The Best Reasons to Sell Print-on-Demand Merch on Etsy
Learn why Etsy is the best platform to sell your print-on-demand merch. Tap into a huge buyer base and use built-in marketing to grow your brand.
You can reach millions of potential buyers for your print-on-demand merch on Etsy. Shoppers turn to Etsy for unique, handcrafted products, like merch.
Etsy has a buyer base that loves creative, niche products. That means no more struggling to find your audience - they’re already there.
And with built-in marketing power, Etsy gives print-on-demand sellers an unmatched advantage.
Let’s break down the top reasons why Etsy is the ultimate marketplace for your print-on-demand merch.
Etsy: A Go-To Destination For Personalized Products
Etsy is more than a traditional marketplace, it’s a bustling ecosystem where creativity meets commerce. Millions of sellers around the world use Etsy to reach their unique audience, including artists, designers and crafters.
With an unlimited selection of unique products, Etsy caters to people of all niches and interests.
Define Your Niche
If you want to succeed and stand out on Etsy, you need a niche. Find an area of interest that you’re passionate about, like gaming, pickle ball, tarot card reading, you name it.
This will make it easier for people to relate to your merch and ultimately increase sales. It takes the guess work out of designs and product selection. Zero in on your audience with print-on-demand merch you know they’ll love.
If you need help finding a niche, here’s a list of 12 profitable print-on-demand niches for 2025.
Capitalize on Trends
Etsy provides a platform where sellers can quickly adapt to emerging trends and cater to hyper-specific interests. And print-on-demand makes that even easier.
With print-on-demand, you don’t have to worry about ordering a bunch of products, printing on them and losing out on money.
If a design doesn’t sell in a week or two, simply swap it out for something new. You have the freedom to experiment with trends and find out works best for your merch line.
Your Audience is Waiting
Nearly 90 million buyers shopped Etsy in 2024. This gices sellers an opportunity connect with a global audience that appreciates authenticity and individuality.
By offering niche products that speak to specific interests, sellers can tap into a market of enthusiastic buyers eager to discover and purchase items that reflect their passions. Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your unique creations to people waiting to buy them.
Setting Up Your Merch Store with Spreadconnect
Level up your merch game by partnering with Spreadconnect. We’re a free merch plug-in that brings seamless integration to your fingertips.
With Spreadconnect, you can effortlessly connect your store to major platforms like Squarespace, Shopify, TikTok Shop and Etsy. This expands your reach to a broader audience and maximizes your sales potential.
Key Benefits of Spreadconnect
Fast Order Fulfillment: We understand the importance of speed in the e-commerce world. All orders are printed within 48 hours to ensure customer satisfaction.
Effortless Product Creation: Say goodbye to complex product setups. Spreadconnect simplifies the product creation process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – branding and design.
In-House Management: From printing to shipping, we handle everything internally. This ensures quality control and reliability at every step of the process.
Competitive Pricing: Our great prices mean you can pocket greater margins while delivering value to your customers.
Why Etsy is Ideal for Your Spreadconnect Merch
With Etsy's established reputation, you can build immediate trust with customers. People may feel more secure going to a trusted domain rather than an unfamilar website.
Leverage Etsy's powerful reach to connect with a passionate audience eager to discover and support independent creators like you.
With Spreadconnect, setting up your merch store has never been easier or more rewarding. Tap into multiple platforms, experience streamlined operations, and enjoy the benefits of selling in trusted marketplaces like Etsy.
How to Connect Spreadconnect to Etsy and Start Selling
This step-by-step guide will walk you through connecting your Spreadconnect account to Etsy. Learn how to create your first product and publish it successfully to Etsy.
Connect Spreadconnect to Etsy
Navigate to the Integration Section
In your Spreadconnect account, go to The Connect Integration section (left-side menu).
Scroll down and find the Etsy integration option.
Click Connect on the right.
Log into Your Etsy Account
If you already have an Etsy account, simply log in.
If not, create a new Etsy account - it’s quick and easy!
Grant Access to Spreadconnect
Allow Spreadconnect to access your Etsy account so it can manage orders.
This step ensures seamless order syncing.
