I tried Stan Store...here's what I think

Summary

This video script discusses the features and benefits of Sandstorm, a platform designed for selling digital products and services. It's compared to other e-commerce solutions like Shopify and WooCommerce, highlighting its suitability for beginners looking to set up a simple online store without extensive technical knowledge. Sandstorm's ease of use, integration with Instagram bios, and the ability to create sales pages and host e-courses are emphasized, making it an attractive option for those new to digital product sales.

Takeaways

• 😀 Standstore is a platform that combines a Lincoln bio type of system with a selling element built-in, designed for digital product sales.
• 🛒 It's particularly useful for those selling digital products, online courses, and trainings, providing a space for customers to make purchases without additional fees.
• 💡 The speaker, an experienced online business owner, tried Standstore for the first time and shared personal insights and opinions on its usefulness.
• 🚀 Standstore is not sponsored, and the speaker's opinions are based on firsthand experience using the platform.
• 🏪 Standstore offers a user-friendly interface for setting up a store, with options to customize the design and product sections.
• 🔗 It allows for easy integration with Instagram, enabling direct sales through a link in the user's bio, which can lead to a sales page within Instagram itself.
• 🎨 While Standstore provides various themes and color options for customization, it may not offer the same level of customization as other platforms, which could be a limitation for some users.
• 👶 Standstore is highly recommended for beginners who need a quick and easy solution to start selling digital products without the overhead of setting up a full website.
• 💼 For more experienced sellers with existing sales channels, Standstore might represent an additional expense that may not be necessary, considering they already have established systems in place.
• 🔧 The platform is easy to set up, allowing users to add products, customize sales pages, and integrate payment systems like Stripe, making the process of selling digital products straightforward.

Q & A

What is Sandstand and how does it differ from other e-commerce platforms?

Sandstand is a platform that combines a Lincoln bio type system with a selling element built-in, allowing users to sell digital products and courses directly from their Instagram bio. It differs from other e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce by offering a simplified, integrated solution for selling directly on Instagram, which is particularly aimed at beginners.

Why might someone choose to use Sandstand over other sales platforms?

Sandstand can be chosen for its simplicity and ease of use, especially for beginners who want to quickly set up a sales channel without the complexity of building a full website. It also allows for selling directly from Instagram, which can be beneficial for those with a strong Instagram following.

What are the main features of Sandstand that make it suitable for selling digital products?

Sandstand allows users to set up a store, customize sections and designs, and sell products directly within the app. It also integrates with payment systems like Stripe and can connect to email marketing platforms via Zapier, making it a comprehensive solution for digital product sales.

How does Sandstand's design customization compare to other platforms?

Sandstand offers a variety of themes and color options for design customization, but it is not as flexible as some other platforms. It is more suited for those who prefer a quick setup with less need for extensive customization.

What type of products can be sold using Sandstand?

Sandstand can be used to sell a variety of digital products, including online courses, e-books, digital downloads, and even memberships. It also allows for setting up external links to other resources like podcasts or YouTube channels.

How does Sandstand handle payments for digital product sales?

Sandstand integrates with Stripe for handling payments, allowing for a seamless checkout process directly within the app. This means sellers can receive payments without the need for additional payment gateway setup.

Can Sandstand be used by those who already have an established online store?

While Sandstand is primarily designed for beginners, it can also be used by those with existing online stores as an additional sales channel, especially for selling lower-priced items or for quickly setting up sales without extensive website development.

What are the advantages of using Sandstand for selling digital products for beginners?

For beginners, Sandstand offers a quick and easy way to start selling digital products without the need for extensive technical knowledge. It simplifies the process of setting up a sales page and integrates payment and marketing tools, making it an accessible option for those new to online sales.

How does Sandstand compare to other platforms in terms of cost and expenses for the seller?

Sandstand may offer a lower cost option for beginners as it eliminates the need for additional website and payment gateway fees. However, for those with established sales channels, it might represent an additional expense without significant advantages over their current setup.

What is the process of setting up a product for sale on Sandstand?

To set up a product for sale on Sandstand, users select the type of product, customize the product page with images, descriptions, and pricing, and then link their Stripe account for payment processing. The platform also allows for customization of the checkout page and integration with email marketing through Zapier.

Outlines

00:00

🛒 Introduction to Sandstorm for Digital Product Sales

The speaker introduces Sandstorm, a platform for selling digital products like online courses, trainings, etc. They express their curiosity and decision to try Sandstorm despite not having used it before. The speaker clarifies that their opinions are not sponsored and are based on personal experience. Sandstorm is positioned as an alternative to platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, offering a place to sell digital products without paying fees to third-party marketplaces. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal store for branding and revenue control, and mentions their own use of WooCommerce and FG funnels for different sales needs.

