Get creative and make money with your own business? Here’s how you can build an online shop on Etsy.
Even if you have never shopped on Etsy, chances are you have heard of this global online marketplace. It’s an e-commerce company focused on handmade items, digital downloads, crafts, and anything you can think of that’s creative and unique. I’ve been a huge fan for years and bought most of the décor for my weeding from Etsy. It’s my go-to place for gifts, and everything really. I love supporting local, and to me it’s a way to support independent makers from all over.
Several clients and friends over the years have asked me if starting an Etsy shop is a wise idea today, when there are so many popular e-commerce sites available. Well, I have done quite a bit of research on how Etsy as a company is doing, and I have recently opened my own Etsy shop, so I figured now is a perfect time to cover this topic here on the Second Act Success Blog. Let’s dive deeper into what running an Etsy shop is like today and how to start one.
How To Start An Etsy Shop? – Second Act Success Blog
Why Open An Etsy Shop?
If you’re thinking about starting an online shop to sell your handmade creations or printables, Etsy is a perfect platform to consider since people know it as THE place to find unique items. Unlike Amazon or other big box retail sites, Etsy is all about crafted handmade items, custom products, and pieces from vintage collections you may not be able to find anywhere else. As a seller on Etsy, you will have customers at the ready since the platform already has access to a large audience of potential customers.
However, as with any business idea, it’s important to do your research and understand the Etsy’s shop policies and the fees they charge you, the seller, each time you post a listing or make a sale. Take some time to browse other shops and see what they’re selling, how they’re pricing their items, and what kind of branding and marketing strategies they’re using. This will help you get a sense of the competition and what you need to do to stand out.
In addition, it’s important to consider whether Etsy is the right platform for your business. While Etsy is a great option for many sellers, it may not be the best fit for you. For example, if you’re looking to sell high-volume, mass-produced items, or if you’re planning to sell in a highly competitive niche, you may want to consider other options like starting an Amazon storefront or your own Shopify site.
Setting Up Your Shop
Once you’ve decided to start an Etsy shop, the first step is to set up your account. If you don’t already have an Etsy account, you’ll need to create one.
Now the fun part begins, and you can start setting up your shop! This involves choosing a shop name, designing a logo and a banner for the shop, and uploading your first listings. When choosing your shop name, it’s important to choose something that’s memorable, easy to spell, and reflective of your brand. Your profile should include information about you and your business, as well as any relevant links to your website or social media pages.
When it comes to uploading your listings, make sure to include clear, high-quality photos that showcase your products from multiple angles. You should also provide detailed descriptions that include information about the materials, dimensions, deliverables information, and any special instructions for each item. Finally, make sure to price your items competitively and factor in any shipping costs or taxes.
I recently opened my own Etsy shop and I have been having a lot of fun the branding and building out the digital products I am listing. For me, my shop is another outlet for creativity and another revenue stream that I wanted to explore. I run it on the side of my coaching business, and it hasn’t taken up too much time so far. The time I spend on my shop has been creative and something I enjoy, so it’s been well worth it for me so far.
Now it’s your turn to get creative and start setting up your shop!
Branding and Marketing
One of the keys to success on Etsy is building a strong brand and marketing your shop and your items effectively. This involves creating a cohesive look and feel for your shop, as well as using social media and other marketing channels to promote your products. Luckily Etsy is a search engine of its own, so once you start selling, the algorithm will kick in and your listings will get seen.
When it comes to branding, think about what sets your shop apart from the competition. This could be your unique style, the type of products you offer, or your customer service. Use this as a starting point for developing your branding strategy, including your shop name, logo, and product packaging.
When you think about marketing, there are many channels you can use to promote your shop. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great for sharing photos of your products and connecting with potential customers. Etsy has buttons available to easily share your listings to your social pages too. You can also consider running ads on Etsy or other online platforms, or partnering with influencers or bloggers in your niche.
