Selling online is becoming increasingly challenging. Competition is heating up, and shoppers’ habits are changing fast. A recent Coresight Research report predicts that 15,000 retail chain stores in the US will shut down this year—more than double last year’s number—because of the rapid rise of online giants like Temu and Shein.
At the same time, the global e-commerce market hit over $4 trillion last year, a staggering 6% jump from 2023. This means more sellers are fighting for the same customers.
On top of that, buyers are getting more price-conscious. In Australia, for example, the average online order value has dropped by 23% over two years, as shoppers choose more items at lower prices instead of splurging on big-ticket purchases.
So the question most aspiring entrepreneurs are asking is this: Is it profitable to sell online in 2025? If you ask me, I’d say you’re asking the wrong question. I believe online selling will never become obsolete, no matter how high prices rise or how consumer behavior evolves.
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The ecommerce landscape is growing, with the market projected to reach $5.89 trillion by 2029, but competition is also intensifying.
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Choosing the right product to sell is more critical than ever, with problem-solving products proving to be the most successful.
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Research tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, and AMZScout help sellers identify profitable trends and optimize their product listings.
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Selling multiple products can expand your reach, but focusing on a niche first allows for better branding, quality control, and long-term success.
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High-quality images, compelling descriptions, competitive pricing, and customer engagement are key to making product listings stand out in 2025.
In fact, data shows that the global ecommerce market is experiencing robust growth, with projections estimating it will reach $5.89 trillion by 2029, driven by an expanding base of 3.6 billion online shoppers. This increase signals a promising landscape for online sellers looking to scale their businesses.
Every shift in the ecommerce landscape brings new opportunities for growth. It all depends on what you choose to sell and how you sell it. That’s why the real question you should be asking isn’t whether selling online will still be profitable in 2025, but rather which products you should sell.
That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this blog post. I’ll share methods for finding the most profitable products, the best tools to speed up the process, and strategies to optimize your listings for maximum profitability.
Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Searching for Products to Sell
Finding the right product to sell online isn’t just about picking something popular. It takes research, self-assessment, and an understanding of the market.
The first thing to consider is your own interests. Selling something you care about makes it easier to stay motivated and connect with customers.
I’d be lying if I said this principle applies to everyone. Many successful online sellers didn’t start by selling products they loved—they started with what made money. Why? Because they had to. They couldn’t afford to chase passion first, so they followed the demand.
In other words, it’s perfectly fine to start with trending products, build up your funds, and then pivot to what truly excites you. But if you have the chance to launch your dream online business from the get-go, don’t hesitate—go for it.
Next, think about what problems your product can solve. The most successful products don’t just look good—they fix something. Take Squatty Potty, for example. It solved a simple but common issue (proper toilet posture) and became a multimillion-dollar business. If your product makes life easier, people are more likely to buy it.
Knowing your audience is just as important as picking the right product. Who are they? What do they buy? What do they care about? If your audience values sustainability, for instance, selling eco-friendly office supplies could be a smart move.
A GreenPrint survey suggests that 78% of consumers prefer to buy products labeled as environmentally friendly. Understanding what your audience wants helps you create products they’ll actually buy.
Once you have an idea, check if there’s enough demand. A great product won’t sell if no one wants it. Use tools like Google Trends, Helium 10, or Jungle Scout to see if people are searching for your product. If interest is growing, you may have a winning idea. But if searches are declining, it’s a sign to reconsider.
Competitor research is also key. Look at what other sellers are offering and where they fall short. Read reviews on Amazon—are customers complaining about something? If so, you can improve on that and make your product stand out. For example, if people say a competitor’s water bottle leaks, you can sell one with a better seal.
Pricing and costs will make or break your business. Don’t just consider the cost of the product—factor in shipping, packaging, marketing, and platform fees. For instance, Amazon FBA sellers pay fulfillment fees, which can cut into profits if not planned for. Tools like Shopify’s profit margin calculator can help you set prices that actually make you money.
Lastly, ask yourself: how will your product stand out? If you sell the same thing as everyone else, customers won’t have a reason to choose you. A unique selling point (USP) could be better quality, an exclusive design, or an extra feature.
