Creating an ebook from scratch? Is it an impossible task, especially when you have no design skills and little idea where to start, or can anyone do it? The answer lies somewhere in between. With the right tools, a simple strategy, and some trial and error, I went from “how do I create an ebook?” to selling my first digital product online. Here’s how I did it, what I learned, and how you can do it too.
Step-by-step process I used to create and launch my first ebook
When I first decided to create an ebook, I had no clue what I was doing. I Googled everything from “how to create an ebook to sell” to “how to create an ebook in Canva” and pieced together a plan. This section looks closer on the exact steps I followed, so you can replicate them or make your own, smarter version.
How I created an ebook in Canva without prior design skills
How to create an ebook for free? Try Canva! I had zero design background and Canva was a lifesaver. It’s a free, drag-and-drop design tool with ebook templates that look polished and professional. I picked a clean layout, swapped in my content, adjusted fonts and colors, and downloaded the file as a PDF.
Using Canva to create an ebook for free gave me confidence to move forward. The best part? It looked like I hired a designer, even though I hadn’t. That’s one of the big advantages when creating an ebook PDF with Canva: it removes the technical barrier. All you need is the know how you’re trying to pass on.
What platform do I use to create and host my free and paid ebooks
Once my ebook was ready, I needed a way to share and sell it. For free ebooks, I used ConvertKit to offer it as a lead magnet. For paid versions, I went with Gumroad, because it’s beginner-friendly and handles payments, file delivery, and customer emails automatically. Both platforms made it simple to create an ebook online for free and get it into readers’ hands. I just uploaded the PDF, added a description and pricing (or made it $0 for free downloads), and published.
The strategy behind choosing a profitable ebook topic
The topic of your ebook can make or break your success. Don’t just pick a topic you want to write about; pick a topic your audience needs. I paid attention to the questions I got most often and the problems I kept seeing in my niche.
I made a list of possible topics and ran informal polls on social media. That feedback guided me to a subject with proven demand. Don’t guess—ask. That’s the basis of creating an ebook to sell – people will only pay for solutions to their actual problems.
What launching an ebook taught me about digital products
Publishing my first ebook became a crash course in branding, marketing, and mindset. Creating and launching an ebook forced me to clarify my message and rethink how I show up online.
How ebook creation helped define my niche and brand story
Writing the ebook helped me see where I stood in my niche. I had to ask: Who am I writing for? What do I know that can help them? These questions pushed me to define my brand more clearly. Once I published, I noticed that people began associating me with the ebook’s topic. It naturally became part of my brand story.
Why simplicity beats perfection when launching your first ebook
In the beginning, I obsessed over small details: fonts, typos, layout tweaks. But at some point, I had to stop polishing and publish. Looking back, I’m glad I did. Waiting for perfection would’ve delayed everything and bettered nothing. Your first ebook doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be done. If you focus on delivering real value and a clear solution, people won’t care if it’s not fancy.
How I used my ebook as a lead magnet and monetisation tool
Beyond direct sales, my ebook opened doors to grow my list and build revenue. Here’s how I used it both as a lead magnet and a product, and what I’d do differently if I had to start over.
Check out the video below where I walk you through how I made online courses a great part of my income:
What I’d change in my ebook strategy, looking back
If I could go back, I’d start promoting earlier. I waited until the ebook was finished to talk about it. That was a mistake. Teasing the project and collecting early interest could’ve helped me build a stronger launch. I’d also break the content into smaller pieces and reuse them on social media. I had a whole ebook of great material that could’ve fuelled my content calendar for weeks. Don’t sleep on repurposing. Finally, I’d consider pricing more carefully. I undervalued the ebook at first. Don’t be afraid to charge what it’s worth, especially if it’s solving a real pain point.
