Decide to Make Money Online: Exploring Print-On-Demand (POD)

An artist wants to monetize their hard work or someone looking to make extra income online. The Internet is prominent; this is no exhaustive list: blogging, selling courses, coaching, affiliate marketing, and dropshipping, from the dropshipping model there and good ole POD or print-on-demand. Is Dropshipping a scam? Nope, not at all; there are public multi-billion dollar traded companies who dropship for their online store. Wayfair anybody NYSE: W? And remember Best Buy NYSE: BBY. Moreover, Zazzle is exploring an IPO soon, forecasting significant growth to the platform and more money-making opportunities for Zazzle stores. A valid business model is dropshipping. With the evolution of the Internet, any person can do drop shipping and print on demand, making side and even livable income.

Why POD?

First, you don't have to take store-up inventory and outsource logistics to a third party. There is no need for start-up costs; start thinking of designs out of thin air and making money online. Here is a question: What kind of designs will people pay for? What kind of designs are people willing to pay for? Moreover, what place to host and sell your designs? Here is a list of POD on platforms:

• Printful
• Etsy
• Society6
• Shopify
• Spreadshirt
• Redbubble
• Fine Art America
• Zazzle (highlighted in this article)
• Merch by Amazon
• Teespring

Zazzle Who?

Zazzle is an online marketplace where users can create and sell their designs on various products, including t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. It is known for its wedding designs and invitations; there are over 1000+ products to choose from as a base for your designs. Create an account; it is easy to get started.

If you have experience with other POD platforms, appreciate how easy it is to set up a Zazzle account and not jump through hoops to get started (ahem, Etsy).

Now, creating a Zazzle account comes with creating a store.

Brand creation is essential to help future customers recognize uniqueness and differentiate from other platform sellers. Create a brand name representing a creative style. The banner and logo are essential staples to a brand; however, do not spend much time creating one. More time should be spent on market research and product creation to start gaining traction.

Creating from the Ether ⚡

Now, with an open store, it is time to create the designs. Using tools like Canva is a go-to option for only Zazzle for the POD industry. Choose from a library of stock images from Zazzle or create your designs.

Brand Creation: Establishing Uniqueness

Creating a Zazzle account also entails establishing a store with a unique brand. A strong brand identity is crucial to help potential customers recognize your offerings amidst the competition. Develop a brand name that reflects your creative style. While the banner and logo are essential elements, investing excessive time in their creation isn't necessary. Focus more on market research and product development to start gaining traction.

To build a brand successfully on Zazzle, consider the following tips:

• Consistency is key: Ensure your brand identity remains consistent across all marketing channels, including store design, social media, and email campaigns. A cohesive brand helps create a memorable and strong identity.
• Unleash creativity: Unique and creative designs capture attention and drive sales. Don't hesitate to experiment with various designs to discover what resonates best with your audience.
• Value feedback: When customers leave feedback on your products, listen and respond thoughtfully. Demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction builds trust and loyalty.
• Patience pays off: Building a successful brand on Zazzle takes time. Set realistic expectations and remain patient as you work towards your goals. Consistent effort and great designs will eventually yield results.

Show Me the Royalties 👑

Zazzle's appeal lies in its hosting service, eliminating the need for store owners to pay monthly fees. While Zazzle handles traffic, they also earn royalties from the designs you sell. The royalty rate spans from 5% to 99% for each product. Zazzle provides a custom profit calculator for accurate earning projections that factor in product prices and royalty rates. Based on this chart , Zazzle sellers are awarded a specific badge based on their earnings threshold. Setting design margins at 15% to 20% aligns with industry norms and enhances competitiveness.

Hear All About 🔈

As the saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day." The same holds for online businesses, including print-on-demand ventures. Building traction and trust takes time, accompanied by creating numerous designs. While the journey might require patience, the process is worth it. Adopting a growth mindset and embracing delayed gratification is key to succeeding in Zazzle and print-on-demand. Whether you're launching a YouTube channel or a blog, increased content creation leads to greater traction, which ultimately translates to more views and conversions.

Let's Put on Rocket Boosters 🚀

Leveraging social media is an effective strategy for spreading the word about your Zazzle store. Share your designs across all your social platforms, and encourage your followers to do the same. While optimizing for Zazzle's SEO and internal design discoverability is valuable, harnessing the power of social media can drive traffic and expand your reach beyond the platform itself.

Consider these steps to enhance your social media presence:

• Be active on major social platforms: Engage with your audience on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your designs, run contests, and foster interactions to build a community around your brand.
• Optimize Zazzle SEO: Given Zazzle's high search volume with over 17 million monthly visits, ensure your products rank well in search results. Implement effective SEO practices to improve your product's visibility.
• Pinterest for traction: Pinterest is a powerful platform for Zazzle and e-commerce in general. Create a dedicated Pinterest account for your Zazzle store to tap into its visual-driven audience.

More Clicks, Please 🖱️

Remember, time is money. To expedite gaining traction, consider Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. While patience remains essential, PPC offers a faster path to visibility. While not the preferred long-term method due to costs, it's effective for boosting established stores, particularly those with Diamond and Platinum ranks, extensive product views, conversions, and a substantial following. Utilize tools like keyword research to find best selling products used by best performing Zazzle stores to optimize your PPC campaigns or boost your product SEO and reach the right audience.

Final Thoughts 🌟

Exploring the world of print-on-demand with Zazzle opens doors to potential income streams and creative expression. Whether you're an artist, designer, or entrepreneur, the opportunities are boundless. Keep honing your designs, connecting with your audience, and iterating your strategies. Over time, you'll witness your efforts translating into tangible success.

if you're ready to embark on the print-on-demand journey, start by creating your Zazzle account, designing eye-catching products, and sharing your creations far and wide. Remember, success in this realm takes dedication, innovation, and resilience.