Ready to launch your digital product business but not sure which eCommerce platform is best for you? At PRL ACADEMY HUB, we’ve analyzed the three leading platforms—Etsy, Stan, and Shopify—to help you find the right fit based on your goals, audience, and experience level.
Etsy: A Simple Starting Point for New Digital Sellers
Why choose Etsy? It’s beginner-friendly and requires minimal setup. Etsy is ideal if you're starting out and want to test your product ideas with a built-in audience.
Pros:
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Low startup barrier: Quick and easy setup without needing a full business structure.
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Built-in traffic: Etsy attracts millions of users searching for digital and creative products.
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No branding required: No need for a logo, website, or complex marketing.
Cons:
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Payment delays: Etsy controls payment schedules.
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High competition: Many sellers offer similar products.
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Limited control: Restricted customer data access and ad usage.
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Risk of account suspension: Etsy may suspend accounts without prior warning.
Best for: Beginners wanting to experiment with product-market fit while keeping costs low.
PRL Academy Tip: Focus on niche products and use Etsy’s internal ads. Collect emails and track customer feedback to grow your brand outside of Etsy.
Stan: The Platform for Social Media Creators
Why choose Stan? Designed for influencers and coaches, Stan is perfect for those monetizing an audience on Instagram, TikTok, or similar platforms.
Pros:
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No tech skills required: Set up your store in minutes.
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Multiple income streams: Sell digital products, Zoom sessions, memberships, and more.
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Affiliate program: Earn extra income by referring others.
Cons:
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Limited customization: Few design options and no advanced funnels.
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No advanced ad integrations: Harder to scale with paid ads.
Best for: Social media influencers, coaches, and digital creators looking for simplicity and speed.
PRL Academy Tip: Leverage Stan’s affiliate tools and focus on organic traffic. Be prepared to migrate to a more advanced platform as you grow.
Shopify: The Go-To Platform for Digital Business Growth
Why choose Shopify? If you’re serious about building a long-term, scalable digital product brand, Shopify is your best bet.
Pros:
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Custom storefronts: Full branding flexibility and design control.
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Advanced marketing tools: Email campaigns, ad tracking, and third-party integrations.
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Flexible payments: Accept multiple currencies and platforms (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
Cons:
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Business setup required: You may need to register a business depending on your location.
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Higher costs: Monthly fees, app costs, and transaction fees add up.
Best for: Entrepreneurs ready to scale with full branding control and advanced marketing capabilities.
PRL Academy Tip: Use Shopify’s free trial to test the platform. Start small, then invest in marketing tools and automation once you understand your customer base.
So, Which Platform is Right for You?
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Etsy: Great for beginners and testing digital product ideas.
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Stan: Best for creators who want to monetize social media followers quickly.
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Shopify: Ideal for building a fully branded, scalable digital product business.
Whatever stage you're at, choosing the right platform can make or break your business. PRL ACADEMY HUB offers templates, bundles, and expert guidance to support your journey on any of these platforms.
Want to explore more options? Discover additional eCommerce platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, Podia, Systeme.io, and more inside our advanced guides and digital business courses.
Explore. Launch. Scale. With PRL ACADEMY HUB, your success in selling digital products starts today!