How to Sell Printables on Etsy: 6-step Success Plan

Are you a creative soul full of design ideas but need help to turn them into a profitable venture? Step in the path of selling printables on Etsy! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover how to sell printables on Etsy with all the secrets of successful sellers, making you start dancing with joy with a passive income stream.

So, without further ado, let’s learn some basic definitions of printables, and jump into 6 straightforward steps to learn how to sell printables on Etsy.

What are Printables?

Printables, or digital downloads, are files that customers can purchase, download, and print at home or at their local print shop. Think of them as digital products you create once and sell repeatedly without touching a physical item.

These files can take many forms, for example, planners, calendars, art prints, party invitations, or educational materials. Printables are downloadable files that customers can print at home or at a local print shop.

The best part of selling printables on Etsy is that no physical storage or shipping is required. Imagine you’re an artist with a knack for design, but you don’t want the hassle of shipping products. You simply design it, list it, and let the digital magic happen.

Why is Etsy an ideal place to sell Printables?

Etsy is like an appealing cake for creative entrepreneurs. It’s where art meets commerce but in the most accessible way. Let me explain why you should sell your printables on Etsy:

• • High-demand niche market: Etsy’s audience is already primed to buy unique, handmade, and creative products. Printable items fit right into what Etsy shoppers are looking for customizable, personal, and unique items that cater to their specific needs.
  • Low startup costs: Unlike other platforms that might require a heavy initial investment, Etsy allows you to start selling with a small budget. Listing a printable will cost you only US$0.20. Besides, there is a fixed 6.5% transaction fee. Since yours is a digital product, there aren’t extra production and shipping fees.
  • Global reach: Up to 2023, Etsy has over 90 million active buyers from all over the world, and that number keeps growing in 2024. That would mean your printables on Etsy will reach literally any place around the world without you having to consider international shipping logistics.
  • SEO-friendly: Etsy’s search algorithm is designed to help buyers find precisely what they are searching for. You’ll be able to increase your chances of being found by potential customers by optimizing your listings with the right keywords

How to Sell Printables on Etsy: 6 Easy Steps

Selling printables on Etsy is simple. It doesn’t require a degree in eCommerce, but there are a few steps you need to follow to set yourself up for success. Let’s break it down in detail through this section:

1. Set up your Etsy Shop

To start selling, you need an Etsy account. Creating an Etsy shop is as easy as pie. Follow these quick steps:

• • Sign up: Head to Etsy.com and click on the “Sell on Etsy” button. At this step, you have the option to create an account using your email address or connect with your existing Google, Facebook, or Apple account.

Once your account is created, you will be guided through the onboarding process, which includes this information.

• • Set up your shop preferences: Choose your shop language, country, and currency. It is important to notice that the language setting can only be chosen once and cannot be changed later. Also, ensure that the same currency is used for both your Etsy shop and your bank account to save a 2.5% currency conversion fee on the sale amount.
  • Choose a shop name: Select for your shop a name that is unique, easy to remember, and reflective of your brand. If you’re selling printables for kids’ parties, a playful name might be in order. If your printables are more about minimalist art, go for something sleek and modern. Take a look at the list of 200+ Etsy shop name ideas that might help you easier to decide on yours.
  • Stock your shop: Add at least one listing to your shop to make it live. Since this is one of the required steps for you to finish the onboarding process, you can fill in the basic information at this point. In step 3, we’ll discuss creating listings with more useful tips in detail.
  • Set up payment: This step is to let Etsy know how you want to be paid and how you will pay the Etsy fees. Provide your billing information and choose a payment method for Etsy fees. You can opt for Etsy Payments, which accepts various payment options, or connect your PayPal account.

2. Make printables to sell on Etsy

One important factor in your success on Etsy is the quality of these digital printable files. Here’s how to make printables to sell on Etsy that will have customers coming back for more:

• • Start with an idea: It is where everything starts. Find your inspiration from your daily life, on platforms such as Pinterest, Dribbble, or Behance. Combine that with your creative minds so you can discover gaps in the market and make use of unique angles on popular trends.
  • Use software to design: While free tools like Canva are great for beginners, investing in professional design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can take your printables to the next level. These tools offer more advanced features and flexibility, allowing you to create truly unique designs. Whichever tools you choose, make sure it is the most comfortable for you to design the final results.
  • Pay attention to detail: High-quality printables are all about the details. You don’t want to receive tons of refund requests due to low-quality printables. Ensure your designs are clean, well-aligned, and free of errors. High-resolution files (300 DPI) are essential for printables to ensure they look great when printed. Additionally, be mindful of the font and graphic use to bring a professional look.
  • Offer product variation: Provide different sizes and variations of your printables. This helps your printables to cater to any customer preferences.
  • Right file format: PDF (short for Portable Document Format) is the preferred format for most files, so make sure you always offer a PDF file for your printables. For some image products, consider JPEG or TIFF files.
  • Test print your designs: Always test print your designs to check for any issues with color, layout, or resolution. What looks good on screen might not always translate well to paper.

