Top 15 print on demand tips for your online store in 2025

If you’re thinking about beginning a print-on-demand business, you’ll need to be ready to design the products and receive orders. Apart from that, the supplier would be in charge of the entire fulfillment process, from printing to packing and shipping. Partner-up with the right suppliers with help you save a lot of time and money.

Running a print on demand business, like other dropshipping enterprises, means you don’t have to acquire or maintain inventory, which keeps your overhead expenses minimal. Otherwise, you might need to know some tips to make the selling process become easier & quicker.

1. Choose a Specific Niche with Proven Demand

Selecting niches is critical because the POD world is crowded, and trying to appeal to everyone often means getting lost in the noise. Niching down lets you speak directly to a smaller, more dedicated audience—like “vintage car enthusiasts" or “vegan bakers"—building a foundation for a sustainable business. From my years in the POD trenches, I can tell you: it’s this laser focus that turns casual browsers into loyal customers.

Actionable Steps:

• Use Google Trends and Keyword Planner to analyze niche interest: these free tools show you what people are searching for and whether interest is growing or fading—key for spotting evergreen or trending niches.

Pop some keywords into Google Trends, like “cat dad" vs. “dog dad," and check the graphs. Steady or rising lines mean consistent traction. Then, head to Keyword Planner to see search volume—higher numbers signal demand you can tap into.

• Explore Etsy or Amazon Merch on Demand to find niches with demand but manageable competition: These platforms reveal what’s already selling, helping you find that sweet spot where there’s interest but not a million sellers. Aim for products with 50-100 reviews—enough buzz, not too much saturation. 

Search for something like “indoor plant mom mugs" on Etsy or Amazon. Sort by relevance, check review counts, and peek at sales ranks. If it’s flooded with thousands of reviews, move on—look for those mid-tier opportunities.

• Validate your niche by posting a poll in a related Facebook group: Direct feedback from potential buyers cuts through the guesswork. If they say they’d buy, you’ve got a green light.

Join a group like “Indoor Plant Lovers," chat a bit to build trust, then drop a poll: “Would you buy a ‘Plant Mom’ hoodie?” Keep it simple—yes/no or a few options—and watch the responses roll in.

• Create buyer personas to refine targeting and understand your audience deeply

Knowing exactly who you’re selling to—like “a 30-year-old vegan baker who loves minimalist designs"—sharpens your product ideas and marketing game.
How to execute: Pull insights from social media analytics or group chats. Build a profile: age, hobbies, pain points (e.g., “hates cluttered designs”). This persona becomes your North Star for everything you create.

Pro Tips:

• Research market trends to avoid oversaturated niches like generic quotes or holiday themes. Flooded niches are tough to crack. Spotting emerging trends—like “sustainable living"—lets you ride the wave before it crests.
• Join niche-specific social media groups to uncover customer interests and pain points. These groups are a goldmine of real talk—what your audience loves, hates, or wishes they could buy. It’s like free market research.
• Leverage trending topics or seasonal events to tap into timely demand. Keep tabs on news or seasonal calendars. For example, launch “indoor plant mom" planters in spring when the gardening buzz peaks. Just ensure it fits your niche authentically.

2. Create Unique Designs That Stand Out

Unique designs are your ticket to standing out in the bustling print on demand world. They grab attention in a sea of sameness and keep customers coming back.

A creative and memorable design doesn’t just sell—it sparks conversations and shares, giving your store that coveted word-of-mouth.

Ready to level up your POD game? Here’s how to craft designs that pop, with steps and pro tips straight from the trenches.

• Use free tools like Canva for quick designs or Adobe Illustrator for professional work.  Grab a template if you want then tweak fonts, colors, and layouts to create your version that sticks.
• Focus on designs that solve problems (e.g., a chore chart for parents) or evoke emotions (e.g., “In Memory of My Cat" with a custom paw print).
• Research your target audience’s preferences (e.g., bold designs for teens, and subtle ones for professionals) before designing.
• Offer customization options (e.g., text or color changes) to boost engagement and differentiate your products.

