How to Create a Digital Workbook: A Beginner’s Guide
Have you ever wondered how to create a digital workbook and sell it online? Whether you’re a coach, teacher, or someone with helpful knowledge to share, creating digital workbooks is one of the easiest ways to start a side hustle.
The best part? You don’t need to be a designer or a tech expert to get started! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to create a digital workbook, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Let’s start!
Step 1: Brainstorm Workbook Topics People Actually Want
The first step in how to create a digital workbook is choosing the right topic. The best digital workbooks solve a real problem or help people learn something valuable.
Here’s a quick way to brainstorm workbook ideas:
- Think about your skills, experience, or interests.
- Are you great at budgeting?
- Do you have self-care tips to share?
- Can you help people get organized or set achievable goals?
Ask yourself:
- What do people usually ask me for advice about?
- What skills have I learned that others might want to learn?
- What are some common struggles in my niche?
Examples to inspire your workbook topic:
- Self-Care Journal for Busy Moms
- 30-Day Goal Planner for Entrepreneurs
- Anxiety Relief Workbook for Teens
- Budget Tracker for Freelancers
Need more inspiration? Check out 50 creative workbook ideas.
Pro Tip: Use Google and Etsy to research popular printable workbooks in your niche. Looking at what’s already selling can help you understand what people are looking for.
How We Can Help
Not sure where to start? You can book a free consulting session with us to brainstorm your workbook idea. Think of us as your side business coach, here to help you every step of the way.
Step 2: Outline Your Digital Workbook — Keep It Simple
The next step in how to create a digital workbook is to outline your content. Don’t overthink this part! A simple, clear structure works best.
Here’s a basic outline you can follow:
- Cover Page: Title + Subtitle + Your Logo (if you have one)
- Introduction: Explain the workbook’s purpose and how to use it
- Guided Sections: Prompts, exercises, checklists, or tips
- Reflection Page: Space for notes, progress, and wins
- Final Thoughts: Motivational message + next steps
Example:
For a self-care workbook, your sections could include:
- A daily self-care tracker
- Gratitude journaling prompts
- A 7-day self-care challenge
Pro Tip: Break your content into small, easy-to-complete sections. People love workbooks they can fill out in just 10 minutes a day!
How We Can Help
If you have a great workbook idea but aren’t sure how to structure or write the content, we can help! Our experienced content creators and designers specialize in digital workbooks and can bring your ideas to life.
Step 3: Design Your Digital Workbook for a Great User Experience
A big part of learning how to create a digital workbook is understanding that design isn’t just about pretty colors — it shapes the entire user experience.
Your workbook should feel:
- Clear and easy to navigate
- Visually appealing, but not overwhelming
- User-friendly, so people enjoy filling it out
How We Can Help
We’ve designed over 400 digital workbooks, and we know all the little details that make a workbook feel practical, enjoyable, and polished. If you’d rather focus on content and let us handle the design, we’d love to help!
Step 4: Choose Where to Sell Your Digital Workbook
Once your workbook is ready, it’s time to pick the best platform to sell it. Here are a few beginner-friendly options for selling digital workbooks:
- Etsy: Popular marketplace for printables, easy to set up
- Teachers Pay Teachers: Great for educational workbooks and worksheets
- Your Own Website: Ideal if you already have a blog or online store
Pro Tip: Create an eye-catching cover image and show off sample pages so potential buyers can preview your workbook.
How We Can Help
Once you’ve chosen where to sell, we can create product images, descriptions, and marketing materials to help you attract buyers and showcase your digital workbook effectively. We also can help you with building your own website. Something not expensive and good enough to start!
Step 5: Promote Your Digital Workbook — Get the Word Out!
The final (and often most important) step in how to create a digital workbook is getting the word out. Your workbook won’t sell itself, so be sure to:
- Share sneak peeks on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest
- Post in relevant Facebook groups where your target audience hangs out
- Email your list (if you have one) to announce your workbook launch
- Offer a free mini-page or sample to build interest
Bonus Idea: Team up with other creators for cross-promotions, shoutouts, or giveaways to reach new audiences.
How We Can Help
We’ll be by your side as your side business coach, helping you develop a smart marketing strategy and guiding you through those tricky early days — from product launch to your first few sales.
Your Quick Digital Workbook Creation Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist to keep you on track as you follow these steps for how to create a digital workbook:
- Choose a profitable workbook topic
- Outline the content and sections
- Design your workbook pages
- Pick the best platform to sell on
- Promote your workbook everywhere!
Ready to Create Your First Digital Workbook?
Learning how to create a digital workbook is fun, affordable, and a great way to turn your knowledge into passive income, even if you only have a few spare hours each week.
Start brainstorming now — and who knows? Your first workbook could be live by next weekend!
Next Step
Book a free consulting session with us and let’s brainstorm your workbook together!