How to Create an Ebook That Actually Sells (Even If You’re Starting from Scratch)

Have a topic you're passionate about and want to share your knowledge while making money? Creating an ebook is one of the easiest, most beginner-friendly ways to start selling digital products — especially if you're on a budget.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to create an ebook that people want to buy, not just browse.

Step 1: Choose a Specific Problem to Solve

The most successful ebooks don’t try to cover everything. They solve one clear problem for a specific person.

Ask yourself:

• Who am I helping?

• What’s the urgent problem they want solved?

• What will they be able to do after reading this?

Examples:

• Instead of “All About Saving Money” → try “How to Save $1,000 in 30 Days”

• Instead of “Money Tips” → try “Budgeting for Single Moms Who Hate Numbers”

The more specific the transformation, the more valuable your ebook becomes.

If you’re starting from zero and unsure which income path actually makes sense, this guide on increasing income before everything else can help you avoid wasting time on ideas that don’t convert.

Step 2: Outline Before You Write

Don’t just open a blank doc and start typing.

Outline your ebook like this:

1. Introduction — Who this is for + what they’ll learn

2. Problem — Why this is a challenge

3. Your solution — The steps/method/strategy

4. Examples or templates

5. Quick wins or a mini challenge

6. Conclusion + encouragement

Bonus: Include a checklist or worksheet at the end to add value!

For beginners who prefer smaller, focused reads, the Finance Starter Bundle covers budgeting, mindset, and income basics that help support your first digital product.

Step 3: Use Canva to Design It (Yes, Really)

You don’t need fancy design skills. Canva has free ebook templates you can customize with your brand colors, fonts, and layout.

Tips:

• Keep it clean and easy to read

• Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points

• Add images, checklists, or examples where possible

Step 4: Price It Based on Value (Not Length)

Here’s the truth: people pay for results, not page count.

If your ebook solves a painful problem fast, it can be worth $7, $17, even $47.

Suggested price ranges:

• $7–$15 for quick wins (mini guides, checklists)

• $17–$27 for in-depth strategy (budgeting plan, money mindset)

• $37+ for ebook + workbook bundles

Step 5: Create a Simple Sales Page

You don’t need a full website. You can sell your ebook using:

• ThriveCart

• Payhip

• Gumroad

• ConvertKit Commerce (if you use ConvertKit for email)

Sales Page Checklist:

• A bold headline with a result

• A short description of the ebook

• What they’ll learn or accomplish

• A clear call-to-action (Buy Now button)

Step 6: Promote It on Pinterest (for Free!)

Pinterest is perfect for ebooks because it's a visual search engine.

Create 3–5 pins with different designs, like:

• “Budgeting Tips for Women — Free Guide Inside”

• “How to Save $1,000 in 30 Days — Grab the Ebook!”

Link your pins to the sales page or a lead magnet that upsells the ebook.

Final Tip: Start Before You’re Ready

Don’t wait until your ebook is perfect. Done is better than perfect — and you can always improve it based on feedback.

Your ebook doesn’t just help others — it also helps you grow your audience, income, and confidence.

Ready to Start?

If you want a clear system for choosing the right ebook idea, structuring it properly, and turning it into real income, the Income First Blueprint explains the full process step by step without overwhelm.