If you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to make some extra money, selling printables on Etsy may be the perfect opportunity for you. Not only is it a fun and creative way to make money, but it also allows you to work from home on your own schedule. In this guide, we will discuss how to sell printables on Etsy and give you some tips for success.
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What are Printables?
Printables are digital files that customers can purchase and download online. These can include things like planners, calendars, wall art, invitations, and more. As a seller on Etsy, you have the option to offer these printables as instant downloads or physical prints that you ship to your customers.
Why I Started Selling Printables on Etsy
As a stay-at-home mom, I was always looking for ways to make some extra income. After doing some research, I came across this course about selling printables on Etsy. I was intrigued by the idea of turning my creativity into cash, so I decided to give it a try.
I decided to sell coloring pages at first, as I love to draw and thought it would be a good starting point. To my surprise, they were a hit! I started getting more and more orders and soon expanded to other types of printables like planners, birthday party printables, and educational worksheets.
I have been able to grow my shop to over 12,000 sales and make a passive income from selling printables on Etsy. It has been an amazing journey and I am grateful for the opportunity to turn my passion into a profitable business.
Want to learn the secrets that helped me grow my Etsy shop to over 12,000 sales? This free Ebook teaches you how to get started.
Why You Should Sell Printables on Etsy
If you’re still on the fence about selling printables on Etsy, here are some reasons why I think it’s a great opportunity:
Low start-up costs: Unlike other businesses, selling printables on Etsy requires minimal investment. You only need a computer, design software (which can be free), and access to a printer. This makes it an accessible option for anyone looking to make some extra money.
Flexible schedule: As a stay-at-home mom, I needed a job that would allow me to work around my family’s schedule. With selling printables on Etsy, I can create and fulfill orders at any time of the day or night. This flexibility has been invaluable for me.
No shipping involved: One of the biggest advantages for me is that there is no shipping involved. As someone who has struggled with the logistics of shipping physical products in the past, this was a huge relief. With printables, everything is digital and can be delivered instantly to the customer.
Unlimited earning potential: The beauty of selling printables on Etsy is that there is no limit to how much you can earn. Your income will depend on your level of effort and creativity, so it’s possible to make a full-time income or just some extra cash on the side.
How Much Money Can You Make?
As mentioned, the earning potential for selling printables on Etsy is limitless. However, it’s important to note that your income will depend on various factors such as:
- The demand for your specific printables
- The quality of your designs
- Your marketing strategies
- Your pricing strategy
Many successful printable sellers on Etsy make anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month to a six-figure annual income. It all comes down to finding what works for you and putting in the effort.
How to Sell Printables On Etsy
When I first started selling on Etsy, I had no idea where to begin. However, after some trial and error, I discovered a few key steps that helped me establish a successful printable shop that I wish I had known from the start. So, if you’re interested in selling printables on Etsy, here are some tips to get started:
1. Find your niche
The first step is to determine what type of printables you want to sell. This could be anything from planner inserts and wall art to party invitations and home organization templates.
It’s important to find a niche that you are passionate about and have a talent for creating.
Having a niche not to broad will also save you time and effort( and stress) in marketing your products to a specific audience.
Tip: Your target audience can also be a niche, such as selling printables for teachers or moms.
2. Create high-quality designs
Your designs are the heart of your printable shop, so it’s crucial to invest time and effort into creating high-quality designs that will stand out from others. Use professional design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to ensure that your products look polished and visually appealing.
Tip: You can also use commercial-use printable templates to save time and add your own personal touch.
3. Set up an Etsy shop
Creating an Etsy shop is relatively easy and requires minimal technical skills. Simply sign up for an account, choose a name for your shop, and follow the step-by-step instructions to set up your shop profile, policies, and listings.
Tip: When choosing your shop name, make sure it reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
4. Optimize your listings
To increase the visibility of your printables, it’s important to optimize your listing titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. This will help potential customers find your products when searching on Etsy or through search engines like Google.
