How To Find Winning Print On Demand Designs

Introduction.

Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business can be a great way to create and sell custom products without the stress of inventory. But, as simple as the model might seem, finding winning designs can be the real make-or-break factor.

With so many sellers out there, standing out isn’t just about uploading a design and hoping it sells—it’s about strategically finding designs that hit the mark with your target audience.

In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to identify and create winning designs in the POD space.

From effective research tools to insights into trends and niches, to practical tips for testing out ideas without overinvesting, this guide covers it all.

I’ll also dive into the pros and cons of different design approaches, and common questions about designing for POD, and offer some tried-and-tested strategies that can give you a competitive edge.

How Do I Identify Winning Designs for Print-on-Demand?

1. Research Trends and Niches.

Research is the backbone of finding a profitable design. Start by exploring popular POD platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Amazon to see what’s trending.

Look for patterns in best-selling designs: specific themes, colour palettes, or styles that seem to resonate.

Tools like Google Trends, Pinterest, and even TikTok can offer insights into what people are talking about or buying.

Examples of effective niche categories include:

• Hobbies & Interests (like yoga, gaming, or gardening)
• Inspirational Quotes that appeal to specific demographics
• Seasonal Designs (think holidays, back-to-school, etc.)
• Pop Culture (make sure you avoid copyright infringement though)

2. Use Social Media for Real-Time Inspiration.

Social media platforms, especially Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, are gold mines for design inspiration. Follow trending hashtags related to POD, and keep an eye on the posts getting the most engagement.

Facebook groups dedicated to POD sellers or niche communities can also provide insight into what audiences are loving right now.

For example, seasonal trends and popular memes often go viral, offering opportunities for timely, trendy designs.

3. Try POD Design Research Tools.

If you’re looking for something more data-driven, consider tools designed for POD sellers, like:

• EverBee for Etsy: Helps you analyze the competition and estimate the monthly sales of top designs on Etsy.
• Marmalead: A paid tool focused on keyword and trend research for Etsy sellers.
• InsightFactory: Allows you to filter trending designs on multiple platforms and identify top-selling styles in real-time.

These tools help you gauge the popularity of various designs, find emerging trends, and explore keywords people are searching for, all of which can give you a competitive edge.

4. Test Out Ideas Without Overcommitting.

Experimentation is crucial in the POD world, where preferences can shift quickly. One way to test design concepts is by launching a few variations and tracking their performance over a few weeks.

Platforms like Printful and Printify allow you to experiment with new designs at a low cost, and since they offer integrations with platforms like Etsy and Shopify, you can test different ideas without huge upfront expenses.

5. Learn From Your Competitors.

Checking out your competitors is not just a way to stay informed but also a source of creative inspiration.

Study their top sellers, noting what themes, colours, or design elements are driving their success.

By adapting these elements in your way, you can capture similar appeal without directly copying anyone else.

Pros and Cons of Different Print-On-Demand Design Approaches

Using Evergreen vs. Trendy Designs

Evergreen designs (like “dog lover” or “coffee addict”) offer long-term value, while trendy designs (like a phrase popular on social media) can lead to fast wins but may lose relevance quickly. Balancing both types can create a steady stream of sales.

FAQs

Q1. What type of designs sell the best on POD platforms?

A: It varies, but designs with universal appeal, like motivational quotes, animals, or niche interests, tend to perform well. Look for areas where there’s demand but less saturation.

Q2. How often should I refresh my designs?

A: This depends on your niche. For seasonal designs, try to refresh them every year, or every season, to keep up with new trends. For more timeless designs, refresh only if you see a dip in interest.

Q3. Can I use popular brands or characters in my designs?

A: No, it’s best to avoid copyrighted material altogether to stay clear of legal issues. Focus on creating original artwork or generic themes.

Q4. How do I know if a design is oversaturated?

A: If you see the same design style repeatedly in the best-seller lists, it’s a sign of saturation. Use tools like EverBee or InsightFactory to estimate the competition for specific keywords and identify under-served designs.

Q5. Should I focus on one platform or multiple?

A: If you’re new, starting with one platform lets you learn the ropes without spreading yourself too thin. Once you’re confident, branching out can increase your reach and sales potential.

Conclusion

Finding winning print-on-demand designs is part art, part science, and a lot of testing and learning. Whether you’re leaning into trends, building around evergreen niches, or experimenting with different tools, success comes from staying tuned into what your audience loves.

Which approach to finding winning POD designs do you think would work best for you?