If you sell print-on-demand (POD) items on Etsy, using mockups is one of the easiest ways to present your products. Mockups help potential customers to visualize the final product in a real-world context, enhancing your listings’ appeal and boosting sales.
It is always best to purchase samples of your products and create real images for your POD listing photos. (If you need tips on creating your own product photos, check out Professional Product Photographer Kristina Nicole’s YouTube Channel). However, this is not always an alternative for some shops. Therefore, when utilizing mockups instead, it’s important to use them correctly.
Summary (TLDR)
- Mockups are allowed on Etsy
- Mockups must accurately represent your product
- Select mockups with the following qualities:
- High-quality images
- Multiple angles and views
- Lifestyle mockups for context
- Brand consistent
- Simple and not cluttered images
- Where to find mockups:
- Print-on-demand (POD) print provider
- Etsy
- Canva
- PlaceIt
- Google search
- Avoid AI created mockups
- eRank has POD specific trend data
Are Mockups Allowed on Etsy?
Recently, some uncertainty about whether or not mockups were allowed when selling in the Etsy marketplace has existed. However, clarification was made that mockups are allowed, but it was suggested to use the mockups from your POD print provider whenever possible to ensure accuracy of the finished product.
In addition, some questions still remain for customized and personalized POD products. The only clear information about these items is that filler text cannot be used for the thumbnail photo, meaning the item cannot display “Name Here” or “Your Text Here” or the like. Instead, the thumbnail photo, which is your first listing photo, must display an accurate representation of a finished product which includes actual representative text displayed on the product instead of the filler text.
What are Some Tips for Using Mockups?
Now that the uncertainty about using mockups on Etsy is cleared up, the question still remains how to utilize them effectively. The most important factor to remember is that the mockup must be an accurate depiction of the finished product. You must ensure that the mockup is the same brand, style, size, color, etc as what the customer receives.
For example, a t-shirt is not just a t-shirt. There are many different brands and styles that are all made differently and look differently when worn. If you are not sure if a mockup is exactly the same as the product you sell, then it is best not to use it.
Below are some additional points to consider when selecting your mockup images.
Choose high-quality mockups
The quality of your mockups directly impacts how your product is perceived. Choose high-resolution mockups with clean, crisp images that accurately showcase your design. Blurry, pixelated, or poorly lit mockups make your products look unprofessional and deter potential buyers. Invest in high-quality mockups that reflect the true nature of your product such as those with realistic textures, lighting, and shadows.
Showcase multiple angles and views
To give customers a complete understanding of your product, use multiple mockups to showcase different angles and views. For example, if you sell a t-shirt, provide mockups of the front, back, and side views, especially if these areas include designs. Additionally, include close-up images to highlight important details, like stitching or fabric texture. This approach gives buyers confidence in the quality and design of your product, reducing the likelihood of returns or negative reviews.
Use lifestyle mockups for context
Lifestyle mockups are a fantastic way to help potential customers visualize how they might use or wear your product. Instead of just showing a flat, isolated image of a t-shirt or mug, consider using mockups that depict your item in a real-life setting. For instance, a t-shirt worn by a person walking in a park, or a mug placed on a cozy breakfast table. This contextual presentation adds emotional appeal and makes your listing more relatable and engaging. However, it is best not to use lifestyle mockups for your thumbnail (first) image.
Maintain brand consistency
Your mockups should be consistent with your brand’s overall style and aesthetic. If your brand has a minimalist vibe, choose mockups that are clean and simple. If your brand is more colorful and eclectic, go for vibrant, dynamic mockups that reflect that energy. Consistency in your mockups helps to build a recognizable brand image, making your shop more memorable and trustworthy to customers.
Accurately represent your product
Ensure that your mockups accurately represent the final product that customers receive. This includes the color, size, and placement of your designs. Misleading mockups result in unhappy customers, negative reviews, and returns. Use mockups that are true to scale and avoid editing your designs in a way that misrepresents how they appear on the actual item.
When placing your design on the product, be careful that the design is in the exact same placement as the actual product. If the item is tilted, for example, tilt the design to match. For more ideas of placing your designs on mockups, check out Starla Moore’s recent YouTube video about creating mockups.
Keep your mockups simple
While it might be tempting to add multiple props or backgrounds to your mockups, simplicity is usually more effective. A cluttered image distracts from the main product, making it harder for customers to focus on what you sell. Use a clean background that highlights your product, and only add elements that enhance rather than overwhelm the image. This is extremely important for your thumbnail (first) image. It should be easily obvious to shoppers what product is being sold.
Use for seasonal or themed promotions
Mockups are an excellent tool for seasonal or themed promotions. For instance, if you sell holiday-themed products, use mockups that feature relevant props or backgrounds, like a Christmas tree or festive decorations. This creates a sense of urgency and relevance, encouraging customers to purchase your items for specific occasions.
Test different mockups
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of mockups to see which ones resonate most with your audience. Track which mockups lead to the highest conversion rates or engagement levels. Over time, you’ll identify the styles and formats that work best for your products and target customers.
Where Can You Find Mockups?
Now that you better understand what type of mockups to utilize, where do you find them? There are many options for mockups—some listed below—but it is recommended that you use mockups that you are 100% confident correctly depicts the product that you sell. In addition, look at what other competitors are using for their mockups of the same product and avoid using the same popular mockups. This way you will stand out and blend in!
Download from print provider
The most obvious place to find mockup options is your POD print provider. For example, Printify recently expanded their mockup offerings by adding a Mockup Library to their application. This means more options of accurate mockups for you to download and use as is or customize by adding your own backgrounds. The benefit to using mockups from your POD print provider is that the image is correctly displayed on the image, increasing the accuracy of the mockup.
Shop on Etsy
Another great place to look for mockups is on the Etsy platform itself. Within the marketplace, search for your specific product preceded or followed by “mockup.” Numerous shops exist that focus on mockups specifically and have a variety of different options of styles, colors, and backgrounds. One thing to watch, however, is whether or not the mockups are images of real people wearing real products or if the mockup image was created with AI. Mockup images created with AI often do not accurately represent the product and the product colors.
Search for other sites
Many other mockups options exist. A quick search on Google provides several options. Additional ones that are popular with Etsy sellers are Canva and PlaceIt. Again, it is important that the mockup correctly represents your final product.
Using the t-shirt example again, if you sell Bella Canvas t-shirts, then you should not use a mockup for a Gildan t-shirt. The same is true within the same brand. If you sell Bella Canvas 3001 t-shirts, you do not want to use a mockup for a Bella Canvas 3413. They are two completely different t-shirts with regards to fit and production.
If you need ideas for creating mockups on Canva, Printify’s video 5 Canva Mockups Secrets You Need to Know About is a good resource.
Find Out More about POD
Using mockups effectively is a crucial part of marketing your POD items on Etsy. By choosing high-quality, realistic, and brand-consistent mockups, you make your products more appealing, build customer trust, and ultimately drive more sales. Remember to keep it simple, accurate, and aligned with your brand’s aesthetic and don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the mockup style that works best for your shop.
Did you know that eRank has trend data specifically for POD products? Check out the blog article 7 Steps to Selling on Etsy with Printify’s Print on Demand for more information.
