The Fast Food Trick That Doubles Your Digital Sales

Do you want fries with that?” - Try this upsell strategy

Author

Miroslav Novohradsky
August 17, 2025

In partnership with

Do you know what separates a $10 digital product from a $100 one?

Not always the main file. Often, it’s the bonus files.

Those little “extras” you tack on at the end? They can completely flip the script on your sales numbers.

And most creators… are leaving money on the table because they don’t use them strategically.

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Why Bonus Files Work

People love more.

It’s psychology. A customer who was already ready to buy feels like they’re getting an irresistible deal when you add an extra PDF, template, or video training.

  • Scarcity? Check. (“Only available with this bundle.”)

  • Perceived value? Check. (“You’re getting $200 worth of material for just $49.”)

  • Instant gratification? Check. (“Download immediately, no waiting.”)

Bonuses don’t need to take weeks to create. Sometimes the easiest files become the most profitable.

A checklist, a swipe file, or even a resource list can increase conversion rates more than doubling the size of your main product.

The McDonald’s Trick You Should Steal

Think about fast food. You order a burger. The cashier asks:

“Do you want fries with that?”

That’s the upsell. And it works like crazy.

Now imagine your digital shop. Your customer buys a planner. You say:

“Want the matching sticker pack for $5?”

Or they buy your photography presets, and you offer:

“Want my 50 stock photos for just $12 more?”

Bonus files transform your store into a money machine, not because you’re selling more stuff, but because you’re stacking irresistible offers.

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The Best Bonus Files to Create

Don’t overcomplicate this. Your bonus doesn’t need to be a whole new course.

Here are quick-win ideas:

  • Checklists – Turn your main guide into a one-page checklist. Customers love simple.

  • Templates – A Canva template, a spreadsheet, or a ready-to-use script.

  • Behind-the-scenes files – Share your raw PSD file, Notion board, or design mockups.

  • Resource lists – Curate tools, websites, or shortcuts related to your product.

  • Mini-trainings – Record a quick 10-minute video walkthrough.

Notice something? Most of these can be created in an hour or less.

But when packaged as a bonus, they feel like hidden treasure.

How to Position Bonus Files for Maximum Sales

Here’s the golden rule:

Never make bonuses look optional.

They must feel like a secret edge only smart buyers grab.

Ways to position them:

  1. Bundle Bonuses Together

    • “You’ll get the main course + 3 exclusive bonuses.”

    • Sounds much heavier in value than just a single product.

  2. Add Urgency

    • “Bonus pack expires this week.”

    • Deadlines force decisions.

  3. Use Anchoring

    • List the real-world value. (“Normally $97 each… but included free today.”)

    • This frames your product as a steal.

  4. Upsell at Checkout

    • If someone only wants the base product, offer the bonus as a last-minute add-on.

This is marketing done smart. You’re rewarding action-takers with extra value.

The Snowball Effect of Bonus Files

Bonuses increase customer lifetime value.

A buyer who grabs your bonus files:

  • Feels like they owe you one (hello, reciprocity principle).

  • Enjoys your product more because it feels “complete.”

  • Is way more likely to buy again, since you overdelivered.

That means bonuses aren’t just about this sale. They’re about the next five sales too.

A Simple Framework

Okay, here’s how to implement this without burning out:

  1. Audit Your Product

    • What’s the core problem it solves?

  2. Ask: What’s the Shortcut?

    • Could you make a checklist, template, or swipe file that saves them time?

  3. Package It With Hype

    • Give it a name. (“The Ultimate Quickstart Pack.”)

  4. Decide the Role

    • Is it a free bundled bonus to increase conversions?

    • Or a paid upsell to increase average order value?

  5. Test & Tweak

    • Try offering it at checkout vs. inside a bundle.

    • Watch the numbers. Adjust.

You don’t need to get it perfect on the first try. You just need to start.

A Word of Warning

There’s a fine line between valuable bonuses and overwhelming your customer.

Don’t drown them in files they’ll never open. Confusion kills sales.

The goal is not to impress with volume. The goal is to make your product feel like a complete solution.

One core product + one or two high-value bonuses = more profit and more satisfied buyers.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Here’s the reality of the digital economy: Competition is fierce.

There are a thousand Etsy stores selling planners, printables, templates, and guides.

What separates the bestsellers from the rest?

It’s not always design. It’s not even pricing.

It’s perceived value.

Bonus files give you an unfair edge. They make your $19 offer feel like a $99 package. And in a marketplace where buyers scroll endlessly, perception decides everything.

Bonus files are the easiest upsell strategy you can implement today.

They:

  • Boost conversions.

  • Increase order value.

  • Create loyal repeat buyers.

So the next time you launch a digital product, don’t just ask: “What should the main file include?”

Have a nice day,

Miroslav from The Design Nexus

TOOLS YOU SHOULD TRY

Even if you sell products other than mugs or t-shirts, it doesn't mean it will cost you more.

There are tools that can help you with the tasks, and most of them have free versions.

Disclaimer: Within the article, you will find affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I want to sincerely assure you that I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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