Casper, for example, didn’t just sell mattresses—they marketed a better sleep experience with high-quality materials and a 100-day trial, helping them build a billion-dollar brand.
Answering these questions before you start selling can save you time and money. Instead of guessing, you’ll have a clear strategy that sets you up for success.
What are the best product research tools available?
To effectively navigate the competitive ecommerce landscape, you must use advanced product research tools that provide crucial insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive analysis.
In an industry where trends shift rapidly and competition is fierce, relying on intuition alone is not enough. Instead, data-driven decisions will set you apart from those who struggle to find profitable products.
One of the most powerful tools for Amazon sellers is Helium 10, a comprehensive platform that offers features such as product research, keyword analysis, and competitor tracking. This tool is especially useful for identifying high-demand, low-competition niches.
For example, if you want to break into the eco-friendly products market, consider using Helium 10’s Black Box tool to analyze search volume and trends. This can help you uncover niche opportunities like biodegradable phone cases or reusable silicone food storage bags.
By leveraging keyword tracking and listing optimization features, you can refine your product listings to improve visibility and increase conversions.
Another widely used research tool is Jungle Scout, which specializes inproduct research and sales analytics. Jungle Scout’s Opportunity Finder allows you to explore trending product categories and assess their profitability before investing in inventory.
If you’re considering launching a new brand in the home organization niche, for example, you can use Jungle Scout to identify high-performing products such as stackable pantry bins or closet storage solutions. By analyzing real-time sales data and competition levels, you can strategically enter markets with a higher chance of success.
Want to focus on listing optimization? Consider investing in ZonGuru, a tool that provides keyword tracking and competitor analysis to improve product visibility. It enables you to track your product rankings for specific keywords and adjust your listings accordingly.
Let’s say you sell ergonomic office chairs. ZonGuru can analyze which keywords—such as “adjustable lumbar support” or “breathable mesh chair”—are driving the most traffic and conversions. This kind of insight ensures your product listings remain optimized and competitive.
AMZScout is another valuable tool you can add to your toolkit. It provides accurate sales estimates and market data, which are essential for evaluating product potential and forecast demand. This is particularly useful if you’re testing new product ideas before committing to bulk orders.
Suppose you are considering launching a portable blender for travel. By using AMZScout, you can check estimated monthly sales, competition levels, and seasonal demand to determine whether the product is worth pursuing. This prevents costly inventory mistakes and ensures you invest in profitable opportunities.
If you’re a dropshipper, the AliExpress Dropshipping Center is an essential resource. This free tool offers insights into trending products, reliable suppliers, and sales performance metrics.
Use this platform to analyze top-selling items, such as minimalist LED desk lamps or trendy pet accessories, and choose reliable suppliers with fast shipping options. By using real-time data, you can adapt your product selection to capitalize on emerging trends.
By leveraging product research platforms like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, ZonGuru, AMZScout, and the AliExpress Dropshipping Center, you can confidently make data-driven decisions, reduce risk, and maximize profitability.
Whether identifying trending products, optimizing listings, or forecasting sales potential, these tools are essential for staying ahead in 2025’s competitive online marketplace.
Is it advisable to sell multiple products?
Deciding whether to sell multiple products depends on your business model, available resources, and long-term strategy. If you can manage a wide range of products, you can reach a larger customer base and boost your sales potential.
Marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart are built on this model, offering thousands of different products to meet various consumer needs. Smaller ecommerce stores can also benefit from a wider selection, especially in trending or high-demand categories.
For instance, many successful Shopify stores started with just a few core products and later expanded their catalog based on customer demand and market trends.
However, offering multiple products comes with challenges. Managing inventory across several product lines requires careful planning, as overstocking slow-moving items can tie up capital while understocking bestsellers can lead to lost sales.
This is particularly crucial for businesses using the dropshipping model, where suppliers may not always have consistent stock levels.
Quality control is another factor. Selling too many different products can stretch your ability to maintain high standards, leading to dissatisfied customers and negative reviews. On the other hand, focusing on a niche market with a well-curated selection can build stronger brand authority and customer loyalty.
Brands like Gymshark and Allbirds started with just one or two signature products—Gymshark with athletic wear and Allbirds with sustainable wool sneakers—before expanding into complementary product lines once they had a strong customer base.