Tip: Use tools like Marmalead or Erank to research popular keywords and phrases in your niche.
5. Promote your shop
While Etsy does have its own built-in audience, it’s crucial to also promote your shop through other channels such as social media, email marketing, and collaborations with other sellers. This will help you reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your shop.
Tip: Consider running promotions or offering discounts to attract new customers and incentivize repeat purchases.
What Printable Sell Best on Etsy?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, some printables tend to sell better on Etsy than others. Some popular categories include:
- Home decor and wall art
- Party decorations and invitations
- Planners, calendars, and organizers
- Digital stickers and clipart
- Educational worksheets and activities
Ultimately, the best printable for you to sell will depend on your unique skills and interests. It’s always a good idea to do some research and see what types of printables are in demand before creating your own designs.
How to Make Printables for Etsy
1. Get Inspired
Before creating your own printables, it’s helpful to browse through Etsy and other online marketplaces to see what types of designs are popular and selling well. This will give you an idea of potential niches to target and the overall aesthetic that customers are looking for.
In order to get inspiration and find ideas, I like to:
- Browse through popular printables on Etsy
- Check out other printables on Pinterest
- Look at what’s trending in the market
This is because I am generally not looking for a specific idea, but rather just trying to get inspired.
It’s important to note that you should never copy someone else’s design – instead, use these sources as inspiration and put your own unique twist on your printables.
2. Create Your Products
Once you have some inspiration and ideas, it’s time to start creating your printables. There are several tools and software options available such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or even Microsoft Powerpoint.
You can also choose to hand-draw your designs and scan them into digital format.
3. Start Listing
Once you have your printables ready to go, it’s time to list them on Etsy. Be sure to optimize your listings with clear and eye-catching photos, a descriptive title, and relevant tags..
You can find ready-made mockup packages on Etsy to help showcase your printables in a professional and appealing manner. These mockups can also give potential customers an idea of how they can use the printable in their own lives.
4. Marketing Your Printables
Another important aspect of selling printables on Etsy is marketing. This could include promoting your listings on social media platforms, collaborating with other sellers and bloggers, or even running ads on Etsy itself.
It’s also a good idea to regularly update and add new designs to your shop to keep things fresh and attract repeat customers.
I don’t recommend relying solely on traffic from Etsy’s search engine – it’s important to build your own brand and online presence to drive traffic to your shop. This could include creating a website or blog, establishing a strong social media presence, and networking with other creatives in your niche.
5. Legal Considerations
Lastly, don’t forget about the legal aspects of selling printables on Etsy. You should always make sure that you have the proper licenses for any images or fonts used in your designs and clearly state any terms of use for your products.
Etsy Printable Courses and Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about selling printables on Etsy, or you don’t feel comfortable navigating the process on your own, there are many online courses available that can provide you with valuable information and guidance.
Some popular options include “E-Printable Course” by Gold City Ventures and “Etsy Print on Demand Bootcamp” by Printify. These courses cover a range of topics such as creating and marketing printables, optimizing listings for search engine visibility, and setting up successful shops on Etsy.
Aside from formal courses, there are also many free resources available online such as blogs, YouTube tutorials, and podcasts that can help you improve your skills and grow your Etsy printable business.
In addition to these educational resources, it’s important to also connect with other sellers in the printables community.
Joining Facebook groups or participating in online forums can provide you with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can offer advice and share their own experiences with selling printables on Etsy.
Conclusion
Selling printables on Etsy can be a lucrative and fulfilling business if done correctly. It’s important to continuously educate yourself, stay up-to-date with trends and techniques, and connect with fellow creatives in the community. With determination and hard work, you can turn your passion for design and creativity into a successful online business! So keep exploring new ideas, experimenting with different designs, and always strive to provide high-quality products that customers will love. Good luck on your journey as an Etsy printable seller!