If you’re looking to start a small printing business, now is the perfect time. With growing demand for custom products and accessible digital printing technology, creative entrepreneurs can turn passion into profit. From custom t-shirts and mugs to signs and promotional merchandise, there’s a huge market waiting to be served.
But to truly stand out in this competitive industry, one strategic move can give you an edge: adding embroidery digitizing services to your offerings.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to start your printing business step by step, and how embroidery digitizing can take it to the next level.
What Is a Printing Business?
A printing business creates custom products by applying designs to items like clothing, posters, giftware, and signage. Many successful entrepreneurs start with apparel printing, then branch out into other products or services.
Steps to Start a Small Printing Business
1. Choose Your Niche Wisely
Your niche determines your equipment, pricing, and customer base. Common options include:
T-shirt and apparel printing
Business branding and promotional items
Custom mugs, bags, or stationery
Choose a market where you can offer unique designs or faster service than competitors.
2. Invest in the Right Equipment
Depending on your niche, you may need:
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printer
Heat press machine
Sublimation or vinyl printing tools
Research carefully and start with reliable, entry-level options to manage your budget.
3. Build an Online Presence
Today’s customers search online first. Set up:
A professional website with clear product categories and sample images
Active Facebook and Instagram profiles to showcase your work
Easy contact and order forms to streamline sales
4. Market Locally and Online
Use targeted social media ads, join Facebook groups, or attend local events. Consider email campaigns to stay connected with past customers.
Why Add Embroidery Digitizing to Your Printing Business?
If you’re serious about growing after you start a small printing business, embroidery digitizing is a smart upgrade. It adds a premium option for clients looking for long-lasting, professional-quality products.
What Is Embroidery Digitizing?
Embroidery digitizing converts logos or artwork into stitch-ready files for embroidery machines. These files guide the needle on where to stitch, how fast, and which thread colors to use.
Without this step, custom embroidery isn’t possible.
Benefits of Offering Embroidery Digitizing Services
1. Expand Product Personalization
Add custom logos to polos, monograms to towels, or names to workwear—perfect for businesses, schools, sports teams, and more.
2. Boost Your Profit Margins
Embroidered items are perceived as more valuable, letting you charge more—especially for bulk or corporate orders.
3. Stand Out from Competitors
Many print shops offer only standard printing. By offering embroidery, you position yourself as a full-service provider.
4. Offer Long-Lasting Products
Printed items may fade with time, but embroidery lasts through heavy use and frequent washing—ideal for uniforms and branded gear.
How to Add Embroidery Digitizing to Your Print Business
1. Get the Right Tools
You’ll need:
A commercial embroidery machine (Brother, Janome, etc.)
Embroidery digitizing software (Wilcom, Hatch, Embrilliance)
Threads, stabilizers, and hoops
2. Learn or Outsource Digitizing
Embroidery digitizing is a specialized skill. You can:
Take online courses
Practice with beginner-friendly software
Or partner with a professional digitizing service like EZ Stitch Digitizing for top-tier quality without the learning curve
3. Offer a Diverse Product Line
Use embroidery on:
T-shirts, jackets, and hoodies
Hats, tote bags, and aprons
Towels and baby items
Display samples on your website and in social posts to attract customers.
4. Promote Your Embroidery Services
Once you integrate embroidery, update your website and launch a campaign to highlight your new offerings. Reach out to potential clients like local businesses, team coaches, and schools.
Partner with EZ Stitch Digitizing for Reliable, Expert Support
At EZ Stitch Digitizing, we help small printing businesses grow by providing fast, affordable, and high-quality embroidery digitizing services.
✅ Perfect stitch files
✅ Quick turnaround
✅ Personalized customer support
Whether you’re just starting out or want to improve your current embroidery workflow, we’re here to help you succeed.
📧 Email us at: info@ezstitchdigitizing.com
📍 Visit us on Facebook: EZ Stitch Digitizing
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a small printing business that thrives, consider expanding beyond basic printing. By adding embroidery digitizing services, you’ll increase your product value, serve more markets, and build a standout brand.
Let EZ Stitch Digitizing support your journey with expert file preparation and ongoing service—so you can focus on what you do best: creating and selling custom products your customers love.
