Finding the perfect products to sell online is the foundation of a successful e-commerce business.
I know firsthand how tough it can be to pinpoint a product that ticks all the boxes: profitability, demand, and scalability.
In this guide, I’ll show you practical strategies to uncover high-potential products, along with tools, tips, and examples to help you succeed.
How to Find Products to Sell Online
Finding the right products to sell online is the foundation of an online business. I know how hard it can be to find a product that checks all the boxes: profitability, demand and scalability.
In this guide I’ll show you practical ways to find high potential products along with tools, tips and examples to help you succeed.
Quick Summary
- You’ll learn how to find products that sell.
- I’ll show you Google Trends and Amazon Best Sellers for research.
- Learn how to validate product ideas before you invest big.
Why Choosing the Right Products Matters
Choosing the right products to sell isn’t just about what’s popular. It’s about your audience, solving a problem and differentiating yourself from competitors.
When I started my online business I made the mistake of chasing trends blindly. Sure fidget spinners were hot, but by the time I launched the market was flooded. I quickly learned that finding a niche and understanding market demand was key.
Let me simplify:
- Profitability: The right product can produce consistent sales and high margins.
- Audience Alignment: A good product fits your target audience’s needs and solves their problems.
- Market Positioning: It’s easier to stand out when your product is unique or serves a niche.
Types of Products to Sell Online
Not all products are created equal. Here are the main types:
1. Trending Products
Trending products are items that go viral in a short period of time. Think back to TikTok gadgets like LED strip lights or reusable water balloons.
How to Find Them:
- Use Google Trends to see if interest is increasing.
- Check platforms like TikTok’s Discover page or Instagram hashtags.
Pro Tip: While trendy products can give you quick wins, they’re often short lived. Test them early and don’t overstock.
2. Evergreen Products
Evergreen products are consistent sellers because they meet everyday needs. Items like phone cases, pet supplies or kitchen gadgets fall into this category.
Why They Work:
- Demand doesn’t fade over time.
- They provide steady income all year round.
I personally love evergreen products because they require less guesswork. If you’re new these are a safe bet.
3. Seasonal Products
Seasonal products are tied to holidays or specific times of the year—like Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations or summer pool inflatables.
How to Sell Them:
- Start marketing months before the season.
- Use Pinterest for early inspiration.
The key is to balance inventory—don’t overstock or you’ll be left with leftovers!
4. Niche Products
Niche products target a specific audience or solve a unique problem. Think vegan skincare, minimalist wallets or ergonomic desk setup.
Pros of Niche:
- Less competition.
- Easier to build a loyal customer base.
For example I launched a line of eco-friendly travel accessories and quickly gained traction with eco-conscious travelers.
Tools and Platforms for Product Research
Don’t guess. Use these tools to find data driven opportunities:
1. Google Trends
Google Trends is one of my favourite tools. It shows search interest over time for any product idea.
How I Use It:
- Search for keywords like “vegan protein powder” and see if it’s trending up.
- Compare multiple products to see which one has more demand.
2. Amazon Best Sellers
Amazon’s Best Sellers page is a treasure trove. It shows you what’s selling in each category.
Tips:
- Focus on subcategories to find niche products.
- Look at customer reviews to see what problems you can solve.
3. Social Media Insights
TikTok and Instagram are great for spotting trends early. Search hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt for product ideas.
Look for:
- Viral videos with high engagement.
- Comments asking where to buy the product.
4. AliExpress and Alibaba
If you’re into dropshipping these platforms let you browse thousands of products. AliExpress is great for spotting trends, while Alibaba is for bulk orders.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to shipping times and costs—long delays can kill your business.
5. Keyword Research Tools
Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can show you search volume for product related keywords.
For example I discovered “reusable paper towels” had a growing monthly search volume. It was a winner!
How to Find Products to Sell Online: Strategies That Work
Finding products to sell online isn’t just about luck or following trends; it’s about using smart strategies to find opportunities. If you’re like me you want something profitable, unique and in demand. Let’s dive in to different methods to find winning products that will set your business apart.
1. Solve a Pain Point
The best products solve a specific problem. Think about it: people are more likely to buy something that makes their life easier or solves a frustration.
How to Spot Pain Points:
- Look at common complaints in forums, social media groups or product reviews.
