What to Sell Online: Tips for Choosing Winning Products
One of the most common questions new ecommerce sellers face is: what should I sell online? With so many products available and competition increasing every day, finding the right product is crucial. In this guide, we break down how to choose winning products so you can launch your store with confidence and reduce the risk of failure.
Why Product Selection Matters
Before you build a website, order inventory, or run ads, you need to make sure you are selling something people actually want. The best ecommerce products solve a problem, appeal to a niche, and are profitable to ship and sell. A thoughtful approach to what to sell online will save you time, money, and frustration later.
Types of Products to Consider
- Trending products: Items gaining popularity quickly, often found on TikTok or Instagram
- Evergreen products: Products with consistent, year-round demand (e.g., fitness gear, kitchen tools)
- Niche products: Items targeting a specific hobby or lifestyle (e.g., camping gear for solo travelers)
- Problem-solving products: Items that improve daily life or offer a convenient solution
Start with categories you are familiar with or passionate about. It helps to know your audience and understand what they value in a product.
Researching What to Sell Online
Here are tools and techniques to help you evaluate whether a product is worth pursuing:
1. Use Google Trends
Check search interest over time to see if the product is growing in popularity or losing momentum. Look for consistent upward trends rather than short-term spikes.
2. Explore Amazon and Etsy
Use best-seller lists and customer reviews to find top-performing products. Note product gaps or customer complaints that you could address with your version.
3. Analyze with Keyword Tools
Use tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner to evaluate monthly search volume, keyword difficulty, and related terms. A good product keyword has decent search volume and low-to-moderate competition.
4. Test with Marketplaces
Start small by listing products on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Use real sales data to validate demand before launching your store.
Qualities of a Winning Product
Not all products are created equal. Here is what makes a product a strong candidate for ecommerce:
- Lightweight and easy to ship: Keeps fulfillment simple and costs low
- Retail price between $20–$100: Balances affordability with profitability
- Not available at local big box stores: Increases appeal and urgency
- Appeals to a passionate audience: Higher engagement and word-of-mouth potential
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a product just because you like it
- Ignoring shipping costs or fragile materials
- Picking a saturated product without a clear angle
- Skipping market research
Successful sellers do not guess—they test and adapt based on real data.
Examples of Popular Products
- Eco-friendly home items (e.g., reusable kitchen supplies)
- Fitness and wellness tools (e.g., resistance bands, yoga mats)
- Pet accessories (e.g., travel water bottles, custom collars)
- DIY and craft kits (e.g., paint-by-number sets, candle kits)
- Digital products (e.g., planners, templates, courses)
Use these as inspiration, but find ways to make your version unique through bundling, design, or targeting a specific sub-niche.
What to Sell Online as a Beginner
If you are just getting started, choose a product with low startup costs and easy fulfillment. Handmade goods, dropshipped items, or digital products allow you to learn ecommerce without major financial risk. You can always pivot later as you gain experience.
Conclusion
Knowing what to sell online is the first big step in your ecommerce journey. Focus on products that serve a need, generate interest, and allow you to stand out. Do your research, test ideas, and stay open to new trends. For help launching your store, check out our guide to ecommerce startup costs or compare different business models.
