WHAT IF YOU'RE CLOSER TO SUCCESS THAN YOU THINK IN YOUR PASSIVE PRODUCT BUSINESS?

You know those moments when you feel like everyone else is flying past you in their business while you’re still over here figuring out what mockup to use? Yeah, I’ve been there too. When I first started my digital product business, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have a perfectly curated Etsy storefront, a million Pinterest pins, or a “six-figure” launch story. I had a handful of ideas, a deep love for creating, and a quiet (but steady) belief that this could actually work. But what if you’re closer to success than you think in your passive product business? If you're a creative building a passive product business, this post is for you. 

If you’re building a print-on-demand or digital product business right now—and it feels like it’s going slower than you imagined—I want you to hear this:

“The goal isn’t to go viral. It’s to go steady.” – Ari Hale

Let's talk about the magic of consistency even when it's quiet. One of the hardest parts of running a passive income business is that it doesn’t always feel passive at the beginning. You’re designing, uploading, learning SEO, testing mockups, pinning your products, and wondering when it’s all going to click. But that slow build? It’s not a sign that it’s not working. It’s often the sign that it is.

“Even when it seems like nothing is changing, know that you are growing through every experience.” – Morgan Harper Nichols

In fact, most of the creatives I know who are making real money online didn’t find a secret shortcut—they stayed committed to the path long enough to see results. Should I repeat that for you? They just stayed committed long enough to see. the. results.

I talk about this often. Since this type of business feels simple, people tend to just jump right in without a plan. They have a product idea & because they can create it in minutes, they immediately post it without worrying about the other aspects of selling. Then they get discouraged when they're not seeing lots of dollar signs. So the tough love?? You don’t need more time. You need a plan. If your goals feel fuzzy or you're stuck in a loop of second-guessing your next step, I want to gently challenge that: maybe the problem isn’t that you’re behind—it’s that no one ever gave you a clear, simple framework.

My whole business changed when I stopped trying to “do it all” and started focusing on the few things that actually move the needle—building product collections with a clear audience in mind, creating content that brings people in, and automating the systems that allow sales to happen while I sleep.

That’s exactly what I teach inside my membership for creatives building digital product businesses and print-on-demand stores. It’s not about rushing. It’s about building something that fits your life—and actually lasts.

You’re Not Too Late. You’re Right on Time.

If you're feeling a little behind today, or wondering if anyone will ever find your Etsy shop or click that product link—let this post be your reminder that you’re closer than you think.

The tiny, consistent steps you’re taking? They matter.

The Pinterest pins you’re making? They’re gaining data and traction.

The product ideas you’re sitting on? They’re just waiting for your next “upload” to shine.

And if you're still figuring it all out? That’s okay too. You’re not supposed to know everything yet. You’re building something that will pay you back in time, freedom, and income—and you don’t have to do it alone.

If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or come say hi on Instagram, @rusticsimpledesign. Or better yet, grab my free 6-Day Challenge that walks you through how to start building your own profitable digital product business (with less guesswork and more joy).

Because you’re not behind. You’re building.

And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Warmest regards,