How to Promote Your Print-On-Demand Products on Social Media
So, you've designed an awesome product. You've uploaded it to your store. Now what? Getting your designs in front of the right people is the real challenge, and in today's world, that means getting good at social media.
If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry. This isn't about becoming a marketing guru or posting ten times a day. It's about being smart, authentic, and consistent. And with the right tool handling all the printing and shipping for you, you actually have the time to focus on the fun stuff—like building a community around your brand!
Let's break down how you can use social media to find your audience and turn them into happy customers.
First Things First: Before You Post Anything
A little bit of planning now will save you a ton of headaches later.
Really Know Your Audience
Who are you trying to sell to? And be specific. "People who like t-shirts" is way too broad. Think deeper: "Dog moms in their 30s who love 90s pop culture and drink iced coffee."
The more specific you are, the easier it is to figure out what jokes they'll find funny, what styles they like, and what they're looking for (like the perfect shirt for their next trip to the dog park).
Pick the Right Platforms (Seriously, You Don't Need All of Them)
Instead of trying to be everywhere, pick one or two spots where your ideal customer actually hangs out.
This is where your product's looks really matter. It's perfect for showing off great mockups and lifestyle photos of your apparel, tote bags, and phone cases. Reels are your best bet for reaching new people.
Think of this as a visual search engine. It's amazing for home decor like pillows and wall art because people are actively looking for things to buy. Your posts here can keep getting views for months.
TikTok
This is the place for personality and short, snappy videos. It's perfect for showing how you make your designs, jumping on a trend, or telling a story. A quick video of you styling one of your t-shirts can go a long way.
A great place to build a real community. Creating a Facebook Group for fans of your niche or running highly targeted ads can work wonders, especially for reaching a wider range of ages.
Okay, But What Should I Actually Post?
Your feed shouldn't feel like a constant sales pitch. You need to mix it up with content that's interesting and provides value.
Show Off Your Products in the Best Light
- Great Mockups: This is the bare minimum. Use clean, professional mockups that clearly show your designs on the product. Make sure to include different color options!
- Lifestyle Photos: This is your next level up. A mockup shows a product, but a lifestyle photo tells a story. Show someone laughing while wearing your shirt, or your custom pillow on a comfy-looking couch. This helps people imagine the product in their life.
Take People Behind the Scenes
People connect with people. Don't be afraid to show the human side of your brand! Share a quick time-lapse of your design process or talk about the funny story that inspired your latest collection. It builds trust and makes your brand more memorable.
If You Do One Thing, Make It Video
Video is, hands-down, the best way to get seen online right now. It doesn't have to be a big production.
- Use your phone: Film a quick clip showing off the soft texture of a sweatshirt or style one t-shirt three different ways.
- Hop on trends: Find a trending song or format on TikTok or Reels and put your own spin on it. It's one of the fastest ways to get discovered.
Let Your Customers Do the Talking (User-Generated Content)
When a customer posts a picture with your product, it's marketing gold. It's real-life proof that people love what you sell. Encourage customers to share by running a contest or offering a small discount on their next order if they post and tag you. Just remember to always ask for permission before you share their photo on your own page.
Making It Work: Your Game Plan
Posting great stuff is one thing; getting it to work for you is another.
Be Consistent
Try to find a posting schedule you can actually stick with. Three or four times a week is a fantastic start. Consistency keeps you fresh in your followers' minds and tells the social media algorithms that you're an active account worth showing to people.
Use Hashtags the Smart Way
Think of hashtags as keywords that help people find you. Use a mix of tags in every post.
- Broad: #printondemand #graphictee #homedecor
- Niche-Specific: #dachshundmom #spookyseason #booklovergift
- Community: #shopsmall #etsyseller #womeninbusiness
Talk With People, Not At Them
It's called social media for a reason! When someone comments, reply. Ask questions in your captions to get the conversation started. Spend a few minutes each day interacting with other accounts in your niche. A little bit of engagement goes a long way.
How Inkedjoy Helps You Get It Done
Now, all of this might sound like a full-time job. And it could be, if you also had to worry about printing, inventory, and shipping.
This is where having a partner like Inkedjoy changes the game. We handle all the technical stuff in the background, which frees you up to be the creative director of your brand. You can spend your time making fun TikTok and chatting with your followers instead of packing boxes.
With our easy-to-use mockup generator nad options for custom branding, we give you the tools you need to look professional and create an unboxing experience your customers will want to share.
It's Your Turn
Building a following on social media is a marathon, not a sprint. The most important thing is to be yourself, be consistent, and have a little fun with it. You've already made something amazing; now it's time to let the world see it.
Ready to create the products you'll be promoting? Explore the Inkedjoy catalog and start designing your next bestseller today!
