How to Create Your Own Productivity Planner to Sell

Want to create a custom productivity planner that people love - and actually sell it profitably?

Whether you’re looking to launch a passive income stream, expand. your brand, or design a planner that helps your audience stay productive, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

I know, because I’ve done it myself.

When High Flying Design was a boutique web design studio, I wanted to reinvest back into the business. My first major product wasn’t a digital course or a membership - it was a physical planner.

I designed an undated productivity planner for myself and my clients, ensuring it was a financially responsible investment by splitting profits between my business and Kurandza’s annual #IStandForGirls campaign. It completely sold out.

Since then, I’ve received countless messages from women asking: How did you create a planner? How did you print it? How do you actually sell it?

So, let’s get into it.

Step 1: Define your Target Audience

The biggest mistake people make when creating planners? Designing something without a clear audience in mind.

Ask yourself:

1. Who is this planner for? (Entrepreneurs? Busy professionals? Students?)

2. What problems does it solve for them?

3. How is it different from planners already on the market?

If you already run a business, design your planner with your existing audience in mind. This gives you a built-in customer base.

Step 2: Research the Market & Find Your Unique Angle

Before you invest time and money into designing a planner, validate the demand.

Here’s how:

1. Search Amazon, Etsy & Pinterest – See what planners are trending.

2. Look at customer reviews – What do people love? What’s missing?

3. Check what your audience needs.

If no one is searching for a planner like yours, rethink your angle. Could it be a daily goal-setting planner? A habit tracker? A work-life balance journal? Find a gap in the market before you start designing.

Step 3: Create a Planner That Stands Out

Once you know who your planner is for and what makes it unique, it’s time to design it with intention.

Key things to consider:

1. The format – Will it be a daily, weekly, or monthly planner? Hardcover or softcover? Spiral-bound or perfect-bound?

2. The layout – Will it have prompts, habit trackers, or guided reflection sections?

3. The aesthetic – Minimalist? Bold and colourful? Professional or playful? Your planner should reflect both your audience’s needs and your brand’s style.

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If you’re not a designer, don’t worry. You have options:

• Hire a designer – Work with a professional on Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs.

• Use Canva templates – Sites like Creative Market and even Etsy sell planner templates that can be customised to match your vision (just ensure the license allows for resale).

• Work with a printing company – Some manufacturers provide design support as part of their services.

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Remember: Your productivity planner is more than just pages - it’s an experience. The easier it is to use, the more likely people will repurchase it and recommend it to others.

Step 4: Find the Right Printing & Production Method

You have two main options when it comes to printing:

1. Print-on-demand – Companies like Blurb, Lulu, or Amazon KDP print and ship your planner when a customer orders it.

   Best for: Low upfront costs, testing ideas before a bulk order.
   

2. Bulk printing – Working with a printing manufacturer allows you to produce planners at a lower per-unit cost.

   Best for: Higher profit margins, full creative control, and larger-scale launches.

Before printing, always:

• Request a sample to check paper quality, colour, and binding.

• Confirm turnaround times - especially if launching for a specific season (e.g., New Year planners).

• Factor in shipping and packaging costs when pricing your product.

Step 5: Set Up Your Sales & Marketing Strategy

Even the most beautifully designed productivity planner won’t sell itself. Here’s how to launch successfully:

• Choose where to sell – Your website, Etsy, or Amazon.

• Partner with influencers – Send PR samples to creators in your niche who can promote your planner.

• Leverage social media – Share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, and how your planner helps real people.

• Use launch incentives – Limited-time discounts, bundle deals, or free shipping can encourage early sales.

• Add affiliate links – Earn extra income by including recommendations for planner accessories (pens, stickers, tabs) within your product page or packaging.

Pro tip: Want consistent sales? Build an email list. Offer a free digital version of a planner page in exchange for an email, then nurture your list with helpful content before launching your full planner.

Should You Create a Planner?

If you’re looking for a low-risk, high-impact product to add to your business, a custom planner could be a perfect fit. It positions you as an expert, serves your audience, and creates a revenue stream beyond services or coaching.

Start small, test your concept, and refine your approach - because once you create a productivity planner people love, it can become a long-term asset for your brand.