Starting an Amazon Merch on Demand business can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. There's a lot of patience involved, as well as a lot of learning things the "hard way." In this blog post, we'll share some things we wished we knew when we first started our Amazon Merch on Demand business.
We'll cover everything from the importance of research tools to finding the right niche and spreading out across multiple platforms after you've established yourself on AMOD. By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for success in your own print on demand business.
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The Importance of Research Tools
When starting a print on demand business, it can be tempting to try and do everything on your own to save money. However, investing in a research tool can save you time and help you find niches that will actually make you money. Research tools like Merch Informer or Pretty Merch can help you sift through data and find low competition, high demand niches that people want to buy. Not only will you be able to use these tools for your Amazon Merch account, but you can use them to understand what is trending so you're able to take that knowledge and create products for other POD sales channels.
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Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
When starting out in print on demand, it's easy to focus all your attention on one platform like Amazon or Etsy. However, spreading yourself out across multiple platforms gives you more opportunities to put your products in front of more eyes. Plus, if you're starting with Amazon Merch on Demand, then you'll likely be waiting to be approved and once approved, the tier system can slow you down, as well. You might as well put your design assets to work on other platforms. Plus, each sales channel has a different customer base, so by using multiple platforms, you're setting yourself up for success.
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Find Your Own Niche
In print on demand, it's easy to get caught up in following the latest trends and niches. This can be profitable for a time, but by focusing on low competition, high traffic niches, you'll be able to stand out and get consistent sales. Instead of trying to compete with others, spend time using research tools to find your own unique niches.
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The Importance of Product Photography
When it comes to selling products online, the quality of your product photography can make or break your sales. I wish I had known how important it was to invest in high-quality product photography and mockups from the start. Poor quality photos can make your products look cheap and unappealing to potential customers. This is key to your success and one of the main points of Episode 130: Top 2 Tips to Make Your Listing Stand on Etsy, Amazon or Shopify. It can be worth investing in a professional photographer or a high-quality camera and learning how to take great product photos yourself or at least the blanks so you're able to add your designs in a photo editing tool like Photoshop later.
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The Power of Social Media Marketing
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential customers and building a loyal fanbase for your business. I wish I had known how to effectively use social media to market my products from the start. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with potential customers and build a loyal following. This is much more difficult to do if you haven't niched down enough. You want a community built around a common interest or else it likely won't benefit you over time. However, creating a strong social media presence can help drive more traffic to your listings, increase brand awareness, and boost sales.
Conclusion
Starting a print on demand merch business can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can set yourself up for success. Invest in a research tool, spread out across multiple platforms, find your own unique niches, create some amazing products and share those with the world. By avoiding common mistakes, you can crush your Amazon Merch on Demand business this coming year and for years to come.
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