Print on demand side hustle: How to start and succeed

If you're an artist, a designer, or someone who just loves a clever slogan, print on demand can be a great side hustle and the best way to reach global markets and build a passive income stream. 

You can design, create, and share your unique ideas with the world, but without the hassle of managing inventory or making large upfront investments. For all you know, it might even turn into your full-time job!

In this article, we'll show you exactly how you can get started with a print on demand side hustle and share some tips for success.

• Leverage the print on demand model to create products without inventory management hassles or upfront costs.

• Identify and validate a profitable niche to ensure a steady customer base and product demand.

• Set up your online store on platforms like Gelato and streamline the design, listing, and fulfillment processes.

• Effective marketing strategies, including SEO and content marketing, are crucial for driving traffic and sales to your store.

• Scale your business by analyzing customer feedback, adapting to trends, and expanding your product offerings.

The print on demand (POD) business model is a straightforward yet powerful way to create and sell custom products. Here's how it works: 

• You, the seller, create unique designs that can be printed on various items such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, and more. 

• When someone orders something, the POD service prints your design on the product and sends it straight to them. This eliminates the need for you to maintain inventory or handle shipping logistics.

At its core, POD allows you to focus on what you do best—designing and marketing—while the supplier takes care of production and fulfillment. This model not only minimizes upfront costs but also reduces risk, as you only pay for products that have been sold. 

Print on demand offers tremendous flexibility, as you can quickly pivot and test new designs based on market trends without the burden of unsold stock.

You can absolutely make money online with print on demand. Let's look at two real-life examples to see how:

1. Natalie and Josh, a married couple based in Southern California, launched Map of Our Life, a personalized print ecommerce venture with Gelato's print on demand solutions. They utilized Gelato's global network of production hubs, which prioritized hyper-local production and distribution, and Gelato’s commitment to quality to gain control over their production and shipping. Gelato's integration and support empowered Natalie and Josh to save time working on the business's day-to-day tasks and focus on scaling and making profits. 

2. Maikel, a digital artist and photographer based in the Netherlands, has been running his own business under the brand name 'The Art of Photographs,' selling posters and framed posters on Etsy for several years now. However, he needed a partner that assured consistency and a quality guarantee that could be banked upon. That's when he discovered that Gelato was able to deliver both. One of the things Maikel likes most about Gelato is the quality of the prints, which always helps him get customers and, in turn, make profits.

Can't wait to get cracking on turning your creative ideas into a thriving business? Follow these simple steps to kickstart your print on demand side hustle.

1. Identify your niche

The first step in your print on demand side hustle journey is identifying a niche. Here's how you can effectively identify your niche: 

• Start with your passions: Think about your hobbies, interests, and areas of expertise. When you choose a niche you are passionate about, staying motivated and consistently producing quality content and designs will be easier.

• Research market demand: Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, and social media platforms to gauge product demand in your chosen niche. Look for trends and see what people are currently interested in.

• Analyze the competition: Look at existing stores and products within your niche. Identify what they are doing well and where there might be gaps. This will help you find opportunities to differentiate your offerings.

• Define your target audience: Define your potential customers' demographics, preferences, and pain points. Knowing who your audience is will help you make products they want and need, which will keep them coming back to shop again.

2. Validate your idea

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to validate your idea. Here are some effective ways to validate your print on demand concept: 

• Test initial designs on social media or forums: Post your design ideas on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or niche-specific forums and groups. Monitor engagement levels, feedback, and comments to gauge interest. Encouraging followers to vote on different designs can also help you understand their preferences.

• Use paid advertising: Running small, targeted ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can help you test your concepts. Track the click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate to see which designs attract the most interest. This data provides valuable insights into what your audience is willing to buy.

• Leverage social proof: Early customer testimonials, likes, comments, and shares can serve as social proof, enhancing credibility. If potential customers see that others are interested in your designs, they're more likely to make a purchase.

• Polls and surveys: You can use online survey tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to ask potential customers for their opinions. Ask specific questions about design preferences, pricing, and other aspects to fine-tune your offerings.

3. Set up your online store

A well-structured, user-friendly POD store can make all the difference in converting visitors into loyal customers. Here are some key steps to help you get started. 

• Choose a platform and design your store layout: Pick a platform that meets your needs. Popular options like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy provide user-friendly interfaces and robust features to help you easily build and manage your store. Utilize customizable templates to design an attractive and functional store. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate.

• Set up payment gateways: To build trust with your customers, ensure you have secure payment options. Platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify Payments are reliable and widely used.

• Configure shipping and taxes: Based on your business model and customer locations, set up your shipping options and tax configurations. Many platforms offer tools to streamline this process.

• Optimize for SEO: Implement SEO best practices to make your store easily discoverable on search engines and to bring in organic traffic. Use relevant keywords, write compelling product descriptions, and ensure fast loading speeds.

4. Create your designs

Creating your designs is one of the most exciting parts of starting a print on demand side hustle. Here's how you can go about this process:

• Utilize design tools to develop unique designs: Take inspiration from design platforms like Pinterest and Dribble and create your designs. If you’re not a designer, you can use free or affordable design tools like Canva or the Design Maker from Gelato to bring your ideas to life. These tools often include templates that make the process easier.

• Outsource design work (alternative option): If you're not confident in your design skills, consider hiring a professional designer from platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or Upwork. A small investment in quality design can go a long way.

• Create varied product mockups: Use the mockup generators available on platforms like Gelato to see how your designs will look on different products. This will help you select the best designs for specific items.

• Keep your portfolio fresh: Add new designs regularly to keep your store updated and interesting. This encourages repeat customers and keeps your brand relevant in a competitive market.

5. List your products

Once your designs are ready, it's time to showcase your unique creations to the world. Here's how you can list your products and get noticed: 

• Use high-quality mockups: Make sure that your products look appealing and realistic. High-quality mockups give customers a clear idea of what they’re purchasing and build confidence in your brand.

• Write compelling product descriptions: Highlight your products' key features and benefits. Use engaging, descriptive language that appeals to your target audience and makes your products irresistible.

• Select appropriate categories and tags: Place your products in the right categories and use relevant tags. This will help potential customers find your items when browsing through various platform sections.

• Set competitive pricing: Compare prices of similar items in your niche to ensure your pricing is competitive yet profitable. Offering occasional discounts or promotions can also attract more buyers.

6. Market your store

After setting up your online store and listing your products, your next move should be planning marketing campaigns for your newly launched store. Here are some ways to market your store:

• Use email marketing: Building an email list can help you stay connected with your audience. Send newsletters featuring new products, special promotions, and behind-the-scenes content. Tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo make it easy to design beautiful emails.

• Leverage social media and collaborate with influencers: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are fantastic for showcasing your designs. Consistently post high-quality images of your products, engage with your followers, and use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience. Partnering with influencers in your niche can boost your store's reach, so look for influencers whose audience matches your target demographics.

• Run paid ads: Consider investing in paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads. Paid ads can provide immediate visibility and drive targeted traffic to your store. Start with a small budget to test what works best for your audience.

• Offer promotions: Everyone loves good print on demand offers. Use limited-time discounts, bundle deals, or free shipping to entice customers. Promotions can create urgency and encourage potential buyers to make a purchase.

7. Manage orders and customer service

Handling orders and customer service well is essential for ensuring a smooth operation and customer satisfaction. Here are some key aspects of managing orders and customer service for your print on demand side hustle: 

• Order tracking: Ensure your customers can easily track their orders from when they place them until they receive them. Transparent tracking builds trust and keeps your customers informed.

• Prompt communication: Respond to customer inquiries and concerns as quickly as possible. Swift responses show that you value their business and are committed to providing excellent customer service.

• Reliable print partner: Ensure you've partnered with a dependable print on demand seller who handles production and shipping efficiently. A reliable partner minimizes delays and enhances customer satisfaction.

• Return and refund policies: Clear and fair return and refund policies are crucial. Ensure customers know how to return items and what to expect regarding refunds or exchanges. This transparency can prevent misunderstandings and build trust.

8. Scale your side hustle

Once your print on demand business is up and running, the next step is to scale your business. Here are some practical strategies to help you grow your business effectively: 

• Analyze your store's performance: Review sales data, website traffic, and customer feedback regularly. Identify the most popular products and understand what's driving sales. Use this data to make informed decisions about where to focus your efforts.

• Optimize your marketing: Invest in online advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to reach a wider audience. Experiment with different ad formats and targeting options to find what works best for your niche.

• Automate processes: Utilize automation tools to streamline tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and customer communication. This will free up your time to focus on growth strategies.

• Explore new sales channels: To increase your reach, list your products on additional platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay. Consider international markets to tap into a global customer base.

Now you know every critical step it takes to launch a thriving print on demand side hustle. From pinpointing your niche to validating your ideas, setting up shop, handling orders, and scaling up—all pieces fit together perfectly to drive you toward success. 

How do you start your very own POD side hustle? Launching a print on demand side hustle has never been easier, thanks to Gelato.

Our platform offers comprehensive features that simplify the entire process, from creating designs to managing orders. You get access to a vast product range, including t-shirts, mugs, wall art, phone cases, tote bags, and photo books—perfect for appealing to a diverse customer base. Plus, our global reach ensures that you can sell your products anywhere in the world. 

Are you ready to get started with a lucrative side hustle? 

Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that suits your business needs.