In a world where side hustles are everywhere, print-on-demand is the quiet moneymaker most folks are sleeping on.
It’s not some scammy get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a real business model that lets you turn your creativity into steady monthly income.
Whether you’re into quirky quotes, cool art, or simple minimal designs, there’s a place for you in the print-on-demand world.
And let’s be honest, making $7,000 a month from home while sipping coffee in your PJs? That’s the dream, right? But it doesn’t just happen overnight.
You’ve gotta know what works, what doesn’t, and how to scale like a boss.
So if you’re ready to stop scrolling and start stacking that income, keep reading—because we’re about to break down exactly how to pull off a print-on-demand business that actually makes bank.
1. Understand the Print-on-Demand Model Like a Pro
Print-on-demand (POD) is kinda like your creative ideas getting married to automation.
You create designs, upload them to a platform like Printify or Gelato, and whenever someone buys, the product is printed and shipped without you lifting a finger.
You don’t buy inventory. You don’t pack boxes. You don’t deal with returns (usually). Sounds sweet? That’s because it is.
But here’s the thing—they only print when you sell, which means you’ve gotta focus on making your stuff actually sell.
If you’re thinking this is just about uploading a random T-shirt that says “Monday Vibes,” think again.
This biz is part art, part science. The best sellers understand what their niche wants and how to serve it up better than anyone else.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because if you’re trying to make $7,000/month with a print-on-demand business, you’ve got to start by fully grasping how the whole system works—inside and out. No guesswork. No shortcuts.
2. Pick a Niche That’s Not Overcrowded But Still Profitable
You can’t sell to everyone, and trying to do that is like yelling into a hurricane—no one hears you.
The best print-on-demand businesses are laser-focused.
Think dog moms, gym rats, RV lifers, homeschool parents, or small-town coffee lovers.
A niche helps you speak directly to people who care about what you’re selling.
But here’s the golden nugget—don’t just follow the herd. Don’t hop on trends that are already bloated.
Instead, dig into micro-niches where people are passionate and overlooked.
Those are the goldmines. Selling funny nurse-themed hoodies? Cute. Selling nurse-themed hoodies for travel nurses who work night shifts? Now you’re talking money.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because picking the right niche is where your journey to $7,000/month actually begins.
You need to stand out and be relevant—and the right niche lets you do both.
3. Design Products That People Actually Want to Buy
Design is everything. You don’t need to be Picasso, but you do need to understand what makes people click “Add to Cart.”
Your goal? Create stuff that makes folks say, “Oh my gosh, I need that!” Humor works. Relatable quotes work.
Bold, clean, aesthetic styles? Yep, they work too.
Use tools like Canva, Kittl, or Photoshop to whip up your masterpieces—or hire a freelancer for $10 to $20 a design if art just ain’t your thing.
The point is, don’t just create what you like. Create what your target customer would spend money on, today.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because no matter how smart your marketing is, if your designs are blah, your sales will be too.
Quality designs = quality dollars.
4. Set Up a Shopify Store for Long-Term Growth
Sure, you could start selling through Etsy or Redbubble—and honestly, that’s fine in the beginning.
But if you want to make serious money with your print-on-demand business, setting up your own Shopify store is a game-changer.
With your own store, you control the branding, the customer experience, and—most importantly—the pricing.
You also get to build an email list and keep your customers in the loop about new products or sales.
And guess what? No one can randomly shut down your store just because of an algorithm hiccup (looking at you, Etsy).
Monthly plans on Shopify start at just $39/month, and with the right traffic, that investment pays for itself real quick.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because owning your platform means owning your future. If you’re aiming to hit that $7,000/month mark, you need a home base that you control.
5. Learn SEO to Get Free, Targeted Traffic
Let’s get one thing straight: if no one sees your store, no one’s buying.
You can post on social all day, but organic traffic from search engines is what really moves the needle long-term.
And SEO isn’t some scary tech wizardry. It’s just about using the right words in the right places.
Name your products using keyword phrases people are already searching. Think “funny camping mug for RV lovers” instead of “cool mug.”
Add helpful descriptions, use alt text on images, and write blogs targeting long-tail keywords like “best gifts for gym lovers 2025.”
SEO takes time, but it’s like planting seeds that grow month after month.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because learning SEO is how you get buyers without paying for ads—and that means more profit in your pocket every single month.
6. Use TikTok and Reels to Go Viral for Free
Short-form video isn’t just for teenagers doing dance trends.
It’s a goldmine for anyone selling print-on-demand.
People love watching real humans unbox cool stuff, try on unique tees, or laugh at a relatable quote on a tote bag.
You don’t need fancy gear or a production crew—just your phone, some good lighting, and a plan.
Jump on trending audio, show behind-the-scenes design work, or wear your own merch with confidence.
One video can bring in hundreds of orders. Post consistently, engage with your viewers, and keep it real. Don’t overthink it.
Let your personality shine through.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because short-form video content is the fastest (and cheapest) way to build trust, grab eyeballs, and blow up your print-on-demand biz.
7. Upsell and Bundle to Maximize Every Sale
Getting someone to buy once is cool. Getting them to spend more while they’re already shopping? Now that’s smart business.
Let’s say someone buys a funny T-shirt from your store.
Offer them a matching mug or hoodie right on the checkout page—no pressure, just options.
You’d be surprised how many folks say yes.
Bundling items together (like a “cat lover gift set”) makes shopping easier for customers and increases your average order value.
More dollars per sale = fewer sales needed to hit your $7K goal. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good deal or a matching set?
Why did this make it to our list?
Because the road to $7,000/month isn’t just about more customers—it’s about making each customer worth more to your business.
8. Automate and Scale Like a True CEO
At some point, you’ll hit that “good problem to have” moment—too many orders, too many tasks. That’s when automation saves your sanity.
Use apps like AutoDS or DSers to automate tracking updates, customer emails, and product syncing.
Hire a VA to handle support emails or social DMs if you’re juggling too much.
And here’s a smart move—double down on your bestsellers.
Create variations, expand the design across more products, and launch limited editions to keep your audience hyped.
Once you’ve found what works, scaling isn’t just doable—it’s unstoppable.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because making $7,000/month isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
Automation helps you run your business like a real CEO, not just a side hustler.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Build Your Print-on-Demand Empire?
There’s no sugarcoating it—building a $7,000/month print-on-demand business takes hustle, patience, and strategy.
But once that flywheel gets moving, it can run like a well-oiled machine.
You don’t need massive startup capital.
You don’t need to be a design genius. You just need the right steps and the guts to stick with it.
So what’s stopping you? Start today by choosing your niche, sketching out a few killer designs, and setting up your store.
The internet’s full of folks buying personalized gear daily—why shouldn’t they be buying yours?
Now go make something awesome—and get paid for it.