Free vs. Paid Printables: How To Choose the Right Option for You

What are Printables?

If you're new to printables, you might be wondering what they are. Printables are digital files that you can download and print at home or at a print shop. They can be anything from worksheets, cards, invitations, calendars, artwork, coloring books, meal planners, workbooks, checklists, and more.

Printables are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a convenient and affordable way to access high-quality designs and resources. They are often created by graphic designers, artists, and content creators who want to share their work with a wider audience.

One of the benefits of printables is that they are customizable. You can choose the size, color, and paper type that you want to use. Plus, you can print as many copies as you need. This makes them a great option for people who want to save money on expensive printed materials or who need something that can be easily updated or changed.

Printables can be either free or paid. Free printables are often used as a marketing tool to attract new customers or to build an email list. They can be found on blogs, social media, and other websites. Paid printables, on the other hand, are usually more detailed and comprehensive. They may include additional resources, such as video tutorials or worksheets, and are often sold on online marketplaces like Etsy or Gumroad.

Overall, printables are a versatile and useful resource that can help you save time, money, and effort. Whether you're looking for a new way to organize your life or just want to add some color to your home, printables are a great option to consider.

Free vs. Paid Printables

When it comes to printables, you have two options: free or paid. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your needs and budget before making a decision.

Free Printables

Free printables are a great option if you're on a tight budget. They're widely available on the internet, and you can find a variety of designs and formats to suit your needs. It's easy to find free printables for popular themes such as holidays, weddings, and parties.

But there are downsides to using free printables. First, the quality of free printables can vary widely. Some free printables may be poorly designed or low resolution, which can affect their appearance when printed. Second, free printables may not be as secure as paid printables. Some free printable websites may contain malware or viruses, which can harm your computer.

Paid Printables

Paid printables are a great option if you're looking for high-quality designs and formats. They are typically created by professional designers, so you can expect them to be well-designed and visually appealing.  Paid printables are often available in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPG, and PNG.

A major advantage of paid printables is that they are often more secure. Paid printable websites typically have security measures in place to protect your personal information and computer from malware and viruses.

The disadvantage is that paid printables are more expensive than free printables. If you're on a tight budget, you may need to consider whether the cost of paid printables is worth the investment.

Creating and Selling Printables

One of the most popular platforms for selling printables is Etsy. To get started, you create printables using pre-made templates, create printables from scratch, or hire an expert. Once you have your printables ready, you can open an Etsy store or list them on the store you already have.

When creating your listings, make sure to fill in all the relevant information, including pricing, descriptions, and mockups. Carefully choose your pricing strategy to ensure that you're making a profit while also remaining competitive in your niche.

To make your brand stand out, you can also use a variety of strategies, such as creating a unique design style, offering a wider range of products, or even collaborating with other sellers in your niche.

Platforms for Selling Printables

When it comes to selling printables, you have several options for platforms to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, including printables. It has a large customer base and can be a great platform for reaching a wider audience. However, keep in mind that there is a lot of competition on Etsy, so you'll need to put in some effort to stand out from the crowd.

Your Own Website

Selling printables on your own website gives you more control over the design and pricing of your products. You can also build your own brand and customer base. However, it can be more challenging to drive traffic to your website and build trust with potential customers.

Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to set up your own online store. It's a popular choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and it offers a range of features for selling digital products like printables. However, there is a monthly fee for using Shopify, and you'll need to put in some effort to drive traffic to your store.

Other Marketplaces

There are also a variety of other marketplaces where you can sell printables, such as Creative Market, Gumroad, and Society6. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so it's worth doing some research to find the one that's the best fit for your business.

Marketing Strategies for Printables

Once you have created your printables, it is time to promote them. Here are some marketing strategies that you can use to attract potential customers:

1. Social Media: Social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook are great places to promote your printables. Create visually attractive images that showcase your printables and share them on your social media accounts. Make sure to include a link to your online store or website where customers can purchase your printables.
2. Canva: Canva is a great tool to create images for your printables. You can use it to create attractive graphics and images that showcase your printables. Canva also has a large library of templates that you can use to create social media posts, blog graphics, and more.
3. Email Marketing: Email marketing is an effective way to promote your printables to your subscribers. Create a newsletter and send it out to your email subscribers. Make sure to include a link to your online store or website where customers can purchase your printables.
4. Personality: Make sure your printables have a unique personality that sets them apart from the competition. Add your own personal touch to your printables and make them stand out. Customers are more likely to purchase printables that have a unique personality.
5. Attractive Designs: Make sure your printables have attractive designs that are visually appealing. Use colors and fonts that are easy on the eyes and make your printables look professional. Customers are more likely to purchase printables that have an attractive design.

Printables for Different Industries

When it comes to selling printables, it's important to consider whether to target industries

Education

Printables are highly popular in the education industry. Teachers and students alike benefit from printables such as worksheets, lesson plans, and study guides. By creating high-quality printables that are aligned with the curriculum, you can help educators save time and improve student learning outcomes.

Professional Services

Professional services such as law firms, accounting firms, and consulting firms can use printables to provide value to their clients. For example, a law firm might offer printable legal forms or contracts, while an accounting firm might offer printable tax planning guides. By providing valuable resources in printable format, you can establish yourself as an authority in your industry and attract more clients.

A healthcare provider might offer printable health trackers or medication schedules, while a real estate agent might offer printable home-buying checklists. By creating printables that are relevant to an industry, you can attract more customers and establish yourself as an expert.