How To Start a Print-On-Demand Business the Easy Way in 2025

Starting a business often comes with many uncertainties. However, print-on-demand (POD) is slightly less complicated than your conventional business venture. You don’t need a warehouse full of inventory, a large budget, or advanced technical skills to get started. All you need is the right fulfillment partner and an e-commerce platform to bring your ideas to life with minimal effort and upfront cost.

Services like Printify and Printful allow you to create and sell custom products without dealing with manufacturing, shipping, or stock management. You just connect the service to an e-commerce platform like Wix, upload your designs, and focus on marketing your brand. Payments are processed seamlessly through the platform, so you can keep operations simple and efficient.

If you’re hesitating to get started because of complexity or cost, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through how to start a print-on-demand business quickly and affordably so you can stop overthinking and start selling.

What Is a Print-On-Demand Business, and Why Should You Start One?

A print-on-demand (POD) business allows you to sell custom-designed products without worrying about inventory, production, or shipping. Instead of buying bulk items upfront, you create designs and upload them to a POD platform. When a customer orders from your website, the product is printed and shipped directly to them.

The appeal of a POD business lies in its low risk and flexibility. The financial barrier is minimal since there’s no need to invest in stock or worry about unsold products. You can run your POD business from anywhere without needing a physical storefront or enormous overhead costs. As your brand grows, you can quickly expand your product range or designs without the hassle of managing inventory.

How Does Print-On-Demand Work?

The exact process might vary slightly from platform to platform, but here are the most important steps you should expect to take:

• Create your designs. Using graphic design tools or templates, you start by designing your products, such as T-shirts, mugs, or posters.
• Choose a POD provider. Next, you sign up with a POD service like Printify, Printful, or Gooten. These platforms handle the production and shipping of your products.
• Connect to an e-commerce platform. You link your POD service to an online store on platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Hostinger. This is where customers will browse and place orders.
• Customer orders. When a customer places an order in your store, the details are sent to the POD provider.
• Printing & shipping. The POD provider prints your design on the product and ships it directly to the customer.
• You get paid. You receive payment for the sale, minus the POD provider’s fees and product costs.

And that’s pretty much it. You don’t have too much else to worry about if you choose a reputable POD provider and an affordable feature-filled e-commerce website builder.

The Ultimate Guide To Starting a Print-On-Demand Business in 2025

Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business in 2025 is a great opportunity, but it requires planning and focus to set yourself up for success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your business:

1. Choose Your Niche

Selecting a niche is one of the most crucial steps in starting a POD business. This helps you target a specific group of customers and tailor your designs to their interests. A niche can be based on hobbies, trends, or particular communities. For example, you might focus on:

• Eco-friendly products
• Pet lovers
• Fitness enthusiasts
• Inspirational quotes
• Custom designs for local events

By choosing a niche, you ensure your products stand out in a crowded market and appeal to a dedicated audience.

2. Design Your Products

Your product designs will be the core of your business. Start by creating unique and attractive designs that resonate with your niche. You can use design tools like Canva, hire a professional freelance designer to help you out, or make do with the tools available on your POD provider’s platform to create professional-looking graphics.

You don’t need to be a professional designer, but your designs should be eye-catching and original. Consider these tips for successful designs:

• Keep it simple. Avoid cluttered or overly complex designs.
• Know your audience. What do they like? What are their preferences?
• Test designs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get feedback from potential customers.

3. Select a POD Platform

There are several print-on-demand platforms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The key is to choose one that aligns with your business goals and offers the products you want to sell. Some popular platforms include:

• Printify. Offers a wide range of products and extensive customization.
• Printful. Known for high-quality printing and a robust integration system.
• Gooten. Offers competitive pricing with a variety of products.
• Lulu. Best for books, journals, and other print media.

When choosing a platform, consider factors like product variety, quality, shipping times, and integration with e-commerce platforms.

