How to Create a Productivity Planner That Sells (And People Actually Use)
Your step-by-step guide to designing, launching, and monetising a planner - physical or digital
Whether you're a coach, creator, or purpose-led founder, creating a productivity planner can be more than a passion project. It can be a scalable offer, a trust-building tool, and a sustainable stream of income - all in one.
When done well, your planner becomes more than just prompts on a page. It’s a reflection of your brand, your values, and the transformation you help people create.
At High Flying Design, we know this firsthand. When we launched our first physical planner, it wasn’t backed by investors or flashy ads - just thoughtful design, a great cause, and a clear need. It sold out.
This guide walks you through how to create your own productivity planner - one people actually use, love, and buy.
Step 1: Know Who You’re Designing For
This isn’t just a notebook. It’s a solution.
Before you touch a template or call a printer, get clear on:
Who is this for? Entrepreneurs, coaches, therapists, students?
What problem does it solve? Clarity? Focus? Balance? Launch planning?
What makes it different? Is it printable, digital, undated, Notion-based?
If you already have an audience (email list, Instagram, 1:1 clients), use them as research. Their struggles and habits are your planner’s foundation.
Step 2: Research What Works - and What’s Missing
You’re not starting from scratch. Do your research.
Look at popular planners on:
Amazon (see: The Productivity Method by Grace Beverley)
Etsy (search for “printable productivity planner” or “goal planner for women”)
Pinterest (great for layout inspiration)
Notion template marketplaces (especially for digital-first users)
Tip: Read reviews. What are people loving? What do they wish existed?
Your goal isn’t to copy - it’s to fill a gap your audience actually feels.
Step 3: Design a Planner That Looks Good and Works Hard
Now comes the creative part.
A great planner balances form + function. It’s intuitive to use, a joy to open, and designed with your customer in mind.
Format Options:
Daily, weekly, or monthly layout
Dated or undated
Spiral-bound, hardback, or printable PDF
Digital planner (Notion, GoodNotes, iPad)
Functionality:
Time-blocking, task prioritisation, and habit tracking
Journaling prompts, goal setting, or business dashboards
Reflection sections and mindset tools
Design Tools:
Canva or InDesign
Pre-made templates on Etsy (with resale license)
Work with a designer via Fiverr or 99Designs
Want to go digital? Use Notion. It’s intuitive, customisable, and perfect for founders, creators and creatives.
Step 4: Choose Your Production Path
Print-on-Demand (Amazon KDP, Lulu, Blurb)
✔ No upfront stock
✘ Lower profit margin, limited control
Bulk Printing (UK-based printers)
✔ Higher margins, custom finishes
✘ Requires upfront investment + storage
Always order a sample before you commit. Check for paper quality, colour accuracy, and how it feels in someone’s hands.
Step 5: Plan Your Launch and Sales Strategy
Even the most beautiful planner won’t sell itself. Set yourself up for success with a smart strategy.
Where to sell:
Your website (Shopify, Squarespace, or Wix)
Etsy (especially for digital or niche printable planners)
Amazon (for broader search volume)
How to sell:
Build a waitlist or use a lead magnet to grow anticipation
Offer early bird or bonus bundles (e.g. planner + pen set, stickers, wall calendar)
Partner with creators in your niche to promote your launch
Create a blog post or YouTube video showing how to use it
Bonus: Go Digital - and Go Global
Don’t want to deal with printing, postage, or inventory? Go digital. It’s low-risk, high-margin, and instant.
Still Wondering - Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Creating a productivity planner isn’t just about paper or templates. It’s about giving people a tool that makes their lives easier - and building a business that reflects your vision.
It can:
Build brand loyalty
Attract aligned clients
Offer consistent income
Showcase your thought leadership
Scale with ease (especially digitally)
You don’t need to be a stationery brand. Just someone with a clear mission - and a planner that helps others live it.
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and think you'll find useful on your founder journey.
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