05:04

🔧 Customization and Beginner-Friendliness of Sandstorm

The speaker discusses the customization options in Sandstorm, noting that while there are themes and color options, it's not as customizable as they would like, being an ex-web designer. They acknowledge that Sandstorm is designed for beginners, which is why the customization is limited. The speaker mentions that Sandstorm is more of a shop than a LinkedIn bio system and is ideal for those new to selling digital products. They also share their personal situation, explaining why Sandstorm would be an additional expense for them due to their existing sales platforms. However, for beginners or those looking to quickly set up sales, Sandstorm is recommended. The speaker demonstrates how easy it is to set up a product for sale in Sandstorm, including options for different types of digital products and the ability to customize the sales page.

10:07

🚀 Quick Setup and Integration with Sandstorm

The speaker highlights the ease of setting up Sandstorm for selling digital products and online courses. They show how to add products and customize the sales page with images, headlines, and descriptions. The process includes linking a Stripe account for payments and using Zapier for integration with email marketing platforms. The speaker concludes by emphasizing Sandstorm's suitability for beginners who want a quick and simple solution for selling digital products without the need for a full website. They invite viewers to try Sandstorm through an affiliate link and share their thoughts or questions in the comments.

Keywords

💡Sandstorm

Sandstorm, in the context of the video, refers to a platform that allows users to create an online store and integrate it with their social media profiles, particularly Instagram. It is described as a 'Shopify-like' system with a selling element built-in, which is designed to be user-friendly for beginners looking to sell digital products and online courses. The script mentions that Sandstorm can act as both an online store and a link in one's Instagram bio, which is a unique feature that sets it apart from traditional e-commerce platforms.

💡Digital Products

Digital products are items that are delivered in a digital format, such as online courses, e-books, software, and digital art. In the video, the speaker discusses the need for a platform like Sandstorm for selling these types of products, emphasizing the importance of having a place where customers can easily purchase digital goods. The script provides examples of how Sandstorm can be used to sell various digital products, including online training and courses.

💡Online Courses

Online courses are educational programs that are delivered via the internet and can be accessed by students remotely. The video script highlights the use of Sandstorm as a platform for selling these courses, suggesting that it provides a streamlined process for setting up a sales page and checkout directly within Instagram, which can be particularly beneficial for course creators looking to reach a wider audience without the overhead of a full website.

💡Woocommerce

Woocommerce is an open-source e-commerce plugin designed for WordPress. In the script, the speaker mentions using Woocommerce on their own website to sell digital products, positioning it as a more established and customizable option compared to Sandstorm. Woocommerce is highlighted as a solution for those with technical knowledge and an existing online presence looking to sell products.

💡Funnels

In the context of online marketing, funnels refer to a series of steps designed to guide potential customers through the sales process. The video mentions 'FG funnels' as a tool the speaker uses for selling higher-priced items that require a longer sales process. This term is used to contrast with Sandstorm, which is portrayed as a simpler, more straightforward solution for beginners.

💡Instagram Bio

An Instagram bio is the short description that appears under a user's profile picture on their Instagram page. The video discusses how Sandstorm can be integrated into an Instagram bio to serve as a direct link to products or courses, allowing for easy access and purchase without leaving the Instagram platform. This feature is presented as a significant advantage for those looking to capitalize on their Instagram following.

💡Customization

Customization refers to the ability to modify or adapt a product or service to better suit individual needs or preferences. The script touches on the level of customization available in Sandstorm, noting that while it offers themes and color options, it may not be as flexible as some users, particularly those with web design experience, might prefer. This is an important consideration for potential users weighing the platform's ease of use against their need for a highly personalized online store.

💡Stripe

Stripe is a technology company that provides payment processing software and application programming interfaces (APIs). In the video, Stripe is mentioned as the payment gateway that Sandstorm integrates with, allowing for seamless transactions and payments for products sold through the platform. This integration is crucial for users looking to set up an online store quickly and efficiently.

💡Zapier

Zapier is an online automation tool that connects various web applications, allowing them to work together seamlessly. The script mentions using Zapier to integrate Sandstorm with email marketing platforms like ConvertKit, which is important for managing customer relationships and automating marketing tasks. This highlights the importance of integration capabilities for businesses looking to streamline their operations.