4. Set Up Your Online Store

Next, you need an online store to showcase and sell your products. You can use an e-commerce platform like Wix to create a store in minutes. Once you’ve selected your platform, set up your store by choosing a domain name, customizing your store’s design, and uploading your products. Ensure your store is easy to navigate and visually appealing to attract customers.

5. Connect Your POD Provider to Your Store

After setting up your store, you need to connect it to your chosen POD provider. This integration allows you to automatically sync orders between your store and the POD platform. Most major POD platforms (like Printify or Printful) have simple integration tools for Wix, Squarespace, and others.

Once integrated, when a customer places an order in your store, the POD provider automatically receives the details and begins production. This automation saves you time and ensures a smooth process from order to delivery.

6. Market Your POD Store

With your store up and running, it’s time to drive traffic and attract customers. Here are some marketing strategies to consider:

• Social media marketing. Use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase your products and build an engaged audience. Share high-quality images and videos of your products in use, and leverage hashtags to reach your target market.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Optimize your product descriptions, blog posts, and store pages with relevant keywords to increase organic traffic.
• Email marketing. Build an email list and send regular newsletters, promotions, and product updates to your subscribers.
• Paid ads. Platforms like Facebook Ads or TikTok Ads can help you target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
• Influencer marketing. Influencers can promote your products to their followers, lending social proof and trust. Choose influencers who align with your brand’s values and have an engaged audience. Influencer marketing can be more costly than other strategies, but it’s a powerful tool to consider as your POD business scales.
• Content marketing. Start a blog or create video content to showcase your products, tell your brand story, or offer value to your target audience. By providing helpful content, you can attract organic traffic and position yourself as an authority in your niche.
• Referral programs. Set up a referral program where customers can earn rewards for referring friends or family to your store. This will help you gain new customers and potentially turn your existing ones into advocates for your brand.

7. Monitor and Optimize Your Business

Once your POD business is up and running, you must monitor performance to ensure long-term success. Luckily, all my recommended platforms come with built-in analytics tools, so you can track traffic, sales, and customer behavior on your site and social media pages.

Key areas to monitor include your most popular products and feedback from customer reviews. You’ll also want to analyze your website’s conversion rates and assess the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. Then, you can use this data to refine your product offerings, adjust pricing, and enhance your website design to continuously improve your business.

8. Scale Your Business

As your POD business grows, consider ways to scale and increase revenue. Some options include:

• Expanding your product range with new designs or items.
• Exploring additional sales channels (e.g., Amazon, eBay).
• Offering limited-time promotions or discounts to attract new customers.
• Collaborating with influencers or partners in your niche.

Scaling your business takes time, but you can turn your POD business into a sustainable and profitable venture with the right strategy.

Best Website Builders for POD Online Stores

Choosing a reputable POD service is crucial, but I’d argue that setting up a highly customizable e-commerce website without spending a fortune is equally essential to success. Your POD platform handles most things for you, but customers will browse and purchase products via your online store.

There are countless options here, but the platforms I list below are the absolute best in terms of features, ease of use, pricing, and customizability.

1. Wix: Extensive E-Store Template Selection and Features

Wix makes it easy to build a unique POD storefront thanks to its 120+ customizable store templates. Meanwhile, Wix Stores, the e-commerce arm of Wix, is tailor-made for online selling. It offers inventory tracking, secure payment options, and seamless integrations with top print-on-demand providers like Printful and Printify. And with Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you’ll be able to build your POD store without writing any code.

One of my favorite Wix offerings is its suite of marketing features. You can create email campaigns directly from the platform, run promotions, and even launch targeted ads to drive traffic to your store. What’s more, Wix’s App Market provides various tools to enhance your store’s functionality, from SEO optimization to customer engagement features.

2. Squarespace: Stunning Designs for a Visually Appealing POD Shop

Squarespace offers sleek, designer-quality templates that are particularly appealing to creatives and artists. You’ll be able to connect your Squarespace store to a POD provider using one of Squarespace’s extensions. Some popular extensions include Printify, Printful, and Art of Where. Squarespace also provides robust e-commerce features like subscription management, abandoned cart recovery, discount and gift card offerings, and many more.