Pro Tips:

• Ensure designs are at least 300 DPI for crisp prints and adhere to platform file guidelines (e.g., PNG, PDF).
• Avoid copying—use original work or licensed resources, and check originality with tools like TinEye.
• Test designs pre-launch by sharing mockups on Instagram Stories with a poll (“Would you buy this? Yes/No”) or ordering samples to ensure quality.

3. Build a Memorable Brand Identity

Why does brand matter so much? A strong brand builds trust, which is gold in online shopping—customers need to feel confident clicking “buy” from you. It also boosts recognition, so your store isn’t just another faceless shop in the sea of POD options.

Plus, it fosters customer loyalty—when people connect with your brand, they’re more likely to stick around and spread the word. In a competitive market, that’s how you turn casual buyers into raving fans.

• Create a unique, memorable brand name using tools like Namecheap or Shopify’s business name generator. Ensure the domain you choose is available.
• Develop a brand style guide with a logo, color palette, and fonts that reflect your niche and audience. This keeps your brand’s look consistent and polished, reflecting your niche’s personality—like a visual signature. It builds trust when everything feels cohesive.
• Apply consistent branding across your store, product designs, and social media for a cohesive identity. Use the same logo, colors, and fonts everywhere—your POD store, product mockups, socials, and even emails. If your brand rocks a specific teal, make sure it’s identical across the board.

Pro Tips:

• Keep your brand name and logo simple yet distinctive. Simple names are easy to remember and spell, while a standout logo grabs attention without clutter. It’s all about instant recall in a busy e-commerce world.
• Use royalty-free resources like Unsplash for inspiration while maintaining originality.

4. Pick the Right POD Providers for Your Goals

Picking the right print-on-demand (POD) providers is like choosing the perfect partner for your e-commerce journey—it can make or break your success. Your choice directly impacts your workflow, profit margins, scalability, and how your customers experience your brand.

Here’s a quick rundown of some top POD platforms to help you get a sense of what might work for you:

• Merchize: 
• Printful: Ideal for scaling with integrations to Shopify and Etsy, offering reliable shipping (3-5 days in the US) and diverse products (e.g., hoodies, posters).

• Redbubble: Best for passive selling—upload bold, niche-specific designs and let the platform market them.

Actionable Steps:

• Compare platforms for product variety, shipping times, and margins. You want a platform that offers the products your niche craves, delivers fast enough to keep customers happy, and leaves you with decent profits after fees.
• Order a sample to test print quality, delivery speed, and material feel. Samples let you spot issues like faded prints or flimsy materials before your customers do, saving you from bad reviews.
• Choose a platform that supports scalability and aligns with your business model (e.g., customization, eco-friendly options).

Pro Tips:

• Follow printer guidelines to ensure top-notch output. Each platform has specific requirements—like PNG files or RGB color profiles—and sticking to them ensures your designs print perfectly, avoiding blurry or off-color disasters.
• Consider platforms offering sustainable products for eco-conscious niches. Green products are a growing trend—tapping into this can attract a loyal, eco-minded audience, especially if your niche cares about sustainability.

5. Optimize Your Storefront and Listings

A well-organized store with killer listings doesn’t just look good; it boosts searchability, builds trust, and drives conversions, turning browsers into buyers. Customers can find what they want fast—whether they’re on Etsy or your Shopify site—and feel confident enough to hit that “buy” button.

Actionable Steps:

• Choose platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce based on skills and budget. Organize with clear categories and easy navigation.
• Use keyword tools to find keywords with considerable monthly searches and low competition.
• Upload 5+ high-quality photos: lifestyle shots, close-ups, and size charts. If you are selling print on demand, using mockup or mockup generator to create professional visuals.
• Set competitive prices by researching competitors and factoring in costs. Keep the price between the sweet spot for value perception while keeping your margins healthy.
• Conduct a monthly price audit to adjust based on market trends and competitor pricing. Market trends shift—new competitors pop up, or demand spikes—and adjusting keeps you in the game without undercutting your profits.

