How to Sell Journals on Etsy : A Complete Guide (2025)

Creating journals to sell on Etsy can be a simple and rewarding venture. It takes craft, care, and a clear plan. Here’s how to sell Journals on Etsy:

Find Your Niche

Start by knowing what kind of journal you want to make. Look around Etsy and see what’s selling. Travel journals, gratitude journals, art journals, and planners—each type has its own crowd. Pick something that excites you. If you love self-care, make a wellness journal. If you like to draw, make a sketch journal. Choose a niche that you’ll enjoy.

Pro-tip: Try offering printables like planners and digital downloads to reach similar audiences. They’re top sellers on Etsy and can provide passive income. Check out our blog for tips on selling printables!

Choose Your Materials Carefully

Materials make the journal. A good journal feels solid and looks inviting.

• Covers: Leather, faux leather, or hard covers give a premium feel. Cardstock is fine for a lighter, simple look.
• Paper: Pick paper that matches the journal’s purpose. Art journals need thick paper that handles ink and paint. Regular journals might use lined or blank paper.
• Binding: Spiral binding lies flat, which people like. Saddle-stitching and perfect binding are also good options.
• Extras: Small touches, like elastic closures, bookmarks, or pockets, make a journal stand out.

Design It Right – Design is what sets your journal apart

• Cover: The cover matters most. Make it appealing. Use colors and images that reflect your journal’s theme. Programs like Canva or Illustrator work well for creating cover art. A cover with watercolor, quotes, or abstract patterns can make an impact.
• Pages Inside: Decide if pages will be blank, lined, or dotted. For guided journals, you might add prompts or trackers for the reader to fill in.
• Themes and Layouts: For planners or goal journals, make a layout that’s easy to follow. Add sections for notes, reflections, or schedules.

Printing and Binding

After designing, you need to produce the journal. Here are a few options:

• Print at Home: If you’re starting small, a home printer can work. Get good paper, bind the journals yourself, and you’re all set.
• Local Print Shops: For a more professional look, go to a local print shop. They can bind, emboss, or add foil if you want a high-end finish.
• Print-on-Demand: Services like Printful or Blurb print and ship for you. You lose some control over quality, but there’s less risk and less cost upfront.

Pricing Your Journal

Price is crucial. Know your costs for materials, printing, and shipping. Then, research similar journals on Etsy. If your journal has premium features, you can charge more. Otherwise, aim for a fair price that covers costs and gives you a good profit.

Build a Strong Brand

Good branding makes you memorable. Keep your brand style clear and simple.

• Aesthetic: Pick colors, fonts, and a logo that fit your style. Whether it’s minimal or bold, keep it consistent.
• Product Photography: Take sharp, bright photos of your journals. Natural light is best. Show different angles so customers see what they’re buying.
• Packaging: Make your packaging special. Add a thank-you note or use custom tissue paper. A good package makes people remember you.

List Your Journal on Etsy

The way you list your journal affects sales.

• Title: Be clear. Use words buyers might search for, like “Travel Journal” or “Bullet Planner.”
• Description: Describe your journal well. Explain the materials, size, and any unique features. Tell people what makes it useful or special.
• Tags: Use keywords to make it easier for customers to find you. Include words about the journal’s style and purpose.
• Shipping: Be upfront about shipping times and costs. Offering free shipping is a nice touch, and you can build it into your price.

Promote Your Journal

Promoting your work can bring in more buyers. Here are ways to do it:

• Social Media: Show off your journals on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok. Share pictures, process videos, or tips about journaling.
• Etsy Ads: Etsy offers ads that help more people see your listing. Set a daily budget and try it out.

• Influencer Marketing: Team up with people who already have followers interested in journals or stationery. A feature from them can give you a big boost.
• Email List: If you have a website, gather emails. Send news, updates, or special offers. This keeps customers coming back.

Keep Your Customers Happy

Etsy buyers rely on good reviews, so customer service matters. Here’s how to keep them satisfied:

• Encourage Reviews: After a sale, send a friendly note asking for a review.
• Customize When You Can: Adding personalization options, like a custom name on the cover, makes customers feel valued.
• Listen to Feedback: If customers leave feedback, pay attention. If there’s a pattern, make changes to improve your product.
• Expand Your Line: Once your journals are selling well, think about new products. Try adding items like planner stickers, bookmarks, or pen holders. These extras can lead to more sales from the same customers.

Final Thoughts

Selling journals on Etsy takes a good eye for detail, a steady hand, and a clear vision. Keep your process simple, put care into every detail, and listen to what your customers want. A great journal is more than just pages—it’s a small work of art that others will love to use.