Have you ever thought that something you have designed, drawn or painted might look great as a poster or piece of wall art? Have you ever been complimented on your creative work? You could have the beginnings of a successful poster business.
Interested? We'll tell you how to start a poster business.
Print on demand (POD) is a method of order fulfilment that allows artists and sellers to create unique designs on posters, clothing items, and more and sell them to customers online. Once an order is placed, the product is printed, fulfilled, and shipped by your POD supplier.
Starting a poster business with POD makes creating and selling your designs foolproof. We answer your questions about starting a poster business.
Can you make money from posters?
Absolutely, selling posters online can be a profitable venture if approached strategically. Interior design and decorating have taken off in recent years, with the wall art market expected to grow from over $48 billion in 2021 to $72 billion by 2028. The key lies in finding a niche market and creating designs that resonate with your target audience.
Modern and abstract art doesn't have to cost a fortune; thanks to technology, design programs, and endless online resources, anyone can share their artistic expressions with the world and make an income doing so.
From paintings, drawings, and photographs to minimalist typography posters, there is a massive window of opportunity for anyone capable of starting selling posters online.
Who can sell posters online?
Any type of creator or creative person can sell posters online. Whether you're an artist, photographer, graphic designer, influencer, teacher, or writer, you could sell posters online.
What it really comes down to is having a plan, knowing what you want to create, and having the tools and resources to get an online store up and running.
How can I start a successful poster business?
Like any new start-up business, starting an online poster store takes time, effort, and creativity, but it's entirely possible and can be a significant source of income if you do it right.
Boiling it down, there are five essential steps you'll need to complete to sell posters online.
- Source high-quality images and designs: You could create your own designs, hire a professional designer to create your poster designs or use stock photos to create your posters.
- Select a suitable print-on-demand provider: Choosing the right provider will be key to your success so it’s important to check the company's pricing, shipping locations, and the specifics of what they offer (such as paper types and sizes). You should also check product samples to ensure you’re happy with them, their customer support and whether the provider will integrate with any ecommerce platforms you may already be using or might need in the future to run your poster store.
- Choose a platform for your online store: Each selling platform will have different strengths and drawbacks, so keep your business goals and target audience when deciding how you will sell your posters. You could use an ecommerce platform (eg Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce), online marketplaces (such as Etsy, eBay, Redbubble), social media (for example, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) or your own website.
- Set up your online shop: Start by creating a store name and logo that is simple, catchy, and memorable. The store name can represent your specific products or be something unique to you. Make sure you have a clear and consistent brand including your logo, colour scheme, and any visual elements. Develop your pricing strategy by checking what competitors are charging. Make sure you factor in the cost of poster production and shipping plus a profit margin for you. Remember to set up appropriate payment and shipping options. Some ecommerce platforms will do this automatically during the creation of your shop, while others give the seller control. Finally, use high-quality product images and provide detailed product descriptions. Optimise your product listings to boost your online visibility.
- Promote your poster business: These days there’s an array of ways to promote your poster business. Social media is a powerful tool you can use to launch products, build a loyal fanbase, get feedback on design ideas, interact with your audience, and sell by sharing unique discount codes and promotions with your followers. You could also collaborate with influencers, attend craft fayres, events and in-person events. Email marketing is also a really effective way to communicate with customers, announce new promotions, share new designs, and provide shop updates.
What are the benefits of using print on demand for selling posters?
Using print-on-demand services for your poster business offers several advantages. First, you don't need to maintain a large inventory, which reduces storage costs and minimises waste. With Gelato's print-on-demand service, posters are only printed once an order is placed, making it easier to manage cash flow and reduce financial risks. Additionally, print-on-demand gives you greater flexibility. You can test new posters without committing to a large print run, enabling you to respond quickly to market trends and customer preferences. This also helps to reduce overheads since there’s no bulk printing, and shipping logistics are handled by the provider, simplifying the entire process.
How do I choose the right print-on-demand provider?
Start by evaluating providers based on the quality of their printing and materials, as this will directly impact customer satisfaction and repeat business. Look for high-quality prints and an extensive global network to ensure your posters reach customers quickly and in perfect condition. It's also important to consider the range of products offered and the customisation options available. Look for providers that offer various sizes, finishes, and materials to cater to different customer preferences.
Make sure your chosen provider can integrate with your chosen ecommerce platform or marketplace. This will help streamline your operations.
How can I source high-quality images and designs for my posters?
Start by exploring stock photo websites, where you can find a wide range of images suitable for various themes and styles. Websites like Unsplash and Shutterstock offer high-resolution images that can be used for commercial purposes. You may also consider collaborating with freelance graphic designers or artists who can create unique, custom designs tailored to your brand. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can connect you with talented designers at various price points. If you have design skills, tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva can help you create your own posters.
Remember to stay up to date with design trends and customer preferences to ensure your posters remain appealing and relevant.
How do I optimise my poster listings for better online visibility?
Optimising your listings involves several key steps. Start with keyword research to identify terms your target audience is likely to use when searching for posters online. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your product titles, descriptions, and tags. High-quality images are also crucial; ensure your posters are showcased with clear, attractive photos that highlight their design and quality.
Write detailed product descriptions that include dimensions, materials, and any unique features of your posters. Utilising SEO best practices, such as including keywords in image alt text and creating engaging meta descriptions, can further enhance your online visibility and help sell posters online quickly.
How can I use social media to boost my poster sales?
Social media can be a powerful tool to boost your poster sales. Start by identifying the platforms where your target audience is most active, such as Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook. Create engaging content that showcases your posters in various settings while demonstrating their versatility and appeal. Use hashtags related to your niche to increase the visibility of your posts. Engaging with your audience through comments, stories, and direct messages can build a loyal community around your brand.
You may consider running targeted ads on social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Collaborating with influencers or bloggers in your niche can also expand your reach and credibility. Regularly sharing behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, and limited-time offers can drive engagement and encourage purchases.
Copyright 2024. Featured post inspired by and made possible by Gelato. You can read the original article on the Gelato website.