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How to Sell Print on Demand Journals
Last modified: January 15, 2025
Selling Print on Demand (POD) journals is a ridiculously cool way to turn your creativity into profit with minimal effort and zero inventory headaches. Imagine designing stunning, one-of-a-kind journals—whether it’s for bullet journaling, goal-setting, or daily reflections—and having them printed and shipped only when someone makes a purchase. Platforms like Shopify and Etsy make it easy to get your custom journals in front of a global audience. The beauty of POD is that you can launch a whole collection of journals with unique covers and designs without the risk of upfront costs. Whether you’re targeting students, writers, or stationery addicts, POD journals let you flex your creativity and make money while you sleep—literally! Ready to design your masterpiece and watch the sales roll in? Let’s make it happen!
How to Sell Print on Demand Journals
How to Sell Print on Demand Journals: A Super Awesome Guide
Ready to turn your creative spark into a journal empire? Selling Print on Demand (POD) journals is your ticket to offering custom products without any inventory headaches or upfront costs. Whether you’re designing sleek planners or whimsical notebooks, this guide will show you how to crush it in the POD journal business—from zero to hero in no time!
1. Pick Your Niche Like a Pro
Before diving in, find your sweet spot. Do you want to sell bullet journals for the ultra-organized, gratitude journals for the zen-seekers, or maybe adventure logs for the globetrotters? Picking a niche helps you connect with your dream customers and stand out from the crowd. The more specific, the better! Think:
- Minimalist notebooks for clean, stylish planners.
- Inspirational journals for goal-setters and dream-chasers.
- Art-filled sketchbooks for the creative souls out there.
Find your tribe and design for them!
2. Unleash Your Creativity with Epic Designs
Time to wow your audience! Your journal cover designs should scream, “I need this in my life!” Use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create eye-catching covers that are irresistible. Here’s what makes a journal a must-buy:
- Trendy vibes: Look at Pinterest and Etsy to see what’s hot right now.
- Personalization: Some POD platforms let customers add their names or initials, and personalization is always a win. Who doesn’t love a custom touch?
Create a variety of designs—think sleek, artsy, or even quirky—and give people reasons to fill up their cart with your awesomeness!
3. Choose the Best POD Platform
There are tons of POD platforms out there that integrate seamlessly with Shopify or Etsy. Here’s the cool part: you don’t need to buy stock, and journals are printed only when someone orders. Just focus on creating, and these platforms handle the rest. Look for these features when picking a platform:
- Low-cost production so you keep more of the profit.
- Fast shipping because no one likes to wait!
- Great quality printing because your designs deserve to shine.
Popular platforms offer everything from hardcover to spiral-bound journals, so choose what fits your style!
4. Set Up Your Store Like a Rockstar
Now, let’s bring your dream to life! Shopify and Etsy make setting up your online store easy. A well-designed storefront is key to turning visitors into buyers. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create a killer storefront: Use clean visuals and vibrant images to showcase your journals. Make it pop!
- Add your products: Sync your POD platform to your Shopify or Etsy store, upload your designs, and you’re set.
- Write product descriptions that sell: Don’t just describe the journal, sell the lifestyle. Why should someone buy it? Is it the perfect companion for a daily planner or a unique gift?
5. Price It Like a Boss
Pricing can make or break your sales. Factor in the production cost, shipping, and a profit margin that makes sense. Aim to keep your pricing competitive, but don’t be afraid to charge for quality:
- Free shipping is a customer favorite—just bake it into your price.
- Bundle deals: Encourage higher cart values by offering discounts for buying multiple journals.
6. Spread the Word
Now, it’s time to shout it from the rooftops! Here are some pro tips for marketing your POD journals:
- Instagram & Pinterest: These visual platforms are perfect for showing off your stunning designs. Use relevant hashtags to reach journal lovers and DIY enthusiasts.
- Facebook Ads: Reach your dream customers by running targeted ads for people interested in journaling, planning, or personal growth.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partner with Instagrammers or YouTubers in your niche for product shoutouts. The right shoutout can make your journal a must-have item!
7. Track, Tweak, and Scale Like a Champ
Your store is live, sales are rolling in, and now it’s time to keep growing. Use Shopify or Etsy analytics to track:
- Best-selling designs: Focus on what’s working and expand your winning designs.
- Ad performance: Check which marketing efforts are bringing in sales and double down on them.
- Customer feedback: Read reviews and use them to improve your product offering.
As you scale, you can add new journal designs or even offer matching accessories like planners, stickers, or notebooks. The possibilities are endless!