Pro Tips:

• Add personal touches in descriptions, for example, “Designed by a fellow dog mom!”. It makes your listing feel authentic and relatable and builds an emotional connection that drives sales.
• Ensure mobile-responsive design for a better user experience. Most e-commerce traffic comes from mobile these days—if your store looks wonky on a phone, you’re losing sales, plain and simple.
• A/B test titles and descriptions to boost click-through rates. Testing lets you see what resonates—maybe “Funny Dog Mom Tee” gets more clicks than “Cute Dog Shirt”—so you can optimize for what works.

6. Drive Traffic with a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy

Diversifying your marketing channels reduces your reliance on a single platform (think Etsy going down or Instagram algorithm changes) and opens up new audiences to boost your reach.

Relying on just one channel is risky—traffic can dry up fast if that platform shifts its rules or faces outages. By spreading your efforts across multiple platforms, you’re building a steady flow of visitors, which means more chances to convert those clicks into cash.

Actionable Steps:

• Instagram: Post daily with 5-10 niche hashtags. Create Reels showcasing products with trending audio.
• Pinterest: Design pins in Canva (1000x1500px) with keywords (e.g., “Funny Cat Mom Mug – Gift for Pet Lovers"). Pin to group boards.
• Set up an email newsletter with Mailchimp to announce products and nurture leads. Email keeps your audience engaged directly, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers with product updates and exclusive offers.
• Collaborate with influencers or run paid ads on Facebook/TikTok targeting your niche.  Influencers bring their followers to your store, while targeted ads zero in on your ideal buyers—both spike traffic fast.

Pro Tips:

• Spend 15 minutes daily engaging with followers—reply to comments and like posts with your hashtags.
• Track performance with Google Analytics or Facebook Ads Manager to optimize ROI. Data tells you what’s working—whether it’s SEO or Facebook ads—so you can double down on winners and ditch flops.

7. Prioritize SEO for Long-Term Growth

SEO is your long-term best buddy—it’s all about getting noticed without breaking the bank on ads. By prioritizing search engine optimization, you boost your visibility on Google, Etsy, or other marketplaces, pulling in organic traffic that keeps your sales humming.

Actionable Steps:

• Use Google Keyword Planner or eRank to research keywords with high volume and low competition.
• Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags with targeted keywords. Well-optimized content helps search engines and shoppers find you faster, boosting your ranking and click-through rates.
• Write niche-related blog posts (if you’re running an online store on your owned domain) to attract organic traffic.

Pro Tips:

• Update listings regularly with trending keywords. 
• Use SEO tools like Yoast (for WordPress) to refine content.

8. Reinvest Profits to Scale Your Business

Those early dollars you earn aren’t just for splurging; they’re your ticket to scaling up, improving your offerings, and reaching more customers. Putting profits back into your store lets you level up faster—whether it’s better designs, smarter marketing, or new products

Reinvesting profits into your print-on-demand (POD) store is like adding rocket fuel to your e-commerce journey—it’s a smart way to keep the momentum going.

Actionable Steps:

• Spend a part of your profits to hire a professional designer for high-quality, original designs if your skills are limited.
• Run Facebook Ads, test audiences and creatives, tweak based on performance metrics, and scale up what works.
• Hire a freelance designer or marketer to scale product lines or marketing efforts. Pros can handle bigger tasks—like creating a new product line or running a full ad campaign—freeing you up to focus on strategy and growth.

Pro Tips:

• Track sales and ad spending in a Google Sheet to guide reinvestment.
• Use profits to test new products based on best sellers.

9. Ensure Quality with Sample Orders and Mockups

Ensuring quality with sample orders and mockups is a must-do for any print-on-demand (POD) store—it’s like a safety net for your reputation. 

High-quality products build trust with your customers, keeping them happy and coming back for more, while also preventing those dreaded refunds that can tank your momentum.