This approach allows you to refine your branding, perfect your messaging, and ensure quality control before scaling up.
Successful sellers often take a phased approach, starting with a small product line and expanding based on data-driven insights. If one product gains traction, introducing related products that complement it—such as accessories, upgraded versions, or bundled packages—can increase average order value and customer retention.
Subscription-based businesses also leverage this model, where they begin with a single box concept and later introduce themed variations based on customer preferences.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your resources, market research, and ability to execute. Selling multiple products can increase your reach, but spreading yourself too thin can lead to operational inefficiencies.
A well-balanced approach, where you start with a strong foundation and expand strategically, is often the most sustainable path to long-term success.
How do you make your product listings stand out?
To make your product listings stand out in a crowded marketplace, you need to focus on multiple aspects that influence how customers perceive and interact with your products. One of the most crucial factors is high-quality images.
Studies show that 75% of online shoppers rely on product images when deciding on a purchase. Poor-quality or generic photos can drive potential buyers away, while clear, professional photos taken from multiple angles can increase conversions.
For instance, brands like Glossier use lifestyle shots and zoomed-in details to create an emotional connection with their audience, making their products feel more tangible.
A compelling title is another essential element. Instead of simply stating “Wireless Earbuds,” a more optimized title like “Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds with 40-Hour Battery Life – Bluetooth 5.0” gives shoppers an immediate understanding of what makes the product valuable.
Including relevant keywords ensures that your listing appears in search results, helping potential buyers find your product faster. Amazon sellers who incorporate high-traffic keywords in their titles often see an increase in visibility and click-through rates.
Detailed product descriptions take this a step further by addressing customer concerns and highlighting the features and benefits of your product. A good product description doesn’t just list specifications—it sells the experience.
Take Apple’s approach to marketing their MacBooks: instead of saying, “16GB RAM, 1TB SSD,” they emphasize real-world benefits like “Blazing-fast performance to handle everything from pro-level editing to gaming.”
When writing descriptions, think about what problems your product solves and why customers should choose it over competitors.
Customer reviews and testimonials build trust and credibility, especially in an age where 93% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. Encouraging satisfied buyers to leave detailed feedback can significantly impact future sales.
For example, Fabletics, a popular activewear brand, features customer photos and reviews on its product pages, helping shoppers see how the clothing fits on different body types.
Negative reviews aren’t necessarily a bad thing either—responding to them professionally shows potential buyers that you value customer satisfaction and are willing to improve.
Competitive pricing plays a key role in a buyer’s decision-making process. If your prices are too high, customers will seek cheaper alternatives. If they’re too low, you may struggle with profitability or make shoppers skeptical of quality.
Conducting market research using tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 can help you find the optimal price point. For instance, if similar products are selling for $39.99, pricing yours at $37.99 with added value (like a free guide or faster shipping) can make your listing more appealing.
Promotions and discounts create urgency and attract impulse buyers. Flash sales, limited-time coupons, and bundle deals are common strategies successful online brands use.
Fashion retailer ASOS, for example, frequently offers “24-hour only” discount codes, boosting sales by capitalizing on shoppers’ fear of missing out (FOMO). If customers feel they might miss a deal, they’re more likely to complete a purchase.
Finally, responsive customer service can be the difference between a one-time buyer and a loyal customer. Promptly answering questions in the Q&A section of your product listing, addressing concerns in reviews, and offering excellent post-purchase support all contribute to customer satisfaction.
Zappos, known for its outstanding customer service, built its brand reputation by ensuring every interaction with customers was positive, leading to higher retention rates and word-of-mouth marketing.
By combining these elements—high-quality visuals, compelling titles, engaging descriptions, strong customer reviews, strategic pricing, enticing promotions, and excellent service—you create product listings that stand out and convert visitors into loyal customers.
Selling online in 2025 is about making smart, data-driven decisions. By leveraging the right research tools, understanding market trends, and optimizing your listings, you can carve out a profitable space in the ever-growing ecommerce landscape.
Whether you start with trending products or dive straight into your passion, success comes from strategy, adaptability, and continuous learning.