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AutoDS
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Zendrop
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Printful
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Printify
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SPOD
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CustomCat
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teelaunch
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JetPrint
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AOP+ Easy Print on Demand
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Two Fifteen
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Apliiq ‑ Print On Demand
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Factory4me
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Pixels
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Riverr
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Print Partners
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ShineOn: Print On Demand
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Gelato: Print on Demand
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Inkedjoy ‑ Print On Demand
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Tshirtgang Print On Demand
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POPCUSTOMS: Print on Demand
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Podbase: Print on Demand
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T-Pop
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1. Choose a Niche
One of the most important benefits of print on demand journals is that you can choose a niche that is suitable for you and your audience. For instance, you can create lots of different business journals, home journals, journals for students.
Or you can create journals that don’t have lots of rigidity to them. Or you can create journals that have all the dates and information within them.
Having a niche can help you perform better with customers because they will have a better idea of what to expect from you.
Check out our list of the best print on demand products you can sell.
2. Choose a Platform
Another decision that you have is on what platform you would like to sell on. Shopify is one of the best platforms because it is a complete e-commerce package. It has lots of elements that can be added for enhanced performance. For instance, you can include things like email marketing, auto-posting on social media, push notifications and more.
Shopify can also connect to your website’s printers with ease. There is also a great pricing system that makes it easy to understand.
3. Choose a Printer
The next thing that you need to do is to choose a printer and create the products. This can be easily done as there are lots of POD apps that are available on Shopify. There are brands as well like Printful and Printify that can help you create the perfect journals for your brand.
Select the printer based on their costs, turnaround time, support and more. There are lots of options that are available for you.
4. Market Your Brand
You need to be sure that you market your brand. Video marketing is one of the most successful ways that you can help you sell your journals. Integrating effective print on demand product strategies into your marketing efforts can further enhance the success of selling your journals. Videos are known to improve trust with your audience, and you can also build your website’s conversion rate because customers love them.
There are also options about social media, email marketing and more. You should also improve your website’s SEO, and you can increase this using several apps that are available on Shopify.
Are you looking to sell print on demand journals on your website? Above are some of the best tips for you to create the print on demand journals. With a Shopify website, with a great theme, you can build a website and start selling within a few hours.
- Have you ever considered selling something completely different using POD? How about POD hats?
The Fascinating History of Journals
The history of journals dates back thousands of years and has evolved significantly, reflecting the human need to document thoughts, events, and ideas. Here’s a quick look at the fascinating journey of journaling through time:
Ancient Roots
- Ancient Egypt: One of the earliest forms of journaling can be traced to the Egyptians who used papyrus scrolls to record religious practices, laws, and personal thoughts.
- China: In China, journaling was also an ancient practice. In 56 AD, the Eastern Han Dynasty scholar Ban Gu began recording historical events and moral teachings, which laid the groundwork for personal reflections and journaling in Eastern cultures.
Medieval Period: Commonplace Books
- Commonplace books emerged in Europe during the Renaissance and medieval periods, where scholars, philosophers, and writers began keeping collections of knowledge—excerpts from books, ideas, thoughts, and letters. These served as both personal records and educational tools.
- Leonardo da Vinci: One of the most famous journal keepers, Da Vinci used notebooks to document his thoughts, sketches, and inventions, blending science, art, and philosophy.
16th to 19th Century: Personal Diaries and Exploration Journals
- Personal Diaries: By the 16th and 17th centuries, journaling had become more personal and reflective.
Notable figures such as Samuel Pepys, a British naval administrator, kept detailed accounts of daily life, politics, and personal experiences during the 17th century.
- Exploration Journals: As global exploration increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, many explorers and travelers documented their journeys. Famous explorers like Captain James Cook and Lewis and Clark kept detailed journals of their expeditions, chronicling everything from geography to indigenous cultures.
Victorian Era: Journals as Social and Emotional Outlets
- In the 19th century, keeping a journal became especially popular during the Victorian era, as individuals—particularly women—used them as personal emotional outlets. These journals often included reflections on social norms, personal struggles, and even poetry.
20th Century: Journals in Literature and Personal Growth
- By the 20th century, journaling evolved into a widely used tool for self-reflection, therapy, and personal growth. Many writers, like Virginia Woolf, used journals as a way to work through creative ideas or document their inner lives.
- The therapeutic journal: With the rise of psychoanalysis in the early 1900s, therapists began encouraging journaling as a means of introspection and healing. This laid the foundation for modern journaling practices like gratitude journals or dream diaries.
