Selling your artwork as downloadable files is one of the simplest methods to earn money online. You won’t have to deal with shipping, inventory, or printing, and you can sell the same file multiple times.
The biggest challenge for many creators is knowing where to begin. There are numerous platforms to choose from, but not all provide complete control over your creations or your earnings.
We have assisted thousands of users in creating their websites using WordPress, and we’ve observed its effectiveness for selling digital art. With WordPress and the Easy Digital Downloads plugin, you can upload your artwork, set your own prices, and securely deliver files to your customers, all from your own website.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step approach to selling your digital art and graphics online using WordPress.
Why Should You Sell Your Digital Art and Graphics Online?
Selling your digital art online is an easy way to transform your creativity into revenue. You can connect with a global audience, determine your own prices, and maintain complete control of your work directly from your WordPress site.
If you’re an artist, there are numerous options for selling your work online. For instance, you could establish a print-on-demand shop to turn your graphics into branded merchandise or high-quality prints.
An increasing number of artists are choosing to sell their creations as digital downloads instead of physical products. These offerings can include stock photo collections, ebooks, downloadable worksheets, Canva templates, and much more.
Selling digital downloads is cost-effective since you eliminate printing and shipping expenses. Additionally, you won’t need to manage physical storage, supplies, or inventory, leading to higher profits with less time and effort involved.
💡 Helpful Tip:Even if you’re not a professional artist, you can utilize online tools like Beacon to effortlessly create stunning ebooks, checklists, workbooks, and various graphics to sell online.
Let’s explore how you can successfully sell digital art and graphics online.
What Platform Should You Choose for Selling Digital Art and Graphics?
We recommend using WordPress along with Easy Digital Downloads to market your art and digital graphics online.
WordPress is the leading website builder globally, powering over 43% of all websites on the internet, including millions of sites dedicated to selling digital downloads. With WordPress, you have complete control over your website, making it easy to design an attractive and engaging platform to showcase your work.
Easy Digital Downloads is the top WordPress eCommerce plugin for selling digital products. We personally use this plugin to offer many of our premium WordPress plugins.
This gives WordPress and Easy Digital Downloads a significant edge over hosted platforms like Sellfy, Gumroad, and Sendowl, which tend to impose high transaction fees.
Although WooCommerce is another excellent WordPress plugin, Easy Digital Downloads is much more straightforward and specifically tailored for selling digital products from the outset.
Now, let’s explore how to effortlessly set up a WordPress site using Easy Digital Downloads, enabling you to start selling your digital art and graphics online.
Here’s a brief overview of the steps we will discuss in this tutorial:
- Step 1: Set Up Your WordPress Hosting
- Step 2: Install Your eCommerce Plugin
- Step 3: Add a Payment Gateway to WordPress
- Step 4: Convert Your Digital Art into Downloadable Products
- Step 5: Customize Your Digital Download Emails
- Step 6: Test Your Digital Downloads
- Step 7: Choose and Customize Your WordPress Theme
- Step 8: Promote Your Digital Downloads
- Bonus Tools to Increase Sales of Your Digital Art and Graphics
- Common Questions About Selling Digital Art and Graphics Online
Step 1: Setting Up Your WordPress Hosting
Before you begin creating your WordPress website, it’s essential to understand the two main types of WordPress software: WordPress.org and WordPress.com.
We will be using WordPress.org, also referred to as self-hosted WordPress, as it offers greater features and flexibility. For a comprehensive comparison, check out our guide on the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
To start selling digital art and graphics through WordPress, you will need a domain name. This is the web address that visitors will enter in their browsers to access your site.
If you haven’t decided on a name yet, take a look at our guide on how to choose the perfect domain name.
Additionally, you will require web hosting, which stores your website’s files online, and an SSL certificate to securely process credit card payments on your WordPress site.
A domain name usually costs around $14.99 per year, while hosting plans start at approximately $7.99 per month. The cost of an SSL certificate varies based on the provider, typically ranging from $50 to $200 per year.
