Why Low-Cost Printables Are the Smartest Gateway Product for New Creative Entrepreneurs

Starting an online business can feel overwhelming — especially when you dream of building a full-fledged shop with dozens of products, marketing systems, and a loyal audience. But here’s a secret: you don’t have to start big to make a big impact.

Low-cost printables are one of the smartest, easiest, and least risky ways to begin your creative business journey. They act as the perfect gateway product — a gentle introduction to your brand for new customers that builds trust and momentum while earning you income from day one.

Let’s explore why this strategy works so well and how you can use it to launch your own creative side hustle.

1. Low-Cost Printables Lower the Barrier to Entry

One of the biggest obstacles for new customers is the fear of spending money on a brand they don’t know yet.

A low-priced printable (think $2–$7) removes that fear. It feels like a tiny commitment — small enough that buyers don’t hesitate, yet valuable enough to show off your style and quality.

Tip: Choose something small, useful, and instantly gratifying like gift tags, wall art, planner inserts, or party decorations.

 2. They Build Trust Through Quick Wins

Low-cost printables are fast to download and easy to use — which means customers experience an immediate win.

This instant gratification builds trust. They see your quality, love your design style, and will feel confident buying from you again (especially your higher-priced products or memberships).

Think of it like this: A customer who loves your $3 printable is far more likely to purchase your $27 bundle later.

... and start selling! It's all free!

3. They Grow Your Audience and Email List

Because they’re affordable, low-cost printables tend to sell in higher volumes — bringing more customers through your shop.

And if you pair them with an opt-in freebie (like a mini printable from the same set), you can collect email addresses and start building your most valuable business asset: your list of loyal fans.

With every small purchase, you’re planting seeds for long-term relationships.

4. They’re Fast and Simple to Create

Unlike complex courses or big product bundles, low-cost printables can be created quickly and with minimal overhead.

This makes them ideal when you’re just getting started or want to test new ideas. You can create a mini product in a weekend, launch it, and start earning right away — building momentum and confidence as you go.

Bonus: You can later bundle several of these mini products into larger, higher-priced offers.

5. They Provide Evergreen Passive Income

Once created, your low-cost printable can continue to sell for years.

They don’t require inventory, shipping, or constant upkeep — meaning you can earn passive income while focusing on creating new designs or marketing your shop.

Over time, a library of small printables can become a consistent revenue stream that grows with each new release.

6. They Work Perfectly as a Funnel to Bigger Offers

Think of low-cost printables as the first step in your customer journey.

Once someone buys one, you can:

• Offer them a discount on a larger bundle
• Invite them to join your membership (like my Pepper Printable Club)
• Upsell matching products, templates, or clipart sets

This creates a natural sales funnel that starts with something easy and low-risk, then leads to higher-value purchases as trust builds.

Your Action Plan

If you’re dreaming of starting your own creative business, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to launch a giant product line.

Instead, start small — create one beautiful low-cost printable and release it into the world. You’ll gain:

• Experience selling digital products
• Early income and momentum
• Your first real customers

Those tiny first steps will add up to something big — and before you know it, you’ll have a thriving shop, a loyal audience, and the freedom to design the life you want.

Oh, and don't forget: You can actually add these printable into your Etsy Shop. Again, low-cost printables will encourage new customers to "try you out" - even if you have no audience yet, no reviews and a few to no customers.

Low-cost printables are more than just small products — they’re powerful stepping stones. They give you a safe, sustainable way to build trust, test ideas, and create income as you grow your creative brand.

So, start simple. Start small. Start today.
And watch your side hustle blossom into a thriving business.

Need help? Join me in the Safari Lounge and don't forget to join the Library so you get free printables and free workshops to start designing right away!