Selling print-on-demand (POD) products on Etsy and Amazon can be crazy profitable—but only if your designs connect with buyers. And the most important part of any design? The phrase.
People don’t just buy mugs, t-shirts, or tumblers. They buy what the message makes them feel. If your phrase makes them laugh, feel nostalgic, or imagine gifting it to a friend, they’re way more likely to buy.
But here’s the challenge: How do you come up with phrases that actually sell?
If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen, wondering what to write, this guide is for you. Below are five simple, proven ways to create bestselling phrases for your POD business.
Let’s dive in!
1. Use Everyday Language (Talk Like Your Buyer)
A common mistake new POD sellers make? Overcomplicating their phrases.
Buyers aren’t looking for fancy, complicated words. They want relatable, everyday expressions that feel like something they’d say in real life.
Think about it—when was the last time you heard someone say:
? “I am a caffeinated female individual who enjoys hot beverages.”
Never.
But you have heard:
? “Just a girl who loves coffee”
That’s because simple, conversational phrases are easier to read, understand, and relate to.
What Works?
Here are a few bestselling examples:
- Funny & Relatable: “Dog hair is my glitter” (Perfect for pet lovers!)
- Straightforward & Honest: “Tired as a mother”
- Super Simple: “World’s Okayest Dad” (Funny gifts always do well!)
What to Do?
- Listen to how your audience talks. Read product reviews, Facebook comments, or TikTok posts.
- Make it sound like a text message. If you wouldn’t say it in a casual convo, rewrite it.
- Keep it short and clear. If it takes more than a few seconds to read, it’s too long.
2. Tap Into Strong Emotions
Emotion sells. Always.
When people feel a strong emotion, they’re much more likely to buy. That’s why funny, heartwarming, sassy, and sentimental phrases sell like crazy on Etsy and Amazon.
Why This Works?
Shoppers want gifts that create a reaction. They want their friend to laugh, their partner to feel loved, or their coworker to say, “OMG, that’s so me!”
Here are a few bestselling examples:
- Funny: “I’m not arguing, I’m just explaining why I’m right.”
- Sentimental: “You are enough” (A simple but powerful message for self-care gifts.)
- Sassy: “Fueled by coffee and chaos” (Perfect for busy moms or entrepreneurs.)
What to Do?
- Decide what feeling you want to create. Do you want people to laugh? Feel inspired? Get nostalgic?
- Test different emotions. Some buyers love sarcasm, while others love heartfelt messages.
- Keep it personal. The best phrases feel like inside jokes or words of encouragement.
3. Get Inspired by Trends (Without Copying!)
Trends change fast—and if you know how to spot them, you can make sales before everyone else jumps on board.
When something is trending, people are already searching for it. That means less guesswork and more ready-to-buy customers.
How to Find Trending Phrases?
Etsy & Amazon Autocomplete: Start typing a phrase (like “funny mom mug”) and see what pops up. Those suggestions are what people are actually searching for!
Bestseller Lists: Browse the “bestsellers” section on Etsy and Amazon to see what types of phrases are already selling well.
TikTok & Instagram: Social media drives trends. If you see people joking about something or using a catchphrase a lot, it could be a great POD idea.
Example:
A while back, “Emotional Support Water Bottle” was a trending phrase on TikTok. Smart POD sellers jumped on the trend by creating:
Emotional Support Tumbler (for coffee mugs)
Emotional Support Hoodie (for cozy apparel)
This is a perfect example of taking a trend and making it your own.
What to Do?
- Watch what’s trending, but don’t copy. Put your own spin on it.
- Move fast! Trends fade, so jump in before the market is oversaturated.
- Check what people are searching for. Use Etsy and Amazon’s autocomplete tool for phrase inspiration.
4. Keep It Short & Snappy
Shorter phrases = easier to read = more sales.
Why? Because people skim when they shop. If your phrase is too long, they’ll move on.
What Works?
The sweet spot for phrase length: 2 to 6 words
10 words max (Anything longer feels too much like a paragraph.)
Big, bold, and easy to read
Here are a few bestselling examples:
- Chaos Coordinator (For busy moms or teachers.)
- Plant Lady (Minimalist and easy to understand.)
- Dog Mom AF (Trendy and funny.)
What to Do?
- Cut unnecessary words. If your phrase is long, ask yourself: How can I make this shorter?
- Think about readability. If it takes effort to read, buyers won’t bother.
- Use clear, bold fonts. A short phrase in a messy font won’t sell.
5. Make It Personalizable
Personalized products sell like crazy on Etsy and Amazon. If a shopper can add a name, date, or custom message, they’re way more likely to buy.
People love gifts that feel special and unique. They also love products that make them feel seen.
What Works?
Name-based Phrases: “This Belongs to [Name]” (Great for kids’ gifts!)
Custom Year Designs: “Est. 1993” or “Class of 2025”
Fill-in-the-Blank Style: “Best [Title] Ever” (Best Dad Ever, Best Nurse Ever, Best Coach Ever)
What to Do?
- Offer name customization. Etsy’s personalization feature makes this super easy.
- Create variations of a best-selling phrase. (Example: If “Best Dad Ever” sells well, try “Best Grandpa Ever” and “Best Dog Dad Ever.”)
- Highlight that it’s custom! Shoppers LOVE knowing they can make it unique.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Create Phrases That Sell?
Selling POD products isn’t just about what’s on the item—it’s about how the message makes people feel.
To recap:
Use everyday language (Make it sound natural and relatable.)
Tap into emotions (Funny, sentimental, or sassy = winners.)
Watch trends (Find inspiration from social media and search engines.)
Keep it short (2-6 words is ideal!)
Make it personalizable (Custom gifts sell like crazy.)
Now it’s your turn! Which of these tips will you try first?
If you haven’t started, go to www.LowHangingSystem.com to learn how to create a POD store today.
