How to Create a Digital Product When You’re Too Busy with Client Work

Oct 1, 2025

2 min read

Here’s the truth: You don’t need more time. You need a simpler approach.

If you’re freelancing full time, launching a product probably feels like something you’ll “get to later.” But later never comes because your client work always takes priority.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need more time. You need a simpler approach.

Let’s talk about how to create and launch a digital product even when your client calendar is full.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Clients and Products

Building client-free income is possible even if you're booked. That’s my background too.

I started freelancing while I was still in university, more than 20 years ago. I was juggling design projects between classes, deadlines, and my degree. Back then, it was all about finding the next client, finishing the next job, and surviving the next all-nighter.

I know what it’s like to constantly trade time for income, to feel like you're stuck in a loop where stopping isn't an option.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way. It starts with simplifying. Shrinking the idea.

And just starting.

Step 1: Shrink the Scope

Your first product doesn’t need to be big. Instead of creating a full system or toolkit, ask:

What’s one thing I could create in a weekend?
What’s a shortcut I use often that others would pay for?
What’s something I already built for a client that could be reused or repackaged?

Examples:

A single-page Notion system
A small Canva template pack
A PDF guide or mini-checklist

Start with something you could finish fast. That’s your first win.

Step 2: Use Your Client Work as Inspiration

Instead of thinking, “I need to come up with something new,” look at what you’re already doing for clients.

Ask:

What do they always struggle with?
What questions do they ask again and again?
What part of my process saves them the most time?

That’s your product idea, and you didn’t have to invent anything new.

Step 3: Block 2 Hours and Build

You don’t need a full day or a free weekend. Try this instead:

Block out 2 hours this week
Choose one clear idea
Create the bare minimum version of your product
Focus on getting it live, not perfect

Once it’s live, you can improve it later. But you can’t earn from an idea stuck in your head.

If you're ready to stop pushing your product plans to “someday,” start with the free 1 Page Product Planner. It’s designed to help busy creatives like you take action fast.

Love, Ivy 🖤