Skip to content
So, you want to start an online business, amazing! But then comes the big question: what exactly should you sell?
Choosing the right product can make or break your online store. Many new entrepreneurs rush into selling what they like instead of what the market actually wants. This guide will help you avoid that mistake and choose profitable products that people are already searching (and paying) for.
Step 1: Understand What Makes a Product Sell
Before you even start searching, it’s important to know what makes a product worth selling. A great product idea usually has one or more of these qualities:
- It solves a real problem. People will always pay to solve pain points.
- It targets a passionate audience. Hobbies and interests drive loyal customers.
- It’s unique or offers a twist. Standing out in a crowded market is key.
- It’s easy to ship and store. Lightweight, non-fragile products reduce costs.
- It has demand and profit potential. You can’t build a business on “likes” alone.
In short: focus on value, demand, and uniqueness.
Step 2: Look for Trending or Evergreen Niches
Your niche is the specific market you’ll focus on. Some niches are trending, while others are evergreen.
- Trending niches include products that are hot right now (like smart home gadgets, phone accessories, or beauty tools).
- Evergreen niches are products that never go out of style (like skincare, fitness gear, baby products, or home decor).
Ideally, you want a mix of both, something that’s currently popular but also sustainable long-term.
Pro Tip:
Use tools like Google Trends, TikTok Search, or Exploding Topics to spot what’s rising in popularity before everyone else jumps in.
Step 3: Research What People Are Already Buying
Before picking a product, always check if people are already buying it.Here’s how:
1. Browse major marketplaces: Check Amazon, Jumia, Etsy, or AliExpress for best-sellers.
2. Read customer reviews: Look at what people love or complain about; that’s where opportunities lie.
3. Use keyword tools: Tools like Ubersuggest, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner show how often people search for a product.
4. Explore social media: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can reveal what products are trending fast.
If you find a product with strong demand and low-to-medium competition, that’s a good sign.
Step 4: Check Profitability
Not every product that sells well online is profitable.
Before deciding, consider:
- Product cost: How much will you pay for each unit?
- Shipping cost: Can you deliver it affordably
- Selling price: Will customers be willing to pay enough for you to make a profit?
- Marketing cost: If you’ll run ads, does the profit margin cover it?
As a general rule, try to aim for at least 30–50% profit margin after all expenses.
Step 5: Test Before You Commit
Don’t buy hundreds of products right away. Instead, start small.
You can test your idea by:
- Selling a few units on social media or marketplaces.
- Running a small ad campaign to see how people respond.
- Asking for feedback from friends, followers, or online communities.
If your test goes well, scale up gradually.
Step 6: Build Your Brand Around It
Once you find a product that sells, the next step is to turn it into a brand.A strong brand helps you stand out, build trust, and charge higher prices.
Focus on:
- Quality product photography
- A clean, user-friendly website
- Consistent logo and color theme
- Engaging content that tells your brand story
Even a simple product can become a best-seller with the right branding and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right product to sell online doesn’t have to be complicated, it just requires research, testing, and strategy.
Start by identifying problems you can solve, check market demand, analyze profitability, and build a brand that connects with your audience. And remember: don’t chase every trending product, focus on one niche, master it, and grow from there.
Your winning product is out there, you just have to find it, believe in it, and sell it with confidence.
