Crushing It with Notion

The Rise of the Template Economy: Why Notion Templates Are Your Next Side Hustle

Alright, fellow automators and digital solopreneurs, Julian Ward here. If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours in Notion, molding it into the ultimate productivity hub, project manager, or content creation machine. But what if all that intricate setup, those carefully crafted databases and intuitive dashboards, could actually make you some serious side income?

Welcome to the booming world of Notion template monetization. In 2025, the demand for pre-built, high-quality Notion templates is skyrocketing. People want the power of Notion without the steep learning curve of building everything from scratch. This creates a fantastic opportunity for those of us who've mastered its quirks. I've personally seen how leveraging no-code tools and digital products can stack up to a sweet $2K/month income, and Notion templates are a prime example.

But where do you go to sell your Notion templates? You can build the most beautiful, functional system on the planet, but if no one sees it, it’s just a digital masterpiece collecting dust. That's where the best marketplaces for Notion templates come in. They connect your brilliant creations with an eager audience ready to pay for solutions. Let's dive into the platforms that can help you turn your Notion know-how into a recurring revenue stream.

Why Selling Notion Templates is a Smart Play for Indie Hackers

Before we dissect the marketplaces, let’s quickly touch on why this is such a compelling side hustle.
For starters, the overhead is ridiculously low. You’re selling digital goods – no inventory, no shipping, minimal customer service if your templates are robust and well-documented. Plus, Notion's user base is growing rapidly, encompassing everyone from students to startups to large enterprises. This broad appeal means a massive potential audience for your specialized templates.

From my own tinkering, I've found that the real magic lies in identifying a specific pain point and creating a Notion solution for it. Think beyond just "project management." Consider niches like "Notion for freelance writers," "Notion CRM for solopreneurs," or "Content Calendar for YouTubers." The more targeted, the better your chances of standing out and achieving successful monetization.

Navigating the Notion Template Marketplace Landscape

Choosing the right platform is crucial. It's not just about where you can list your product; it's about audience, fees, ease of use, and what kind of support you get as a seller. Some platforms are general digital product marketplaces, while others are Notion-specific, offering a more curated experience. Each has its pros and cons, which we'll break down.

When evaluating these marketplaces, consider:

• Audience Reach: How many potential buyers will see your product?
• Fees & Payouts: What percentage do they take, and how often do you get paid?
• Seller Tools: Is it easy to upload, manage, and market your templates?
• Community & Support: Is there an active community or seller support if you run into issues?
• Affiliate Programs: Can others help sell your product for a commission, expanding your reach?

Top Marketplaces for Notion Templates in 2025

Let's get down to business. Here are some of the prime spots to list your Notion templates in 2025, focusing on those most relevant to indie hackers and digital solopreneurs looking to automate income.

1. Gumroad: The Indie Creator's Go-To

Gumroad has long been the darling of indie creators, and for good reason. It's incredibly straightforward to set up, flexible, and perfect for selling a wide range of digital products, including Notion templates. It’s essentially a one-stop shop for everything from e-books to software, and your Notion templates fit right in.

Pricing & Fees

Gumroad’s fee structure is tiered based on your cumulative earnings. The higher your lifetime earnings, the lower the percentage Gumroad takes.

• Free to start: No monthly fees.
• Transaction fees:
  • 0% - $1,000 in earnings: 9% + 30¢ per transaction
  • $1,001 - $10,000: 7% + 30¢
  • $10,001 - $100,000: 5% + 30¢
  • $100,001 - $1,000,000: 3% + 30¢
  • $1,000,000+: 2.9% + 30¢
    This progressive fee structure is fantastic for beginners, as you keep more of your revenue as you grow. Payouts are weekly once you hit a minimum threshold.

Workflow for Sellers

The workflow on Gumroad is intuitive. You create a product, upload your Notion template (or a PDF with the link to duplicate your template), set your price, and write a compelling description. You can also add cover images, videos, and even multiple product variations. Gumroad handles payment processing, file delivery, and even basic email marketing for your customers. It's designed to be as hands-off as possible once your product is live.

Monetization & Affiliate Opportunities

Beyond direct sales, Gumroad offers built-in affiliate marketing capabilities. You can invite affiliates to promote your product and set their commission rate. This is a powerful way to extend your reach without spending on ads. Many creators have built significant income streams purely through their Gumroad storefront and affiliate networks.

Case Study Snapshot

I've seen countless Notion creators, from solopreneurs selling a single niche dashboard to seasoned pros offering bundles, use Gumroad to hit impressive numbers. It's a platform where consistency and clear value proposition truly pay off. One creator I follow launched a Notion habit tracker template and within months, it became their primary side income, leveraging Gumroad's simplicity and affiliate feature.

2. Notion Everything: The Niche-Specific Powerhouse

Notion Everything stands out because it's exclusively for Notion templates and resources. This means your templates are being showcased to an audience already actively looking for Notion-specific solutions. It's a more curated experience, often highlighting high-quality, specialized offerings.

Pricing & Fees

Notion Everything typically operates on a commission basis, similar to other marketplaces. Their exact fee structure can vary, but generally, expect a percentage cut of your sales. It's often competitive with general digital product platforms, but the advantage here is the highly targeted audience. It's worth checking their most current seller terms for precise figures.

