Day 17: Organic sales!

Celebrating Firsts: That First Organic Sale Feeling

Starting an online store takes everything you’ve got—years of design skills, a crash course in SEO, and a whole lot of faith. And then, it happened. My very first organic sale from Google. Yes, I totally did a happy dance! This wasn’t just a sale; it was someone out there in the vast internet wilderness stumbling upon my work, connecting with it, and deciding to bring it home. And the best part? I had no idea who this person was. A complete stranger decided my product was worth it. That feeling? Absolutely surreal.

Before the Launch: From a Big Idea to 50,000+ SKUs

Getting to launch wasn’t simple. It was, frankly, epic. The journey started with what I love most: creating artwork. I got so carried away that I ended up with 102 different dog designs (I eventually had to make myself stop). Then came the next step: finding just the right products to showcase each design. I chose high-quality options with OEKO-certified materials whenever possible—only the best for you.

But with so many graphics, I needed a faster way to bring this vision to life. Enter PrintNextGen, my automation sidekick. Each design spun off into several products with color and size variations. The end result? Over 50,000 SKUs. Yes, that’s a lot. But every single one is a chance for someone to see their favorite four-legged friend reflected in a product that speaks to them.

All that metadata work paid off, too. Every tweak and tag made these products easier for Google (and people) to find. Bringing me back to that first sale—a tangible reminder that all the behind-the-scenes effort is worth it.

Structuring a Shop That’s Easy to Love

With thousands of products, organization is everything. So I’m focused on creating a user experience that makes finding what you love as easy as possible. The main categories are straightforward—Clothing, Accessories, Home, and Collections. But with so many designs, my mega menu for dog breeds is a bit too mega right now. I’m planning to create a dedicated landing page with collapsible panels, so you can easily find your favorite breed without scrolling forever.

The goal? A shop that feels like it’s made for you, with simple, joyful navigation that makes browsing a breeze.

Evergreen Designs: Why Print on Demand Is a Game-Changer

One of my favorite things about print-on-demand is its evergreen nature. The products don’t age out or go out of season. Each design is as fresh and available a year from now as it is today. I love knowing that something I create now could still be loved, purchased, and appreciated years down the line. No inventory pressure or seasonal worries—just products that are ready whenever people want them.

Toying with Drops: The Future of My Shop

Print-on-demand has been incredible for launching this many designs, but I keep thinking about the magic of limited-edition drops. Something about that “available only for a short time” feels special. Right now, my audience is growing steadily, so drops are an idea for the future. But who knows? This might be the next exciting step for creating that unique, time-sensitive buzz.

What’s Next: Cats, Holidays, and Collections Close to the Heart

Here’s the part I really love: creating new collections. My next launches? Cats, holiday 2024 designs, city-inspired pieces, pet names, and even a little philosophy. Designing new collections is the heart of what I do—it’s the part where I get to dream up something new, something meaningful. And honestly, it’s just plain fun.