It’s important to note that expenses can accumulate quickly, particularly for emerging artists or those on a tight budget.
Fortunately, SiteGround is currently offering an impressive 83% discount on their managed hosting for Easy Digital Downloads. This plan includes a complimentary SSL certificate, Easy Digital Downloads pre-installed, and all the essential optimization features you require.
This means you can begin selling your art for just $3.99 per month.
Let’s walk through the simple process of purchasing a domain name, web hosting, and an SSL certificate. Start by visiting the SiteGround website and clicking on ‘Get Plan.’
Next, SiteGround will prompt you to enter a domain name for your website and will present some optional add-ons. You can choose to add these extras later, so we suggest skipping this step for now.
After that, just enter your payment information to complete the purchase. Within moments, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to access your new account.
Once logged in, click on the ‘Websites’ tab. Here, you’ll find two buttons: Site Tools and WordPress Admin.
Site Tools is SiteGround’s hosting dashboard, where you can manage all aspects of your website, including email setup.
To access your new website, click on the ‘WordPress Admin’ button.
This will direct you to a login screen for your WordPress dashboard.
Simply enter the username and password you created, then click on ‘Log In.’
You are now ready to start creating an online store to sell your digital art and graphics.
If you are using a different WordPress hosting service like Bluehost or Hostinger, check out our guide for step-by-step instructions on installing WordPress for those providers.
Step 2: Setting Up Your eCommerce Plugin
If you are using SiteGround, Easy Digital Downloads is already pre-installed.
For other hosting providers, you will need to install and activate the Easy Digital Downloads plugin. For assistance, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
💡 Bonus:Many of our partner brands also utilize this tool to sell their digital products. To learn more about its features, check out our comprehensive Easy Digital Downloads review.
After installing the Easy Digital Downloads plugin, navigate to Downloads » Settings.
Begin by specifying your store’s location.
Even if you plan to sell your art and graphics as digital downloads, Easy Digital Downloads will utilize your location to auto-fill certain fields during the checkout process. It may also help in calculating sales tax based on your location.
To set your location, simply select your business country from the dropdown menu.
Next, locate the ‘Business Region’ field.
Here, you can select the area where your store is located from the dropdown menu.
Once you are satisfied with the information provided, click the ‘Save Changes’ button to confirm your updates.
Step 3: Integrating a Payment Gateway with WordPress
To sell digital art and graphics online, you need a method to accept credit card payments through WordPress. Easy Digital Downloads comes with built-in support for popular payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, and Amazon Payments.
Pro Tip: Looking to use an alternative payment gateway? You can easily add more payment options using Easy Digital Downloads extensions.
To integrate payment gateways into your website, click on the ‘Payments’ tab.
To accept payments through Stripe or PayPal, simply click on the ‘Stripe’ or ‘PayPal’ tab.
Follow the on-screen instructions to configure Stripe or PayPal for your online store.
Once that’s complete, click on the ‘General’ link.
In the Active Gateways section, tick the box for each payment gateway you wish to add to your website.
If you select multiple payment methods, you will need to open the ‘Default Gateway’ dropdown and choose which payment method will be set as the default.
You can choose any payment gateway, but Stripe supports credit card payments as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it a great choice for your default payment gateway.
After selecting one or more payment gateways, click the ‘Save Changes’ button.
By default, Easy Digital Downloads displays all prices in US dollars. After setting up your payment gateway, you may want to change the currency displayed on your website.
To display prices in a currency other than US dollars, select the ‘General’ tab and then click on the ‘Currency’ link.
Next, open the ‘Currency’ dropdown menu and select the currency you wish to use for your online store.
Please be aware that not all payment gateways support every currency. If you’re uncertain, you can always visit the website of your selected payment gateway, where you will typically find a list of accepted currencies.
