In the gig economy era, side hustles are more popular than ever. But what if you could turn your organizational skills into a lucrative income stream? Enter the world of selling Notion templates on Etsy. This unique side hustle combines the power of Notion, a versatile productivity tool, with Etsy’s vast marketplace. Let’s dive into how you can transform your Notion prowess into a steady income, with some sellers earning upwards of $5,000 per month.
Why Notion Templates on Etsy?
- Growing Demand: Notion’s user base has exploded, reaching over 30 million users in 2023. Many are looking for pre-designed templates to jumpstart their productivity.
- Low Entry Barrier: Unlike physical products, Notion templates have no inventory or shipping costs. You create once, sell infinitely.
- High-Profit Margins: Templates typically sell for $5 to $50, but your only cost is time.
- Passive Income: After setting up, sales can roll in while you sleep.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Notion Templates
1. Master Notion (1–2 Weeks)
First, become a Notion expert:
- Complete Notion’s free tutorials and official YouTube series.
- Take the Notion Fundamentals course on their website.
- Join Notion’s Reddit community and official Facebook group.
- Practice by organizing your own life — tasks, goals, finances.
2. Identify Niches (2–3 Days)
Research popular template categories:
- Student: Study planners, thesis trackers
- Professional: Project managers, OKR trackers
- Personal: Habit trackers, meal planners
- Niche: Wedding planners, D&D campaign managers
Use Google Trends and Etsy’s search function to spot rising interests. For example, searches for “digital bullet journal” have spiked 300% since last year.
3. Design Templates (1–3 Weeks)
Create 5–10 high-quality templates:
- Start with a “Content Calendar” for bloggers or a “Freelance Client Manager.”
- Use Notion’s features fully: Databases, relations, formulas.
- Design aesthetically with cover images, icons (use free resources like Flaticon).
- Ensure mobile compatibility.
Pro Tip: Make templates customizable. A “2024 Goal Planner” that lets users add personal categories is more appealing.
4. Set Up Etsy Shop (1 Day)
- Choose a catchy name like “ZenProductivityCo” or “NotionNinjaSolutions.”
- Write a bio showcasing your organizational skills.
- Design a logo using Canva’s free plan.
- Set up payment via PayPal or Etsy Payments.
5. List Your Templates (1–2 Days Per Template)
- Price between $7 (simple) to $35 (complex). Start lower to gain reviews.
- Write compelling titles: “Ultimate Blogger’s Content Calendar | Notion Template.”
- Use high-quality screenshots or mockups (try Smartmockups’ free tier).
- In description, list features, compatibility, and update promises.
- Add 13 tags like “productivity,” “digital planner,” “student organization.”
6. Provide Access (Automate This)
- Use Etsy’s digital delivery for the Notion sharing link.
- Set template sharing to “Duplicate.” This preserves your original.
- (Optional) Use Make.com (formerly Integromat, free plan) to automate: When an order comes, it sends a personalized Notion invite.
7. Market Your Templates (Ongoing)
- Post template tips on Reddit’s r/Notion (158k members).
- Share template screenshots on Instagram and Pinterest.
- Start a YouTube channel with “Notion Tips.” Monetize later.
- Write on Medium about productivity. Link templates subtly.
- Offer 20% discounts to newsletter subscribers.
8. Gather Reviews & Iterate (Ongoing)
- Ask buyers for reviews via Etsy messages.
- Monitor comments for improvement ideas.
- Update templates monthly. Announce changes to encourage repeat buyers.
9. Scale Your Business (3–6 Months In)
- Bundle related templates: “Student Success Kit” (5 templates) for $49.
- Offer customization services: “Template Tailoring” for $75.
- Create video tutorials for each template, sold separately.
- Partner with productivity bloggers for affiliates.
How Much Can You Really Make?
Let’s break down potential earnings:
Beginner (1–3 Months)
- 5 templates, average $10 each
- 5 sales per template monthly
- Earnings: $250/month
Intermediate (4–6 Months)
- 15 templates, average $20 each
- 15 sales per template monthly
- 2 bundle sales at $49
- Earnings: $4,598/month
Advanced (7–12 Months)
- 30 templates, average $25 each
- 25 sales per template monthly
- 10 bundle sales at $49
- 5 customizations at $75
- Earnings: $19,875/month
Real-Life Examples:
- Laura Smith (@notion.vip) — Started with school templates. Now earns ~$5,000/month.
- Alex Chen (@notionmastery) — Business templates. Claims $12,000/month at his peak.
- Emma Rodriguez (@notionista) — Niche wedding templates. Steady $3,000/month.
Note: These are top sellers. More typical is $500-$2,000/month after 6 months of consistent effort.
Tips for Success
- Quality Over Quantity: One stellar template outsells five average ones.
- Stay Updated: Notion updates features; keep templates current.
- Community First: Help in forums genuinely. Don’t just promote.
- Learn SEO: Use eRank’s free plan to optimize Etsy listings.
- Diversify: Also list on Gumroad or your website.
Beyond Templates
As you grow, consider:
- Notion consultation services
- Online Notion mastery courses
- E-books on productivity systems
- Template affiliates with Notion itself
Essential Notion Learning Resources
- Official Guides:
- Video Tutorials:
- Thomas Frank’s Notion Course — Comprehensive beginner to advanced
- Notion VIP’s YouTube — Advanced techniques
- Community & Practice:
- Notion’s Community Forum
- Notion Mastery on Slack — Request an invite
- Books & Blogs:
- “Building a Second Brain” by Tiago Forte — Notion is a key tool
- August Bradley’s PKM System — A holistic Notion setup
Need More Help? Contact Me!
This guide is just the beginning. If you’re serious about turning Notion templates into a lucrative side hustle, I’m here to help:
- Template Review: Send me your designs for professional feedback.
- Niche Selection: Unsure what to focus on? Let’s analyze market gaps together.
- Etsy Optimization: I’ll audit your shop for better visibility.
- Scaling Strategies: Ready to go from $1k to $5k? I’ll guide you.
Reach out to me at:
I’ve helped over 50 creators launch successful Notion template businesses. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, let’s make your Notion side hustle a reality. Remember, in today’s digital age, your organizational skills are gold — let’s mine that gold together!
Conclusion
Selling Notion templates on Etsy isn’t just a side hustle, it’s a scalable business at the intersection of productivity and e-commerce. With Notion’s surging popularity and Etsy’s vast audience, the potential is immense. Start with solving one problem well — be it for students, freelancers, or any niche. As your reputation grows, so does your income.
Remember, this isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires learning Notion deeply, understanding user needs, and consistent marketing. But for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are substantial. Many are making $1,000 to $5,000 monthly, with top sellers exceeding $10,000.
In a world craving digital organization, your Notion templates aren’t just products — they’re solutions, bringing order to chaos. So, start designing, start listing, and watch as your side hustle transforms into a thriving business. Your financial freedom might just be a template away. And if you ever feel stuck or need guidance, remember, I’m just an email or call away. Let’s make your Notion dreams a reality!