- Tools like AnswerThePublic show you questions people ask about problems.
Example: Portable laptop stands became popular because they solved neck pain for remote workers.
2. Spot Trends
Getting in early on trends means riding the wave of high demand before the market gets crowded.
How to Do It:
- Use Google Trends to see rising search interest.
- Check social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for viral products.
- Follow trend websites like TrendHunter or Pinterest’s Trending Searches.
Pro Tip: Don’t go all in without validating demand—test a small batch first.
3. Tap into Niche Interests
Niche markets are gold because they serve passionate and underserved audiences. From knitting enthusiasts to gamers, niche products build loyalty.
How to Find Niches:
- Join Reddit communities or Facebook groups related to specific hobbies or interests.
- Look for products that serve niche activities.
Example: A store selling only Dungeons & Dragons accessories can work because it serves a dedicated audience.
4. Fill an Underserved Market
Sometimes there’s a gap in the market for products that are hard to find. Finding this need can be a winner.
Research Methods:
- Look at Amazon reviews to find complaints about products that are not available or not enough.
- Search for keywords with demand but low competition using Ubersuggest.
Example: When I saw there was no eco-friendly pet products I created a product line to fill the gap.
5. Follow Your Passion
Selling something you’re passionate about keeps you motivated and helps you connect with your audience.
Why It Works:
- You already know your market.
- Your passion makes your brand authentic.
Example: A fitness enthusiast creating their own gym wear is more relatable to other fitness enthusiasts.
6. Use Your Professional Experience
Your work experience can give you product ideas. Think about tools, resources or solutions that would benefit people in your industry.
How to Do It:
- Reflect on inefficiencies or gaps in your industry.
- Create a product or service that solves those problems.
Example: A teacher could create educational materials or tools for other teachers.
7. Find Products in Keywords
- Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to find high volume, low competition keywords.
- Look at related terms to find products.
Example: The search “organic skincare for acne prone skin” led to niche products in that category.
8. Use Social Media
Social media isn’t just for connecting; it’s a product discovery tool.
What to Do:
- Follow influencers and see what products they’re promoting.
- Use hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt for product ideas.
- Pay attention to comments that ask “Where can I buy this?”
9. Browse Online Marketplaces
Marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy and eBay are product goldmines.
Where to Look:
- Check Amazon’s Best Sellers and Movers & Shakers lists.
- Explore Etsy’s trending section for handmade or custom products.
- Browse eBay’s trending items to see emerging demand.
10. Improve an Existing Product
If a product is popular but flawed there’s your opportunity. By improving an existing product you can serve the same audience with a better solution.
How to Find Ideas:
- Read negative reviews on Amazon or Walmart to see what people dislike about existing products.
- Add new features, better materials or improved design.
Example: A more durable version of a collapsible water bottle became a best-seller.
11. Products with Higher Profit Margins
Focus on products that are cheap to source but can be sold for more.
How to Do It:
- Look for lightweight, small products that reduce shipping costs.
- Check Alibaba for bulk pricing.
Example: Phone accessories like screen protectors and cases have huge profit margins.
12. Sustainability
Eco-friendly and sustainable products are in high demand as more people want to reduce their footprint.
Ideas to Consider:
- Reusable household items like beeswax wraps or silicone food bags.
- Sustainable fashion made from recycled materials.
Pro Tip: Show off your eco-friendly credentials in your branding for extra brownie points.
13. Trade Shows and Fairs
Trade shows give you a sneak peek at products and trends before they go mainstream.
How It Helps:
- Meet suppliers and manufacturers in person.
- Find products that aren’t online yet.
Example: I found a unique home decor supplier at a trade show, so my store had an edge.
14. Personalization
Personalized products are always popular because they feel special.
Product Ideas:
- Custom mugs, phone cases or jewelry.
- Print-on-demand services make personalization easy to scale.
Example: Personalized pet portraits went crazy as people were looking for unique gifts.
15. International Markets
What’s trending in one country may not be in another.
How to Do It:
- Browse international versions of Amazon or eBay.
- Use tools like AliExpress to see global product trends.
Example: Matcha tea was popular in Japan before it was trendy in the West.
16. Social Change
Social movements create demand for specific products. Think sustainability, inclusivity or health awareness.
Ideas to Consider:
- Products for wellness like mental health journals.