Once you are satisfied with the currency settings, click the ‘Save Changes’ button located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: Transform Your Digital Art into a Downloadable Product
After setting up at least one payment gateway, you are prepared to create your first digital product. This can include any digital art or graphic file that you wish to sell online.
To create a digital product, simply navigate to Downloads and click on the ‘Add New’ button.
Now, enter a name for the product in the ‘Enter download name here’ field.
This name will appear on the product page, so choose something engaging that accurately represents your graphic or digital artwork.
Next, write a description that will be displayed on the product page. Provide visitors with all the information they need to determine if this product is suitable for them.
For instance, you might include details such as the graphic’s dimensions and resolution. Additionally, you could discuss the product’s licensing and how customers can utilize the art after their purchase.
Consider offering various licensing options for your digital art. A ‘Personal Use’ license is ideal for customers who wish to use the artwork for their own projects, while a more expensive ‘Commercial Use’ license is suitable for businesses that plan to incorporate your art into products for sale.
Clearly defining these options not only protects your work but also instills confidence in potential buyers.
Many online stores utilize product categories and tags to assist shoppers in finding what they need. These categories and tags can also encourage visitors to discover related graphics and digital art products, ultimately boosting your sales.
You can create new categories and tags in the Download Categories and Download Tags section. For detailed instructions, please refer to our step-by-step guide on adding categories and tags for WordPress pages.
Next, set the price by navigating to the Download Prices section.
Here, enter the amount that visitors will pay to download your graphic or digital artwork.
You are now ready to upload the image file for sale. WordPress supports various image formats, including GIF, HEIC, JPEG, PNG, and WebP.
For most digital art, we suggest using PNG files if you require a transparent background, or JPEG files for high-quality images that have smaller file sizes. For more information, check out our guide on using PNG versus JPEG in WordPress.
Expert Tip:If you wish to sell digital art and graphics in a file format that WordPress does not support, refer to our guide on enabling additional file types in WordPress.
To upload your downloadable file, simply navigate to the Download Files section.
In the File Name field, enter a name for the file that customers will receive upon purchase. Then, click on the ‘Upload a File’ icon.
You can now select any image from the WordPress media library, or upload a new file directly from your computer.
Lastly, you will need to upload a product image.
When selling your valuable digital art and graphics, it’s crucial to safeguard your work to prevent unauthorized use.
For this reason, we advise against using your original digital art or graphic as the product image.
Instead, consider using a lower-resolution version of the original image or adding a watermark.
When creating a watermark using web design software, ensure it is placed in a location that is difficult to crop out. Many artists opt to position their watermark in the center of the image or use a repeating pattern that covers the entire digital artwork.
Another effective strategy is to create a preview that illustrates how customers might use your digital art or graphics. For instance, you could display your work on a mock-up of a mobile phone screen or a marketing display. This approach not only showcases your product but also encourages potential buyers to make a purchase.
To upload a product image, navigate to the Download Image section and click on the ‘Set Download Image’ link.
This action will open the WordPress media library, allowing you to select an existing image or upload a new file from your computer.
Once you are satisfied with your digital download, click the Publish button to make it available to the public.
Step 5: Personalizing Your Digital Download Emails
Each time a customer purchases a digital download from your website, Easy Digital Downloads will automatically send them an email containing a link to download their product.
Although the default email includes all the necessary information for customers to download their file, we recommend personalizing it with your own logo, branding, and tailored messaging.
To modify the default email settings, navigate to Downloads » Settings. Next, select the ‘Emails’ tab.
Consider starting by uploading your own logo.
This logo will be displayed at the top of your purchase receipt emails, allowing your customers to easily identify the sender.
To upload a logo, click on the ‘Attach File’ button.
You can either select an image from the WordPress media library or upload a new file from your computer.
You can also specify a ‘From Name.’
This name will show up in the customer’s inbox, so choose something recognizable, like the name of your website or design business.
Additionally, you need to provide a ‘From Email,’ which will serve as both the sender and reply-to address.
