If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your creativity into cash, then get ready to explore a side hustle that’s as exciting as it is profitable—selling printable creations.
With this side hustle, you get to whip up awesome designs right from home, and these designs could become your ticket to extra income and the flexibility to call the shots on your work schedule.
Whether you’re a graphic guru, an art aficionado, or just someone bursting with fresh ideas, diving into the world of printables could be the just the side hustle you’ve been looking for.
But what are printables exactly?
Basically they are digital designs that cater to all sorts of interests—like art prints, planners, invitations, checklists, and educational goodies.
The best part? You’re creating assets that can be sold again and again, and there’s no need to worry about running out of stock or storage space.
And guess what?
The potential to rake in some serious dough is more than just a pipe dream. While your earnings depend on factors like your chosen niche and how well you spread the word, success stories of printable hustlers hitting the $10,000-a-month mark are all around us.
As more people hop onto the digital bandwagon, the demand for unique digital products keeps on growing.
So take this as your cue to step in and seize the opportunity to turn your creative flair into a cash machine.
Unlike traditional businesses, you don’t need a bunch of cash for manufacturing, storing products, or shipping them out.
Your main investments are your time, imagination, and maybe a few software tools. It’s a lean, mean, profit-making machine that lets you focus on what truly matters: making designs that wow your customers.
In this week’s newsletter, we’re diving deep into the world of printable creations.
We’ll explore how to whip up designs that people can’t resist, navigate the exciting e-commerce landscape, and squeeze out every drop of earning potential.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and uncover the secrets to turning your creativity into a side hustle that’s not only fun but also seriously rewarding.
Get ready to learn the ins and outs of making money with digital downloads!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Trends – Etsy is the go-to platform for selling digital downloads, this week we share the latest data on the platform.
- Strategies – Setting up a digital downloads side hustle is as easy as 1,2,3!
- Tool of the Week – This week we present a tool that will help you uncover what printables are selling well right now on Etsy!
Trends
So how many people actually buy from Etsy? Are they shopping on mobile or desktop? The Side Hustle Strategies team has scoured the internet to bring you the latest stats.
Etsy number of active buyers
The number of active buyers on Etsy continues to grow! As we can see in this graph, Etsy enjoyed a huge boom in popularity during the pandemic, when online shopping became the norm.
Etsy sales by device
In this chart, we can see that more and more people are shopping online via their mobile devices. So if you decide to set up an Etsy store, make sure it’s optimized for mobile!
Strategies
Alright, my creative comrades, are you ready to embark on your printables adventure? Let’s get started!
How to get started
First things first, remember this golden rule: success leaves clues. Instead of reinventing the wheel, start by studying the terrain others have already mapped out.
Yep, that means heading to platforms like Etsy and diving into their best-selling lists.
These lists are like your personal roadmap to the hottest trends and most popular items in the printable world.
You’re not copying—think of it as getting inspired by the pros who’ve cracked the code.
Put your detective cap on
Start by taking a leisurely stroll through the categories related to your niche. Are you into planners, art prints, or maybe party invitations?
Take a look around and figure out what designs are grabbing attention. What kind of products seem to be flying off the digital shelves?
These items are like flashing neon signs saying, “Hey, this is what people want!”
Trends, Seasons, and Holidays
Seasons and holidays are like little gold mines for printable creators.
Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, and all those other special occasions are golden opportunities to make sales.
People are on the hunt for cards, decorations, and gifts that match the mood. So, go ahead and brainstorm those Christmas countdown planners or adorable Valentine’s Day love notes. Just remember to start early so your products are ready to shine when the holiday rush begins.
By keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s happening around you, you can whip up timely designs that resonate with your customers, leading to a big spike in income at certain times of the year.
Action step: Grab some pen and paper and start brainstorming some ideas for printable designs you could make. Take note of what’s selling and popular right now, as well as what holidays are coming up in the next few months that could lend themselves to fresh designs.
How to decide on a niche for your printables side hustle
Alright, let’s talk about finding your niche in the world of printables.
Here’s the easiest way to start; begin with your area of expertise.
Take side hustler Rachel Jones, for example. She kicked off her printable journey with personal finance stuff because she’s a money whiz – that’s her thing.
But guess what? Her first try wasn’t a home run.
So she decided to mix things up and try different ideas until she got it right.
She experimented with printables for getting your budget organized, setting money goals, and even planning for retirement.
After some trial and error, one of her printables actually worked and started selling like wildfire.
So what’s the lesson here? Don’t overthink your niche.
Starting with what you know gets you off to a good start. But its also important to keep trying new stuff and tinkering around until you find something that works.
Your first attempt might not be a slam dunk, but who knows? The next one could be a total slam dunk – maybe even with glitter and confetti!
Long story short, mix your smarts with a dash of adventure, and you’ll cook up a printable side hustle that’s as sweet as pie.
How to decide what to create
When it comes to figuring out what kind of printables to create, you’ll need to aim for that sweet spot of high search volume and low competition.
You want to create something that people are actively searching for, but not too many others are offering. So how in the heck do you do that?
Start by digging into your chosen niche and looking for what’s buzzing with interest. Look for areas inside your niche where folks are eagerly seeking solutions or information. This high search volume means there’s a demand waiting to be satisfied.
Let’s say your niche is health. You might start your search by researching ‘Fitness trackers for retirees’ or ‘Healthy smoothie recipes for busy moms’
Now, let’s sprinkle in a bit of that unicorn magic – low competition. You don’t want to dive into a sea of creators all doing the same thing.