Actionable Steps:

• Order a sample of your top design to check print alignment, color accuracy, and material feel. Seeing the real product lets you catch issues—like a print that’s off-center or colors that don’t pop—before your customers do, saving you from bad reviews.
• Use samples for marketing—snap photos or film unboxing videos for social media. Real product shots and videos build trust with potential buyers—they can see exactly what they’re getting, which boosts conversions.
• Create professional mockups with tools like Merchize’s mockup generator for pre-launch marketing.

Pro Tips:

• Use high-resolution mockups to enhance customer trust.
• At Merchize, we also offer help with the product photography of the sample products to create high-quality materials for advertising.

10. Test, Tweak, and Persist for Long-Term Wins

When it comes to running a print-on-demand (POD) store, testing, tweaking, and persisting is your recipe for long-term wins. Refining your strategies over time helps you figure out what clicks with your audience, driving sustained success.

Actionable Steps:

• Upload 5 new designs weekly and track performance with available data tracking tools like Etsy stats, Google Analytics, and so on. Fresh designs keep your store active and give you more shots at finding a hit, while tracking lets you see what’s resonating with buyers—data over guesswork.
• Experiment with variations. If something’s selling—like a “Cat Mom” tee—variations (different colors or product types) can double your wins by catering to more preferences without starting from scratch.
• Use A/B testing for designs and ads to optimize results. A/B testing shows you what works best—like whether a bold design outperforms a minimalist one—so you can focus on what converts and ditch what doesn’t.

11. Deliver Excellent Customer Service and Build Relationships

Great service and strong connections lead to repeat purchases, glowing reviews, and that all-important trust that keeps your e-commerce business thriving. Happy customers don’t just come back—they tell their friends, leave five-star reviews, and boost your credibility in a crowded marketplace.

Actionable Steps:

• Respond quickly to inquiries, especially about returns, using email templates for efficiency.
• Send post-purchase surveys or feedback forms via email to gather insights.
• Request reviews post-purchase and respond to feedback to build credibility.
• Offer personalized emails or loyalty discounts to foster repeat business.

Pro Tips:

• Add thank-you notes to orders for a personal touch. A handwritten or printed note makes customers feel appreciated, building loyalty in a digital-first e-commerce world. At Merchize, sellers can add brand packaging kits to customize their own thank-you notes to customers.
• Use feedback to refine products and enhance customer experience. Listening to what customers say—like a complaint about fabric softness—lets you fix issues and improve, turning detractors into advocates over time.

12. Scale and Automate Your Business

By focusing on growth and streamlining operations, you can handle more sales without burning out, turning your side hustle into a sustainable, thriving e-commerce venture, all while keeping your customers happy.

Actionable Steps:

• Diversify offerings based on sales data and customer feedback.
• Automate tasks like order tracking with Zapier or customer follow-ups with HubSpot.

Pro Tips:

• Review top sellers monthly to create variations. Listening to what sells and what customers want, ensures you’re giving them more of what they love, boosting loyalty and revenue.
• Automate tasks like order tracking with Zapier or customer follow-ups with HubSpot. Automation saves hours on repetitive tasks—think sending tracking emails or following up with buyers—so you can focus on growth instead of admin work.

FAQ

Can you actually make money from print on demand?

The amount of money you may make with print on demand business is highly dependent on the products you sell, your target audience, and how well you market to them. If you make one sale every day, you may make $5-$8 per day if the consumer buys just one t-shirt.

What is the best print on demand ideas in 2025?

You can find a wide range of high potential products which are in high demand to fill up your online business and sell them online. Here are some of potential niches that you can consider to:

• Homeware: Drinkware; Pillows; Blankets; Wall Decor – Wood sign, frame, print, wall art; Ornament …
• Clothing
• T-shirt
• Hoodies and sweaters
• Jewelry and Accessories
• Face covers
• Dog/pet accessories

Whether you’re a newbie or experienced print-on-demand store owner, you’d better to keep an eye on trending and choose the suitable products to sell!