Let’s be real — you’ve probably Googled how to make money online more times than you can count.
I get it.
You’re looking for a straightforward way to kick off an ebook business, one that’s legit, scalable, and doesn’t suck the life out of you.
Well, good news:
This is it.
No promises of overnight riches, but I’ll show you how I (and countless others) turned our knowledge into digital products that literally make money while we sleep.
Let’s break it down like we’re talking over coffee, alright?
Why eBooks and Digital Courses Are a Smart Move
Let’s keep it 100.
Selling eBooks or digital courses might sound like a pipe dream, but trust me, it’s one of the smartest ways to make money online.
Here’s why:
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Low overhead: No inventory. No shipping. No headaches.
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Scalable: You create it once, and it sells forever.
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Passive income: Wake up to more money than when you went to bed.
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Flexibility: Sell on your website, Amazon, or even Instagram.
Bottom line: If you’ve got knowledge, there’s a market for it. That’s your goldmine right there.
eBooks vs Online Courses – Which One is Right for You?
| Feature | eBooks | Digital Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Short, structured info | Deep-dive learning |
| Format | Written (PDF, ePub) | Videos, worksheets, etc. |
| Creation Time | Quick (days/weeks) | Slower (weeks/months) |
| Price Range | £5 - £50 | £50 - £500+ |
| Engagement | Self-paced reading | Interactive learning |
Pro tip: Don’t pick one — bundle them.
Give more value, and charge more for it.
How to Write a Killer eBook
Here’s your simple, no-fluff guide:
Step 1: Pick a Profitable Topic
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Use Google Trends to see what’s hot.
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Check Amazon Kindle bestsellers in your niche.
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Browse Reddit, Quora, Facebook groups — find what people are struggling with.
Step 2: Plan and Write the Content
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Outline everything before you start typing.
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Keep it simple and conversational.
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Use real-life examples, case studies, and actionable tips.
Step 3: Design It to Look Sexy
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Use Canva or Adobe InDesign.
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Choose a clean, high-quality cover design.
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Keep fonts easy to read (no Comic Sans, please).
Step 4: Make It Accessible on All Devices
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PDF – perfect for direct sales.
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ePub – ideal for Kindle and e-readers.
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MOBI – if you’re catering to hardcore Kindle fans.
Step 5: Set the Right Price
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Short eBooks (20-50 pages)? £5–£15.
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Longer ones (100+ pages)? £20–£50.
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You’re not selling War and Peace—price it based on the value it provides.
Step 6: Start Selling
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Amazon KDP – massive audience, less control.
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Your blog or website – full control, bigger margins.
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Gumroad, Payhip, Shopify – easy platforms that look pro.
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Third-party sites – like Etsy or Apple Books to reach more people.
Building a Profitable Online Course: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Want recurring revenue?
Online courses are a longer game, but worth it.
Step 1: Choose Your Topic
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Pick something you know well and people actually search for.
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Make sure it addresses a real problem.
Step 2: Plan Your Course Structure
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Intro: Set the tone.
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Core Lessons: Videos, PDFs, audio — mix it up.
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Assignments/Quizzes: Make them take action.
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Outro: Wrap up with a call to action.
Step 3: Record and Edit Your Content
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Use tools like Camtasia or OBS Studio for video.
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Invest in a decent mic — no potato-quality audio.
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Edit with Premiere Pro or Final Cut to keep things smooth.
Step 4: Add Useful Resources
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Downloadable checklists, workbooks, and extra materials.
Step 5: Choose a Platform to Host Your Course
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Teachable – beginner-friendly.
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Udemy – huge audience but lower prices.
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Kajabi – premium, all-in-one platform.
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Thinkific – great for branding and customization.
Best Marketing Tactics to Sell Like a Pro
You’ve got the product — now let’s get it out there.
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Email List Building:
Offer a freebie to collect emails, then nurture them with your content. -
Social Media Marketing:
Share teasers, behind-the-scenes, and customer testimonials. -
SEO Blogging:
Write posts that attract people searching for how to start an ebook business. -
Affiliate Marketing:
Get others to sell your product and split the profits. -
Webinars & Live Sessions:
Teach something small, then pitch your product. -
Bundle Offers:
Combine your ebook and course into one money-making offer.
FAQs
Q: How long will it take to write an eBook?
A: Depends. Some people finish in a week, others take months. It’s up to you.
Q: Do I need to be a tech expert to sell digital products?
A: Nah. Tools like Gumroad and Teachable do the heavy lifting.
Q: What if no one buys my ebook/course?
A: Don’t quit! Revise your topic, tweak your sales page, and keep marketing. Most people quit too soon.
Q: Can I really make six figures with this?
A: Absolutely. But you’ve got to treat it like a business, not a hobby.
Final Words
There’s no magic trick here.
But there is a simple way to start your own ebook business.
One you control.
One that creates real income.
One that works for you, even while you sleep.
So stop lurking. Start creating.
This is your simple way to start an ebook business.
Let’s make it happen.