Instead, seek out fresh angles within those high-demand topics that haven’t been fully explored. This is where you’ll discover your treasure trove of opportunity.
Let’s say you find a gap in the market for customizable doggy birthday invitations. People are looking for them, but there aren’t many out there. Bingo! You’ve just spotted your unicorn.
By catering to this need, you’re entering a space with room to shine without battling a herd of competitors. And this my friend, is your ticket to a profitable side hustle.
How to make printables
Creating printables is a lot easier than you might think, even if you’re not a design guru.
Thanks to user-friendly tools like Canva and Microsoft Word, you can dive into the world of printables with confidence and creativity.
Let’s talk about Canva first.
Canva is a virtual playground for designing all sorts of digital content, including printables. With its drag-and-drop interface, you can easily choose from a multitude of templates, graphics, fonts, and colors.
Simply pick a template that vibes with your printable’s purpose, customize it with your text and images, and voilà! You’re already on your way to a stunning creation.
Don’t count out Microsoft Word, either.
Word is another trusty program that can be a secret weapon for crafting printables.
Create a new document, play around with fonts, insert images, and arrange elements to your liking. Once you’re done, save your masterpiece as a PDF – the go-to format for printables.
When it comes to creating printables, it’s all about finding the tool that feels right for you.
Canva is fantastic for its versatility and wide range of design options, while Microsoft Word is a familiar and straightforward choice that many already have at their fingertips.
The best part? Both options offer user-friendly interfaces that make the process enjoyable and accessible, no matter your design experience.
So, whether you’re designing a weekly meal planner, a motivational quote poster, or a travel checklist, the power to create stunning printables is right at your fingertips.
Embrace your creativity, choose your tool, and start bringing your printable ideas to life!
How to differentiate from your competitors
To stand out in the crowded market, consider a combination of strategies that will make your business shine.
Offer lower pricing
First up, let’s talk pricing. While lower pricing can catch the eye, it’s essential to find a balance that doesn’t compromise your value. Offering competitive rates can attract cost-conscious customers, but remember, quality still matters.
Highlight the value they’re getting for their money – it’s not just about the price tag.
Offer better service
Next, ace the service game. Providing exceptional customer service is a game-changer. Prompt responses, helpful guidance, and going the extra mile can turn customers into loyal advocates.
When people feel valued, they’re more likely to choose you over the competition.
Offer bonuses
Now, let’s throw in some bonus magic. Offering something extra, like a free e-book or a downloadable guide related to your products, can sweeten the deal.
It not only adds perceived value but also showcases your expertise and commitment to customer success.
Take better photos and visuals
Speaking of showcasing, level up your visuals and listings. High-quality images and well-crafted descriptions give your products a professional edge.
Think of your listings as your storefront – they should be inviting and informative, making customers eager to click that “buy” button.
Remember, differentiation isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about adding your personal touch.
Whether it’s your unique style, your dedication to customer satisfaction, or those extra goodies you offer, each piece contributes to your distinct flavor in the market.
Ultimately, the key is to find the right mix for your business. Combine elements that align with your strengths and resonate with your target audience.
It’s not just about being different for the sake of it, but about offering something genuinely valuable that keeps customers coming back for more.
How to promote your printables
The digital world offers a range of platforms to promote your printables and reel in the customers. Let’s explore a few of your options:
Etsy ads
Etsy advertising tools can be a game-changer. Consider investing in targeted ads that put your printables in front of potential buyers.
With options to choose your audience based on interests and preferences, you can hit the bullseye and attract those who are most likely to adore your creations.
Promoting on Instagram
Now, let’s talk Instagram – the visual playground. Set up a business account, curate an eye-catching feed, and use those oh-so-satisfying visuals to showcase your printables.
Craft engaging posts that highlight the versatility and value of your products. Don’t forget the power of stories and reels – short, captivating snippets that can turn curious scrollers into devoted customers.
Promoting on TikTok
Time to dance over to TikTok. This platform thrives on creativity and authenticity. Create short, snappy videos that showcase your printables in action.
Whether it’s a DIY tutorial using your printable or a behind-the-scenes peek into your creative process, TikTok’s algorithm can help your content reach a wider audience.
But here’s the secret sauce: consistency and engagement. Regularly update your social media with fresh content. Respond to comments, engage with your audience, and build a community around your brand.
Remember, the key is finding the right platform mix for your audience. Each platform has its vibe, and tailoring your approach to match can bring in the best results.
Whether you’re whipping up Etsy ads, curating an Insta-worthy feed, or TikToking your way to visibility, the aim is to create a buzz that keeps customers coming back for more.
Tool of the Week
With eRank, you gain valuable insights that help you determine which designs are trending, allowing you to invest your time and energy wisely.
Imagine having access to data that reveals which types of designs are gaining popularity. That’s what eRank offers. By analyzing market trends, eRank helps you choose designs that have a higher chance of resonating with your audience.
Bid farewell to uncertainty when investing your efforts into a project. eRank empowers you to adapt your ideas based on real-time insights, leading to more products that appeal to your target market.
In the creative journey of crafting printables, eRank becomes your strategic ally, helping you make profitable choices and avoid potential setbacks. So, before you commit extensive time to your next creation, let eRank be your guiding tool, illuminating the path to creative and entrepreneurial triumph.
