How I Made $1K Selling Notebooks Online

With No Warehouse, No Staff, and No Idea What I Was Doing

Let me take you back.

One crisp morning, as the sun began to rise and cast a warm glow through my kitchen window, I found myself comfortably nestled in my favorite chair, sipping a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. The aroma of the rich beans filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that made the moment feel even more special. My gaze drifted down to a simple $7 notebook I had picked up from Target just a few days prior. It was nothing extravagant, just a plain, unadorned collection of blank pages bound together, waiting to be filled with thoughts, sketches, or dreams. Yet, as I stared at it, I was struck by a profound realization. I thought to myself, “If people are willing to drop $7 for a bunch of blank pages, I could do this in my sleep.”

In that moment, the idea of creating and selling notebooks seemed not only feasible but also exciting. However, I must admit that I did not actually sleep on the idea, nor did I take a leisurely approach to bringing it to life. Instead, I sprang into action with a fervor that I had not anticipated. I began to research the market, exploring various styles, sizes, and materials that could appeal to potential customers. I delved into the world of online sales, learning about platforms where I could showcase my creations without needing to invest in a physical inventory.

My marketing budget was smaller than a New York apartment kitchen, yet I was resourceful. I turned to social media, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase my products through eye-catching visuals and engaging content. I connected with potential customers by sharing my journey and the inspiration behind each notebook design, creating a narrative that resonated with my audience.

As the days turned into weeks, I was thrilled to see my efforts paying off. I began to receive orders, and before I knew it, I had made $1,000 selling notebooks online. The excitement of each sale was exhilarating, not just because of the financial gain, but because I had transformed a simple idea into a tangible product that people appreciated. My journey taught me that with the right mindset, creativity, and a willingness to take risks, it is possible to turn even the simplest concepts into successful ventures. This experience not only reinforced my belief in the power of entrepreneurship but also ignited a passion for creating and sharing that continues to fuel my endeavors today.

Step 1: I Created a Notebook… in My Pajamas

You know what I didn’t do? Spend six months obsessing over the perfect logo. Instead of getting caught up in the endless cycle of revisions and second-guessing my design choices, I hopped on Canva, a user-friendly graphic design platform that allows anyone to create stunning visuals with ease.

In just a few clicks, I crafted a cute cover that said something like “Boss Babe Brain Dump,” which perfectly encapsulated the essence of what I wanted to convey: empowerment, creativity, and a space for ideas to flourish. After finalizing the design, I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment, knowing that I had moved forward without being paralyzed by perfectionism.

With my cover ready, I then uploaded it to Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), a platform that simplifies the self-publishing process for authors and creators alike. They handle all the logistics of printing and shipping, which is a huge weight off my shoulders. All I had to do was upload my design, set a price, and watch as my creation became available to a global audience. It felt empowering to know that I could collect my coins like a modern-day paper pimp, all while sharing my vision with others who might find value in it.

Hot Tip: No one cares how fancy your notebook is they care if it makes them feel cute, productive, or like the main character.

Step 2: I Priced It Like a Businesswoman, Not a Hobbyist

When it comes to pricing products, many individuals often undervalue their work, setting prices that are too low due to fear and uncertainty about their worth in the market. However, I took a different approach. I confidently decided to price my notebooks starting at $9.99 and going up from there. You might wonder why I chose this particular price point. The answer is simple, a profit margin of just $2 is not sufficient to cover even the most basic expenses, let alone contribute to a sustainable business model. In fact, that amount wouldn't even be enough to buy a side of guacamole at your favorite restaurant!

To give you a clearer picture of my pricing strategy, let’s break it down further:

• Base print cost: $2.15

• My profit per sale: Ranges from $5 to $7, depending on the specific style of the notebook being sold.

Now, let’s do a little bit of math to illustrate the potential success of this pricing strategy. If my target is to make $1,000 in profit, we can calculate the number of notebooks I would need to sell by dividing that target by my average profit per sale. For instance, if we take an average profit of $6 per notebook, the calculation would look like this: $1,000 ÷ $6 = approximately 167 notebooks sold.

While this number may not seem astronomical, it represents a solid proof of concept that not only generates profit but also validates my business idea in the marketplace.

Furthermore, it’s essential to acknowledge the reality of financial obligations that come with running a business. Let’s be honest rent is a non-negotiable expense that must be paid every month.