💡Affiliate Link

An affiliate link is a unique URL that contains an affiliate's ID, which is used to track referrals and sales made through that link. In the video, the speaker mentions including an affiliate link for Sandstorm in the video description, which suggests that they may receive a commission for any sales generated through their recommendation. This is a common practice in online marketing and content creation, allowing creators to monetize their content by promoting products and services.

Highlights

Introduction to Sandstorm as a selling platform with a built-in Lincoln bio type system.

Personal experience and thoughts on Sandstorm without sponsorship influence.

Explanation of the necessity for a platform like Sandstorm for selling digital products.

Comparison of Sandstorm to other e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

Advantages of having your own store to sell digital products and avoid fees.

The author's personal use of WooCommerce and FG funnels for selling digital products.

Sandstorm's dual functionality as both a selling platform and a Lincoln bio system.

Ease of setting up a Sandstorm store and the ability to customize its design.

How Sandstorm allows for direct sales within Instagram, streamlining the buying process.

The variety of design themes available in Sandstorm and their impact on branding.

Critique on Sandstorm's customization limitations from a web designer's perspective.

Target audience for Sandstorm: beginners in the digital product and online course market.

The author's decision not to use Sandstorm due to existing sales infrastructure.

Sandstorm's suitability for those looking to quickly start selling digital products.

A step-by-step guide on how to set up a product in Sandstorm.

Integration of Sandstorm with payment platforms like Stripe and email marketing services via Zapier.

Final thoughts on Sandstorm as a beginner-friendly solution for selling digital products.

