Start a Printables Business and Side Hustle

What is a Printables Business?

A printables business involves creating and selling digital files that customers can download and print at home or at a local print shop. These digital products can include planners, calendars, artwork, greeting cards, stickers, worksheets, spreadsheets, and more.

How to Make Money with Printables

You can make money with a printables business by selling your digital products online through platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website.

Customers purchase your printables, download them instantly, and print them as needed. You can also offer customization services or bundle products for higher prices. Printables are a great way to create a passive income stream.

A Printable Side Hustle Is Best For

A printables business is ideal for creative individuals who enjoy designing digital products and have a knack for graphic design. You have full control over the design and creation process, allowing you to express your creativity and cater to specific niche markets. It’s also suitable for people looking for a flexible side hustle that can be done from home with minimal overhead costs.

Side Hustle Potential

Starting a printables business means you don’t need inventory or physical products, reducing upfront investment. And once created, digital products can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs.

Ideas for Printable Products

• Planners and Organizers: Daily, weekly, or monthly planners, meal planners, budget trackers, goal-setting worksheets, and productivity journals.
• Artwork and Wall Decor: Printable wall art, inspirational quotes, typography prints, and seasonal decorations.
• Party Supplies: Invitations, banners, cupcake toppers, and party favors for birthdays, weddings, and holidays.
• Educational Resources: Flashcards, worksheets, coloring pages, and learning activities for children and educators.
• Stationery and Cards: Greeting cards, thank-you notes, gift tags, and envelope templates.

Steps to Start a Printables Business

You can follow these steps to start a side hustle with printables.

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

Determine the specific audience or market segment you want to target with your printables business.

Step 2: Create Your Designs

Use graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create high-quality digital designs for your printables.

Step 3: Set Up Your Online Store

To sell your printables online, choose an e-commerce platform like Etsy, Shopify, or Gumroad. Create product listings with compelling descriptions and eye-catching visuals.

Step 4: Promote Your Products

Use social media, email marketing, and SEO strategies to drive traffic to your online store and attract potential customers.

Step 5: Deliver Digital Files

Set up automated delivery of digital files to customers upon purchase, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience. Many platforms automate this process for you, so once a product is purchased, they’ll receive a download link.

Step 6: Provide Customer Support

Offer responsive customer support to address inquiries, provide assistance with downloads, and resolve any issues promptly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or other graphic design tools for creating digital designs.
• E-commerce Platform: Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, or similar platforms for selling digital products online.
• Payment Processor: PayPal, Stripe, or other payment gateways for processing online transactions securely. Many platforms have payments integrated with your store.
• Marketing Tools: Social media platforms, email marketing software (e.g., ConvertKit), and SEO tools for promoting your printables and driving traffic to your store.

Platforms to Sell Printables

• Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and digital goods, with a large audience of buyers interested in unique and creative products.
• WooCommerce and Shopify are e-commerce platforms that allow you to set up your own online store and customize it to suit your brand and products.