How to Have a Successful Etsy Shop

While there’s no registration fee on Etsy’s website, it might feel like a daunting task to make a decent income by selling your handmade goods online. Before you set up your digital shop, first establish a strong brand identity that represents the kinds of products that you want to sell. With careful marketing strategies and proper advertising techniques, you’ll be ready to set foot in the world of online commerce!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Creating a Brand and Etsy Shop

1. Decide on a product to sell in your Etsy store. Look on Etsy’s main website to see the most popular shops and products that customers are viewing. While many handcrafted items require years of skill, some crafts are relatively easy to learn. Choose a niche in the creative industry that’s easy to learn and inexpensive to pursue.^[1]
   
   • For instance, knitting and crocheting don’t require a lot of money to pursue, and they aren’t overly difficult to learn. Fine carpentry, sewing, and 3D-printing, however, are not easy skills to pick up in a short amount of time.
   • If you’re already skilled in an art or craft, try using that talent in your Etsy shop!
2. Pick a catchy and memorable name for your store. Draft a list of possible names for your shop before registering on Etsy’s website. As you brainstorm, avoid generic themes and names that could be overlooked. Instead, try and think of fun plays on words or other clever titles that can grab a potential buyer’s attention.^[2]
   
   • For instance, “Tamara’s Handmade Animals” might not stand out a lot to a buyer scrolling through different listings. A name like “Tamara’s Tremendous Toys” is a lot more engaging to your customer base.
   • Try writing down any idea that comes into your head, even if it’s mundane. You can always mix and match different name ideas!
3. Design a distinct logo for your shop. Think about the kind of store you want to create. As you brainstorm, think about the audience you’re trying to sell to, and what kind of visual identity would appeal to that group. If your products are geared toward adults, you might want to use a simplistic, elegant symbol like a diamond, circle, or square. If your wares are designed for kids, you might want to explore a chunkier design with bright, fun colors.^[3]
   
   • Your logo doesn’t have to be intricate or complicated. Think of symbols that relate to the kind of wares that you’re selling.
   • For instance, if you sell wood carvings, your logo could have a tree in it.
4. Register on Etsy to set up your store. Use your professional email (or an email you’ve created specifically for your business) to make an account on the main website. Next, click on the “open a shop” button and fill out the various required fields, like your bank account and payment info. Add your logo in addition to your listing photos to make your store’s appearance stand out to customers.^[4]
   
   • You’ll have to confirm your email before you can do anything on your new Etsy account.
5. Upload high-quality photos of your goods to your shop. Use a professional or high-quality phone camera to take pictures of the items you plan on selling. Try photographing your products in a well-lit area without any clutter in the background. Additionally, choose a simple backdrop that doesn’t distract from the products that you’re trying to sell. Make sure that the details and purpose of your item are evident in the listing picture.^[5]
   
   • For example, if you’re selling handmade earrings, you’d want to include a zoomed-in shot of the jewelry, as well as a picture of someone modeling the item. If you’re selling rugs or blankets, you might want to upload a picture of the blanket lying on a bed and a close-up of the details and pattern.
   • Use caution when shooting near reflective surfaces. Depending on your camera angle, your reflection might faintly show up in the pictures.
   • Try to take your photographs in identical areas. If your product pictures look too different, it might make your shop look disorganized.
   • If you choose to use the camera flash, try to angle your camera lens to prevent any excess flare in your photos.
6. Set a fair price for your wares. Calculate how many hours you spend making a single unit of your product, then factor in the cost of different supplies. While you don’t want to overprice your goods, you always want to make a profit with your sales. Compare your price listings to other stores to see if you’re offering a fair and reasonable deal for your handmade products. Additionally, try to price your goods based on the hours of labor that you put into making them.^[6]
   
   • If you run a knitted hat shop, take a mental inventory of how much the yarn will cost. Next, factor in how long it takes you to make each hat. If the yarn costs around $5 and it takes you 2-3 hours to make a hat, it would be fair to price each hat at a minimum of $25.
   • Set an hourly wage for yourself that feels comfortable and fair when compared to other Etsy shops. For instance, don’t set a $25 hourly wage for yourself when other people are setting an hourly wage of $15 or $20.

