Thinking about starting your own online store without managing inventory or shipping? Print-on-demand (POD) with WooCommerce and Printify might be the perfect combo for you. It’s low-risk, easy to manage, and perfect for creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to sell custom products.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to start your own POD store using WooCommerce and Printify — even if you’re brand new to ecommerce.
What You Need to Get Started:
- A domain name & website hosting (like SiteGround or Bluehost)
- WordPress installed
- WooCommerce plugin (free)
- A free Printify account
- Your product designs (or ideas!)
- A little time and creativity
Step 1: Set Up Your WordPress Website
- Buy a domain + hosting – Pick a name for your store and sign up with a hosting provider. SiteGround, Bluehost, and Hostinger are beginner-friendly options. ( I use Namecheap.com) I pay $8 a month for Steller hoasting and $21 a year for my domain, abbyjuli.com
- Install WordPress – Most hosting providers offer 1-click installs.
- Pick a theme – Use a clean, mobile-friendly WooCommerce theme (like Astra, Kadence, or Divi if you’re going premium). (I use Blocksy)
- Customize your branding – Add your logo, brand colors, and a homepage layout.
Step 2: Install WooCommerce
- In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for WooCommerce and click Install and then Activate.
- Follow the setup wizard:
- Add your store info
- Choose your currency
- Set up shipping and tax (don’t worry — Printify handles most of the fulfillment)
Step 3: Connect Your Store to Printify
- Go to Printify.com and create a free account.
- In your Printify dashboard, click Manage Stores > Add New Store > WooCommerce.
- Authorize Printify to connect to your WooCommerce store.
- Now your store and Printify are synced!
Step 4: Create Your First Product
- In Printify, click Catalog and choose a product (e.g., t-shirt, mug, hoodie).
- Upload your design or use the mockup generator.
- Choose a print provider based on location, pricing, and reviews.
- Set your pricing and publish the product to your WooCommerce store.
Step 5: Customize Your Storefront
- Add product categories (e.g., apparel, accessories)
- Write engaging product descriptions
- Set up your homepage and menu
- Add legal pages: Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Refund Policy
Step 6: Test Your Store
- Do a test order (Printify offers sample discounts)
- Make sure checkout, shipping, and emails all work smoothly
Step 7: Launch + Promote!
- Announce your store on social media
- Create an email list (Mailerlite or ConvertKit are great for beginners) or social media… I love Threads
- Consider offering a launch discount to attract your first few customers
Final Thoughts
Starting a WooCommerce and Printify POD store is one of the best ways to launch an online business without a huge upfront investment. It gives you creative freedom, full control of your website, and access to a wide range of high-quality products.
Just remember — success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep testing, learning, and showing up for your brand.
Got questions about setting up your POD store? Drop them in the comments or reach out — I’m always happy to help!
