an amateur template and a professional one?
Structure and user-friendliness.
Include these elements in every template you create:
- Clear Navigation – Make it easy for users to find what they need
- Consistent Formatting – Use the same fonts, colors, and styles throughout
- Placeholder Text – Show users exactly what goes where
- Instructions – Include clear directions for customization
- Editable Elements – Ensure users can easily modify what they need to
| Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Clear Structure | Reduces confusion and makes the template intuitive |
| Consistent Branding | Creates a professional, cohesive look |
| User-Friendly Layout | Makes customization simple, even for beginners |
| Placeholder Content | Shows users exactly what to put where |
| Clear Instructions | Prevents frustration and support requests |
Remember: The goal is to make customization as EASY as possible.
The easier your template is to use, the happier your customers will be.
For more on creating user-friendly digital products, see my guide on how to start a paid newsletter.
Customizing Your Template for Maximum Value
A template isn’t finished when the structure is done.
The real magic happens in the customization phase.
This is where you transform a good template into an irresistible product.
Brand Your Template to Stand Out from the Crowd
Your template needs to reflect YOUR brand.
This builds recognition and prevents your work from looking generic.
Here’s how to personalize your templates:
| Element | How to Personalize |
|---|---|
| Colors | Use your brand palette consistently throughout |
| Fonts | Stick to 2-3 fonts that align with your brand voice |
| Logo | Include your logo subtly (footer or cover page) |
| Voice | Write placeholder text in your distinctive style |
| Visual Elements | Add signature graphics or patterns |
Remember: Branding increases perceived value.
Well-branded templates command higher prices than generic ones.
Add These Value Boosters That Make People Say “TAKE MY MONEY!”
Want to charge premium prices for your templates?
Add these value boosters:
- Video Walkthrough – Record a quick tutorial showing how to use the template
- Swipe Copy – Include pre-written text users can adapt
- Multiple Variations – Offer color alternatives or layout options
- Bonus Resources – Include complementary tools or guides
- Examples – Show filled-out versions to demonstrate potential
These extras transform a basic template into a premium product worth 2-3x more.
One of my best-selling templates includes 5 variations and a 10-minute setup video. It sells for $49 instead of $19 because of these additions.
For more ideas on creating valuable bonuses, check out my guide on how to create an email course.
Testing and Refining Your Template
Your template isn’t ready to sell until it’s been thoroughly tested.
This step separates amateur template creators from pros who make serious money.
Here’s how to ensure your template is flawless:
Test for Functionality (Before Someone Pays for It)
Nothing kills sales faster than a template that doesn’t work properly.
Run these tests before launching:
| Test Type | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Cross-Platform Testing | Does it work in different software versions? |
| Device Testing | Does it display properly on desktop, tablet, and mobile? |
| User Testing | Can someone else use it without your guidance? |
| Formatting Check | Do all elements align properly? |
| Link Verification | Do all hyperlinks work correctly? |
Pro tip: Have someone with ZERO knowledge of your template try to use it.
Watch silently as they navigate. This reveals usability issues you’d never catch yourself.
Get Feedback That Actually Improves Your Template
Feedback is gold for template creators.
But you need to ask the right questions:
- What was confusing? – Identifies unclear elements
- What took the most time? – Reveals friction points
- What’s missing? – Uncovers opportunities for improvement
- Would you pay for this? – Tests commercial viability
- How much would you pay? – Helps with pricing strategy
Collect feedback from:
- People in your target audience
- Peers who create similar content
- Complete beginners (to test ease of use)
Use this feedback to refine your template before launch.
For more on getting valuable user feedback, see my guide on how to run an online challenge.
Marketing Your Template for Maximum Sales
Even the best template in the world won’t sell itself.
You need a strategic approach to marketing.
Here’s how to create templates that sell like hotcakes:
Use These Proven Promotional Strategies
Different templates require different marketing approaches.
Here are the strategies that work best:
| Strategy | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Before/After Showcases | Visual templates | Demonstrates transformation and value |
| Tutorial Videos | Complex templates | Shows ease of use and features |
| Free Samples | Template bundles | Gives a taste of quality |
| Case Studies | Business templates | Proves ROI and effectiveness |
| Limited-Time Offers | Seasonal templates | Creates urgency to purchase |
Pro tip: Focus on results, not features.
Show what people can ACHIEVE with your template, not just what it includes.
Choose the Right Platform to Sell Your Templates
Where you sell matters as much as what you sell.
Different platforms work better for different template types:
- Creative Market – Ideal for design templates and visual assets
- Etsy – Great for planners, printables, and digital stationery
- Gumroad – Perfect for business templates and multi-format bundles
- Your Own Website – Best for established creators with existing traffic
- Teachable/Podia – Excellent for templates bundled with instruction
Consider these factors when choosing your platform:
- Where does your target audience already shop?
- What fees or commissions does the platform charge?
- How much control do you want over branding and pricing?
- Do you need built-in traffic or have your own audience?
For more on choosing the right sales platform, check out my guide on where to sell digital products.
The Bottom Line on Creating Templates That Sell
Learning how to create templates is one of the smartest moves for digital product creators.
They’re easier to create than courses, faster to market than membership sites, and solve immediate problems for buyers.
Remember these key principles:
- Solve specific problems for specific people
- Focus on usability over fancy design
- Add value boosters to justify premium pricing
- Test thoroughly before launching
- Market the outcome, not just the features
Templates are your secret weapon for creating digital products that generate consistent income with minimal ongoing effort.
Start with one template that solves a clear problem for your audience.
Make it exceptional.
Then watch what happens.
YOU GOT THIS 🙌
In your corner,
Adam