Let’s be honest—selling digital downloads is one of the best ways to make money online.
No inventory. No shipping. No warehouse filled with boxes threatening to topple over.
Just a clever idea packaged into a PDF, template, or printable that sells while you sleep.
But here’s the catch: everyone and their neighbor is trying to sell planners and resume templates on Etsy.
The competition can be savage.
If you want to carve out a profitable corner of the internet without fighting a million other sellers, you need to pick low competition niches.
The kind of niches where customers are underserved, eager to buy, and grateful to finally find what they’re looking for!
That’s exactly what these niches below do.
17 Low Competition Niches to Make Serious Money Selling Digital Downloads
1) Specialty Habit Trackers
General habit trackers are ten a penny.
But if you can niche down and hit a specific focus, you’re onto an absolute goldmine!
Think:
- Habit trackers for people recovering from surgery.
- Habit trackers for new parents managing postpartum life.
- Habit trackers for artists or musicians.
- Habit trackers for online entrepreneurs.
These are specific audiences with unique challenges.
A hyper-targeted habit tracker feels tailored — and buyers will pay a premium for that personalization.
Related: 17 Digital Products that Sell Like Crazy on Etsy
2) Uncommon Hobbies Templates
Everyone is targeting fitness or budgeting.
But what about:
- Birdwatching logs.
- Beekeeping journals.
- Model train inventory sheets.
Yes, these hobbies are totally niche, but that’s why the competition is minimal!
These communities often have passionate enthusiasts ready to buy tools that help them organize their collections or track their progress.
Related: 25 Hobbies That Make Money: Build Your 6 Figure Business!
3) Family History and Genealogy Charts
Genealogy is booming.
In fact searches for genealogy charts have risen by 58% year on year.
Etsy and similar marketplaces still have relatively few stylish, easy-to-use family tree templates.
Especially ones that cater to:
- Blended families.
- Multigenerational households.
- Nontraditional family structures.
Create elegant, customizable charts in different styles.
Think modern, vintage, minimalist and you can attract buyers who’ve struggled to find something that fits their unique story.
Related: 15 Super Easy Digital Products To Make Insane Profits in 2025
4) Specialized Business Forms
Small businesses are desperate for tools that save time.
Instead of generic invoice templates, get laser-specific:
- Cleaning business checklists.
- Pet sitting agreement forms.
- Event planner client intake forms.
- Lash tech safety disclaimer forms etc.
These niches are underserved.
Business owners often prefer ready-made templates over creating them from scratch.
Related: 17 Profitable Digital Products That Sell Like Crazy on Social Media
5) Educational Resources for Micro-Subjects
Teachers love printable resources — but most focus on standard subjects.
Instead, target micro-niches:
- Dinosaur-themed early literacy packs.
- Math activities for Montessori preschool.
- Learning games for speech therapy.
If you can solve a specific classroom need, you’re guaranteed to have loyal repeat customers.
Related: 19 Most Profitable Kids’ Digital Printables to Sell Online
6) Unique Wedding Printables
The wedding market is huge!
Instead of competing with fancy invitation designers, focus on less glamorous but necessary tools.
Consider:
- Wedding seating plan spreadsheets.
- Wedding downloads in different languages e.g. Spanish, French etc.
- Budget calculators.
- Bachelorette weekend itineraries.
- Cultural or religious ceremony guides.
Couples are overwhelmed by logistics.
Digital downloads that simplify planning can be a lifesaver.
Related: 25 Easily Editable Canva Templates That Sell Like Crazy (Anyone Can Create!)
7) Niche Diet Meal Planners
Keto and paleo are beyond saturated.
But what about:
- Histamine intolerance meal plans.
- Autoimmune protocol (AIP) trackers.
- Low FODMAP grocery lists.
These diets have serious communities around them.
Buyers are often desperate for resources that make life easier.
Related: 15 Most In-Demand Printable Ideas You Can Make and Sell in a Weekend
8) Personal Development Worksheets
The self-help industry is booming. Avoid generic goal planners.
Niche down into:
- Anger management worksheets.
- Self-esteem journals for teens.
- Burnout recovery planners.
When you create resources that tackle very specific challenges, you build trust with buyers who feel seen.
Related: Top 10 Free Courses to Help You Make More Money Online & in Your Career
9) Funeral and End-of-Life Planning Tools
This is an area many creators shy away from, but there’s a huge demand for.
Think about:
- Funeral planning checklists.
- Celebration of life invitation templates.
- Estate and will organization planners.
These downloads help families navigate stressful times with dignity and clarity.
Families will find them a valuable, compassionate resource.
Related: How to Make Printables that Sell Like Crazy Online!
10) Spiritual or Faith-Based Trackers
People practicing specific spiritual paths often look for resources not easily found in stores.