Some customers might respond to the purchase receipt email, especially if they encounter issues downloading the file. Therefore, use a professional email address that you check regularly.
Once you’ve made these updates, click on the ‘Purchase Receipts’ tab.
On this page, you can enter an email subject, add a header, and customize the body text of the email.
You can easily enter the message you want to send to each customer. However, to create more engaging and personalized emails, consider using the Conditional Emails feature.
Conditional Emails utilize ‘template tags’ to customize your content. Each time an email is sent, Easy Digital Downloads replaces these tags with actual values, like the customer’s name and the amount they paid for the digital download.
To view all available tags, simply scroll to the bottom of the ‘Purchase Receipts’ screen.
Once you’ve completed your changes, it’s a good idea to send a test email to see how the message will appear to your customers.
To send a test email, just click the ‘Send Test Email’ button, and Easy Digital Downloads will deliver an email to your admin email address.
If you’ve clicked the ‘Send Test Email’ button but haven’t received a test email, your site may be experiencing issues with sending emails. This can be a significant problem, as customers won’t receive purchase confirmation emails and will be unable to download your digital art and graphics.
To address this, follow our guide on resolving the WordPress email sending issue to ensure your emails reach your customers. Additionally, consider using WP Mail SMTP, the top WordPress SMTP plugin.
Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of the purchase receipt email, click the ‘Save Changes’ button to finalize it.
Step 6: Test Your Digital Download
After creating your first product with Easy Digital Downloads and customizing the purchase emails, it’s wise to test the purchasing process to ensure everything works smoothly for visitors.
Before conducting a test purchase, enable test mode in Easy Digital Downloads. This feature allows you to simulate the purchasing process without entering your credit or debit card details.
To activate test mode on your website, navigate to Downloads » Settings and select the ‘Payments’ tab.
In the ‘Active Gateways’ section, check the box next to ‘Store Gateway.’ This tool enables you to complete the checkout process without using real credit card information.
Once done, scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘Save Changes.’
With test mode activated, head to Downloads » All Downloads. Hover over the product you wish to test and click on the ‘View’ link.
This will take you to the product page where customers can purchase the digital download.
To complete a test purchase, click the ‘Purchase’ button.
Easy Digital Downloads will now add this item to your shopping cart.
Next, click on the ‘Checkout’ button to proceed.
Since we are in test mode, simply enter your email address and name, then click ‘Purchase.’
No payment information is required at this stage.
After a brief moment, you will receive a purchase confirmation email with a link to download your digital artwork or graphic.
If you can access your file successfully, you can add more digital products to your site by following the same process outlined above.
Once you finish testing, remember to exit test mode to start accepting payments from your visitors.
To do this, navigate to Downloads » Settings » Payments. Then, simply uncheck the ‘Store Gateway’ option.
Step 7: Choosing and Customizing Your WordPress Theme
Themes determine the appearance of your WordPress website, including colors, layout, and fonts. Your theme represents your WordPress site and significantly influences how visitors perceive your brand.
With thousands of free and premium WordPress themes available, select a design that not only looks appealing but also includes the specific features you need.
To assist you in making the best decision, we have compiled a list of the most popular WordPress themes. Our top recommendation is the Astra Theme, which is fully compatible with Easy Digital Downloads, free to use, and highly customizable.
After selecting a theme, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress theme.
Alternatively, you can design your own custom pages using SeedProd. It is the leading drag-and-drop WordPress theme builder available, trusted by over 1 million websites.
SeedProd offers more than 200 professionally designed, ready-made templates. These templates feature layouts that are ideal for showcasing products like stock photos, worksheets, and ebooks.
You can also create your own custom themes, ensuring that your digital store has the exact design you desire. For further information, check out our guide on how to create a custom WordPress theme without any coding.
Step 8: Promoting Your Digital Downloads
If you plan to sell your digital art and graphics, it’s essential to attract traffic to your various product pages.
