Are you searching for an honest, beginner-friendly way to make extra cash online? Selling printables is one of the hottest and most realistic ways to build a profitable side hustle—especially on platforms like Etsy. Printables are digital products customers buy, download, and print at home, and the best ones help people solve problems, organize life, decorate, or have fun. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to what actually sells, how much you can make, and how to get started the right way!
What Printables Sell Best Right Now?
1. Planners, To-Do Lists & Chore Charts
People everywhere need help staying organized—planners (daily, weekly, monthly), fillable to-do lists, and chore chart checklists are perennially popular and see strong repeat sales.
2. Habit Trackers & Self-Care Journals
Printable trackers for goals, habits, mood, gratitude, or wellness are booming—customers love easy downloads that help them focus and feel better.
3. Coloring Pages
From kids’ activities to adult mindfulness designs, coloring pages are fast to make and sell especially well during holidays, back-to-school, and teacher appreciation seasons.
4. Budget Templates & Financial Trackers
Tools for managing money—monthly budgets, savings trackers, expense logs—are super sought-after, especially as people get more serious about their finances.
5. Resume & Business Card Templates
Job seekers and solopreneurs are always looking for attractive, editable resume and business card designs—these printables offer instant confidence for career growth.
6. Wedding & Event Printables
Printable invitations, planners, signage, games, and lists for weddings, bachelorettes, birthdays, or baby showers—seasonal, but high-ticket when events are in full swing.
7. Meal Planners & Recipe Cards
With health and cooking trending, meal planning cards, diet trackers, and recipe journals appeal to busy families and foodies alike.
8. Educational Worksheets & Children’s Activities
Parents and teachers buy printable worksheets, flashcards, puzzles, and learning games to help children at home and school.
9. Art Prints, Wall Decor & Digital Papers
Home decor printables (botanical prints, quotes, nursery art) and digital backgrounds for scrapbooking attract customers wanting fast, affordable style.
10. Craft Patterns (Knitting, Crochet, Sewing, Embroidery)
DIY crafters crave fresh patterns—offering detailed, clear instructions as printables creates loyal fans and repeat buyers.
How Much Can You Really Make?
- Startup sellers often see $50–$500/month within a few months (sometimes much more with an in-demand niche or trending design).
- Established shops and standout designs can net $1,000/month or more—especially with bundles and consistent updates.
- Printables are passive: Once you set up your listings, sales happen around the clock with almost zero maintenance.
How to Get Started Selling Printables
Step 1: Pick Your Niche
Explore Etsy for trending printables. Consider your skills, passions, and target audience. Search for what’s popular—and what’s missing or under-served.
Step 2: Design Your Printable
Use free tools like Canva, Templett, or Adobe to create attractive, printable files (PDF or PNG). Focus on clean, functional designs with clear instructions.
Step 3: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
- Register, brand your shop, add a profile picture and banner.
- Write helpful product descriptions and use high-quality mockups (show how your printable will look printed and used).
- Use SEO keywords in listing titles, descriptions, and tags—think “budget planner printable” or “wedding invitation template”.
Step 4: Price & List Your Products
- Start with reasonable prices ($2–$10 for individual items, $10–$25 for bundles).
- Offer instant downloads and friendly customer service.
- Encourage customer reviews—word of mouth is priceless.
Step 5: Promote Your Shop
Share your printables on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and relevant groups. Use attractive graphics and real-use examples to boost visibility.
Step 6: Track, Improve & Expand
Pay attention to sales; update old designs, add new listings regularly, and ask buyers what they want next. The more useful your products, the better you’ll do!
Pro Tips for Real Results
- Stay on trend: Look for seasonal surges (planners in January, coloring pages for summer, wedding items in spring).
- Bundle products: Offer themed bundles for higher average order value.
- Listen to customers: Read reviews, answer questions, and offer customizations.
- Keep it simple: Prioritize clear, easy-to-use designs—customers love products that make their life better instantly.
Printables are one of the easiest digital products to sell online and can build into a steady, relatively passive stream of income. Start with a few simple ideas, focus on helping your audience, and keep experimenting until you find what sells best for you. You absolutely have what it takes—if you have questions, need design inspiration, or want encouragement, I’m here to help you succeed!
Thank you for reading!