Selling printables on Etsy has become an increasingly popular way for creative entrepreneurs to generate passive income. In 2017, the market for digital downloads is booming, and Etsy provides an excellent platform to reach millions of potential customers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start and grow a successful printables business on Etsy in 2017.

Understanding the Printables Market in 2017

Before diving into creating and selling printables, it’s important to understand the current market trends and what types of printables are in demand in 2017. Some popular categories include:

• Planners and organizers
• Wall art and home decor
• Educational materials and worksheets
• Party decorations and invitations
• Business templates and forms
• Coloring pages and activity sheets

Research trending printables on Etsy and other platforms to identify potential niches and opportunities. Look for gaps in the market where you can offer unique or improved products.

Choosing Your Niche

While it’s tempting to create a wide variety of printables, focusing on a specific niche can help you stand out and build a loyal customer base. Consider your interests, skills, and target audience when choosing your niche. Some potential niches that are popular in 2017 include:

• Wedding planning printables
• Fitness and meal planning trackers
• Homeschooling resources
• Small business tools and templates
• Mindfulness and self-care worksheets
• Seasonal and holiday-themed printables

Once you’ve chosen your niche, research your target audience to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. This will help you create printables that truly resonate with your customers.

Creating Your Printables

Now that you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to start creating your printables. Here are some key steps to follow:

Design Software

Choose a design software that suits your skill level and budget. In 2017, some popular options include:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Canva (free and paid versions available)
• Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides (for simpler designs)

Design Elements

Pay attention to these important design elements:

• Color scheme: Choose colors that complement each other and align with your brand.
• Typography: Select fonts that are easy to read and fit your style.
• Layout: Create a clean, organized layout that’s visually appealing and functional.
• Graphics and illustrations: Use high-quality images and graphics that enhance your design.

File Formats

Offer your printables in multiple file formats to accommodate different customer needs:

• PDF: The most common format for printables
• JPEG or PNG: For image-based printables
• Editable formats (e.g., Word, PowerPoint) for customizable templates

Quality Control

Before listing your printables, thoroughly test them:

• Print test copies to ensure colors and formatting look correct
• Check for typos and errors
• Test any interactive elements (e.g., form fields)
• Ensure files are properly sized for standard paper sizes

Setting Up Your Etsy Shop

With your printables ready, it’s time to set up your Etsy shop:

1. Create an Etsy account and click “Open your Etsy shop”
2. Choose your shop preferences (language, country, currency)
3. Select a unique, memorable shop name
4. Set up your shop policies (returns, exchanges, privacy policy)
5. Add your payment and billing information

Creating Effective Listings

Your product listings are crucial for attracting customers and making sales. Here’s how to optimize your printable listings in 2017:

Title

Create a descriptive, keyword-rich title that clearly explains what your printable is and who it’s for. For example: “2017 Wedding Planning Checklist Printable | Minimalist Design | Instant Download”

Description

Write a detailed description that includes:

• What the customer will receive (file formats, number of pages, etc.)
• Key features and benefits
• How to use the printable
• Printing recommendations
• Any customization options

Tags

Use all 13 available tags to help customers find your listing. Include relevant keywords related to your printable’s purpose, style, and target audience.

Photos

Create eye-catching mockups and lifestyle photos of your printables:

• Show the printable in use
• Display different color or style variations
• Highlight key features or pages
• Include a photo with dimensions or scale for reference

Pricing

Research similar printables to determine a competitive price point. Consider factors like:

• Complexity of your design
• Value provided to the customer
• Number of pages or variations included
• Your time investment

Don’t undervalue your work, but also remember that lower-priced items often sell more frequently.

Delivering Your Printables

Etsy makes it easy to deliver digital products:

1. Upload your printable files to the listing
2. Set the listing as a digital item
3. Etsy will automatically send the files to the customer after purchase

Consider creating a PDF with instructions or tips for using and printing your product to enhance the customer experience.

Marketing Your Printables

Simply listing your printables isn’t enough – you need to actively market your shop to drive traffic and sales:

Etsy Search Optimization

Optimize your listings for Etsy’s search algorithm:

• Use relevant keywords in titles, tags, and descriptions
• Keep your shop policies up-to-date
• Encourage customer reviews
• List new items regularly

Social Media Marketing

Leverage social media platforms to showcase your printables:

• Create a business account on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook
• Share high-quality images and videos of your printables
• Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility
• Engage with your followers and potential customers

Email Marketing

Build an email list to keep customers informed about new products and promotions:

• Offer a free printable in exchange for email sign-ups
• Send regular newsletters with valuable content and product updates
• Create exclusive offers for subscribers

Collaborations and Influencer Marketing

Partner with other Etsy sellers or influencers in your niche:

• Offer affiliate programs for bloggers or influencers
• Collaborate on bundle deals with complementary products
• Guest post on relevant blogs or podcasts

Expanding Your Printables Business

As your printables business grows, consider these strategies to increase your revenue in 2017:

Diversify Your Product Line

Expand your offerings within your niche:

• Create product bundles or collections
• Offer customization services
• Develop complementary physical products (e.g., stickers, notebooks)

Create a Website

While Etsy is a great starting point, having your own website can help you build your brand and reduce platform dependency:

• Showcase your full product line
• Blog about topics related to your niche
• Offer exclusive products or deals

Explore Other Platforms

Consider selling your printables on additional platforms to reach a wider audience:

• Teachers Pay Teachers (for educational printables)
• Creative Market
• Your own Shopify store

Offer Courses or Workshops

Share your expertise by creating courses or workshops related to your printables:

• Teach others how to use your planners effectively
• Offer design workshops for creating printables
• Develop courses on starting a printables business

Legal Considerations

Protect your business by understanding and following legal requirements:

• Ensure all elements of your designs are original or properly licensed
• Include clear terms of use with your printables
• Consider registering copyrights for your most valuable designs
• Consult with a lawyer to ensure your business is properly structured and protected

Providing Excellent Customer Service

Happy customers lead to positive reviews and repeat business:

• Respond promptly to customer inquiries
• Address any issues or concerns professionally
• Go above and beyond by offering helpful tips or bonus materials
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews

Analyzing and Improving Your Business

Regularly review your shop’s performance to identify areas for improvement:

• Use Etsy’s analytics tools to track views, favorites, and sales
• Experiment with different pricing strategies
• A/B test your listings to optimize conversions
• Stay up-to-date with Etsy policy changes and best practices

Conclusion

Selling printables on Etsy in 2017 can be a rewarding and profitable venture for creative entrepreneurs. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to start and grow your printables business. Remember that success often comes with time and persistence. Continuously refine your products, marketing strategies, and customer service to build a thriving Etsy shop that generates passive income for years to come.

With dedication, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing digital marketplace, you can turn your passion for design into a successful printables business on Etsy. Start small, learn from your experiences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas. Your perfect printable customers are out there – it’s time to connect with them and share your unique creations with the world!

Citations: [1] https://printify.com/blog/sell-printables-on-etsy/ [2] https://acrylicpouring.com/how-to-sell-prints-on-etsy/ [3] https://www.etsy.com/codeascraft/redesigning-etsys-machine-learning-platform [4] https://lili.co/blog/selling-printables-on-etsy [5] https://honestlynat.com/etsy-has-changed/ [6] https://merchize.com/how-to-sell-printables-on-etsy/ [7] https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_ETSY_2017.pdf