As the year enters its final stretch, it’s time to refocus, simplify, and strengthen what truly works in print-on-demand. The 4th quarter is usually the busiest and most profitable time of the year — but it can also be the most overwhelming if you don’t have a clear strategy.
I’m sharing my 4th Quarter game plan — what I’ll personally be doing (and what you might consider doing, too) — to make the most of the season without burnout.
1. Use Only One Blog
This one is big for me.
I’ve decided to keep just one blog — the one you’re reading right now — where I share my print-on-demand experiences, lessons learned, and personal reflections.
Why? Because maintaining multiple blogs drains my creativity. Writing out of obligation feels forced and uninspired.
So from now on, all my content — business updates, design ideas, and personal stories — will live here. One space. One voice. One message.
2. Stop My Redbubble Shop
I’ve made the decision to close or pause my Redbubble shop. It’s been my lowest income-generating platform and honestly, it hasn’t been promoting my products much.
If a platform isn’t helping me grow — either through visibility, analytics, or audience — then it’s time to redirect that energy somewhere else.
Less clutter, more focus.
3. One Social Media Only (Pinterest)
Instead of spreading myself thin across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more, I’ll now focus on Pinterest as my only social media platform.
Pinterest brings consistent, long-term traffic to my print-on-demand products, especially for Christian-themed gifts and apparel.
The other platforms weren’t adding income or growth, so I’ll pause them for now.
Focus = results.
4. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords for SEO
If you’ve seen my top-performing products, you’ll notice I use 2–3 word keywords like “Christian coffee quote” or “faith over fear shirt.”
Long-tail keywords may have smaller search volume, but they’re far less competitive and more specific to buyer intent — meaning higher chances of getting found and making a sale.
This quarter, I’ll double down on long-tail SEO strategy for all my new uploads.
5. Create 10–20 Design Ideas per Research (in Batches)
One of my biggest lessons this year:
Doing keyword research but only creating 5 designs from it is a waste of time.
So for each research session, I’ll now produce 10–20 related designs — spread across t-shirts, cards, and rubber stamps.
Here’s my weekly target:
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7 t-shirt designs
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7 rubber stamps
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7 invitations
That’s up to 21 new products a week, all based on well-researched and purposeful ideas.
Because while I can’t control income, I can control how many quality, targeted products I create.
6. Niche Down
If there’s one secret to getting consistent sales, it’s niching down.
The more specific you are — whether it’s “Christian women gifts,” “faith + coffee designs,” or “Bible verse wall art” — the easier it is for the right buyers to find you.
This quarter, I’m going deeper into my faith-based niche, not wider.
7. Get Keywords from Google (Not Just POD Platforms)
Instead of relying solely on keyword tools from Zazzle or TeePublic, I’ll be researching directly on Google Search and Google Trends.
That way, I can see what real people are searching for, not just what other sellers are uploading.
Plus, this protects my SEO strategy in case any POD platform changes its search algorithm or stops promoting my work.
8. Focus on Evergreen Designs
Seasonal designs are great, but they sell only for a few weeks.
Evergreen designs, on the other hand, can sell all year long — even during holidays.
Think inspirational quotes, faith-based messages, gratitude themes, or coffee humor.
They’re relevant every month, every season.
9. Do Not Exceed 10 Designs Per Day
Platforms like TeePublic may limit visibility if you upload too many products at once.
To stay safe and maintain quality, I’ll keep my uploads to no more than 10 designs per day.
Slow, steady, and consistent wins the game.
10 Do Not Repeat or Iterate Designs
TeePublic in particular discourages uploading multiple listings of the same design with only tiny or superficial changes — like different font colors or minor spacing adjustments.
Instead, focus on creating unique designs that offer fresh value.
For example, instead of “Blessed and Highly Caffeinated” in 5 colors, make a new one that says “Fueled by Coffee and Faith.”
Final Thoughts
This 4th Quarter, my motto is:
Simplify, focus, and create intentionally.
No more spreading myself thin across too many platforms, blogs, or social channels.
I’ll pour my energy into what truly matters — designing with purpose, marketing with strategy, and growing at a sustainable pace.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your print-on-demand journey, maybe this is your sign to simplify too.
Because sometimes, doing less — but doing it better — is exactly what leads to more.
Support my Small Design Businesses:
TeePublic: http://bit.ly/45Kmk97
Zazzle: http://bit.ly/3UQbIiJ