Transform Your Brick & Mortar Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Digital Product Income Stream

If you’ve ever wondered if there was a way to create an additional income stream for your brick-and-mortar business (that DIDN’T include putting in another 40+ hour week!), you are definitely not alone, my friend.

I spent many hours in my consignment business crunching the numbers, trying to see if the sales were going to even come close to paying the bills for the month–and it wasn’t because I wasn’t putting in the work. . . I was spending so much time at my store it was starting to feel like I lived there instead of at home!

But one day when I was trying to forget all about work struggles by scrolling instagram, I realized something. . . there is a massive untapped ONLINE market for small business owners like us.

Let me explain, there are a ton of people making some good money (like thousands a month) from selling simple guides on things like editing photos or how to make sourdough bread!

Imagine sharing your expertise and passion in a digital format to reach a broader audience while adding a steady income stream to your existing business.

Today, we’re diving deep into how you can make that transformation, step by step.

The Digital Shift: Why Now Is the Time for Your Business

You see, brick-and-mortar business owners have a unique advantage—you already have a wealth of expertise, a loyal customer base, and a brand story that resonates locally. But what if you could amplify all that by tapping into the global online market?

The digital landscape offers several key benefits:

• Extended Reach: You’re no longer confined to your local neighborhood. Your expertise can now benefit a global audience.
• Scalability: Digital products, once created, can be sold repeatedly without the extra costs of physical inventory.
• Flexibility: Create products that work on your schedule. Work on them part-time, and let the digital sales generate passive income while you focus on your core business.
• Diversification: Adding a digital income stream means you’re not relying solely on foot traffic and in-person sales—an extra layer of income is always a good idea.

Now you may be thinking. . . okay, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin!

Just hang with me a bit longer and we’re going to break it all down for you. I promise.

Identifying Your Digital Product Opportunity

The first step in your digital journey is figuring out what product best leverages your existing expertise and meets your customers’ needs. Put simply, what’s something you are already good at that would help people with something they need?

Here’s a simple process to help you figure it out:

1. Brainstorm Your Expertise

Think about the common questions your customers ask or the problems they face. As a brick-and-mortar business owner, you have first-hand experience that many others can learn from. For example:

• Consignment Store Owners: Imagine turning that secret income-tracking spreadsheet into a customizable digital tool that other store owners can use to manage consignor payouts.
• Local Café Owners: You could create a digital guide on how to craft the perfect coffee experience, complete with recipe ideas and insider tips.
• Boutique Retailers: Consider developing a style guide or a curated lookbook that helps your customers recreate trendy outfits.
• Salons and Spas: A digital checklist for a flawless beauty routine or self-care regimen could be a hit.

You see where we’re going with this?

What is something you do or use in your business that other people would want to learn?

2. Validate Your Idea

Before diving headfirst into creation, validate your digital product idea.

Ask yourself:

• Does this address a real pain point?
• Is there an audience willing to pay for this solution?
• Can I differentiate my product from what’s already out there?

A simple way to validate is by surveying your current customers or even hosting a quick social media poll. Their feedback is invaluable in shaping an offering that truly resonates.

Step-by-Step Process to Create Your Digital Product

Now that you’ve identified an opportunity, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating your digital product. This step-by-step process is designed to be actionable and straightforward, so you can start seeing results sooner rather than later.

Step 1: Brainstorm and Validate Your Idea

Yes, we already mentioned this, but here are the action steps for you to work through:

• List Your Strengths and Expertise: Write down everything you know well—this can include your daily operations, tips for running your business, unique insights that only a brick-and-mortar veteran could offer, etc.

• Research the Market: Look for gaps in the digital products already available for your niche. Tools like Google Trends and social media insights can help determine what people are searching for. Also, check reviews. Is there something about that product that everyone LOVES? How can you add a version of that to your product? Or do several people mention that they hoped it would tell them more about xyz– then incorporate that into yours.

