Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best print-on-demand businesses use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy managing your print-on-demand business and the thought of handling social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new orders to your store.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for print-on-demand business owners.
Get the content idea list made for on-demand business owners
A lot of on-demand businesses manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a print-on-demand business
We have analyzed numerous print-on-demand businesses' social media strategies while developing our strategy pack for print-on-demand businesses - here is what consistently proves effective.
Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Customers to Your Print-on-Demand Business |
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High-Quality Product Photos | Visually appealing images of your products can captivate potential customers, making them more likely to make a purchase. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the design and production process builds trust and creates a connection with your audience. |
Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to buy from you. |
Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and exclusive deals can attract new customers looking for bargains. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity to your brand. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce your products to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming sales events, product launches, or special collaborations can attract new customers interested in unique offerings. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal products or holiday-themed designs can attract customers looking for special items during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to explore your products. |
Design Tutorials | Sharing tutorials on how to create popular designs can intrigue design enthusiasts and motivate them to purchase your products. |
New Product Updates | Regularly updating followers with new product releases keeps your business top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous purchases. |
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about your team members creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
Design Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for creating great designs can engage followers who are interested in design and print-on-demand products. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly products appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some on-demand businesses make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best on-demand businesses in the world. Replicate them now!
How can on-demand business owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality images and mockups of your products are essential.
People shop with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the designs are clear, and the presentation is appealing.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your print-on-demand business. Behind-the-scenes photos, design process videos, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, new designs, or limited-edition products. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your business “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your print-on-demand business, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for print-on-demand business owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, creating mockups, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A design on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your business. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for on-demand businesses on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for print-on-demand businesses, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively leverage social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your print-on-demand business.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Product Photos | Use natural light by positioning products near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied customers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a discount on their next purchase as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share photos of their purchased products by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your business on Instagram. |
DIY Product Videos | Film short, simple videos showcasing your products using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your design process or introduce the team during slow hours. |
New Product Announcements | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for new product launches using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a high-quality photo. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature team members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in your workspace. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite designs or suggestions for new products. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite products. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience with your business. |
Styled Product Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like props from dollar stores. Showcase your products in a visually appealing way. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the design or printing process. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free product. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free custom mug or t-shirt. |
Seasonal Product Posts | Highlight seasonal designs and products using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the design to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best on-demand businesses in the world!
There are on-demand businesses that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for on-demand businesses
Investing in high-quality social media content for your print-on-demand business can be a game-changer. Many competitors might overlook this, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal customer base.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
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Design Tutorials | Hosting live or recorded design tutorials where you show how to create popular designs can build a sense of community and attract a global audience of aspiring designers. |
Interactive 360° Product Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your product creation process, from design to printing, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to purchase. |
Limited Edition Collections | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal product collections available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
Custom Design Experience | Offering an exclusive service where customers can work directly with a designer to create custom products can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
AR Product Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology where customers can see a 3D representation of products can enhance the shopping experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Product Launches | Hosting themed product launch events, such as a retro collection or a holiday special, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Design Challenge Contests | Organizing design challenge contests (e.g., best t-shirt design) can create viral moments, attracting competitive designers and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Shops | Partnering with other local artists or businesses to host pop-up shops can introduce your brand to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the inspiration behind your designs, the artists you collaborate with, or the personal journey of your team can create an emotional connection with customers. |
Interactive Design Polls | Allowing customers to vote on design elements via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to purchase the creations they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable materials or zero-waste production practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Print Shop | Operating a mobile print shop in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your online store later. |
Design Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly design templates or exclusive products can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Design Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced design techniques from your team can attract design enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Print Events | Organizing flash mob print events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous customers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for on-demand businesses on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many print-on-demand business owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or attract new customers to your store.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Print-on-Demand | Do This Instead |
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Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make your products appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your custom products, design process, and satisfied customers to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with your products or business confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your products, design inspirations, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your business's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your products positively. |
Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on your products, community, and your business's unique offerings. |
Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your products can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with influencers, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your business seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your business. |
Make your print-on-demand business more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best on-demand businesses in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your print-on-demand business
We understand that as a print-on-demand business owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a print-on-demand business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for print-on-demand business owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your print-on-demand business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small print-on-demand businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your business's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your print-on-demand business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your print-on-demand business could make more money!
Most on-demand business owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.