In the highly competitive world of print-on-demand (POD), a store must stand out from the rest; without compelling products, we risk falling behind the competition. One effective way is to use mockups as a differentiator, and this can make products look more realistic and interactive.
Mockups play a very important role in helping buyers have a smooth shopping experience and trust the brand we display. Here’s how to make mockups effective when used on print-on-demand platforms:
1. What is a mockup and why is it so important?
A mockup is a design tool that allows designers or store owners to visualize and represent their products in real life. Instead of showing boring flat images, mockups can add depth, realism, and context. For print-on-demand sellers, mockups provide several benefits:
Show a realistic preview: Buyers can visualize when they are about to buy an item, whose design we have attached to the product.
Increase conversion rates: From simple customer experience to visualizing the product, mockups build trust and drive purchasing decisions.
Save time and resources: You don’t have to create physical samples or even schedule a photo shoot to see the final product.
Improve brand presentation: Professional-looking images increase brand trust and credibility in the eyes of customers.
2. Tools to create stunning mockups
Even if you have no design experience, you can use a variety of tools quickly and easily.
Here are some popular platforms for creating mockups:
Placeit: This platform already provides many templates; you just need to prepare the design and upload your design, arrange the position, and finally download the mockup.
Canva: Despite its popularity as a graphic design tool, Canva also offers mockup templates for items like t-shirts and mugs. Adobe Photoshop: For those who already have design skills, you can use this software as a tool to use mockups; you can even create your own mockups.
Smartmockup: This platform integrates with Canva and allows you to create realistic 3D mockups of print-on-demand products.
MerciMockup: So many free mockups.
3. How to create mockups for print-on-demand products
Here are some effective steps to make your designs more appealing:
Choose the right product: First, make sure your product fits the design you have, such as a t-shirt, mug, phone case, and more.
Choose the right mockup style: Second, determine the context: will it be a flat lay, lifestyle, or studio-style photo? Lifestyle mockups add emotional appeal, while flat lays create a simple and clean impression.
Upload your design: Use the design tools we mentioned above and upload your design to the mockup, adjusting or arranging it to look perfect.
Adjust the background: If you are using a lifestyle mockup model, you should adjust the background to match your brand aesthetic. Placeit, for example, allows you to choose from a variety of scenes.
Export files in high resolution: Make sure to download your mockup in high resolution; this will ensure the quality of the product when displayed on print-on-demand products.
4. Best practices for using mockups on print-on-demand platforms
As store owners, of course, we want to make a profit. Here’s how to maximize mockups for your store:
Stay realistic: Too much editing or overdoing it will usually reduce the appearance of the product being displayed; avoid using filters that make the image look unrealistic.
Show multiple angles: From a person’s perspective when shopping, of course, they want to see the product from various directions; show your product mockups (front, back, side) so that buyers can see in detail.
Highlight design details: If your design is a complex image, be sure to create a close-up view of the mockup.
Use consistent branding: If you have a brand, be sure to have consistent branding in terms of background, color, and consistent style to create a cohesive look.
Test different styles: Make sure you survey mockups in different styles; some like a cleaner and minimalist style, while others like lifestyle shots.
Just choose which one can generate more sales.
5. Where to use mockups?
Mockups can increase your sales and brand visibility; here’s where you can use them:
Product listings: Put your products in the product listings on the print-on-demand store you sell. There are several platforms, such as Etsy, RedBubble, and Shopify.
Social media posts: Make your social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, use mockups so that the homepage looks more attractive when viewed by buyers.
Marketing materials: When you create ads, banners, and email newsletters, use mockups so that buyers are interested when they see them and lead to your store traffic.
Portfolio or website: Use mockups to make your portfolio or website more appealing so clients will buy or believe.
Mockups that can showcase your designs professionally, attractively, and realistically can be an advantage for your business in print on demand. By following this guide, you can attract customers and encourage them to buy our products; mockups are useful when we don’t need to make physical products or even take pictures.
