How to start a greeting card business with Print on Demand: A 5-step guide

Pick a niche

Focusing on a niche market helps your greeting card business attract the right audience and reduce competition. Think about the themes and styles that excite you – funny birthday cards, minimalist holiday designs, or sarcastic messages.

Identify industry trends and review customer feedback on popular eCommerce platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay to pinpoint gaps in the market. Use Google Trends to analyze the popularity of different card themes and styles over time.

Do a competitor analysis

Understanding your competition gives you an edge. Look at popular greeting card companies and analyze their best-selling designs, pricing strategies, and customer reviews. What do they do well? What can be improved?

Use tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to analyze trending keywords and search demand. Social media hashtags can also reveal what’s gaining traction.

Then, study competitors’ social media presence – where they post, how often, and what type of content they share – to find opportunities to engage with potential customers more effectively.

Write down design ideas

Start brainstorming your designs by considering the styles, color schemes, and messaging that align with your target audience. Browse trending cards on Etsy or Pinterest for inspiration.

Sketch rough concepts or use digital tools like Procreate, Canva, or Adobe Illustrator to map out your ideas.

Create a simple business plan

Outline a game plan for your greeting card business – it doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should have the essentials:

• Business name and brand identity – Choose something that reflects your style and niche.
• Target market analysis – Who are your ideal customers? What kind of greeting cards will they love?
• Pricing and products – How much will you charge for your greeting cards, and how will you fulfill orders?
• Marketing plan – How will people find your cards? Social media? Local gift stores?

If you’re considering getting small business funding, adding a cash flow statement helps track money coming in and out, which is useful for loan applications.

Register your business

Apply for a business license to get benefits like legal protection or business insurance options. 

Check what’s required from a new business owner in your area – some companies operate as sole proprietorships, while others register as a limited liability company (LLC). You’ll also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Why register?

• Keep your own money separate – It makes bookkeeping easier.
• Tax advantages – You may qualify for deductions or small business tax breaks.
• Build trust – Potential customers and business partners take registered businesses more seriously.

Decide on sizes

Greeting cards come in different dimensions, and the best choice depends on your design and target audience. Some popular options include:

• A7 (5″ x 7″) – A classic choice with plenty of space for detailed artwork and messages.
• A6 (4.5″ x 6.25″) – Slightly smaller but roomy enough for creative designs.
• Square (5.25″ x 5.25″) – A modern option that stands out from traditional rectangular cards.
• Mini (2.5″ x 3.5″) – Perfect for short notes, gift tags, or minimalist designs.

Types of cards

The paper type and finish affect the look and feel of your greeting cards. Here are three main options:

• Matte – A smooth, non-shiny material that works well for text-heavy or artistic designs.
• Glossy – Adds a reflective finish, making colors pop and images stand out.
• Semi-gloss – A mix of both, offering a subtle sheen without overpowering the design.

Printing methods

Your custom greeting card printing method impacts the card’s quality, cost, and production time:

• Digital printing – Great for small batches, offering sharp colors and flexibility.
• Offset printing – Best for large orders, providing consistent, high-quality prints at a lower cost per unit.
• Foil stamping and embossing – Adds a luxury feel with metallic accents or raised textures.

Print on Demand services use high-quality digital printing, so you can sell professional-finish cards without investing in bulk production.

Hire professionals or buy designs

If you want an expert touch, outsourcing designs can save time and effort. Here are a few options:

• Hire a freelancer – Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork help you find skilled artists who can create custom greeting card designs based on your ideas.
• Buy pre-made designs – Websites like Creative Market and Envato Elements offer ready-made graphics, illustrations, and fonts that you can customize.

This approach is perfect if you want high-quality designs but don’t have the time or skills to create them from scratch.

Use design software or our Product Creator

If you prefer a hands-on approach, design software and online tools make it easy to create greeting cards. Check out these popular options:

• Adobe Illustrator – A powerful tool for professional-grade vector illustrations.
• Canva – A beginner-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features and greeting card templates.
• Printify’s Product Creator – A free, easy-to-use tool that lets you upload designs directly onto customizable greeting cards before selling them.

This approach offers creative control, letting you tweak your designs precisely to match your brand’s style.

Digitize your own art

If you’re an artist, turning your handmade drawings, paintings, or calligraphy into digital greeting cards gives them a one-of-a-kind, handmade charm. Here’s how:

• Scan your artwork – Use a high-resolution scanner to capture every detail.
• Edit using design software – Enhance colors, adjust contrast, and remove imperfections using Photoshop, GIMP, or other image-editing tools.
• Convert to print-ready files – Make your images high resolution (300 DPI) and format them correctly (PNG, JPEG, or PDF) for professional printing.

Whichever method you choose, focus on creating designs that resonate with your audience while maintaining a strong brand identity.

Decide where to sell

The right platform connects you with your ideal customers to maximize online sales. Here are your main options:

• Printify Pop-Up Store – A fast and hassle-free way to start selling with zero commission fees. No need to manage a separate website – just upload your designs and start processing orders.
• eCommerce platforms – Build your own online store using Shopify, Squarespace, or Wix. These give you more control over branding but require active marketing to drive traffic.
• Online marketplaces – Sell on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon to tap into a large, established audience. However, expect more competition and marketplace fees.
• Social commerce – Platforms like TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to sell directly to engaged followers.
• Open-source solutions – Use the Printify API to integrate with WooCommerce or PrestaShop for advanced tools to create custom storefronts.

Each option has its pros and cons, so choose based on your business goals, budget, and the time you can dedicate to store management.

Set up your listings

Your product listings will turn browsers into buyers, so making them stand out is important. 

With Printify, setting up and optimizing your greeting card listings is quick and easy.

Launch and market your cards

It’s time to get your greeting cards in front of the right audience. A mix of online and offline marketing strategies will help attract customers and grow your business.

• Social media marketing – Post regularly, use trending hashtags, and experiment with short-form videos to grab attention. Collaborate with influencers for giveaways, unboxing videos, or sponsored posts to increase your reach.
• Email campaigns – Use your website or social media to encourage sign-ups, then send newsletters featuring new designs, holiday promotions, and exclusive discounts. Automate and personalize your emails with tools like Mailchimp and Klaviyo.
• Content marketing –  Start a blog or share behind-the-scenes insights to build brand trust and attract customers organically. Writing about greeting card trends or customization ideas can position you as an expert in the industry.
• Paid ads – Platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads let you target specific demographics, making it easier to connect with people who are more likely to buy your cards.
• Sell in physical locations – Local craft fairs, boutique gift shops, and retail outlets can help introduce your brand to in-person shoppers. Partnering with local businesses is a great way to get your cards on store shelves.