Diversifying Your Income Streams With Printables
In the bustling digital realm, established bloggers are constantly on the lookout for innovative strategies to multiply their earnings. One such avenue that has been gaining traction is selling printables. This venture not only offers a low entry barrier but also a means to leverage your already nurtured audience.
With potential for substantial income and ease of setup, venturing into selling printables is a lucrative option that seamlessly complements your existing blogging endeavor.
What are Printables?
Printables are digital files that customers can purchase, download, and print at home. They encompass a wide variety of products including but not limited to worksheets, planners, calendars, activity sheets, greeting cards, and educational materials.
The appeal of printables lies in their convenience and instant accessibility. Unlike physical products, once purchased, they are immediately available to the buyer without any waiting period or shipping costs. They offer a cost-effective way for individuals to obtain useful, creative, or educational materials quickly.
For creators and sellers, printables present a low-overhead, environmentally friendly product option. They only need to be created once, but can be sold an infinite number of times, making them a popular choice for online entrepreneurs and bloggers looking to diversify their income streams.
The Importance of Diversifying Income Streams as a Blogger
Diversifying income streams is akin to not putting all your eggs in one basket. It’s a strategic approach that mitigates financial risk and paves the way for a more stable income. Established bloggers often have a primary income stream, perhaps through sponsored content or affiliate marketing.
However, introducing additional revenue channels like selling printables, online courses, or merchandise can significantly cushion against financial downtrends and ensure a steady flow of income, enhancing financial security and sustainability in the long haul.
Do People Really Buy Printables?
Yes, there is indeed a thriving market for printables. The ease of access and utility they offer makes them a sought-after commodity. For instance, some creators have reported earning up to $9,500/month selling printables on Etsy.
Bloggers and online entrepreneurs have found success in selling various types of printables like planners, worksheets, and digital artwork. This upward trend indicates a robust market, proving that printables are not just a fleeting fad but a sustainable, profitable venture.
Selling Printables on Your Site vs. Etsy
Selling printables on your own site grants you the liberty of control over every aspect ranging from branding to pricing. Your platform has no direct competition, allowing your printables to shine without being overshadowed. However, this route may entail dealing with a more complicated tech stack and tracking sales tax, which can be daunting for some.
On the other hand, Etsy provides a platform with a built-in audience, making it easier to get your printables in front of eager buyers. The setup is relatively straightforward, and there's potential to reach new audiences. However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher fees and less customization, which might dilute your brand’s identity or eat into your profits.
When deciding between the two, consider your technical aptitude, the level of control you desire, and the audience you aim to reach. Evaluating the trade-offs and aligning them with your long-term business goals will guide you toward the platform that suits your needs.
How Much Can You Earn Selling Printables?
The revenue potential from selling printables is influenced by various factors including the price point, the size of your audience, and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Some successful printable sellers have reported monthly earnings ranging from a few hundred up to $10,000 or more monthly.
Can Printables Create Passive Income for Bloggers?
Printables can indeed morph into a source of passive income once they are created and listed for sale. The upfront effort revolves around designing high-quality, appealing printables and setting up a sales platform. Once this is achieved, the ongoing maintenance is minimal.
Over time, as your printables continue to sell without constant intervention, you’ll reap the benefits of a steady income stream. To sustain and possibly grow this income, periodic updates to your printables, exploring trending topics for new printables, and running promotional campaigns during peak buying seasons can be highly beneficial.
Leveraging Your Email List and Social Channels to Sell Printables
Marketing your printables to your existing audience is a golden opportunity given the rapport and trust you've already built. An email list is a direct line to your audience, where you can showcase your latest printables, offer special discounts, and share the value these printables bring to their lives.
Your social media channels are also a valuable asset. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are visually oriented, making them ideal for showcasing your printables. Crafting compelling marketing campaigns, perhaps themed around holidays or seasons, and utilizing email marketing alongside social media promotions can significantly boost your printables sales, turning your digital assets into lucrative products.
How Hard Is It to Create and Sell Printables?
The journey to creating and selling printables has its learning curve, especially in mastering the design tools to produce high-quality, appealing printables. Tools like Canva can be utilized to design your printables.
Printables and More Club makes it easy to create your printables by providing you with high quality Canva templates. Customize them for your brand and audience or use them as is!
To sell them, setting up a sales platform on your blog might require some technical setup, while Etsy provides a more straightforward setup. Customer service is crucial; addressing customer queries and managing sales professionally will foster a positive buying experience, encouraging repeat purchases and positive reviews, boosting your printable sales.
From understanding the market for printables, weighing the pros and cons of selling on your site versus Etsy, to marketing strategies and the ease of creation and sale, it's clear that printables offer a viable avenue for income diversification. Established bloggers are encouraged to venture into this realm, leveraging their existing audience to maximize earnings.
As we wrap up, we'd love to hear from you. Have you ventured into selling printables? Share your experiences and tips in the comment section below!