This may involve adding a product page to your website’s menu. You could also create a dedicated sales page to promote your digital products and include links to the different items you feature, allowing visitors to explore them.
Digital artists can enhance their online presence by creating a blog where they discuss their artwork, share tips and tutorials, and explore related topics. These blog posts serve as an excellent platform to include links to digital art and graphics available for purchase.
Regardless of your promotional strategy, knowing the URL of your product is essential.
To locate this link, simply navigate to Downloads » Downloads. Hover over the product you wish to link to and click on the ‘Edit’ option.
The URL will be displayed in the right-hand menu.
You can now link to this product page from any section of your website using this URL. For detailed instructions, refer to our step-by-step guide on adding links in WordPress.
Easy Digital Downloads generates a unique ‘Purchase’ button for each product, which you can place on any page, post, or widget-ready area.
When a visitor clicks this button, the item will be added to their shopping cart, allowing them to initiate the purchase process from any page on your website without needing to visit the specific product page.
You can easily incorporate this button into your site using a shortcode that Easy Digital Downloads automatically generates.
To obtain the shortcode for a product, navigate to the ‘Purchase Shortcode’ section in the block panel. You can easily copy the text found in the ‘Purchase Shortcode’ field.
You can now insert the shortcode into any post, page, or even in widget-ready areas such as your website’s sidebar. For detailed instructions on how to add the shortcode, refer to our guide on adding shortcodes in WordPress.
Once you have added the shortcode to your website, a new ‘Purchase’ button will appear.
Additional Tools to Boost Your Sales of Digital Art & Graphics
To increase your sales, it’s essential to attract visitors to your website and persuade them to purchase your digital art and graphics.
This is where WordPress plugins play a crucial role.
Here are some of our top recommended plugins that can help you drive more traffic and improve conversions:
- All in One SEO is the leading SEO plugin for WordPress, designed to help you optimize your site for increased traffic from search engines like Google.
- MonsterInsights is the top analytics solution for WordPress. It enables you to track where your visitors are coming from and what actions they take on your site, allowing you to develop a business strategy based on accurate data.
- OptinMonster is the leading software for conversion optimization available today. It enables you to design opt-in forms that help grow your email list and turn visitors into paying customers. Additionally, it can assist in lowering your shopping cart abandonment rates.
- PushEngage is the top push notification software specifically designed for WordPress. It empowers you to send tailored web push notifications to both visitors and customers.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Selling Digital Art and Graphics Online
In this guide, we have demonstrated how to sell digital art and graphics using Easy Digital Downloads. If you have further questions, here are our FAQs regarding the sale of artwork and graphics online.
Where Can I Sell My Digital Art Online?
You can sell your digital art on platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and Fine Art America. These marketplaces provide a convenient way to connect with buyers who are actively searching for digital art.
However, these platforms typically charge fees or take a commission from each sale. If you prefer to retain all your profits and maintain control over your brand, creating your own website is the best choice.
This approach allows you to display your art, set your own prices, and cultivate a dedicated audience without incurring marketplace fees.
What is the Cost of Creating a Website for My Digital Art?
You can launch a digital art website for as little as $3.99 per month with SiteGround EDD Hosting. It’s budget-friendly, easy to use for beginners, and integrates seamlessly with Easy Digital Downloads.
Additionally, you can utilize free WordPress themes and plugins to keep expenses low. For a comprehensive cost analysis, check out our article detailing the expenses involved in building a WordPress website.
Is it possible to sell physical products using Easy Digital Downloads?
Absolutely! You can offer physical items such as framed prints, art merchandise, or branded goods alongside your digital downloads.
Even though it’s named Easy Digital Downloads, the plugin also accommodates physical products through its Simple Shipping add-on. This feature allows you to manage shipping directly from your store, enabling you to oversee both digital and physical sales in one convenient location.
We hope this article has guided you in learning how to sell digital art and graphics online. You can also explore our guide on the best multi-currency WordPress plugins and how to create a thank you page in WordPress.
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