How to Start Print On Demand in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know that the print on demand industry has seen a skyrocket in competition in recent years? With the rise of artificial intelligence, what once took hours of research can now be accomplished in mere minutes!

The Changing Landscape of Print On Demand

“The biggest change that has happened in the last couple of years is an increase in competition because artificial intelligence has made the business model a lot easier.”

In the evolving world of print on demand (POD), the stakes have changed dramatically as more sellers join every niche. AI-driven design tools and data analytics platforms now allow newcomers to whip up eye-catching designs in a fraction of the time it used to take. This surge in accessibility has intensified competition across marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify.

To thrive in 2024, you must adopt a strategic approach to standing out. Rather than targeting broad, saturated categories, focus on discovering micro-niches where demand still outpaces supply. By zeroing in on specialized customer segments, you create a competitive advantage that larger sellers often overlook.

Finding Sub-Niches Within Competitive Markets

One of the key strategies for succeeding in print on demand is identifying hidden sub-niches within larger market categories. For example, if you type “camping t-shirt” into Amazon, you’ll see over 20,000 results flooding the page. Yet, if you search “camping ghost-hunting t-shirt,” you might find fewer than a hundred listings. That’s a sub-niche opportunity.

When hunting niches, consider combining core interests—like camping—with adjacent passions, such as birdwatching, geocaching, or astrophotography. Tailoring your keyword research to specific hobbies or professions helps you pinpoint areas with enthusiastic buyers but limited print on demand competition. The more precise your phrase (e.g., “camping astrophotography mug”), the more likely you are to encounter a receptive audience and less rivalry.

Utilizing Merchant Former for Research

To make this process drastically more efficient, employ a dedicated tool like Merchant Former. Merchant Former is my go-to research platform for print on demand because it consolidates keyword volumes, competition scores, and trend data in one dashboard. This eliminates hours of manual Amazon browsing and guesswork.

Pricing starts at just $9.99 per month for the Newbie Plan, which is all most sellers need to uncover profitable micro-niches. A Professional Plan at $19.99 unlocks higher search volumes and extra analysis features. Plus, there’s a three-day free trial, so you can test every function—keyword finder, product research, and competitor insights—before committing. Use coupon code “POD20” for 20% off any plan.

Identifying Profitable Sub-Niches

Once you’re logged into Merchant Former, follow these steps to surface untapped niches:

• Launch the Keyword Finder Tool and enter a broad keyword (e.g., “teacher”).
• Click Search to generate a list of related sub-niches, each tagged with a color-coded competition score.
• Look for green indicators, which denote low competition and high potential.
• Review phrases that make sense for creative designs, such as “theater teacher,” “sports teacher,” or “mom teacher.”

By drilling into these focused sub-niches, you’ll sidestep thousands of other sellers and position your designs in front of audiences who are hungry for unique, relevant products.

Analyzing Best-Selling Designs in Sub-Niches

After selecting a micro-niche, use the Product Research → Products Search tool to see what’s already selling. Paste your chosen keyword (e.g., “theater teacher”) and filter for merchandise type and marketplace. Merchant Former will display top listings with:

• Estimated monthly sales (for example, 24 units per month for the #1 bestseller).
• Current best-selling designs and their visual styles.
• Titles, keywords, and pricing used by competitors.

This data shows you not only what people are buying but also how successful listings are structured. You can identify price ranges that drive conversions and refine your own listing strategy accordingly. Avoid sub-niches with fewer than five estimated monthly sales, as they may lack consistent demand.

Crafting Your Unique Designs

Armed with competitive intelligence, it’s time to create. While studying top sellers is crucial, never copy—always transform. Here are key design considerations:

• Colors and Themes: Align your palette with audience preferences (e.g., school colors for “theater teacher” shirts).
• Typography and Layout: Use clean, legible fonts and balanced compositions to boost visual appeal.
• Original Elements: Incorporate custom illustrations, puns, or exclusive artwork to differentiate from competitors.
• Personalization Options: Offer customizable text fields (names, dates, school mascots) to drive higher engagement and perceived value.

Design software like Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or free tools such as Canva can help you execute polished, print-ready files. Always export in high resolution and adhere to each platform’s technical guidelines.

Conclusion

• Actionable Takeaway: Start your print on demand journey by identifying a unique sub-niche using tools like Merchant Former to analyze competition and trends.

Have you thought about the unique angles you might explore in your designs? Diving deep into specific niches can unleash untapped potential, creating a space where your creativity thrives. What special niche are you considering for your next print on demand venture? Let’s discuss in the comments!