When you’re starting out with digital products, it’s tempting to think you must have a full-blown website before you can make a single sale.
The truth? You don’t. Imagine, sio lazima….and I’ve explained exactly why in my latest video — tap here to watch it.
A simple sales platform can handle everything you need in the beginning — from listing your product to accepting payments and delivering it to your buyers.
But here’s the thing: not all sales platforms are created equal.
I learnt this the hard way. There was a time I had settled on a platform that seemed fine at first… until I realised people were abandoning their purchase because the checkout process took way too long. I literally lost sales because of it.
That’s when I promised myself — and now I’m telling you — choose your sales platform very carefully from the start.
Here are 5 key features you should look for before you sign up for any sales platform:
1. Easy, Beginner-Friendly Setup
When you’re new, you don’t need something complicated.
Look for a platform that:
- Doesn’t require coding or advanced tech skills
- Lets you set up your product page in minutes
- Has a clean, intuitive dashboard
If you spend more time figuring out the platform than creating your product, it’s not the right fit.
2. Flexible Payment Options
Your buyers might be in different countries and prefer different payment methods.
The right platform should:
- Accept major credit and debit cards
- Support PayPal (and other regional options like Mpesa, Stripe, etc.)
- Handle different currencies automatically
The easier you make it for someone to pay you, the more likely they are to buy.
3. Instant & Automatic Product Delivery
Nothing kills excitement like slow delivery.
Choose a platform that automatically delivers your eBook, course, template, or any other digital product the moment payment goes through.
This:
- Builds trust with your buyers
- Saves you the headache of manually sending files
- Keeps your business running on autopilot
4. Low Fees & Clear Pricing
Some platforms take a small percentage of each sale, others charge a monthly fee, and some do both.
When you’re starting out, you want:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Low transaction fees so you keep more of your money
- The ability to upgrade later as your sales grow
Tip: Compare fees now so you’re not shocked later.
5. Built-In Marketing Tools
Even if you don’t have a full website yet, your sales platform can help you market your product.
Look for features like:
- Discount codes or coupons
- Email capture so you can grow your list
- Analytics to track your sales and traffic
- Affiliate program options (so others can promote your product for a commission)
The right tools will help you sell more — without needing extra software.
Final Tip: Start Simple, Grow Later
Your first sales platform should help you start quickly and sell confidently — not overwhelm you with features you don’t need yet.
Once your digital products start gaining traction, that’s when you can invest in a full website to expand your reach and brand presence.
And here’s a little extra advice from me — if you find a platform that has all these features, fantastic, grab it. But in real life, you might come across a great platform that’s missing one or two. That’s okay. The key is to choose your hard — decide which missing features you can live without for now, and which ones are non-negotiable for your business.
💬 If you found value in this post, leave a comment below — I’d love to hear which sales platform you’re using or considering.
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