If you’re in the print-on-demand (POD) business or selling custom products on Etsy, you know how competitive it can be.

But did you know there are powerful tools and strategies you can use to uncover hidden opportunities that others might be overlooking?

In today’s article, I’ll guide you through some game-changing tips inspired by a recent deep dive into Etsy product research, focusing on finding those golden, overlooked niches.

Let’s jump right in!

1. Start with High-Interest Niches

The first step in maximizing your success on Etsy is to identify niches that are currently generating high interest.

Recently, one niche that has been dominating the scene is related to Kamala Harris, driven by recent political events.

However, simply jumping on the bandwagon isn’t enough — you need to dig deeper into sub-niches where competition might be lower, but interest is still strong.

Tip: Use tools like Google Trends to spot emerging interests within a broader niche. This gives you a head start before everyone else catches on.

2. Leverage Powerful Tools like EverBee

To really get the edge, you need data, and that’s where tools like EverBee come in. This Chrome extension allows you to analyze Etsy search results based on sales volume, giving you insights into what’s actually selling.

For example, after searching for “Kamala Harris” on Etsy, you can use EverBee’s product analytics to identify top-selling products and potential sub-niches.

Here’s a quick rundown on how to use it:

• Install EverBee: It’s a Chrome extension that integrates directly with Etsy.
• Search for Your Niche: Enter a broad keyword like “Kamala Harris” and let EverBee analyze the search results.
• Sort by Sales Volume: This helps you identify which products are selling the most, providing insights into what’s hot.

Tip: Don’t just focus on the top sellers. Look for products that are selling well but might not be as saturated — this is where you can carve out your own space.

For example, this listing seems interesting, with A LOT of sales in that shop:

Here’s the listing:

You can see that it’s a nice listing, currently in 20+ baskets. Very very cheap though, but they’re using some tricks.

Look what happens if I select a color and a size:

It’s a small trick that sellers can use, I dive deeper into it in my ‘Getting Started with Etsy” articles.

3. Explore Under-the-Radar Product Types

During my research, I discovered something interesting — yard signs in the Kamala Harris niche were among the top sellers.

That’s right — yard signs.

Small plates you can put in your backyard.

Crazy, right? It’s a reminder that sometimes the most profitable products are the ones you least expect.

Tip: Think beyond the obvious. Explore different product types like yard signs, stickers, or even custom candles. These items might have less competition but can still be in high demand.

And yes, you can create these products via partners like e.g. Printify or Printful.

4. Use Keyword Research to Find Hidden Gems

Another powerful feature of EverBee is its keyword research tool.

By entering a seed keyword like “Kamala Harris,” you can uncover related keywords that people are searching for.

This is incredibly valuable because it helps you optimize your product listings for search terms that might not be as competitive, but still have significant search volume.

Here’s how to do it:

• Navigate to the Keyword Research Tool: Enter your seed keyword.
• Analyze Related Keywords: Look for keywords with high search volume but lower competition.
• Optimize Your Listings: Use these keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags to increase visibility.

Tip: Don’t just focus on the obvious keywords. Look for variations or long-tail keywords (like “Madam President Kamala Harris”) that could bring in targeted traffic with less competition.

5. Stay Ahead with Data-Driven Decisions

Finally, the key to staying ahead in the POD game is to make data-driven decisions.

With these research tools, you can constantly monitor trends, sales data, and keyword performance to refine your strategy. This approach not only helps you find overlooked opportunities but also ensures you’re always adapting to market changes.

Tip: Regularly check your analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. This will help you make informed decisions about where to focus your efforts next.

Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity

The world of print-on-demand is full of opportunities, but to succeed, you need to be strategic.

By leveraging powerful tools like EverBee or PODCS and focusing on overlooked niches and product types, you can carve out a profitable space for yourself on Etsy.

Remember, success isn’t just about following trends — it’s about finding your own path within those trends.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on how to boost your print-on-demand business. Let’s get out there and find those hidden gems!