• Gather Feedback: Use your current customers or online communities to test your idea. Ask them if they’d be interested in a digital product that helps solve a specific problem or enhances their experience.

Remember: Validation isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of a product that genuinely meets your audience’s needs.

Step 2: Plan Your Product

Once you’re confident in your idea, it’s time to plan it out. A clear plan will save you time and reduce overwhelm during the creation process.

• Outline the Content: Create a detailed outline of what your digital product will include. If you’re developing an ebook or guide, break it into chapters or sections. For a checklist, list out the main points and supporting details.

• Define Your Format: Consider which format works best for your audience. Ebooks, checklists, digital guides, and even mini-courses can all be excellent starting points. If you’ve never created a digital product before, a concise digital guide or checklist might be less overwhelming than a full-length course.

• Set Realistic Goals: Determine a timeline for your project. Even if it’s a side project, having clear milestones can keep you motivated and on track.

Step 3: Create and Package Your Product

With your plan in place, it’s time to bring your digital product to life.

• Content Creation: Write your content, design your layout, or record your audio/video segments. Keep the tone conversational and engaging—imagine you’re having a one-on-one conversation with a friend who’s looking for guidance.

• Professional Design: Even if you’re not a designer, there are tools like Canva or Adobe Spark that can help you create a polished look. A professional appearance builds trust and credibility.

• Packaging Your Product: Package your digital product in a user-friendly format. For ebooks and guides, PDFs are standard; for checklists, consider interactive formats that users can easily customize.

Step 4: Market Your Digital Product

Creating your digital product is only half the battle—the next step is getting it in front of your audience.

• Leverage Your Existing Channels: Use your brick-and-mortar store, email newsletters, and social media platforms to announce your digital product. Your current customer base is a great starting point.

• Content Marketing: Write blog posts (like this one!) that provide valuable insights and naturally lead into your digital product offering. Ensure that your posts are optimized for SEO so that potential customers can easily find you online.

• Collaborate and Cross-Promote: Partner with other local businesses or influencers who share your target audience. Joint ventures or guest blog posts can extend your reach.

• Paid Advertising: If you’re comfortable with a bit of investment, consider running targeted ads on social media platforms. Start small, measure your results, and scale accordingly.

Step 5: Monetize and Scale

Once your digital product is out in the world, it’s time to focus on monetization and future growth.

• Pricing Strategies: Research what similar products are priced at and determine a price point that reflects the value you provide. Don’t be afraid to start with a lower price—you can always adjust as you learn what works best.

• Launch Tactics: Consider a soft launch to your current customers before a full-scale release. This can help you iron out any issues and gather testimonials.

• Upselling and Cross-Selling: As your audience engages with your digital product, think about how you can further support them. For example, if you created a Spring Style Guide for your Clothing Boutique, maybe you could expand with a guide for every season or for specific occasions.

• Feedback and Iteration: Continuously seek feedback from your users and be prepared to update your product as needed. The digital landscape evolves, and so should your product.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps Toward Digital Success

I hope this post helped to show you how your brick-and-mortar expertise is a goldmine waiting to be tapped into. The digital world isn’t as intimidating as it might seem—it’s about taking that first step, using the skills you already have, and packaging them in a way that offers real value to a broader audience.

Transforming your brick-and-mortar business by adding a digital product income stream isn’t a leap into the unknown—it’s a natural evolution of your hard-earned expertise.

Yes, taking that leap into the world of digital products might feel a little overwhelming, but remember: every successful digital entrepreneur started somewhere. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most rewarding.

If you’re eager to dive even deeper into digital marketing and product creation, I invite you to explore: Digital Wealth Academy. This course is designed specifically for beginners, breaking down the complexities of digital marketing into actionable, no-BS steps that can transform your business and life.

And if you’d like a personalized strategy session to kickstart your journey with even more insights on bridging the gap between your physical storefront and the digital world, book a call with me and let’s get your next steps planned out!

Remember, your experience is valuable, and the world is waiting for you to share it. 🖤