Verify the Connection
- Once connected, you’ll see a green confirmation message in your Spreadconnect dashboard.
Creating Your First Product
Select Etsy as Your Sales Channel
In your Spreadconnect dashboard, choose Etsy as your platform.
Click Add Product to start the process.
Upload Your Design
Select the product you want to sell.
Upload your design and adjust the print area as needed.
Add Product Details
Give your product a name and description - make it creative and descriptive to attract buyers.
Choose a product category to ensure the correct shipping costs are applied.
Set Up Shipping
Choose between:
Spreadconnect’s automatic shipping calculator
Custom shipping profiles set up directly in Etsy
Finalize Your Product
Set pricing, including shipping costs.
Choose available colors, sizes, and mockups.
Click Complete to add the product to your Etsy listings.
Publish Your Product on Etsy
Review Your Listing
Before going live, click View on Etsy to review and make any final edits.
Note: Etsy charges a small listing fee when you publish a product.
Make Updates Through Spreadconnect
- Any changes to orders should be made directly in Spreadconnect to keep everything synced.
Optimize Your Etsy Listings
- Etsy offers helpful videos and articles on improving product visibility—check them out!
Now you’re ready to start selling.
Built-in SEO: Optimize Your Product Listings
Etsy offers built-in SEO capabilities that help boost visibility, drive traffic, and increase sales. By strategically using keywords, optimizing product descriptions, and leveraging Etsy’s search algorithm, you can make sure your merch gets seen by the right audience.
Use High-Impact Keywords in Your Titles & Descriptions
Etsy’s search algorithm prioritizes relevant keywords, so be strategic!
Example: Selling a custom t-shirt?
Instead of naming your product "Funny Cat Shirt," go for:
"Funny Cat Lover T-Shirt – Cute Gift for Cat Owners, Pet-Themed Tee"
Why? This title includes multiple search terms buyers might use, increasing discoverability.
Example: Selling a tote bag?
Instead of "Everyday Tote Bag," try:
✔ "Aesthetic Canvas Tote Bag – Trendy Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag for Daily Use"
Why? Descriptive phrases attract a broader audience and match more search queries.
Write Detailed, Engaging Product Descriptions
Start with an attention-grabbing first line (Etsy shows only the first few words in search results).
Clearly describe the product, material, size, and use cases.
Include keywords naturally to improve search ranking.
- Example: Selling a personalized hoodie?
"Wrap yourself in comfort with this cozy, ultra-soft custom hoodie. Perfect for layering, this premium cotton blend sweatshirt makes a great gift for holidays or as a treat to yourself! Available in multiple colors and sizes. Personalize with a custom name or design for a unique touch."
Why? This description:
Highlights key features (comfort, ultra-soft, premium cotton blend).
Uses buyer-friendly phrases like "Perfect for layering in cooler weather."Incorporates SEO-rich terms: "custom hoodie," "personalized sweatshirt," "gift for birthdays."
Take Inspo From Trending Products and Styles
If you’re still at a loss when it comes to designs for your merch, take a look at the best-sellers or top trends on the Etsy marketplace.
Here are a few trends we’re seeing…
Bold Designs on Oversized Products
This season, oversized tees and sweatshirts are making a statement with various graphic options that capture attention and express individuality. Embrace vibrant colors, eye-catching patterns, and artistic prints to elevate your style and stand out from the crowd.
Personalized Favorites
As we approach major holidays like Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, personalized gifting options are becoming increasingly popular. Show your loved ones how much you care by customizing tees and sweatshirts with their favorite designs or personal messages.
Personalized gifts, like a memorable photo, a meaningful quote, or a unique graphic, show thoughtfulness. They are sure to make a lasting impression.
Different “Cores”
There are plenty of relevant “core” trends in fashion that you can translate into your merch line. Fisherman core is all about nautical elements like lobsters, fish, sailboats. It’s a cutesy take on a classic vibe.
We’re also seeing a lot of trending food-themed designs. Think olives, tomatoes, pastries - delectable little treats. These look great on different products, like tote bags and as stickers.
Start selling your print-on-demand merch on Etsy with Spreadconnect!