Are you looking to increase your brand's visibility, easily and cheaply?  On a quality platform that leaves buyers spoiled for choice when it comes to products? Welcome to my Ultimate Guide to Zazzle! In this post, I will provide you with all the information you need to know about Zazzle and how to access this popular online marketplace.

Introduction

Selling on Zazzle has been a game-changer for me in the e-commerce world. It's provided me with the opportunity to showcase my creative designs and earn income through online sales. 

Zazzle is a user-friendly platform that allows individuals to create and sell a wide range of customizable products, from T-shirts to a vast array of accessories and home decor items. The variety of merchandise offered is unbelievable!  You could literally spend days adding your designs, and only have scratched the surface of their offerings.

My advice? Don't sleep on Zazzle! You owe it to yourself to get your designs onto the platform and get more eyes on your products for sale. Especially before the holiday season-- long before it!

What is Zazzle?

A few of you have been asking me if I use this platform to sell, in addition to more the more mainstream ones like Etsy and Shopify. The answer is, “Yes!” As many in the e-com space will tell you, it pays to build up your online ‘real estate’. That being, the more platforms on which your products can be seen, the more that they can be sold. Simple, really. So, never stop at selling on just one platform.  Even two is better than one. As with so many things in life, it’s a numbers game. And you want to play to win!

Now, I understand that some of you may have never even heard of Zazzle. But, they've been around for quite awhile now. They just come in under the radar a bit in comparison to the other platforms that tend to steal the spotlight and advertise heavily-- like eBay, Shopify and Etsy. But, (pardon the grammar)-- there's gold in them Zazzle hills!

Zazzle is an innovative e-commerce platform that allows-- indeed attracts individuals, artists, and businesses to create, customize, and sell a wide range of products. A surprising number of items, actually.  And, they really do have it all– from customizable clothing and accessories to home decor and office supplies. It makes it easy to create something to appeal to everyone, if you have the patience and time to vary your designs and research niches. All you have to do is choose your designs, upload and apply them!  And Zazzle does the rest.

With all this going for it, it's no wonder that Zazzle has become a go-to destination for those seeking unique and customizable items.  In my own opinion, it surpasses Redbubble, which has fallen out of favour with sellers lately. See a snippet of my thoughts about that in this previous post. Anecdotally at least, it seems scores of sellers are leaving Redbubble. On balance, it must be said that some sellers continue to do okay on it-- most likely the ones on the most favorable selling 'tier', the hardest one to obtain.

Why is Zazzle popular?

One of the main reasons Zazzle is popular is because of, as I mentioned-- its ability to provide endless options for customization. Zazzle customers have the power to personalize products to suit their own style, tastes and needs. And, for you as a seller in the Zazzle Marketplace, the flip of this coin is that you can do that for your customers and serve them from your shop. Additionally, remember that not all orders will be customized ones, and a good, sharp design that speaks to an audience can go viral.  So, always be focused on building up your design portfolio-- don't rest on your laurels.  

It's an exciting time to be in the design world-- with the likes of Kittl and Midjourney helping your creativity along!

How to access zazzle.com

Accessing Zazzle is as easy as you might expect. Simply open your preferred web browser and enter "zazzle.com" in the address bar. Once you arrive at the Zazzle homepage, you can start exploring the site and its various categories. And, yes, it’s free! Signing up for a free Zazzle account will give you additional benefits, such as the ability to create your own store and designs and earn money through the Zazzle Marketplace. You'll soon come to appreciate how attractive this site is to visitors-- an aspect which is half the battle in the e-com success stakes.

Let's look a bit closer into everything Zazzle has to offer you, and by extension your customers.

Overview of Zazzle

As I mentioned, Zazzle is an online marketplace that offers a wide range of customizable products for everyday use or special occasions. We're talking birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, adoptions-- the list could go on. And that myriad of opportunities is part of what makes print on demand so exciting! So much of what we cater to is evergreen and always in demand.

Zazzle has its own artist community, as you will see. Now, I don’t consider myself an artist, but there are apps for that! My all-time favorite is Kittl, you should definitely check it out. It's a whole new level of inspiration! And fresh designs arrive regularly, which makes the small monthly fee a no-brainer.

In short, Zazzle is the perfect vehicle for you to serve your customer's wants and needs. You can't afford to overlook this resource and it should be in your 'store portfolio', if you ask me.

