Sell Digital Products on Shopify

Selling Digital Products on Shopify: A comprehensive guide to using LinkIT

Selling digital products on Shopify requires the installation of an app, as it's not a built-in feature 😞.

As developers of the LinkIT Shopify app, we understand the challenges faced by Shopify merchants when it comes to selling digital products. Choosing the right app for your digital sales can be overwhelming.

This article will provide an unbiased overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using LinkIT for selling digital products on Shopify. We will also compare it to other options. By the end of this post, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision on whether LinkIT is the right choice for your online store.

What is LinkIT and How Does It Work?

The main appeal of LinkIT against other similar apps is that you can sell digital products with tools your already know. LinkIT integrates with popular platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Youtube, Facebook, and Vimeo. This integration allows you to confidently sell products hosted on a platform you trust.

Other apps have a different approach where you need to upload files to their internal infrastructure. LinkIT enables you to sell various digital goods, such as courses, videos, PDFs, or access to private communities using familiar tools.

The Advantages of LinkIT

1. Easier to Learn: LinkIT leverages tools you're already familiar with. (Google Drive, Dropbox, Youtube, Facebook, Vimeo and more)
2. Customizable Emails: LinkIT offers exceptional email customization. You can tailor emails to match your brand's style and color scheme. This feature has been highly praised by customers for delivering a consistent and professional appearance that enhances the overall user experience.
3. Wide Compatibility: The app's compatibility with various platforms allows you to sell digital goods hosted on different websites.
4. SMS and Email Checkout Support: With compatibility for both SMS and Email checkout.

The Disadvantages of LinkIT

1. Limited to URL-based Products: LinkIT primarily works with URL-based digital products, which may not be suitable for all types of digital goods.

Alternatives to LinkIT

Shopify Digital Downloads App

This free app by Shopify enables you to sell digital products but is very limited in features.

Pros:

1. Easy to use: Being a native Shopify app, it offers a simple solution for selling digital products.
2. Seamless integration with Shopify platform: As an official Shopify app, it integrates well with the platform, providing a smooth experience for both the seller and the buyer.

Cons:

• Limited features: The app lacks advanced features like license key management, product bundling, and customization options for email templates.
• Download link issues: Some users have reported problems with download links, such as customers being redirected to the store instead of receiving the download link, or links not working properly.
• Inconsistency in file delivery: Customers have reported that the app sometimes fails to deliver files, requiring them to contact support for manual file delivery.
• Difficulty editing email templates: Some users have mentioned issues with customizing the email templates, which can result in a less personalized customer experience.

SendOwl

SendOwl is a well-known digital product delivery app that integrates with Shopify but does not integrate with 3rd party platforms.

Pros:

• Wide range of features: SendOwl offers numerous advanced features like license key management, product bundling, affiliate management, and customizable download pages.
• Drip content delivery: SendOwl allows you to schedule and drip content to your customers over time, making it suitable for membership sites, courses, or subscriptions.

Cons:

• No integration with 3rd party platforms: SendOwl does not offer integration with third-party platforms, which might limit its use for some merchants.
• Limited customer support: Some users have reported difficulties in getting timely and effective support from SendOwl, causing frustration and delays.
• Reports of delayed or incomplete file delivery: Customers have mentioned instances where the app failed to deliver files on time or sent incomplete files, leading to a negative user experience.
• Occasional technical issues: Users have reported occasional technical issues with the app, including problems with file uploads, downloads, and order management.

In summary, while the Shopify Digital Downloads App offers a simple and easy-to-use solution, it lacks advanced features and has reported issues with download links, file delivery, and email template customization. On the other hand, SendOwl provides a more feature-rich experience but lacks integration with third-party platforms and has some concerns regarding customer support and technical issues. Depending on your specific needs, either of these options could be suitable for your digital product sales, with LinkIT potentially offering a more robust solution.

Making an Informed Choice

When selecting the right app to sell digital products on Shopify, consider the following factors:

1. The type of digital product you offer and the platforms you use to host them.
2. The ease of use and setup process.
3. The level of customization and branding options.
4. The app's compatibility with your preferred checkout methods.
5. The cost of the app and the value it provides.

Conclusion

If LinkIT aligns with your digital product selling needs, we encourage you to give it a try. Our user-friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of platforms make it simple for you to start selling digital products in no time. Plus, with our 60-day money-back guarantee, there's no risk involved in testing LinkIT. By choosing LinkIT, you'll be joining a community of satisfied merchants who have successfully expanded their product offerings and increased revenue.