Transforming Word Docs into Digital Products: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide came about thanks to a great question from Leesa. She wanted to know how to transform her Word docs into digital products like PDF’s, workbooks and worksheets.

What started as a simple answer turned into quite an adventure! As I dug into this topic, I discovered that the digital landscape has changed quite a bit. The tools and methods we used to rely on have evolved. Through my research, I learned so much more than I expected, and I’m excited to share this process.

The methods I’ll show you are up-to-date and practical, perfect for anyone looking to transform their documents into digital products.

Chapters:

• 0:00 Welcome
• 1:42 The Google docs method
• 9:52 Doing it in Canva – which one suits you better?
• 10:51 Canva: The Workbook version
• 17:35 Sharing the pdf – Google Drive or your WordPress site
• 20:26 Canva: The doc version

Understanding Digital Product Delivery

Let me walk you through the three ways to turn your Word documents into digital products:

The Three Methods

1. Using Google Docs – A simple but effective approach
2. Using Canva’s workbook templates
3. Using Canva’s docs feature

With all three of these methods, you’re going to end up with an item that is essentially a link that you share with people once they’ve paid.

How Digital Product Delivery Works

When someone buys your digital product, they’ll get access through a link. Here’s what happens:

1. A customer visits your website
2. They pay for your workbook or product
3. You share a link where they can download the materials

Storage and Sharing Options

You have several choices for storing and sharing your products:

• Google Drive: A reliable storage space that’s both private and shareable
• WordPress Website: Perfect if you have your own site
• Other Platforms: Various options depending on your needs

A Note About Security

While we can’t completely prevent sharing, here are some approaches:

• Kindly ask customers not to share links
• Create a referral program to encourage proper purchases
• Offer incentives for legitimate sales

Remember, even fancy course platforms can’t fully prevent sharing. Focus on creating value that makes people want to support your work properly.

This digital delivery method is just as legitimate as any other. Don’t feel like you need expensive platforms – many successful coaches and mentors use simple file sharing through Google Drive or similar services.

My business mentor, George Kao, taught me this method where you use a Google Doc as the course content.

This is a great method, and I’ve done plenty of paid work with mentors, coaches. I’ve bought things on Etsy all to do with files in Google Drive.

Getting Started with Google Docs

Google Docs offers a simple but powerful way to deliver your digital products. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Using Headings for Easy Navigation

1. Set up your document with proper heading levels (H1, H2, etc.)
2. This creates an automatic outline on the left side
3. Makes it easy for users to jump between sections
4. Works similar to Word and Pages on Mac

When to Use Canva Templates

Canva templates work best for:

• Short documents and worksheets
• Materials that are just a few pages long
• Projects where visual appeal is important
• Content that doesn’t require heavy text

Finding the Perfect Template

1. Go to Canva’s home page
2. Click on “Templates” in the search bar
3. Type “workbook” in the search field
4. Browse through the professionally designed options
5. Look for templates with:
   • Cohesive color schemes
   • Matching fonts
   • Fillable components
   • Suitable layouts for your content

Delivering Your Canva Product: Google Drive and Website Uploads

Once I’ve got this finished I would normally download it as a PDF.

We will have a URL that we will give to people either in their inbox or the PayPal confirmation page (or whatever way you’re using to collect money)

Preparing Your File for Download

1. Download Options:
   • Choose “PDF for print” if customers might want to print
   • Consider creating two versions:
     • A colorful digital version
     • A printer-friendly version with white backgrounds
   • Add bonus printable pages at the end for better printing results

Method 1: Using Google Drive

1. Upload to Google Drive:
   • Click “New”
   • Select “File Upload”
   • Choose your workbook PDF
   • Wait for upload to complete
2. Set Sharing Permissions:
   • Click the “Share” button
   • Change from “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link”
   • Set permission to “Viewer”
   • Copy the sharing link

Method 2: WordPress Website Upload

1. Access WordPress Media:
   • Log into WordPress
   • Go to Media section
   • Click “Add New”
   • Upload your PDF file
   • Copy the URL once uploaded

Best Practices for Delivery

1. Multiple Access Points:
   • Don’t rely solely on PayPal confirmation links
   • Add customers to an email list
   • Send the download link via email
   • Keep a backup delivery system
2. Customer Support Tips:
   • Email delivery ensures customers have a record
   • Customers can easily find the link in their inbox
   • Helps prevent lost access due to computer crashes
   • Makes it easier to resend if needed
3. Payment Integration:
   • Works with PayPal buttons
   • Compatible with most payment systems
   • Can automate delivery through email services
   • Provides flexibility in delivery methods

Remember to always provide clear instructions to your customers on how to access and download their purchase. Having multiple delivery methods ensures they can always access their digital product when needed.

Beautifying Your Document

1. Creating Beautiful Headers:
   • Remove existing headers
   • Insert design elements
   • Use Canva’s designer window
   • Add gorgeous banners for chapter headings
   • Stretch banners to full width for impact
2. Adding Design Elements:
   • Insert templates from existing designs
   • Include workbook pages
   • Add fillable sheets
   • Customize the layout
   • Incorporate brand elements

Advanced Formatting Options

1. Working with Columns and Tables:
   • Insert multiple columns
   • Create comparison sections
   • Add borders and formatting
   • Adjust spacing and sizing
   • Include images in columns
2. Document Features:
   • Similar to Word document functionality
   • Multiple formatting options
   • Easy text manipulation
   • Flexible layout controls
   • Professional design capabilities

Time-Saving Benefits

• Perfect for large documents
• Eliminates manual copying and pasting
• Maintains formatting efficiently
• Allows quick design updates
• Combines professional look with ease of use

Final Steps

1. Download your finished document:
   • Save as PDF format
   • Choose appropriate quality settings
   • Ensure all elements are properly aligned
2. Prepare for Distribution:
   • Upload to your chosen platform
   • Create sharing links
   • Set up access permissions
   • Ready for customer delivery

This method is ideal when you have extensive content but still want a professional, attractive design. It offers the perfect balance between efficiency and visual appeal, saving you significant time while maintaining high quality standards.

File Sharing Options

Remember, you’re not limited to WordPress and Google Drive. Use whatever file sharing system works best for you. The key is finding what fits your needs and your customers’ needs.

Hope this is helpful. I think this is on the longer side, but, have a beautiful day, and I’ll see you really soon.

Choose the method that matches your content type, time availability, and design needs. Start small, test what works, and adjust as you go. Your digital product journey is just beginning!