While many business opportunities exist, Print-On-Demand is arguably one of the most lucrative business ideas for entrepreneurs and creatives. Why? It lets you turn your unique design ideas into physical products.
From backpacks and books to keychains and pins, you can put your original spin on any product and sell them. In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how you can start and grow a successful print-on-demand brand.
1. Find the Right Manufacturer to Partner With
You need to find the right supplier to create your custom products. When selecting your POD manufacturer, you’re essentially choosing a business partner to work with.
It’s essential to find a reliable manufacturer you can trust with fast shipping times and lots of customization options.
For example, if you wanted to sell custom keychains, you’d want a manufacturer who can help design or work with your designs. Additionally, they should offer plenty of sizes, shapes, and upgrade options like fancy borders, durable material backings, and more.
2. Choose a Niche with True Potential
Before deciding what to sell, you want to find a starving market.
The easiest way to validate your niche is by looking at Google Trends or hopping on to e-commerce platforms like Etsy or eBay to see what is already selling well.
For example, you may notice lots of custom products being made in niches like pets, horror, or punk rock. Whatever your passions or interests are, there’s likely a niche for it.
3. Decide Where to Sell
E-commerce marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, Amazon Handmade, and Red Bubble allow you to say your custom products with minimal effort. These marketplaces already have a built-in customer base, so you simply create a seller’s account and product listings.
Marketplaces are beginner-friendly, as they take little marketing expertise. However, as a seller, you’re at the mercy of the platform policies and fees.
Conversely, you can create your own personalized e-commerce store through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, utilizing your own customer return and shipping policies. This gives you complete control of the entire process.
4. Develop an Effective Marketing Strategy
Marketing and sales are the lifeblood of any business.
If you’re selling on marketplaces, you want to optimize your listing for maximum conversion, such as:
- Taking high-quality photos: Photos should be captured from different angles highlighting the details, features, and intricacies of the product.
- Use relevant categorizations: Many platforms like Etsy allow you to add tags, so they can better categorize your product.
- Include SEO practices: Make sure to include keywords or phrases that your potential customers will use when looking for your product.
If you sell products in your own store, you’ll need to incorporate various marketing channels like social media, PPC advertising, and influencer marketing.
Wrapping It Up
While the traditional route of holding inventory is still a viable option, many new entrepreneurs are choosing print-on-demand instead. In fact, shoppers are willing to pay 20% more for customized products.
With complete freedom to customize your products, you can easily stand out among the crowd and build a unique brand.
By following these tips, you now have a basic foundation of where to start!
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