Listen up Zazzlepreneurs!!
I've been noticing a curious trend with the sales of my invitations that are being sold mainly as 'digital downloads'.
And after doing a little bit more research I made a curious discovery! One that YOU and I can use to create a whole new marketplace on Zazzle in that 'everso hard nut to crack' niche of all niches, invitations!!
I am so excited to share this with you that I can barely type!
Those of you on my FREE Zazzle Elevate Course have already had access to that Bumper Bonus list of events that go on forever (some of which are very fringe) have been surprised at just how MANY events there were for which an invitation could be sent. It goes far beyond birthdays, weddings, Bar Mitzvah's and so on. Far beyond!
Well here's the thing ....
Traditionally, people would have these 'fringe' events that were considered too casual for formal invitations and let their guests know via word of mouth or 'text, email' etc. They wouldn't go to the trouble of getting invitations printed.
And this is where Digital Downloads and eVites have changed the landscape in this regard because they are:
Minimal Cost
Minimal time spent editing
Instant Access
Look loads better than a 'text'
Set the scene for a great event!
Hence now people are saying "hey, this looks better than a regular text' let's send this instead! It adds that extra pizazz to their event. So even a family BBQ could generate an 'eVite'!
Now bear in mind we are not talking here about people swapping a $200 paper invite spend for a $10 eVite, no ... that's not it. This is about a bunch of $10 sales that never would have existed in any format if it were not for the practicality of the digital download!
Now for those who do not have access to my giant list of 'events' then get on it quick if you're interested in invitations, because there are a ton of events NOT being covered by mainstream designers that are just waiting for YOU to hop onboard with!
To tap into this emerging market further, Zazzlepreneurs can consider the following steps:
IMPORTANT!
1. Design ALL Invitations so they display perfectly on a mobile phone. This means all text centered! No text off to the side where it might be cut off. Keep wording to the bare necessities! Think most about Visual Appeal. This is replacing their standard text so you could even just add those details they would include in the text!
2. Diversify Your Digital Invitation Designs
Expand your collection of digital invitation designs to cater to different types of events. Consider creating templates specifically tailored to casual gatherings, themed parties, seasonal events, and more. Diversifying your offerings will attract a broader range of customers.
3. Explore Popular eVite Niches
To get a better understanding of the types of events that are particularly popular for digital invites, it's a good idea to research platforms that have been doing eVites for a long time! BUT even they might not be covering those casual events I spoke of so don't rely on those too much!
Focus on niches that have a growing demand for eVites. While the trends may vary, some perennial favorites are likely to include Halloween and Easter, as well as Christmas events.
4. Personalization and Customization
This should go without saying but ensure you have customization options to allow hosts to personalize their digital invites with event details, photos, and special messages. The ability to tailor the invitation to the event's theme and style will be a significant selling point.
5. Market Your Digital Invitation Services
Promote your digital invitation services through your Zazzle store and on social media. Highlight the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of eVites.
UPDATE: TITLES AND TAGS
Remember to ADD that this is a 'DIGITAL DOWNLOAD INVITATION' in your title and tags!
8x4 Save the Dates/Holiday Cards is a great size for mobile phone view invitations ( our member Karsten, see comments, has a great example of this). If you are not using an actual 'invitation' card for this design adding the word 'INVITATION' in your title will ensure Zazzle does not automate the addition of the words 'save the date' at the end of your title. Thank you Karsten for your valuable observations regarding this.
Great idea! Can we make ONLY digital invitations, or do we have to set it to physical also?
I am not really sure how this works. Do I design the invitation then let people know that it can be downloaded to their phone, then do they save and send to their invitees? Hope that this doesn't sound too dumb!
As I stated in my first comment "I like this idea" so I've made three so far. I probably added too much detail and will minimize designs going forward BUT, I made cover photos for each one focusing on the phone in hand insitu. We'll see what happens. 😎
Hi Leah,
I found a format for digital invitations that looks great on my cell phone. It's an 8x4 save the date card. Here is an example: https://www.zazzle.com/rustic_gold_baubles_digital_christmas_invitation-256282618907033416
How do you think zazzle categorizes the invitation since it is a save the date card from the "Weddings" category that I used as a digital Christmas invitation.
I ask because I don't want to waste time if zazze invitation is placed in a category where it is not seen for what it is. Or does Zazzle's default category not matter if the caption and keywords refer to a different topic.
Hi Leah,
I already have a lot of digital sales. This is a great addition to the printed invitations. The evite is often ordered in addition to the printed invites. But I haven't yet found a suitable format specifically for evites. There is always a black bar at the top and bottom of the cell phone display and the 4x9.25 format is too narrow. Do you have a format that suits this better?