Think:
- Pagan or Wiccan ritual planners.
- Bible reading trackers for children.
- Prayer request journals.
These are low competition compared to generic journals.
You can design them with beautiful, meaningful graphics.
Related: 21 Printables That Sell Like Crazy Online ($5,000+ Month Business Idea)
11) Niche Fitness Trackers
Instead of general fitness logs, serve communities with specialized needs.
Consider:
- Pregnancy-safe exercise planners.
- Adaptive fitness logs for disabled athletes.
- Menopause fitness trackers.
Buyers appreciate content that acknowledges their unique experiences and goals.
Related: How I Make $10,000 a Month Selling Printables on Etsy (Step-By-Step Plan)
12) Micro-Event Planning Printables
Everyone sells birthday party invitations.
I mean there are over 52,000 options to choose from on Etsy!
But what about:
- Puppy adoption parties.
- Divorce celebration checklists.
- Retirement roast scripts.
These smaller events have passionate hosts who want to make the day special.
They’re thrilled to find resources that feel personal and inclusive.
Related: 27 Digital Products that Sell Like Mad on Etsy in 2025 (Huge Profit Margins)
13) Specialty Budget Planners
Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring.
Don’t create the same old spreadsheets.
Create:
- Budget planners for freelancers with irregular income.
- Wedding savings trackers.
- College student budgeting kits.
People want to feel that their circumstances are understood.
That specificity gives you a massive edge.
Related: How to Make Stickers to Sell Online (Even if You Can’t Draw!)
14) Professional Certification Study Guides
Students will always buy study resources.
Popular certifications (CPA, PMP) are saturated but there are hundreds of less-known certifications.
Consider:
- Pharmacy technician flashcards.
- Veterinary assistant study planners.
- Solar panel installer exam guides.
Do a bit of research to find certifications with decent search volume but few products— and watch your downloads grow.
Related: 27 Most Profitable Ways to Make Money While You Sleep
15) Digital Planners for Seniors
Most digital planners are designed for tech-savvy millennials.
But seniors are increasingly using tablets and iPads to stay organized.
Create:
- Large print digital planners.
- Medication logs with simple icons.
- Doctor appointment organizers.
This niche is beyond underserved.
If you design with accessibility in mind, you’ll stand out.
These are also highly giftable from careworkers and their children too.
Related: 17 Untapped Digital Products that Sell Like Crazy in 2025 and Beyond
16) Community Organization Templates
Local groups and nonprofits always need help staying organized.
Sell:
- HOA meeting minutes templates.
- PTA fundraising trackers.
- Neighborhood watch sign-up sheets.
These small groups don’t have big budgets.
They’ll happily spend $5–$15 on digital tools that save time.
Related: 35 Most Profitable Small Business Ideas That Anyone Can Start (No Huge Investment Required!)
17) Digital Downloads for Niche Pet Owners
Yes, dog and cat printables are everywhere.
But what about:
- Parrot care checklists.
- Reptile feeding logs.
- Aquarium maintenance schedules.
Pet owners in specialized communities are devoted to their animals.
They often struggle to find high-quality, niche-specific resources.
Related: 25 Custom Pet Product Ideas to Make and Sell for Animal Lovers [That Are Instant Best-Sellers]
Tips for Success in Low Competition Niches
Before you rush off to make your first digital download, here are a few smart strategies to help you succeed:
1) Validate demand:
Even in low competition spaces, you want proof that buyers exist.
Use tools like Etsy search bar suggestions, Ubersuggest, or even Reddit forums to see what people are asking for.
2) Focus on quality over quantity:
Don’t pump out dozens of half-baked products.
Create a small collection of beautifully designed, truly useful downloads.
3) Create a cohesive brand:
Low competition niches often have loyal communities.
A recognizable brand style helps you become the go-to shop.
4) Price appropriately:
Niche doesn’t mean cheap.
Many buyers in specialized markets are willing to pay more for resources that feel tailored.
5) Use SEO smartly:
Include long-tail keywords in your titles and descriptions to catch search traffic.
For example, “Printable Beekeeping Journal PDF” instead of just “Beekeeping Planner.”
Why Now Is the Best Time to Start
The beauty of low competition niches is that they’re like hidden pockets of the internet.
They may not have the massive search volume of wedding invitations.
But here’s the thing….you don’t need thousands of buyers to make serious money.
Secure a handful of dedicated customers who keep coming back (and referring others).
And you can build a steady income stream that doesn’t depend on trends or fads.
Plus, the digital download market keeps growing every year!
People crave convenience and instant solutions.
Whether it’s a busy mom, a pet owner, or a small business owner — someone out there is hoping right now that they can find exactly what you’re about to create.