- Items for inclusivity like adaptive clothing.
Pro Tip: Tie your product messaging to values your audience cares about.
Tips for Finding the Right Products to Sell Online in 2025
Finding the right product to sell online is the backbone of an e-commerce business. With the landscape changing fast, you need to stay current and choose strategies that match the times.
I’ll break down the best ways to find products that will sell, with tips to help you succeed.
1. Sell Things People Need
Products that meet an ongoing need are always in demand. These items tend to be more stable in sales because they’re not trend based.
Think everyday essentials like phone chargers or kitchen gadgets.
Pro Tip: To stand out, find a niche version of these products—something people need but that’s not widely available.
How to Find Ideas:
- Visit AliExpress, pick a category and sort by orders to see what’s already working.
- Use tools like Google Trends to spot demand.
Example: Reusable cleaning supplies is a need-based niche with growing popularity due to the sustainability trend.
2. Sell Things People Want
Want-based products are more about emotions and lifestyle wants. These items follow trends so you need to differentiate between fads and long term wants.
Don’t Fall into the Fad Trap:
- Items like fidget spinners or Tickle-Me-Elmo can be big losses if demand dries up fast.
- Instead look for products tied to lifestyle or hobbies with long term appeal.
Pro Tip: Only sell what you believe in. If you wouldn’t buy it yourself, no one else will.
Example: Fitness gear or home office accessories continue to sell well because they’re tied to long term lifestyle changes.
3. Choose Products with Global Reach
Use the internet’s global reach by selling products that aren’t location or season based. Items like tech gadgets, fitness equipment or beauty products are global.
Pro Strategy:
- Source from areas where they’re abundant and sell in areas where they’re scarce.
- Focus on light and easy to ship products to minimize logistics headaches.
Example: High quality matcha powder from Japan can appeal to health conscious consumers globally.
4. Sell What You Love
Selling what you love makes your business more fun and authentic. Your passion will show in your marketing and will help you connect with your audience.
Why
- You’ll have an easier time marketing and creating content around the product.
- Passion makes it more likely you’ll stick with your business when things get tough.
Example: If you love hiking you might sell outdoor gear or eco friendly water bottles.
5. Sell What You Know
Use your expertise to sell products in an area you’re knowledgeable about. Customers value service and you’ll feel confident in answering their questions.
How to Get Started:
- Where do you have professional or personal expertise?
- Look for products that solve a common problem or enhance the experience in your field.
Example: A chef could sell specialized kitchen tools or create their own line of spices.
6. Sell What You Create
If you have a creative skill, consider selling products you create yourself. Handmade goods or intellectual property like e-books or courses can be very profitable.
Key Points:
- Make sure your product is unique and high quality.
- For physical products, factor in production and shipping costs.
Example: Custom artwork, handmade jewelry or an online course about a skill you’re an expert in.
7. Sell Other People’s Products (Dropshipping)
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. You partner with suppliers who ship items to customers under your brand.
Why It’s Popular:
- Low start up cost.
- Huge variety of products to sell.
Challenges:
- You’re responsible for customer satisfaction even if the supplier screws up.
- Shipping times can be long if sourcing internationally.
Example: Dropshipping trendy home decor or phone accessories via Shopify.
8. Facilitate Others Selling Their Stuff
Instead of selling directly, create a platform where others can sell their products. You earn a commission on each sale and don’t have to manage inventory.
How to Get Started:
- Focus on a specific niche to attract a targeted audience.
- Make sure the platform is user friendly and provides value to sellers.
Example: A marketplace for handmade or upcycled furniture.
9. Promote Products Through Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting other people’s products. You don’t have to manage inventory, shipping or customer service.
How to Succeed:
- Write content that adds value like product reviews or comparison guides.
- Choose affiliate programs with products you trust.
Example: A tech blogger promoting the latest gadgets through Amazon’s affiliate program.
10. Sell Memberships
If you have valuable expertise or content, a membership model can give you recurring income. Offer exclusive access to premium content or tools.
How to Get Started:
- Create a members only area on your website.
- Offer ongoing value like regular updates, tutorials or insider tips.
Example: Investment advice, premium workout plans or industry insights.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding products to sell online, the possibilities are endless. The strategies above are just a starting point—combine your creativity with data-driven research, and you’ll be well on your way to discovering your next big hit.
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