3. Optimize the listing of your Printables

Once your printables are ready, it’s time to list them on Etsy. This step is crucial because it’s how your products will be discovered by buyers.

• • Conduct keyword research: This is a small but crucial step to optimize your printables listing. To do keyword research on Etsy, there are three different ways: Use Etsy’s search suggestion, use tools like Keywordtool.io, Alura, eRank, and Marmalead, or gather insights into trending keywords from competitors.

• • Craft an engaging title: Your title should be descriptive and include the main keyword that buyers are likely to search for. For example, instead of just “Planner,” go for something like “Minimalist Weekly Planner Printable, Instant Download, A4 Size.”. Or include the specific niche that your printables serve such as “Study Planner for Pre-med Students”.
  • Write a compelling description: Your description is your sales pitch. And at the same time, this is the space for you to include the keywords smartly. The information to include are:

    • • The benefits of your printable (need to be highlighted)
      • Explain how it can be used
      • The dimension available
      • Reassure buyers that it’s easy to download and print.
      • What file formats you’re providing?

  • Design attractive cover images: Images are everything on Etsy. Since buyers can’t physically touch your product, they rely on images to make their purchasing decisions. Utilize the software to create the cover images and mockups to show how your printables will look when framed or used. Ensure your images are clear and well-lit, and show the product from different angles.
  • Price it smartly: Pricing can be tricky. Research what similar products are selling for and price yours competitively. Remember to factor in Etsy’s fees and your time when setting your prices.
  • Tagging: Use the relevant tags to expand the chance of your customers finding you on Etsy search results. Be sure to use all 13 tags to maximize your reach.

Now you know the trick, don’t forget to also optimize the first product listing we mentioned earlier.

4. Marketing your printables

You have set up your shop and listed your products, but now it is time for the part that could make or break your success – Marketing. While Etsy offers a ready market, you still need to do your job of promoting your printables to maximize your sales. Here are some effective ways to market:

• • Etsy ads: Etsy’s ad platform shows your listings right in Etsy search results. Useful when you’re starting and want to get some visibility. This is also the fastest and most straightforward way.
  • Social media: Leverage Instagram and Pinterest; they’re a goldmine for any printable product. Share nice-looking images of your designs on social media, use the right hashtags, and connect with people so they will, in turn, go over to your Etsy shop.
  • Email marketing: Incentivize your clients to register for your newsletter by offering a discount on their first purchase. Use your email list to announce new products, sales, or special offers.
  • Influencer collaborations: Collaborate with social influencers with a huge following in your genre by giving them free products in return for a shoutout or feature on their social media.

5. What are the Best-Selling Printables on Etsy?

If you’re wondering what kinds of printables sell best on Etsy, here are a few categories that consistently perform well:

• • Planners and Organizers: From daily planners to budget trackers, people just love the idea of being organized, and more love the tools that help them stay organized.
  • Home decor: Create the decoration stuff that your buyers can use to add a vibe to their store. Keep up-to-date with seasonal events like Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
  • Business-related items: Logos, business cards, and social media templates.
  • Wall art: Printable wall art is on demand as that allows buyers an affordable way of adorning their homes.
  • Event-related invitations: Customizable invitations for birthdays, weddings, and other events are always on the most favored lists.
  • Educational printables: Many teachers and parents look for worksheets, flashcards, and any other educational supplies.
  • Digital planners:  The more and more people begin to take notes digitally or use tablets, digital planners start to become in high demand, planners that one can use on their devices.

If you’re particularly interested in selling digital planners, let’s map out your success with our digital planner selling guide: How to Sell Digital Planners on Etsy in 6 Quick Steps.

6. How to Sell Printables on Etsy: The Final Thoughts

Selling printables on Etsy is actually one of the best ways to turn your creativity into a business that earns you good money. With relatively low upfront costs and the potential for passive income, it’s an opportunity that’s hard to ignore for any creative soul. By following all the steps mentioned above, you surely will get a kickstart toward success in the Etsy marketplace. Remember, the secret to success is to be persistent.

Keep improving your products, experiment with different marketing strategies, and listen to your customers. Over time, you’ll find what works best for your shop and see your sales grow.

For more useful tips & tricks to help you elevate your Etsy selling journey, follow us on Masstic. We ensure to bring you free and up-to-date knowledge!

FAQ on How to Sell Printables on Etsy