Although not as flexible as Wix, the platform’s user-friendly interface allows for easy customization, ensuring your store aligns with your brand vision. Plus, its templates are all mobile-responsive, so your store will look great on all devices, enhancing your customers’ shopping experience.

3. Hostinger: Advanced AI Tools for Building a POD Store Fast

Hostinger’s advanced AI tools can expedite the creation of your POD website. One such tool is the AI Writer, which assists in creating compelling website content and ensures your product descriptions and brand messages are engaging and SEO-friendly. Another is an AI Image Generator, which can produce unique visuals tailored to your brand and enhance your store’s aesthetic appeal.

While the platform lacks native print-on-demand integrations, Hostinger lets you add POD platforms to your store using custom codes. For example, Printify provides a custom API that allows you to sync product catalogs and automate order fulfillment within your store. Another thing I like about Hostinger is that it’s super affordable. For just $2.49, you can access all of Hostinger’s powerful web-building, AI, and e-commerce tools.

Pros and Cons of the Print-On-Demand Business Model

Here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind before you get started with your print-on-demand business:

Expert Tips and Tricks for POD Success

Success in print-on-demand (POD) comes down to strategy and execution. Here are some expert tips to help you thrive:

• Focus on a specific niche. Catering to a well-defined niche helps you create products that resonate with a particular audience. Whether it’s pet lovers, fitness enthusiasts, or gamers, a niche reduces competition and improves your chances of success.
• Prioritize high-quality designs. Your designs are the main differentiating factor and can make or break your business. Use professional design services to create unique, eye-catching graphics that appeal to your target audience. Always ensure your designs are high-resolution to maintain print quality.
• Test your products before selling. Order samples to review print quality, materials, and overall presentation. Ensuring your products match customer expectations will prevent complaints and returns.
• Leverage social media marketing. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are invaluable for showcasing your products, building brand awareness, and connecting with your audience. You can also consider using social media management tools to streamline content scheduling and track performance.
• Use data to optimize your store. Track your store’s performance using analytics tools. Monitor sales trends, customer behavior, and marketing effectiveness. Use these insights to refine your product offerings and improve conversions.

Launch Your Print-On-Demand Business Today

Whether starting small or aiming for rapid growth, the resources and opportunities available in 2025 make it easier to launch and scale a successful POD business. You can turn your creative ideas into a thriving online store with the right tools and strategies. From choosing a niche and designing unique products to leveraging powerful platforms like Wix, every step brings you closer to building a business that works for you.

The beauty of the POD model lies in its flexibility and low-risk approach. You don’t need to invest in inventory or worry about production logistics. Instead, you can focus on what matters most – delivering products that resonate with your audience and growing your brand.

FAQ

Is a print-on-demand business profitable?

Yes, a print-on-demand business can be profitable. Profit margins typically range from 20% to 40%, depending on your niche and product type. So long as you follow a proven process and remain consistent, you can expect to make money with your POD business.

Do you need a license for print-on-demand?

Generally, you don’t need a specific license to start a print-on-demand business. However, depending on your location and the nature of your products, you might need to comply with local business regulations, such as obtaining a general business license or sales tax permit. I recommend consulting local laws to ensure compliance.

Can you start a print-on-demand business with no money?

Yes, you can start a print-on-demand business with little to no upfront cost. Platforms like Printify offer free sign-up and the ability to sell without holding inventory. You can also use the Printify Pop-Up Store feature to create a simple online store without additional fees. However, you may not get the same level of creativity and functionality that a standard e-commerce platform provides.

Can I sell directly from Printify?

Yes, you can sell directly from Printify using its Pop-Up Store feature. However, this option has limitations, such as fewer customization options and less control over branding. It’s often better to use a comprehensive e-commerce platform like Wix, which gives you more control over your store’s design, integrates with multiple POD services, and offers advanced marketing tools. To explore other options, check out these e-commerce website builders.