Print on demand (POD) is an easy, low-risk way to start earning money online in 2024. With print on demand, products featuring your designs like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases are printed and shipped on demand when a customer places an order. You don’t have to worry about managing inventory or printing products yourself.
In this beginner’s guide, I’ll explain exactly how print on demand works and how to get started making money through this exciting business model.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on demand eliminates the challenges of traditional manufacturing and inventory. Instead of printing a large batch of product, POD products are only printed when a customer purchases the item. This saves you money and removes the risk of getting stuck with unsold inventory.
Popular print on demand products include:
- T-shirts
- Mugs/drinkware
- Phone cases
- Wall art
- Pillows
- Stickers
- Face masks
Top Print on Demand Platforms
Some of the most popular platforms for selling print on demand products include:
- Amazon Merch – Sell t-shirts and more on Amazon’s marketplace. High traffic but approval required.
- Redbubble – Upload designs and get them printed on t-shirts, stickers, phone cases, and more.
- Teepublic – Similar to Redbubble, great for nerdy/pop culture niche designs.
- Etsy – Use a print provider like Printful or Gelato to produce and ship products.
Choosing a Print on Demand Niche
The key to success with print on demand is finding a profitable niche for your designs. Analyze niches you’re passionate about to see what styles and phrases sell well. Some examples include:
- Gaming t-shirts
- Funny slogans for nurses/teachers/different careers
- Trendy phrases and memes
- Pop culture references
You can get niche design inspiration from sites like Etsy, Redbubble’s trending designs, and Google Trends. Create designs that you know your target audience will love!
Creating Your Designs
You don’t need to be a graphic design expert to create print on demand products. Many beginners use free design programs like Canva. There are also print on demand services that handle design for you if you provide an idea or sample image.
Pro tips for making great designs:
- Use simple, clean text and images that will reproduce well on products
- Follow each marketplace’s size and image guidelines
- Leverage design trends but give your unique spin
- Test multiple variations of each design
Marketing Your Print on Demand Products
Once your products are live, it’s time to promote them! Some effective marketing strategies include:
- Run Facebook/Instagram ads to your target audience
- Build an engaged following on social media
- Collaborate with influencers in your niche
- Promote your products on your own blog or YouTube channel
- Network in relevant online communities/forums
The more exposure you can get, the better chance of your designs getting noticed and going viral.
Is Print on Demand Worth It?
Print on demand provides an easy entry point into ecommerce because you don’t have to worry about upfront production costs or inventory risk. As long as you have creative ideas and effective marketing, you can build a successful print on demand business from anywhere.
While it may take time to build momentum, print on demand has massive income potential with the right product-market fit and promotion. Plus, it’s a flexible business model that’s easy to run as a side hustle.
If you’ve been looking for an accessible way to turn your creative ideas into an income stream, print on demand is definitely worth exploring in 2024 and beyond.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! I’m happy to offer tips to help you get started with print on demand.
RJ Martinez 