The Platforms and Resources I’ve Used for My Print-on-Demand Journey

Choosing the right platform

Picking the right platform is easier than most people make it. The best platform is the one that fits your time, budget, and skills.

Shopify — easy setup, full control

Shopify is perfect if you want a ready-made system for selling online. It’s easy to use, integrates with Printify and Gelato, and handles payments and orders on your behalf.

Why it works:

• Beginner-friendly dashboard
• Templates and marketing tools
• Works with most print-on-demand suppliers

WooCommerce + IONOS — flexible hosting

I used WooCommerce when I wanted more control. My site is hosted with IONOS, which is affordable and beginner-friendly.

Why I recommend it:

• You own your website completely
• Works well with Printify and Gelato
• IONOS has easy WordPress installation, SSL, and support

Etsy — quick entry with built-in audience

Etsy works if you want traffic without building a website. It connects to Printify and Gelato easily and is ideal for testing products.

Why it’s good:

• Millions of buyers are already on the platform
• Fast to set up and list products
• Fees are small compared to the exposure

Design tools that make everything easier

I use Canva for all designs — it’s fast, simple, and professional.

Other helpful tools:

• SmartMockups for realistic product photos
• Kittl for text-heavy designs
• Creative Fabrica for fonts and licensed graphics

My experience in short

Even though I don’t run my store anymore, these tools worked for me, and they still help anyone starting. Whether you want to sell products online or just create a professional site for your ideas, these platforms and tools make the process simple and manageable.

Final advice

Start small. Choose one platform that suits you, design a few products, and see what works. Use tools like Canva for design, IONOS for hosting, and Printify or Gelato for printing and shipping. Test, learn, and grow at your own pace.

MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION:

If you want to start your own print-on-demand business, these are the tools that made it simple for me and can help you do the same:

• IONOS – A reliable and affordable hosting platform for your website. It works perfectly with WordPress and WooCommerce, plus it’s beginner-friendly with strong support when you need it. Click here to start.

• Printify – A trusted print-on-demand platform that connects you to global suppliers. You can create and sell custom products like shirts, mugs, and wall art without worrying about stock or shipping. Click here to learn more.

• Gelato – Another quality print-on-demand service known for fast delivery and beautiful product finishes. Their worldwide network makes it easier to sell internationally. Click here to explore.

• Canva – The tool I use for all my product designs. It’s simple, creative, and perfect for beginners who want to design professional-quality graphics without complicated software. 

These are the same tools I used when I started, and I’d still choose them today. You don’t need a big setup—just the right tools and a bit of consistency.