If I Started Print On Demand Today, I’d Do This

Summary

Starting a successful print-on-demand business requires the right mindset and approach. This video distills key lessons from 10 years of experience, outlining a step-by-step strategy. First, understand that print-on-demand is a fulfillment model, not a business in itself. Next, find a niche with proven demand and design potential. Create designs using research and AI tools, then build a simple yet strong brand. Focus on selling t-shirts, and use platforms like Shopify for your store. Finally, drive traffic with targeted ads, keeping ad spend minimal in the beginning. Adapt, learn, and scale for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Immerse yourself in learning the print-on-demand business model, as it’s a proven strategy with many successful entrepreneurs.
• 😀 Don't just view print-on-demand as a fulfillment method—think of it as a tool to build a clothing brand.
• 😀 Avoid platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Redbubble, as they limit your control and hinder growth; instead, run your business from your own website.
• 😀 Focus on a single, profitable niche that has proven designs, ensuring room for variability and long-term design creation.
• 😀 When selecting a niche, prioritize those with diverse design options to avoid running out of creative ideas after a few designs.
• 😀 Use mood boards to collect design inspiration and organize ideas; aim for hundreds of ideas to fuel your creativity.
• 😀 Utilize AI tools, such as custom-built GPT models, to generate unique and effective design ideas.
• 😀 If you're not skilled in design, leverage platforms like Creative Fabrica or Creative Market to buy ready-made designs.
• 😀 Build your brand simply and effectively—choose a name, buy a domain, and secure social media handles.
• 😀 Start with a core product, such as t-shirts, which are always in demand and are far from saturated.
• 😀 Invest in simple, low-budget ads on platforms like Facebook and TikTok to test and optimize marketing strategies before scaling.

Q & A

What is the key mindset shift needed when starting a print-on-demand business?

The key mindset shift is to stop viewing print-on-demand as just a fulfillment model and start seeing it as a method to build a clothing brand. You’re not just selling products; you're building a business with long-term potential.

Why is it important to avoid platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Redbubble for a print-on-demand business?

These platforms control the customer experience, restrict your creative freedom, and limit your growth potential. Instead, you should build your own website and own the customer journey, data, and brand.

How do you ensure that the niche you choose for your print-on-demand business has growth potential?

Check if there are proven designs already selling well in that niche and, more importantly, ensure that there is enough variety in those designs to allow for ongoing creativity and new products. A niche with limited design options can quickly become saturated.

What role does design play in a print-on-demand business, and how should you approach creating designs?

Design is crucial for attracting customers and standing out in your niche. Start by gathering design inspiration from various platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Redbubble. Organize these designs into a mood board and use AI tools to generate new ideas. You can also purchase ready-made designs if you're not skilled in design.

What are some tools and resources that can help with design creation for print-on-demand?

Some helpful tools include AI-powered tools like Phrase Genie, and platforms such as Creative Fabrica and Creative Market, where you can purchase pre-made designs. Using these resources allows you to create high-quality designs even if you're not a graphic designer.

How should you approach building your brand for a print-on-demand business?

Start by choosing a simple name, securing your domain and social media handles, and creating a basic logo. Don’t overthink the branding process—just get started and refine your brand over time. The goal is to build a brand that reflects your niche and appeals to your target market.

What is the advantage of using a supplier like SwiftPod for print-on-demand?

SwiftPod is recommended for its superior print quality and excellent customer service. A reliable supplier ensures your products meet customer expectations and helps you build a good reputation for your brand.

Why is t-shirt the recommended product for starting a print-on-demand business?

T-shirts are the most popular and versatile clothing item. They have the highest chance of generating sales because they appeal to a broad audience, and there is always demand for new and creative designs. They also serve as a staple item under other clothing, like hoodies.

How should you approach advertising for your print-on-demand business?

Start by testing low-budget ads on platforms like Facebook or TikTok. Monitor the performance closely, particularly the cost per click (CPC) and engagement. Run ads during peak times, like weekends, and adjust based on the results. Avoid spending large amounts on ads at the start.

What is the key takeaway regarding the testing and scaling of ads for a print-on-demand business?

Test your ads with a budget of $5 to $10 per day and analyze the results after 5 days. Look at metrics like CPC, engagement, and sales. If an ad is not performing, pause it and try a different approach. Be adaptable and avoid overspending on ads in the early stages.