Passive Income Scrambling

The main news about all types of online income is that, as the internet environment continues to change, there is a definite decline. That is why so many passive income entrepreneurs are scrambling. P.O.D. based businesses are not exempt.

What People Are Doing about Income Drop


The rise in paid memberships, webinars, online course has exploded as a result. These are all ways bloggers are  trying to make money and others (including Zazzlers) are trying to diversify their income streams.

Many complain of reduced incomes...whether P.O.D. or content farm writers such as Hubbers.

I noticed Zazzle really struggling, and they continue to tweak their program. My own struggles within their format is to find a niche for myself. I started a number of stores and have purchased license art resources. So the experiments continue.

So far, the Vintage store has risen to the level of the main store. But both have leveled off and can't seem to break through the ceiling in rank and are low in sales. Reading in the forums has not been as informative as usual, since almost everyone seems confused and scrambling.

I also noticed Zazzle's star platinum designer has started to give online courses for a very hefty price. To me, that is a sign that the web courses are the preferred direction for more than just bloggers.

Price Experiment

I tried a small experiment over the summer: I lowered my royalty to 8%. It was a bust. I had fewer sales, which may or may not be related. But that meant that the income for several months has been abysmal. I changed the royalty back to a better level.

The other thing I am trying is to design for better income:

  • utilizing vector based graphics and appealing trends
  •  design for products which have either greater volume or higher end
  • coordinating harmonizing designs 


Right now sales are mainly in small potatoes: postcards and tissue paper (usually selling only one or two each). Creating a desired look for items with greater return is the goal for this effort.

Marketplace Marketing

Collections seem to be the important vehicle for promoting products. SEO in tags may have some room fro improvement.

Most successful Zazzlers have blogs dedicated to displaying their work, and I have not exploited this avenue. Mainly because I know how much work a blog is, and have devoted my energies to building my garden writing blogs.

As I increase investing time and work ( and money for graphic programs and resources) in Zazzle, it will be necessary to find the best way to market the products, though.

For me, Facebook doesn't work well for this and Twitter seems even worse. Unfortunately for me, I haven't spent much time with Instagram, which is an important platform now.

Pinterest has changed quite a bit and people who sell have seemed to have some difficulties making it work for the (at least the vocal ones in forums). I personally don't pin as much anymore.

Some of my Collections





To Sum Up

I have to admit to still being in newbie stage on Zazzle. At least, I leveled up to Bronze Pro status. The next level, Silver is a long way ahead, yet.

I have many resources to work with, and am hoping this helps me create higher quality designs and more successful sales. 

One of the biggest challenges remains in marketing.

Have you seen an income drop over the last year? What is working for your store?

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