Sell Google Docs Templates

How To Sell Google Docs Templates

Google Docs has become a popular tool for creating a wide variety of documents. With its growing use in both personal and business spheres, there is a burgeoning market for Google Docs templates. If you’re looking to tap into this market, this blog post will guide you through the process of creating, selling, and delivering Google Docs templates.

Types of Templates People Use in Google Docs

Google Docs is versatile, catering to numerous needs. Popular template types include:

1. Business Proposals and Plans: Essential for startups and established businesses alike.
2. Invoices and Billing Statements: Highly sought-after by freelancers and small business owners.
3. Resumes and Cover Letters: Widely used by job seekers in various industries.
4. Newsletters: Used by schools, clubs, and community groups.
5. Educational Material: Such as lesson plans and study guides, popular among educators and students.

Understanding the demand in these areas can guide you in creating templates that are both useful and marketable.

Businesses Who Use Google Docs and Would Buy Templates

A broad range of businesses and organizations use Google Docs, including:

• Startups and SMEs: For business plans, project proposals, and financial documents.
• Educational Institutions: For lesson plans, newsletters, and administrative documents.
• Non-Profit Organizations: For grant applications, reports, and communication materials.
• Freelancers and Consultants: Who regularly need professional-looking invoices and proposals.

Identifying these target markets can help you tailor your templates to meet specific needs.

Designing and Exporting Google Docs Templates

To create a Google Docs template, follow these steps:

1. Design Your Template: Use Google Docs to design your template. Pay attention to layout, font choices, and any placeholder text or images.
2. Export Your Template: Go to File > Download and choose the format you want to provide your template in. Refer to Google Support for more details.
3. Enable Copying with the /copy Method: This method allows users to easily make a copy of your template in their own Google Drive.
   • Grab the document link (File > Share > Copy link).
   • Send this link via email or another medium.
   • Set the access (Viewer, Commenter, or Editor).
   • Replace everything after the forward-slash in the link with “copy”.
   • Remember, only edit this part of the link.

When recipients click on the link, they will be prompted to make a copy of the document in their Google Drive.

Promoting, Listing/Selling, and Delivering the Template

• Promotion: Use social media, content marketing, and online forums to promote your templates.
• Listing/Selling: Platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website can be used to list and sell your templates.
• Delivery: Deliver the templates via email or direct download links. Ensure that the instructions for use are clear and straightforward.

FAQs for Google Docs Template Sellers

Q: How do I price my templates? A: Consider the complexity of the design, the potential audience, and competitor pricing. Offering a range from free to premium templates can cater to a broader market.

Q: What are the legal considerations? A: Ensure you have the rights to any images or fonts used in your templates. Also, be clear about the usage rights you are granting to the buyers.

Q: How can I protect my templates from being redistributed? A: While it’s challenging to completely protect digital products, clear licensing terms can help. You might also consider embedding your branding to discourage unauthorized redistribution.

Q: Can I update a template after selling it? A: Yes, you can update templates. If the updates are significant, consider informing past buyers and offering them the updated version.

Q: How do I handle customer support? A: Be responsive to customer inquiries and feedback. Providing a FAQ section with your templates can also reduce the number of support queries.

By understanding your market, designing quality templates, and effectively managing the sales and distribution process, you can successfully tap into the growing demand for Google Docs templates.

Bonus!

Google also has a referral program that you can access here. You get paid a set fee for every person who signs up using your referral link. How do you use it? On your template sales pages, add a sentence that asks people whether they’re Google users. If they’re not users, they can click the link, sign up for a paid Google Workspace account and you get paid.