How to Sell Prints Online for Best Results (2023 Guide)

by Rebekah Pierce

Updated

In this day and age, there are plenty of ways to sell your prints online. You can use websites like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, or you can set up your own website or blog. 

But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know exactly how to sell prints online. 

If you’re an artist or reseller wanting to sell prints online, you’ll want to read this guide to selling art prints online. Keep reading to learn more!

Figure Out What You’re Going to Sell 

If you’re an artist or photographer looking to sell prints online, the first step is to figure out what you’re going to sell to make money with art skills.

Are you going to sell prints of your original artwork, or are you going to sell prints of your photographs? 

The options are truly endless but you do need to narrow things down to figure out what you’re passionate about. It’s also a good idea to do some research to help you figure out what will sell best. 

If you’re selling prints of your original artwork, you’ll need to decide on the size and type of paper you want to use. 

If you’re selling prints of your photographs, you’ll need to decide whether you want to offer standard sizes or allow customers to select custom sizes. 

types-of-prints-to-sell-online

Some good options of prints to sell online include:

  • Abstract Prints – These are a popular option, offering a unique take on familiar subjects.
  • Portrait Prints – People love to display images of their loved ones (or famous people).
  • Landscape Prints – These can add a touch of beauty to any room.

Offer Quality Prints and Reasonable Prices

Whatever type of print you choose to sell, make sure that you’re offering high-quality products that your customers will be happy to display in their homes.

You can even sell printable wall art on Etsy! Just do some research to get an idea of what’s out there, is selling on Etsy worth it, and where you might fit into the market. 

Also, consider the price point you want to target. Lower-priced prints will be more affordable for buyers, but higher-priced prints will yield a higher profit margin. 

Finally, think about the size and format of the prints you want to sell.

Smaller prints can be shipped easily, are less likely to be damaged in transit, and there are even cheap ways to ship internationally, but larger prints will make a bigger impact and may be more expensive to frame. 

frame-outside

Trend on the Rise

Interest in wall art has nearly doubled in the last ten years or so, with more people selling this type of art online than ever before. A big benefit of it is that it allows you to offer countless designs without having to stock tons of inventory.

Create Your Online Store 

Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to sell, the next step is to set up an online store. There are a number of different platforms you can use, such as Shopify, Etsy, and a slew of other sites to sell items.

These platforms allow you to create a shop and list your artwork for sale. They also handle payment processing and shipping, which can be a big advantage if you’re just starting out. 

Etsy is an online marketplace that allows creative businesses to sell their wares to a global audience. 

When it comes to selling prints, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using Etsy as your platform.

selling-prints-on-etsy-pros-and-cons

Another option is to create your own website using a platform like WordPress or Squarespace, and then you can include some of these easy items to resell

This will give you more control over the look and feel of your site, but you’ll need to handle all the details yourself, including setting up payment processing and shipping. 

Whichever option you choose, make sure to take some time to promote your store and build up a following before you launch. 

Tactic for Success

One for selling prints on Etsy is to partner with a printer who offers fulfillment services. When an order is placed, the printer will take care of printing, packaging, and shipping the print to the customer’s door. This can be a great time-saver for busy Etsy sellers, and it can ensure that prints arrive in perfect condition

Choose a Printer

When you are selling prints online, it is important to choose a printer company that will be able to produce high quality products that meet your customer’s expectations. 

There are a few things you should keep in mind when making your decision. 

First, you need to consider the type of paper that the company uses. The type of paper can affect the color and clarity of the print, so you want to make sure that you choose a company that uses high quality paper. 

Tactic for Success

Make sure the company has experience printing the type of products you sell. They should also be able to produce high-quality prints that meet your standards. Not all companies specialize in all types of prints so it’s important to read reviews from other customers before making your decision.

You also need to take into account the turnaround time. You want to make sure that the company can print your orders quickly and efficiently so that your customers are not left waiting. 

Finally, you need to consider the cost of the prints. You want to make sure that you are getting a good value for your money. 

A few of the best printers to consider include:

  • Printful Company – A great option for prints on other materials, like wood or canvas.
  • Sellfy Printing – Specializes in high-quality prints with archival-grade inks. 
  • Gooten Prints – Offers a range of print sizes and finishes.
  • Redbubble Printing – Includes block printing and mounted prints. 
  • Fine Art America – Even offers framing and matting options. 

Trend on the Rise

There has been a rising trend of selling prints online. This is due to a number of factors, including the ease of setting up an online shop and the ability to reach a global audience. Additionally, selling prints online offers artists a more direct way to sell their work, without having to go through traditional galleries or middlemen.

Find Ways to Market Your Art

wall-art-for-sale

When it comes to marketing your art, selling prints online can be a great way to reach a wider audience. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind in order to make the most of this opportunity. 

First, it’s important to choose the right platform for selling your prints. 

There are a number of different options available, so do some research to find one that best suits your needs. 

Once you’ve found a suitable platform, take some time to create a professional-looking profile and gallery. This will help potential buyers to take you and your work seriously. 

And finally, don’t be afraid to promote your work through social media and other channels.

Here are two more ways to market and promote your art:

Apply for Exhibitions and Pop-Ups

While selling prints online is a great way to reach a wide audience, it’s also important to consider other marketing strategies to help generate interest in your work. 

One option is to apply for exhibitions and pop-ups at local galleries or venues. 

This can be a great way to get your work in front of potential buyers who might not otherwise see it online. 

Participating in exhibitions and pop-ups also allows you to interact directly with potential customers, which can help build interest and rapport. 

In addition, exhibiting your work in a physical space can add a level of legitimacy and professionalism that can be helpful in boosting sales. 

If you’re interested in exploring this option, there are a variety of resources available online that can help you find exhibition and pop-up opportunities in your area.

Work With Galleries

If you are an artist who sells prints online, it can be helpful to forge relationships with galleries. 

Galleries can provide a ready market for your work, and they can also help to promote your brand and reach new audiences.

By partnering with a gallery, you can reach a wider range of potential customers and tap into new revenue streams. In addition, working with a gallery can help to validate your work and give it more exposure.

Package and Ship the Art

Congratulations on selling your prints online! Here are a few tips on how to properly package and ship them so that they arrive safely at their destination. 

First, choose a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the print. Then, insert foam board or bubble wrap on all sides of the print to protect it from damage. 

Next, wrapping the print in tissue paper will help to prevent it from getting scratched. 

Finally, seal the box with packing tape and label it with the shipping address.

By following these steps, you can be confident that your prints will arrive safely at their new home.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking to start selling prints online, or are curious about the best ways to go about it, we hope this guide has been helpful. 

We’ve outlined some of the most important things to keep in mind when setting up your print shop and marketing your products – good luck!

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Rebekah is a writer who covers all things education, business, agriculture, and finance. She owns a small farm business in upstate New York. Her educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in English from St. Lawrence University and a master's in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

About the Author

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Rebekah is a writer who covers all things education, business, agriculture, and finance. She owns a small farm business in upstate New York. Her educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in English from St. Lawrence University and a master's in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh.