The big question: Is print on demand worth it in 2024? Whether you're considering starting from scratch or already have some experience, this post will have valuable insights for you.
Why Consider Print On Demand Now?
The print on demand (POD) landscape has seen significant changes in recent years, especially in 2022 and 2023. More people have discovered this business model, leading to increased competition. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence are shaping the industry. So, what does this mean for you in 2024? Let's break it down.
The Market Outlook
To understand whether POD is a good venture, we need to look at the market trends. The POD industry is currently valued at around $4.5 billion annually and continues to grow rapidly. Unlike some online businesses that are declining, POD is on an upward trajectory.
Is It Too Late to Start?
A common concern is whether the market is too saturated. Given the industry’s growth and the strategy I’ll share, starting a POD business in 2024 is still a viable and potentially lucrative option.
Strategy for Success in 2024
The key to succeeding in the current POD market is focusing on sub-niches. While broad niches like "gardening T-shirts" are crowded, targeting specific sub-niches can give you a competitive edge. For instance, instead of just “gardening,” you could focus on “gardening with dogs” or “bonsai gardening.”
Tools to Find Sub-Niches
One powerful tool to help with this is Merch Informer. This tool allows you to enter a broad niche and then breaks it down into various sub-niches, showing you how competitive each one is. Although it's a paid tool, it's reasonably priced at $10 per month, and there's even a discount code available that makes it $8 per month.
How to Use Merch Informer
- Login and Navigate: Once logged in, go to the 'Keyword Research' section and select 'Keyword Finder.'
- Enter a Niche: Type in your broad niche, for example, "gardening."
- Analyze Sub-Niches: The tool will provide a list of sub-niches and their competition levels. Look for low competition sub-niches like "bonsai gardening."
Practical Application
Let’s use Amazon as an example. Searching for “gardening T-shirts” on Amazon shows over 4,000 results. This indicates a highly saturated niche. However, by focusing on sub-niches identified using Merch Informer, you can find less competitive areas within this broad category.
Starting a POD business in 2024 is definitely worth it, provided you use the right strategies. By focusing on sub-niches and leveraging tools like Merch Informer, you can carve out a successful space in this growing industry.