Present Day: Digital Journals and the Return of Analog
- In the digital age, journaling has taken on new forms, with many people keeping digital journals or using apps to track their thoughts and goals. Despite this, there has also been a resurgence in physical journaling, with the popularity of practices like bullet journaling, which combines organization, creativity, and mindfulness.
Conclusion: How to Sell Print on Demand Journals
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How can I use social media to boost sales of my print on demand journals?
Utilize social media for brand storytelling, customer engagement, and targeted advertising. Regularly posting engaging content and interacting with your audience can significantly increase your brand’s visibility and sales.
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How do I ensure customer satisfaction when selling print on demand journals?
Ensure customer satisfaction by offering high-quality products, responsive customer service, and efficient shipping. Regularly gather customer feedback to improve your products and services continuously.
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How can I determine the pricing for my print on demand journals?
Pricing should reflect production costs, market demand, and perceived value. Research competitors’ prices and consider your target audience’s willingness to pay to set competitive yet profitable prices for your journals.
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What is Print on Demand for journals?
Print on Demand (POD) is a business model where journals are printed only when a customer places an order, eliminating the need for you to hold inventory or manage large upfront costs.
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How do I start selling POD journals on Shopify?
To start selling POD journals on Shopify, first set up a Shopify store, choose a POD platform that integrates with Shopify (like Printify or Printful), create your journal designs, sync them to your store, and start marketing your products.
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Which POD platform is best for journals on Shopify?
Popular platforms for selling POD journals include Printify, Printful, and Gooten. Each offers customizable journals and integrates seamlessly with Shopify, but Printify often has more competitive pricing options for various journal styles.
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What type of journals can I sell with POD?
You can sell a variety of journal types, including bullet journals, planners, sketchbooks, notebooks, and customized journals with your unique designs or themes.
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How much does it cost to sell POD journals on Shopify?
The costs include your Shopify subscription (starting at $29/month), the price of the journals from your POD supplier, and any marketing or advertising costs. You only pay for the product when a sale is made.
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Do I need design skills to sell POD journals?
Not necessarily! You can use free tools like Canva or hire a designer from platforms like Fiverr to create custom journal designs. Many POD platforms also offer design templates to get you started.
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How do I add POD journals to my Shopify store?
Once you’ve created your journal designs on your chosen POD platform, you can sync the products directly to your Shopify store using the integration feature. All product info, images, and pricing will be automatically imported.
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Can I offer personalized journals to customers?
Yes, many POD platforms allow customers to personalize journals with their names, colors, or text, which can increase sales by offering a more tailored experience.
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How do I price my POD journals?
To price your journals, calculate the cost of production (including shipping), then add your desired profit margin. Be sure to check competitors’ prices to stay competitive.
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What marketing strategies should I use to sell POD journals?
Effective strategies include using Instagram and Pinterest for visual marketing, running Facebook and Google Ads targeted at people interested in stationery or journaling, and collaborating with influencers in the journaling community.
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Do I need to worry about inventory management?
Nope! One of the best things about POD is that inventory is managed for you—products are printed only after a sale is made, so you never have to store or manage stock.
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How do I ensure high-quality journals for my customers?
Test your supplier by ordering samples of your journals before launching. This allows you to check the quality of the print, paper, and binding before selling to customers.
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How long does shipping take with POD journals?
Shipping times vary by supplier, but most POD platforms have global fulfillment centers and offer a range of shipping options. Expect delivery to take 7-21 days depending on the location.
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Can I sell journals internationally with POD?
Yes, most POD platforms offer international shipping, allowing you to sell journals to a global audience. Just ensure you’re aware of shipping costs and delivery times.
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How do I handle customer service for POD journals?
The POD platform handles production and shipping, but you’ll be responsible for communicating with customers about their orders, handling any complaints, and processing returns if needed.
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How do I create mockups of my POD journals for Shopify?
Most POD platforms have built-in mockup generators that let you visualize your designs on journals before syncing them to your Shopify store. These mockups can be used as product images.
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Can I offer free shipping on POD journals?
Yes! Many sellers build the cost of shipping into the journal price to offer “free shipping,” which can increase conversion rates. Be sure to calculate carefully to maintain healthy margins.
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What are the best niches for selling POD journals?
Popular niches include bullet journaling, goal-setting, gratitude journals, wellness and fitness planners, and artistic sketchbooks. Focusing on a specific niche helps you attract a dedicated audience.
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How can I scale my POD journal business?
You can scale your business by adding new designs, expanding your product line to include complementary items like planners or notebooks, increasing ad spend, and using Shopify’s built-in analytics to track and optimize performance.
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