Starting a print on demand business might sound like a daunting task, but trust me, once you know what products to create and how to design them, it’s a breeze.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process—from researching trending niches to creating your first design and uploading it to platforms like Printify and Etsy.
So, let’s dive into how you can make passive income with print on demand!
Step 1: Understand the Power of Print on Demand (POD)
First things first—what is print on demand? It’s a model where you design custom products (t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, etc.) and partner with a POD provider, like Printify.
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When someone buys one of your designs, the POD service prints and ships the product on your behalf. No inventory, no shipping hassles. Just your creativity and a website.
But, you might be wondering: “How do I choose what products to design?” Great question! Let’s talk about research.
Step 2: Conduct Product and Niche Research on Etsy
Etsy is a goldmine for print on demand sellers, but before you dive into creating designs, it’s essential to do some research.
This will ensure that you’re targeting products that are in demand but not oversaturated. Here’s how I like to go about it:
Search for Trending Categories
Start by heading over to Etsy and searching for a broad category that interests you—let’s say, t-shirts. You’ll quickly notice how many products are available (spoiler: it’s a lot).
But don’t get discouraged by the competition just yet! The key is finding micro niches within broader categories.
For example, instead of just designing a generic t-shirt, focus on something more specific like “Math Teacher Shirts.”
When I searched for this on Etsy, I noticed there were fewer listings, and the competition was much lower. That’s a win!
Validate Your Idea
Once you have a niche in mind (e.g., math teacher shirts), you’ll want to check if it’s trending. You can use various tools, but I highly recommend eRank or Marmalead, which give you insights into what’s currently selling well on Etsy.
The goal is to find a niche with good demand and relatively low competition. If you can identify this sweet spot, you’re golden!
Step 3: Design Your Product (Make It Stand Out!)
Once you’ve decided what to sell, it’s time to create your designs. Here’s the fun part: you don’t need to be a graphic design pro to create something that will sell like hotcakes.
Tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or Printify’s Design Studio can help you create eye-catching designs quickly.
For example, if you’re designing a “Show Your Work” math teacher shirt, you can take a simple phrase and make it pop.
Add fun fonts, colors, and even some small design elements like retro lines or flowers to make it unique.
This doesn’t have to be complicated; a few thoughtful touches can turn a basic design into something people want to buy. Check out the example I created in Printify’s design studio:
Remember, it’s all about creating something that stands out in a crowded market. Make sure your design is unique, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Also to make it more exciting and easier, you can just use AI photo generators to make you a great design. Piece of cake right?
Step 4: Upload and Choose Your Product
Now that you’ve created your design, it’s time to upload it to Printify and choose which products you want to sell it on.
From t-shirts and sweatshirts to mugs and tote bags, Printify has you covered with a variety of products. I like to use Bella+Canvas t-shirts for a quality fit, but you can also try other options depending on your target audience.
When choosing your product, keep in mind:
- Price Point: Your goal is to find a balance between a competitive price and a good profit margin.
- Shipping Costs: This can make or break a sale, so choose your products wisely. Ensure the shipping rates are reasonable, and your customers won’t be hit with surprise fees.
- Customizability: Printify offers several options for personalizing your designs on different products, so make sure your artwork works well across different items.
Step 5: Upload to Etsy
Once you’ve chosen your product and finalized your design, it’s time to upload everything to Etsy. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you don’t miss any crucial steps:
- Product Title: Be sure to use relevant keywords that your customers might search for. For example, “Math Teacher Shirt – Show Your Work – Funny Teacher Gift.”
- Description: Write a clear and compelling description that explains the product and its unique selling points.
- Tags: Utilize all 13 tags that Etsy allows to increase visibility. Use niche keywords that describe your product.
- Pricing: Set a competitive price. Don’t forget to factor in your production and shipping costs.
- Shipping: Set up your shipping preferences—Printify can help with this, but make sure to double-check.
Pro Tip: Be sure to have great product photos. You don’t need professional photography, but high-quality images are essential. Use mockups from Printify or Placeit for clean, professional-looking images.
Step 6: Promote and Watch the Sales Roll In!
Once your listings are live, it’s time to start promoting your shop! You can share your products on social media, join Etsy-related forums, and even run Etsy Ads to help boost visibility.
Remember, consistency is key when building a successful Etsy shop, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t take off immediately.
Bonus Tips: Maximize Your POD Business with Printify Subscriptions
If you’re serious about scaling your print on demand business, consider subscribing to Printify Premium. This subscription plan offers a discount on products, which can help you increase your profit margins.
I personally use it, and it has saved me quite a bit of money in the long run. You can learn more about Printify’s subscription plans and pricing here.
Starting a print on demand business on Etsy is a fantastic way to make passive income, but it takes a little research, creativity, and consistency.
By following these steps, you can begin selling custom-designed products with minimal upfront investment.
If you’ve ever wanted to create your own products but didn’t know where to start, print on demand is a perfect option.
So, grab your design ideas, head to Printify, and start creating. Who knows? Your next bestseller could be just a design away.
Ready to get started? Click here to sign up for Printify and start creating today.