Workflow for Sellers

Submitting a template to Notion Everything usually involves a review process to ensure quality and relevance. This means the workflow might be a bit more involved than just hitting "publish" like on Gumroad. You'll typically submit your template details, description, screenshots, and the duplicate link. Once approved, it gets listed in their directory. This curation benefits both buyers (who find quality products) and sellers (who benefit from a higher-quality environment).

Monetization & Affiliate Opportunities

Direct sales are the primary monetization route here. Because Notion Everything is a directory, it functions more like a discovery platform. They don't typically offer a built-in affiliate program for individual templates in the same way Gumroad does. However, being featured on a prominent Notion-specific site can drive significant organic traffic to your own sales page (whether that's on Gumroad or your own website).

Case Study Snapshot

Many well-known Notion creators got their start or gained significant traction by being featured on Notion Everything. Its curated nature means that if your template gets listed, it gains a stamp of approval that can greatly boost its perceived value and visibility among serious Notion users. It’s less about volume and more about targeted reach.

3. The Official Notion Template Gallery: Direct Visibility

Yes, Notion itself has an official templates gallery! While many templates here are offered for free to showcase Notion's capabilities and attract new users, there's also an opportunity to be featured. Getting your template here provides unparalleled exposure directly from the source.

Pricing & Fees

This isn't a "marketplace" in the traditional sense where Notion takes a cut of your sales. Instead, it's a directory. Listing a template here is free. The monetization comes from the exposure your template receives, which can then direct users to your paid versions hosted elsewhere (like Gumroad), or simply build your brand authority.

Workflow for Sellers

Submitting to the official Notion Template Gallery involves a rigorous review process. Notion wants to ensure high quality and adherence to their guidelines. Your workflow will involve preparing a polished template, excellent documentation, and a strong submission application. It's a higher barrier to entry but offers massive upside in terms of visibility.

Monetization & Affiliate Opportunities

As mentioned, direct sales aren't handled here. However, the indirect monetization is immense. Imagine thousands of new Notion users seeing your template and then heading to your Gumroad store to buy the full, more advanced version, or subscribing to your newsletter. It's a top-of-funnel play. There are no affiliate opportunities directly through the gallery, but your increased brand recognition can organically lead to others wanting to promote your work.

Case Study Snapshot

Being featured in the official gallery can be a game-changer. I recall seeing creators whose templates were featured experiencing a sudden surge in traffic to their personal websites and Gumroad stores. It's less about a direct sale and more about becoming a recognizable name in the Notion ecosystem. Think of it as free, high-quality advertising.

Other Avenues & Considerations for Your Notion Template Journey

While these are the big players for dedicated Notion template selling, don't overlook:

• Your Own Website/Blog: For ultimate control over pricing, branding, and the workflow, selling directly from your own site using platforms like Stripe or Lemon Squeezy is ideal. This allows you to build a direct relationship with your audience and keep 100% of your revenue (minus payment processor fees).
• Creative Market / Etsy: These are general creative marketplaces where digital products thrive. You'll face more competition and less Notion-specific traffic, but the sheer volume of users can be an advantage for well-designed, visually appealing templates.
• AppSumo (for advanced sellers): If you have a highly polished, comprehensive Notion system or bundle, AppSumo can be a massive launchpad, but it requires a more significant commitment and a proven track record.

Crafting Your Template Empire: My Two Cents

The "best" marketplace really depends on your goals. If you're just starting and want minimal friction, Gumroad is your friend. If you have a top-tier template and want highly targeted exposure, aim for Notion Everything or even the official gallery.

Regardless of where you sell, remember these Julian Ward-approved tips:

1. Solve a real problem: Don't just make a pretty template. Make one that genuinely helps someone.
2. Provide value: Offer clear instructions, support, and maybe even a bonus or two.
3. Market your work: Don't just list and hope. Share it on social media, in communities, and leverage affiliate marketing.
4. Iterate: Listen to feedback. Update your templates. Keep them fresh and relevant for 2025 and beyond.

Building a passive income stream from Notion templates isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It's about building valuable assets over time. But with the right marketplace and a bit of automation nerdery, you can definitely stack up some serious income. Now go build something awesome!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best marketplaces for selling Notion templates in 2025?

The top marketplaces for selling Notion templates in 2025 are Gumroad, Notion Everything, and potentially getting featured in the official Notion Template Gallery. Gumroad is excellent for its ease of use and flexible pricing, Notion Everything offers a highly niche-specific audience, and the official gallery provides unparalleled visibility and credibility.

How do Notion template marketplaces handle pricing and fees?

Each marketplace has its own pricing and fee structure. Gumroad uses a tiered percentage-based fee that decreases as your lifetime earnings grow. Notion Everything typically takes a commission on sales. The official Notion Template Gallery is a free directory and does not take a cut of sales, but rather drives traffic to your external sales pages.

Can I make passive income by selling Notion templates?

Yes, selling Notion templates can be a significant source of passive income. Once you create a high-quality template, it can be sold repeatedly without much additional effort, making it an ideal digital product for monetization. The key is to create valuable templates that solve specific problems and to effectively market them through the right marketplaces.