[Edit]Implementing Good Marketing and Sales Strategies

1. Publish a clear sales policy on your store. Use Etsy’s store interface to specify your shipping details and restrictions. If you allow worldwide shipping, specify if and what the cost difference will be. State a firm return policy for your items as well, so your potential customers have a greater understanding of how your shipping process works.^[7]
   
   • If you don’t set a clear shipping and return policy, you could be setting yourself up for awkward conversations with your customers.
   • While worldwide shipping can increase your customer base, it will also increase your shipping costs.
   • For instance, if you sell handcrafted furniture or another heavy ware, you might only want to ship domestically and not allow returns.
2. Communicate promptly with your customers. Pay attention to your email, mobile app, and website interface for any customer notifications. As soon as you receive a message or comment from a potential buyer, do your best to respond to it quickly and efficiently. Use a cordial tone, so the customer feels valued and respected.^[8]
   
   • If a customer is unhappy or unsatisfied with their order, make an effort to go the extra mile. For instance, try offering them a discount or a free product.
   • Try saying something like this:
     ”Hello! I’m so sorry that you had a negative experience with our homemade soap collection. Can we make it up to you with a free soap bar and a 50% coupon for your next order?”
3. Observe successful Etsy shops to see how they operate. Follow or “favorite” popular shops that sell similar products to your own store. Pay close attention to the way they portray their brand, how they price their items, and how they respond to customer comments. If you’re having trouble establishing a customer base, you might be able to model yourself after more successful businesses.^[9]
   
   • When researching other brands, look at small, purposeful ways that your shop can improve. Do you need to create a stronger brand presence? Do you need to tweak your prices, or add more listings?
4. Network with other Etsy sellers to gain a new perspective. Search online to find other stores that sell to a similar customer base. Send them a message through Etsy’s website, mentioning that you’re new to the site are looking for advice. If you speak with other sellers, you might be able to get some insight into how you should be running your store.^[10]
   
   • For instance, you could get the inspiration to use customized shipping labels by speaking to another seller.
   • You can also try connecting with other Etsy sellers via social media.
5. Use SEO tools to find out what your customers really want. Utilize an online keyword searching tool to figure out different keywords that you could use for your store. Use these results to update the product listings for your store, which allows your store to come up more frequently in search engine results. If you’re looking for a free resource, try using SEO Review Tools, Wordtracker, or Kparser to get started.^[11]
   
   • SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, helps companies pinpoint what kind of content individuals are looking for by generating lists of relevant keywords. Companies then incorporate these keywords into their blogs and websites, which makes their web presence more noticeable online.
   • For instance, if you sell jewelry, the keyword “jewelry” won’t be enough to distinguish your store on Etsy. A term like “handcrafted beaded jewelry” will help make your store more specific and distinguishable.
6. Keep shipping supplies around your home. Go to your local post office or other packing supply store to stock up on bubble wrap, mailers, boxes, packing tape, and anything else that you need to successfully and safely ship your goods. Try and keep tabs on these supplies, so you don’t constantly have to go out and buy more.^[12]
   
   • Only buy what you need. If you sell soft, handmade toys, you won’t need to buy large cardboard boxes. On the other hand, if you sell large, complex garments, you might need to invest in larger boxes.

[Edit]Advertising Your Shop

1. Print business cards that you can give to other people. Use a word processor, photo editing software, or other design resource to create a business card for your new Etsy store. Place your logo in a prominent area of the design where customers will be able to see and recognize it. Additionally, include your name, email, store URL, and/or relevant social media accounts so potential buyers can know how to contact you.^[13]
   
   • If your social media handle is identical to your brand name, save space by only including a social media logo (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
2. Make a Facebook account for your shop. Use the email connected to your Etsy account to register on Facebook, so you can create a page for your products. Use Facebook’s analytic features to determine how many people your posts reach, and if people seem to be clicking on any links that you post. Focus on advertising your products, as well as mentioning any upcoming sales in your store.^[14]
   
