The Power of Low-Touch Digital and Print-on-Demand Products: Expand Your Income Streams Without Dividing Your Attention

I would be lying if I didn’t say that Hurricane Helene and Milton are the driving forces behind this post.

Hurricane Helene directly impacted two people very special and close to me. These two ladies, who I would walk through fire for, faced not just the threat of damage to their homes, but to their businesses as well. As self-employed small business owners, they were staring down the reality of total devastation, both personal and financial.

Thankfully, their homes and businesses were spared. But seeing so many others lose everything made me realize the critical need for having multiple revenue streams in place. This experience got me thinking about the vulnerability of our businesses, especially when we rely on being physically present to earn an income.

We were on holiday when it all unfolded, but the trip felt overshadowed by everything happening throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. I started reflecting on my own business and the importance of creating low-touch income streams that allow us to continue working with our clients while giving us financial flexibility to handle emergencies.

For me, this was a call to action to build low-touch income streams—products that would provide both creative freedom and financial stability. This way, I could continue working with clients one-on-one but have disposable income and the flexibility to step in and help if and when disaster strikes again.

Just a heads-up: When I say “low-touch products,” I’m talking about digital goodies like courses, printables, PLR content, and other “set it and forget it” types of products. They might need a little TLC now and then, but you don’t have to be glued to them 24/7 to make money. But hey, before you go Googling “low-touch products,” beware—you might find something totally different than what I’m talking about here! 😉

What Are Low-Touch Products and Why Do They Matter?

Low-touch products are digital or print-on-demand offerings that allow you to generate income without constant hands-on involvement. You create them once, set up automated systems, and let them generate revenue while you focus on other aspects of your business or life.

Financial Stability in Uncertain Times

As small business owners, we’re often vulnerable to disruptions. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a pandemic, or personal life events, we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Low-touch products ensure that you can keep earning even when life gets unpredictable.

Flexibility to Pivot or Scale Without Burnout

Low-touch products allow you to diversify and scale your business without exhausting yourself. You can continue working with clients if you choose, but having these additional streams of income gives you the option to take a step back or transition entirely without losing momentum.

Automation Equals Freedom

Imagine waking up to sales notifications in your inbox. With the right automation tools, low-touch products let you earn money while you sleep, travel, or focus on your passions.

Examples of Low-Touch Digital and Print-on-Demand Products You Can Create

There are countless options for low-touch products that allow you to tap into your creative skills. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Presets and Filters

Photographers can sell Lightroom presets or photo filters. These products are easy to create and can be sold repeatedly without additional effort.

Printables and Templates

From planners to design templates, printables are highly popular and easy to distribute. Create once, and sell as often as needed. Shameless plug, I’ve opened a template and printables shop, click here to visit the shop.

Online Courses

Share your expertise through online courses. You can teach others your skills and offer courses that continue selling long after the work is done. Similar to an online course, you can also create an e-book similar to my new e-book: The Art of Selling Portraits: Mastering In-Person Sales

Stock Photography

If you have unused images sitting on your hard drive, consider selling them as stock photography on your website or research selling on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.

Print-on-Demand Products

For those interested in physical products, print-on-demand services like Printful or Society6 allow you to sell prints, merchandise, or books without ever handling inventory.

Income Strategies for Maximizing Your Low-Touch Digital and Print-on-Demand Products

Creating low-touch products is just the first step. Here are a few strategies to help you get the most out of your offerings:

Bundle Products for Higher Value

Create product bundles to offer a higher perceived value. For example, bundle photo editing presets with a step-by-step editing guide.

Leverage Seasonal Trends

Offer products based on seasonal or industry trends. For example, photographers could create and promote specific presets for holiday photoshoots or summer weddings.

Exclusive Membership Content

Offer members-only content or a subscription service for ongoing, passive income. This helps you build a loyal audience while generating a steady revenue stream.

Low-Touch Tech and Automation Tools to Get You Started

To truly make your products low-touch, you need to automate. Here are some tools to help you get started:

E-commerce Platforms

Platforms like Stan.Store, Shopify, Gumroad, and Etsy make it easy to set up a digital storefront. Once your products are uploaded, these platforms handle the sales, delivery, and payment processing for you.

Email Marketing Automation

Tools like Kit (Formerly ConvertKit) and Mailchimp allow you to set up email sequences that promote your products, nurture leads, and drive sales on autopilot.

Print-on-Demand Services

Print-on-demand services like Printful or Redbubble allow you to sell physical products (like art prints, mugs, or t-shirts) without having to deal with inventory or shipping.

Creating low-touch products is about more than just diversifying your income streams—it’s about building a business that can support you through any storm. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a shift in the economy, or simply the desire for more freedom, these products can provide the flexibility and financial security to help you thrive.

If you’re ready to start building low-touch income streams and automating your business for greater freedom, check out my digital marketing course, the Ultimate Customizable Course.

In this course, I walk you through everything you need to create, market, and automate your low-touch products so you can focus on the things that matter most to you.