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How She Built a Profitable Print-on-Demand Business from Scratch

How She Built a Profitable Print-on-Demand Business from Scratch

Laura's journey from zero sales to a thriving online store.

March 02, 2025

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Happy Sunday. Starting a print-on-demand business can be an exciting way to make money online, but what does it really take to turn it into a full-time income? In this interview, we sit down with Laura who transformed her side hustle into a thriving POD business. She shares her journey, the lessons she learned along the way, and practical advice for anyone looking to break into the industry.

In this interview Laura talks about:

Finding a Profitable Niche Matters – Laura reveals why niching down helped her stand out in a crowded market and build a loyal customer base.
Marketing & SEO Are the Game Changers – She shares how understanding search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing boosted her sales without relying on paid ads.
Income Potential & Growth Strategies – Learn how Laura scaled her business to earn between $6,000 and $10,000 per month, plus the strategies she uses to maximize profit.

Now, over to Laura!

Print on Demand Business

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your business?

My name is Laura, and I run a print-on-demand (POD) business specializing in unique, customizable merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and wall art. I started this business about four years ago as a side hustle, but it quickly grew into my full-time gig. I primarily sell through Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon, using platforms like Printful and Gelato to handle printing and fulfillment.

I focus on trendy, niche designs that cater to specific audiences—like book lovers, plant enthusiasts, and pet owners. Instead of mass-producing generic prints, we create stylish, relatable, and sometimes humorous designs that really connect with our customers. Since everything is made-to-order, there’s no need for inventory, which makes it a great low-risk business model.

What was your main inspiration for getting into this niche?

I’ve always been a creative person and loved designing, but I didn’t want the hassle of manufacturing and shipping products myself. When I first discovered the print-on-demand model, it seemed like the perfect way to turn my designs into sellable products without major upfront costs. Seeing my artwork on actual products that people love and use daily was incredibly exciting.

I was also inspired by the idea of passive income. While POD isn’t completely hands-off, it allows for a lot of automation, meaning I can focus on designing and marketing rather than packing orders. The flexibility to work from anywhere and build a business with minimal risk made it an easy choice for me.

How do you define success in your business?

For me, success is making a solid, consistent income that allows me to live comfortably while doing something I enjoy. In the beginning, my goal was to replace my 9-to-5 income, and once I hit that, I set new financial targets to keep growing. Now, I measure success by how much profit I’m making each month and whether my sales are increasing year over year.

I also look at how well my designs are performing. If a product keeps selling with little effort on my part, that’s a win. Customer reviews are another indicator—when people love the designs enough to leave positive feedback or buy again, I know I’m on the right track. Ultimately, success is about building a business that’s financially sustainable and has long-term growth potential.

If you were to start again from scratch, what would you do differently?

I would focus on a niche from the very beginning instead of trying to appeal to everyone. When I first started, I created all kinds of random designs, hoping something would sell. But I quickly realized that niching down—whether it’s targeting pet owners, gamers, or nurses—helps build a loyal customer base and makes marketing much easier.

I’d also spend more time learning SEO and digital marketing early on. Understanding how to optimize product listings for search engines and run effective social media ads would have accelerated my growth significantly. If I could do it over, I’d prioritize those skills from day one.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out with a similar gig?

Start with research before designing anything. Look at trends on Etsy, Redbubble, and Pinterest to see what’s selling well. But don’t just copy—find ways to put a unique spin on existing trends. Also, invest time in learning SEO, because getting organic traffic is key when you’re just starting.

Don’t expect overnight success. POD is a competitive space, so consistency and patience are crucial. Keep testing different designs, learning from analytics, and improving your store. And most importantly, treat it like a business, not just a hobby—because with dedication, it can become a very profitable venture.

How much do you earn from this business?

Income varies depending on the season and marketing efforts, but on average, I earn between $6,000 and $10,000 per month. During peak times like the holiday season, sales can easily double. It took about a year to reach a full-time income, but now the business is self-sustaining, and I continue to scale it.

Profit margins in POD can be lower compared to traditional e-commerce since you’re paying for fulfillment, but by pricing strategically and offering high-value designs, it’s possible to make a great living. The best part? Once a design is up, it can keep generating income for years with minimal effort.

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