History of Zazzle

It's not the newbie on the block. Founded in 2005, Zazzle quickly became a popular destination for those looking for personalized products. It revolutionized the e-commerce industry by pioneering the concept of print-on-demand, allowing users to order individual, custom-designed items with ease. Over the years, Zazzle has expanded its product range and developed a strong community of designers, making it a go-to platform for both sellers and buyers.

I was kind of surprised to discover that Zazzle has been around for this long, because I don't recall ever seeing a TV or print ad about the platform. Or, maybe I wasn't properly tuned in before starting my own e-commerce business? A lot of roads materialize once you set your course in a subject. YouTube is definitely your friend, there is an overabundance of material on all things e-commerce. I'm sure a lot of you are already immersed in this, and it's a superb learning resource. 

Getting started on Zazzle

To begin selling on Zazzle, I first created an account and set up my store. Setting up my store involved choosing a name, designing a logo, and personalizing the storefront layout. This step was crucial as it helped to establish my brand identity and make my store more appealing to potential buyers. It pays to look organized and 'present', instead of being an afterthought or half-baked with those details missing. Think of it as though Zazzle is the mall, and your store is a unit within it.  You want (and need) to make your store shine to bring the visitors in, and branding is a key part of that. Make the customers remember your store's name amongst all the others that they might see.

As a seller, you can easily set up your own store within minutes and start uploading your designs. Zazzle then takes care of manufacturing, shipping, and customer service, allowing me to focus on creating more designs. In this sense, they're not unlike Printify or Printful or any other POD supplier and fulfilment centre. It is hands-off for you, the seller when it comes to stocking, storing and shipping merchandise.  The very best part of print on demand!

In all, Zazzle is a thriving online marketplace that connects designers and customers, offering a seamless platform for customization and creativity. When it comes to online marketplaces for custom-designed products, Zazzle has emerged as a top contender. Its popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors that sets it apart from other similar platforms, such as Redbubble that I mentioned.

See the video below for a brilliant introduction to the "getting started" part. There are some key things to do, but just follow the steps.

Range of products available

One of the main reasons for Zazzle's popularity is its extensive range of products. Whether you wish to buy or sell apparel, accessories, home decor, stationery, or even electronic gadgets, Zazzle give you those choices. This vast selection ensures that users can find unique and personalized items for every occasion or interest. From adorable baby onesies to elegant wedding invitations, Zazzle could be easily become your customers' one-stop shop.

Designing and listing Products

Once my store was set up, I started designing products using Zazzle's easy-to-use design tools. These tools allowed me to upload my own artwork, resize and position it on various products, and customize colors and text. After the design process was complete, I listed the products on my store, adding detailed descriptions and setting competitive prices.

Ease of use and user-friendly interface

Zazzle's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze for both novice and experienced designers to navigate the platform. The intuitive design tools and straightforward layout allow users to effortlessly customize products to their liking. Additionally, Zazzle provides helpful tutorials and customer support to assist users throughout the designing and purchasing process. This combination of user-friendliness and support makes Zazzle a go-to choice for those seeking a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

Customization options

Perhaps the most enticing aspect of Zazzle is its unparalleled customization options. Users have the freedom to add their own images, text, or artwork to any product available. Furthermore, Zazzle provides a range of tools and templates to make the designing process easy and hassle-free. This level of customization empowers individuals to unleash their creativity and create truly unique and personalized products.

Earning revenue

When it comes to revenue, Zazzle offers a competitive commission structure. I earn a percentage of each sale made through my shop, providing me with a steady stream of income. Furthermore, Zazzle handles all aspects of order fulfillment, including production, shipping, and customer service, which allows me to focus solely on creating and marketing my products.

Zazzle provides an excellent platform for selling your creations online. With its user-friendly interface, customization options, marketing tools, and revenue opportunities, Zazzle could become your go-to choice for e-commerce success. At the very least, you should have it in your stable of income streams.

Marketing and promotion

Zazzle understands the importance of marketing and promotion for sellers. Through various channels like social media integration, promotional campaigns, and affiliate programs, you can effectively reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your products. This enhances the chances of conversions and increases your earning potential.

There's no doubt that with a little dedication and creativity, selling on Zazzle can be a profitable venture. By following these steps, I have been able to grow my online business and connect with customers who appreciate my unique designs. So, if you're looking for a platform to showcase your creative products and reach a global audience, give Zazzle a try!

Let me know how you get on with it, I'd love to hear your experience.

To moving forward,

Dani x