How to Create and Sell Art Printables on Etsy: An Easy Step-By-Step Guide
Selling art printables on Etsy can be an excellent way to share your creativity and earn income without the complexities of managing physical inventory. Art printables are digital files that customers can download and print themselves, making them a low-cost, high-margin product. Here’s a simple guide on how to create and sell art printables on Etsy!
Step 1: Define Your Niche
First, decide on the type of art printables you’d like to create. Etsy has a broad audience, so identifying a niche can help you stand out. Some popular categories include:
- Inspirational quotes or wall art
- Planners and organizational templates
- Holiday-themed designs
- Nursery and kid’s room prints
- Boho, minimalist, or vintage designs
Choose a niche that aligns with your artistic style and interests. You can research popular Etsy categories and best-sellers in different art printable niches to identify current trends and gaps in the market.
Step 2: Set Up Your Design Software
For high-quality art printables, you’ll need a reliable design tool. Some popular options are:
- Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop: Ideal for professional designers who want advanced customization and tools.
- Canva: Perfect for beginners or casual designers. Canva offers templates and tools for creating eye-catching designs and allows you to export high-quality files.
- Procreate (for iPad): Excellent for creating hand-drawn illustrations and digital art with a more personalized feel.
Choose a platform that suits your skills and budget. Remember, high-resolution images are crucial for art printables, as they will be printed in various sizes.
Step 3: Create Your Art Printable Designs
Begin designing your printables with the customer in mind. Here are a few tips for creating stunning designs:
- Use High Resolution: Create your designs at 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure crisp quality when printed.
- Include Multiple Sizes: Offer common print sizes like 5×7, 8×10, and 11×14 inches so customers have flexible options.
- Use High-Quality Fonts: Select fonts that are clear and fit the aesthetic of your artwork. Avoid overly stylized fonts that may be difficult to read.
- Focus on Visual Appeal: Experiment with colors, layouts, and typography that are trending in your niche.
- Ensure Originality: Create unique designs, as copying can lead to copyright issues and damage your reputation.
Step 4: Export Your Files
Once your designs are finalized, export them in popular formats such as JPG or PDF to provide versatility. Here are some file considerations:
- JPG: This format is ideal for high-quality photos and images.
- PDF: Useful for customers who may want to resize the art without losing quality.
- ZIP files: If you’re offering multiple file sizes or formats, compress them into a ZIP folder to make downloading easier for customers.
Remember to name your files descriptively to keep things organized.
Step 5: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
If you don’t already have an Etsy shop, here’s how to get started:
- Create an Etsy Account: Sign up for an account at Etsy.com.
- Set Up Your Shop Name and Branding: Choose a memorable shop name and develop a brand identity that reflects your style. Your shop logo, banner, and profile picture are the first things potential customers see, so make sure they are high quality and relevant to your niche.
- Define Your Shop Policies: Etsy allows you to set specific policies for your shop, including refunds, digital download instructions, and customer service practices. Since art printables are digital, clearly state that all sales are final.
Step 6: List Your Art Printables
Now it’s time to list your art printables. Follow these steps:
- Create a Title: Write a descriptive and keyword-rich title for each listing, such as “Boho Wall Art Printable | Minimalist Home Decor | Digital Download.”
- Write a Compelling Description: Clearly describe what’s included in the purchase. Mention the sizes, file formats, and any tips for printing.
- Use Keywords: Conduct keyword research using tools like EtsyRank or Marmalead to identify terms that shoppers use. Use these keywords in your title, tags, and description.
- Set a Price: Research similar listings to find a competitive price. Many art printables are priced between $5 and $15, depending on their complexity.
- Upload Photos: Etsy allows up to 10 photos per listing, so showcase your designs in realistic mockups. You can use tools like Placeit or Canva for professional-looking mockups.
- Set the Quantity to “Digital Product”: Under the listing type, choose “Digital Product” so that Etsy will automatically deliver the files to customers after purchase.
Step 7: Promote Your Etsy Store
To drive traffic to your Etsy store, consider these strategies:
- Social Media: Share your designs on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, where visuals perform well. Create boards or posts that showcase your printables, and link to your Etsy shop.
- SEO: Etsy’s search engine optimization is essential for visibility. Use relevant keywords in your listings, and ensure that your tags, descriptions, and titles are all optimized.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list for potential customers who enjoy your style. Offering a small discount for signing up can help grow your list.
- Etsy Ads: Consider using Etsy’s advertising tools to promote your listings. Start with a small budget and see how your ads perform.
Step 8: Manage Customer Service and Gather Feedback
Providing excellent customer service can help you build a loyal customer base. Respond to messages promptly, offer clear instructions, and address any issues with professionalism. Positive reviews are invaluable on Etsy, as they can boost your shop’s credibility and visibility.
Step 9: Continuously Update and Expand Your Offerings
Once you start seeing sales, consider expanding your shop with new designs or seasonal offerings. Customers often return to shops that frequently update their inventory. Pay attention to customer feedback and sales trends to adapt your products and meet demand.
Final Thoughts
Selling art printables on Etsy can be a rewarding way to turn your creative passion into a business. With low overhead costs, no physical inventory, and the potential to reach a global audience, art printables are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start a small online business.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating and selling art printables on Etsy!