   • Social media is a great way to keep in touch with your customers. Keep an eye on your phone or computer to see if anyone is trying to reach you.
   • If you’re planning on using multiple social media accounts, try saving time with programs like HootSuite.
3. Create a Twitter account to connect with possible clients. Use Twitter to upload short messages and photo posts, which provide an efficient overview of your Etsy store. Keep your posts within the 280 character limit, and take note of the 4 picture photo limit per post.^[15]
   
   • Pay attention to your notification tab! If your customers use Twitter, they might reach out to you there.
   • Encourage your customers to share pictures of your products on social media and tag you in them! This will make it easier to interact with new customers.
4. Post pictures of your goods on Instagram and Pinterest. Select your best product photos and upload them to different photo-sharing sites. If you’d like to improve the lighting of your picture, try applying a filter or making a few edits ahead of time. Feel free to share multiple product pictures at once!^[16]
   
5. Engineer a website for your Etsy store. Use Wix, Weebly, Wordpress, Google, or another website builder to help you create a more established digital presence. Include links to your store, as well as widgets or buttons that lead customers to your social media accounts. Additionally, include a digital storefront and/or photo spreads of your products so potential customers have an idea of what they can expect.^[17]
   
   • You don’t need a lot of coding skills to create your own website.
   • Several builders will let you design a free site, as long as you include their domain in the name.
   • A public domain only costs a few dollars per year, depending on which service you use.
6. Develop a partner blog to go with your Etsy store. Generate more interest in your products by writing different text and photo posts about your creative process. Use relevant tags that can transfer interested readers to your website. As always, include a link to your store in a central, focal part of the blog, like the center of the home page.^[18]
   
   • For instance, if you sell handcrafted paintings, try posting blog entries about your creative process. Dedicate an entire post to the different ways you find inspiration, and another post to how you prepare your workspace. Potential customers might enjoy seeing a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process!
   • If you stitch dresses and other high-end garments in your shop, consider dedicating a blog post to your assembly process, or how you go about tailoring different items of clothing.
   • DIY content is appealing to a wide customer base.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Developing a Strong Brand

• Business cards

[Edit]Implementing Successful Marketing Strategies

• Mailers
• Bubble wrap
• Shipping boxes
• Packing tape

[Edit]Tips

• If you plan on starting a newsletter or holding a lot of sales, consider making a digital mailing list for interested customers.^[19]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/what-to-sell-on-etsy/67553338536
2. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/7-steps-to-a-successful-start-on-etsy/22421860924
3. ↑ http://www.morgannield.com/blog/2017/2/8/branding-101-branding-basics-for-your-etsy-shop
4. ↑ https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015568007-Creating-an-Account-on-Etsy
5. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/7-steps-to-a-successful-start-on-etsy/22421860924
6. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/a-simple-formula-for-pricing-your-work/26192517008
7. ↑ http://www.morgannield.com/blog/2017/2/8/branding-101-branding-basics-for-your-etsy-shop
8. ↑ http://www.morgannield.com/blog/2017/2/8/branding-101-branding-basics-for-your-etsy-shop
9. ↑ http://www.morgannield.com/blog/2017/2/8/branding-101-branding-basics-for-your-etsy-shop
10. ↑ http://www.morgannield.com/blog/2017/2/8/branding-101-branding-basics-for-your-etsy-shop
11. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/7-steps-to-a-successful-start-on-etsy/22421860924
12. ↑ https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/be-successful-on-etsy/
13. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tiSBPaIq1Uo&t=1m17s
14. ↑ https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/marketing-sales/marketing-promotion/online-marketing/facebook/benefits
15. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-market-your-business-on-twitter/30134171093
16. ↑ http://www.morgannield.com/blog/2017/2/8/branding-101-branding-basics-for-your-etsy-shop
17. ↑ https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4661-starting-a-business-website.html
18. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/6-ways-to-create-blog-content-your/51843794149
19. ↑ https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/a-field-guide-to-email-marketing/215119356692