Therefore, establishing a pricing strategy that reflects the true value of my work is critical not just for profitability, but also for ensuring that I can sustain my business in the long run. By pricing my products competitively and confidently, I set the stage for growth and success, rather than merely treating my venture as a hobby without the financial backing it needs to thrive.

Step 3: I Promoted It Like I Was on QVC (But Free)

I utilized what I fondly refer to as the holy trifecta of social media platforms to promote my brand and engage with my audience, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest. No paid advertisements were employed in this process. Instead, I focused on creating authentic content that resonated with my followers, emphasizing vibes and value over traditional marketing tactics.

Here’s a breakdown of the content I posted to capture attention and foster connection:

• First, I shared a “Day in the Life” video where I playfully pretended to pack fake orders. This was not only engaging but also allowed my audience to see the behind-the-scenes aspects of my work. I made sure to infuse humor and personality into the video, showcasing the joy and creativity that goes into my day-to-day operations. By doing this, I aimed to create a relatable image, allowing viewers to feel like they were part of my journey.

• Next, I posted customer review screenshots, showcasing genuine feedback from my clients. I included even the reviews from my mom, emphasizing that every bit of feedback counts, no matter the source. This approach not only added a personal touch but also built trust with potential customers. Seeing real testimonials from actual users can significantly influence purchasing decisions and foster a sense of community among followers.

• Additionally, I created timelapse videos of myself writing in a notebook while sipping on iced coffee, mimicking the aesthetics of a productivity influencer. This content was designed to inspire and motivate my audience, illustrating the creative process behind my products. The soothing visuals combined with the upbeat music created an inviting atmosphere, encouraging viewers to envision themselves in a similar productive mindset.

• 
  

Pro Tip: People don’t buy products they buy the feeling. It’s essential to sell the lifestyle, not just the paper.

Step 4: I Turned 1 Notebook into 5

Why stop at just one? I decided to take a leap and duplicated the same layout, infusing each new creation with a unique cover design and distinct vibe that reflects a different theme and purpose:

• “Get It Together, Girl” - This planner is designed to empower women to take charge of their lives, set goals, and create actionable plans to achieve them. With motivational quotes and structured layouts, it encourages users to embrace their potential and organize their thoughts.

• “Debt-Free Diary” - A financial planner aimed at those on a journey to financial freedom. It provides tools for tracking expenses, setting budgets, and planning debt repayment strategies. This diary is not just about numbers; it’s about fostering a mindset of abundance and financial responsibility.

• “Plotting My Comeback” - A creative journal for anyone looking to reinvent themselves or bounce back from setbacks. It includes prompts for self-reflection, vision boards, and space to outline steps toward personal and professional comebacks, making it a vital tool for motivation and resilience.

• “Mind Dump Mondays” - A weekly planner that encourages users to clear their minds and prioritize their tasks. With a focus on mental clarity and productivity, this planner helps individuals organize their thoughts and tackle the week ahead with confidence and focus.

Each of these products shares the same core structure and functionality, yet they each exude a different flair that resonates with various audiences. Welcome to passive income with personality, where creativity meets entrepreneurship, and where each product tells its own unique story while contributing to a broader vision of empowerment and self-improvement.

Real Talk: Here’s What Didn’t Work

• Waiting until it was “perfect.” (It never is.) - Perfection is an illusion, and striving for it can lead to paralysis by analysis. The reality is that no product will ever be flawless, and the best approach is to launch, learn, and iterate based on feedback.

• Asking my broke friends to buy it. (They love you but they ain't your target market.) - While support from friends is invaluable, relying on them as your primary customer base can be a mistake. It’s crucial to identify and engage with the actual target audience who will benefit from and invest in your products.

• Thinking it would sell itself. (If Beyoncé has to promote, so do you.) - Even the most incredible products require effective marketing strategies to reach potential customers. Building a brand and promoting it actively is essential; visibility and outreach are key components of success.

  
  

The Bottom Line

I didn’t have a warehouse. I didn’t go viral.I didn’t overthink it.

I picked a niche (sassy productivity), made a cute product, marketed it with heart and hustle, and let KDP do the heavy lifting.

So if you’re sitting there with $12 in your checking account, a Canva subscription, and dreams bigger than your fear welcome to the club.You’re one notebook away from changing your bank statement.

You don’t need permission. You need a product. You don’t need luck. You need a link.

Now get out there and sell those notebooks like your next rent payment depends on it because, let’s be honest… it probably does. 😉