How I increased my Print on Demand Sales

5 min read

Let’s cut to the chase—you want to increase your print-on-demand (POD) sales.
I’ve been there, staring at stagnant numbers, wondering why things weren’t moving.
But after a few strategic changes, everything clicked.

I’m not here to give you fluff.
I’m going to tell you exactly what worked for me, step by step.

The Big Problem: Why Aren’t Your POD Sales Growing?

If you’re like I was, you’ve probably asked yourself:

  • Why aren’t people buying my designs?
  • Are my prices too high?
  • Should I run ads or focus on organic traffic?

Here’s the truth—sales don’t just happen. You need a system that attracts, engages, and converts.

So, how did I finally crack the code? Let’s dive in.

1. Narrowed My Niche

When I first started, I was all over the place—selling everything from T-shirts to mugs in every possible design category.

Big mistake.

Why Niche Down?

People want specific things.
If you try to appeal to everyone, you end up attracting no one.
So I took a step back and focused on one niche. In my case, it was fitness-themed apparel.

Once I narrowed my focus, things became way easier:

  • I understood my customers better.
  • Marketing became simpler.
  • I became the go-to store for that niche.

Find your niche.
What’s something you’re passionate about or know inside out? Focus on that.

2. Optimized My Listings for Conversion

Your product listings are everything. It’s where the sale happens (or doesn’t).

Here’s what I did to improve my listings:

Titles and Descriptions

  • Clear, keyword-rich titles.
    People need to know exactly what you’re selling—don’t get cute with fancy names.
  • Use benefits in descriptions.
    Don’t just describe the item—explain why it’s awesome. How will your customer feel wearing that T-shirt or using that mug?
  • Use all 13 Tags!.
    You need to use all 13 Tags in your listing. Each tag has the chance to reach another customer.

Pro tip: If you want to create optimized Titles, Description and Tags for your listings, this can help you

High-Quality Images

You’ve heard this a million times, but it’s true—images sell.

  • Use mockups that show your products in real life.
  • Don’t settle for one image—show multiple angles and close-ups.
  • Lifestyle photos convert better than plain mockups. When people see your product in action, they’re more likely to buy.

3. Leveraged Social Media Like a Pro

Social media isn’t optional. If you’re not promoting your POD products on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, you’re leaving money on the table.

Here’s what I did:

Instagram: My Secret Weapon

Instagram is a visual platform, and POD is all about visuals. Perfect match, right?

  • I started posting high-quality photos of my designs regularly.
  • I used relevant hashtags to reach my target audience.
  • I engaged with followers by replying to comments and DMs.

The result? More followers, more eyes on my products, and more sales.

Pinterest: The Traffic Driver

Pinterest might be underrated, but it’s a goldmine for POD.
People go to Pinterest to find things to buy—your designs could be one of them.

I created eye-catching pins for my top products and linked them directly to my store.
Bonus tip: Pinterest pins have a long shelf life, so your products keep getting discovered.

Adjusted Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break your sales. At first, I thought undercutting my competitors would help.
It didn’t.

People associate price with value. If your products are too cheap, they assume they’re low quality.

Here’s What Worked:

  • I increased my prices slightly, while highlighting the quality of the designs.
  • I used tiered pricing—offering bundles or discounts for buying multiple items.

This not only improved my profit margins but also boosted the perception of value.

Asked for Customer Reviews

Social proof is powerful.
Potential customers want to see that other people have bought and loved your products.

How I Collected Reviews:

  • After a purchase, I sent a follow-up email asking for a review.
  • I offered a small discount on their next purchase as a thank you.

When people see glowing reviews on your product page, they’re more likely to buy.

FAQs About Increasing POD Sales

How Do I Know Which Niche to Pick?

Focus on what you're passionate about or what you know people are looking for. It could be fitness, pets, travel, or anything else that has a dedicated audience.

How Long Before I See Results?

Results can vary, but typically, if you're consistent with your marketing efforts, you’ll start seeing improvements in a few weeks.

Is Social Media Necessary?

Absolutely. Social media is one of the best free tools to showcase your designs and reach a larger audience.

Final Thoughts

Increasing your POD sales isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy.
Once I dialed in on these steps, everything changed.

To recap:

  • Focus on a specific niche.
  • Optimize your listings and images.
  • Use social media to drive traffic.
  • Tweak your pricing strategy and ask for reviews.

If you stick to these steps, you’ll start to see those sales climb.
Now go out there and crush it!

PS: If you want to maximize your SEO, you could use this tool which saved me so much time already.