Transcripts

so if you have been around this like

online business space for more than like

five seconds I know that you have seen

because I have seen all the things about

standstore and if you're like wait a

minute what is stand store stand stores

essentially like a Lincoln bio type of

thing that has a selling element built

in and so I have never used standstore

before I had never used dance store

before and so I decided to give it a try

and kind of formulate my thoughts around

what I think about it if it's useful if

it's something you should use all the

things so let's talk about dance store

and whether or not you should be using

it and who it's right for and all that

good jazz hey howdy hey y'all what is up

welcome back to my channel

um I am pumped that you are here we've

been talking a lot about digital

products and a lot of times when we talk

about digital products people will talk

about something like Sandstorm and I

really wanted to try it out now this is

not sponsored at all even remotely by

stand store okay in all of these

opinions in this video are mine after

trying it for myself and seeing how it

compares to other things and like what I

think it's good for okay so first things

first what is standstore why do you need

something like sand store let me just

break all of that down so if you are

selling some kind of digital product

online course online trainings things

like that you're going to need a place

for people to be able to actually like

pull out their credit card and buy the

thing right and a lot of times you know

we talk about things like Shopify or

woocommerce or even like Etsy or

something like that but the way I

personally teach digital products and

online courses is to build your own

audience and to sell them on your own

side when I say your own site I really

mean just a way to sell them that you're

not having to pay fees like you are on

Etsy or creative market and like The

Branding is all yours and that kind of

thing and I'm a big proponent of having

your own store because you can kind of

control a lot of the elements of that

and you can send people there and you

don't have to give as much of your

income away and all the things and what

I do personally is I use two different

systems and softwares to sell my stuff I

use my own site with woocommerce that's

where I sell a lot of my digital

products and like cheaper pressed mini

courses and things like that and then I

also have FG funnels which is more of

where I sell the things that need a

longer sales page and like aren't just

like this quick purchase so I use those

two softwares to sell my things but I've

been in this business a really long time

number one number two I sell some things

that are really high cost and I need

longer sales Pages for them and number

three I have lots of technical knowledge

like I have been building funnels and

websites and things like that since

2010. so for me to go and set something

like that up it's not that hard of an

ass so that's like one element of the

stand store kind of app and that is that

it will act as a way for you to be able

to sell your digital products and

courses and I'll talk more about that in

a second then the other side of the

sandstorm app is that you have like a

Lincoln bio kind of system and and if

you've been on the internet any amount

of time at all you know that you need

some type of something in your Lincoln

bio to point people to like your podcast

your YouTube channel your digital

products your this you're that your

other and sand store can kind of step in

there and and be both of these things

but to kind of just like give you why

you need something like standstore

that's why you need a place to sell your

digital products and online courses and

trainings and things like that and you

also need a Lincoln bio type of system

and I've seen everybody and their mom

and talking about stay in store and so I

decided to give it the old College try

and see what it was about what it was

for what it was like all the things and

let me just kind of show you what it is

so once you you set up your sand store

you have a store and you can set up

sections and edit the design and things

like that and inside this store you can

actually sell your products like

straight in here you can sell your

products like in the stand Store app and

so when someone clicks your Lincoln bio

if they want to like get this thing

that's forty seven dollars when they

click get now in your Lincoln bio it

automatically takes them to like a sales

page with a checkout button straight in

Instagram and so you don't have to like

send them somewhere else and whatever

else you can also add links to other

things like listening to the podcast

free downloads watching the YouTube

channel whatever but all of it kind of

set up in a way where it's like really

pretty and really neat and what I will

say is they have a lot of designs and

themes that you can choose from and so I

feel like you can kind of get it on

brand because you can like choose the

main color and choose the theme but it's

not the most customizable thing in the

world and I do want to put that out

there see this girl as an ex web

designer and things like that I really

like to be able to customize my stuff to

like the nth degree like I want to be

able to customize everything as much as

I possibly can so I don't love that

about Stan that it's just themes and

like one base color and you just kind of

have to go from that but I get it

because Stan is marketing to beginners I

get why this is really like a thing that

they do and I would say that that is my

biggest takeaway from using sand store

is that it's definitely for beginners

and definitely designed to be a shop

right literally the name of the thing is

stand store you know so it's designed to

be a shop more than it's designed to be

like a Lincoln bio system and it's

designed for beginners more than it is

someone who has their own store already

on like Shopify or woocommerce or

something like that now it can be great

for non-beginners too if you're just

getting into selling things like this

but for me it would come down to I can't

get rid of FG funnels because

it literally is where I sell all of my

like higher priced things and have sales

pages and things like that right so I

have that cost per month I can't get rid

of woocommerce because I've worked

really hard to build that out and it

sells most of my digital products like

for me as people come to my website and

so this for me would be an added expense

that I really don't need because I

already have those other places to sell

but if you are a beginner if you're

someone who isn't there yet doesn't have

other places to sell is trying to get

started with digital products and online

courses really really really fast and

wants to like be able to set up you know

payment and like sell a digital product

like within a day a standstore is like

the perfect solution okay so let me show

you really quick how easy it is to set

all this up first of all if you want to

add like a link or something here it's

just under sections in your profile and

then you just hit add product and then

it gives you all of these options select

collect leads book A Time on your

calendar sell an e-course you can

actually like create and host an

e-course right and stand do a webinar

digital downloads a recurring membership

and external links and URLs so if I

wanted to add like a link to my podcast

I would just do an external link if I

wanted to add a link to my lead magnet I

would just do this if I wanted to sell a

digital download I would do this and so

once you select that you just select

whether you want it to just be a button

and it's going to show you the preview

over here or a call out and let's say I

want this one to be a call out and then

I'm going to just use this image

because it was easy as like the image

and then I can like add a headline add a

subheading add a button title and then I

literally just like follow the steps to

go to the checkout page and on the

checkout page again I can customize the

images at the top and customize the

heading and what's in it and I can add

like images and links in this

description I can change the price I can

show a discounted price I can change the

button code all of that kind of stuff

and select What fields I want it to like

get from the person and then I can

upload the file they're actually going

to get here and hit publish and like

that is literally that easy to wear if

someone comes to my stand store they can

just click a button

and like go get the crash course toolkit

or whatever and purchase it right here

you have to link like your stripe

account to stand store and then it just

goes through stripe and then you get

paid that way so that's really nice and

then you can set it up with something

like zapier to zap over to any like

email marketing program so convertkit

doesn't naturally integrate with Stan

but I could use zapier to say like hey

when someone purchases something on Stan

or would someone signs up for this lead

magnet add them to my convertkit super

easy I'm used to doing that anyway so

like not a problem it even has this

little fun like generate with AI thing

so overall if you are just getting

started with digital products you need a

place to set it up to sell it to do

these things really quickly you want to

sell like a paid Workshop or a course or

a membership or something like that

really quickly and you want to be able

to make it as simple as possible for

yourself and for your people I think

sand sword is a spectacular option like

I say this is not sponsored at all but I

do have enough affiliate link below in

the description if you want to create

your own standstore and hopefully this

little review and this little like run

through showed you what is possible with

it and what you can do so that you can

make a decision whether or not this is

right for you and again I think it's

great for beginners you don't have to go

set up a whole story you don't have to

set up a whole website you don't have to

do anything you don't even have to have

a website if you don't want to you can

do it all in Stan all right so I would

love to hear if y'all have any questions

below in the comments and like I said

I've got a link to trust and store in

the description or you can go to

heydesica.com forward slash standstore

and try it out but we love us a good

beginner quick easy solution that gets

us selling digital products and online

courses way faster because

you all know I love that bye all