Managing Your Shop
Running an Etsy shop involves more than just creating and selling products. You’ll also need to manage your inventory, handle customer inquiries, and keep track of your finances, so you’ll want to set up your business systems early on. This will allow you to consistently grow from the get go.
When it comes to managing your inventory, it’s important to keep accurate records of what you have in stock, what’s selling well, and what needs to be restocked. The same goes for digital products, so if you are not handling physical products, you should establish an online filing system to keep track of your digital files, downloadables, and printables. I use Google drive to organize the files and images for the digital product listings in my shop, and it’s made it very easy. You may also want to consider using tools like inventory management software or spreadsheets to help you stay organized.
Customer communication is also key in managing your Etsy shop. You will receive customer inquiries and must reply to these messages in a timely manner. The more professional and friendly you are, the more your shop’s experience will be for this customer, which can bring them back again and again. Be prepared to handle refunds or exchanges, providing personalized recommendations, or sending handwritten notes or gifts with each purchase. Add your personal touch with every interaction and it will go a long way.
Finally, make sure to keep track of your finances and stay on top of your taxes. This can involve setting up a separate bank account for your Etsy income, tracking your expenses and income in a spreadsheet or accounting software, and consulting with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting all of your tax obligations.
Delivering Your Goods
Shipping, fulfillment, and getting your products into the hands of your customers with care is crucial. When it comes to shipping, choose a reliable carrier that is convenient for you. You may also consider offering free shipping or flat-rate shipping to make your shop more competitive. Be sure to consider shipping in your product costs as well.
When it comes to fulfillment, it’s important to have a system in place for packing and shipping your orders quickly and efficiently. You may want to invest in shipping supplies like boxes, tape, and packing materials ahead of time to have them on hand. Many Etsy sellers choose to include a hand-written thank you note inside their packages, or a review reminder card or discount code for a future purchase.
If you are delivering digital products, you will want to set up this automation when you upload these items to your listing. You can still add a thank you note or discount code with your delivery, or invite customers to join your email list to stay in touch. I created a thank you note that gets sent out automatically with each purchase in my shop. I also created an image with a note asking customers to connect with me on my website and email list too, and this is included with the product images in my shop too.
Growing Your Shop
Okay, so your shop is live, but now what? As you begin getting sales, you may continue to add new items or do an audit on what is selling and what is not. This is a great time to think about how to expand your product line, target new customers, or explore new marketing avenues as you continue to scale.
If you decide to add more items to your Etsy shop, you may want to consider what will complement your existing products that sell well. What would your customer base want from you? Use Etsy as a tool to research and see what other shops are selling for inspiration.
Handling Challenges
Running an Etsy shop, or any business for that matter, isn’t always smooth sailing. There may be times when you encounter challenges or setbacks, such as slow sales, negative reviews, or difficult customers.
When faced with any challenge, it’s important to stay calm and professional behind that computer screen. Take the time to review your customers’ concerns, address them, and use this as an opportunity to learn and improve your products and customer service.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take a break and get the help you need. Etsy has a wealth of resources and support available to help you succeed, so start there. I have also been watching videos on YouTube to help whenever I have a question about something as well. Every problem has a solution!
Staying Motivated
When you finally have your Etsy shop open, you deserve to celebrate and soak it all in. You also want to make sure you are enjoying this life as an Etsy seller, so you can maintain your motivation to create and expand over time. Remember why you wanted to start your shop. Was it the creativity? Was it the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss? Always go back to your “why” and stay rooted in that. That will keep you on the right track toward success.
Tips for Success
Speaking of success, the beauty of Etsy is that success with your shop is whatever you want it to be. Maybe you are running this shop on the side of your full time job, or maybe this is your full time gig, either way this is your business to grow as you want to.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you create your own success on Etsy:
– Be consistent with your branding and marketing
– Offer exceptional customer service, which will lead to reviews and returning customers
– Use high-quality photos and detailed product descriptions
– Price your items competitively
– Stay on top of your finances and taxes
– Continually seek feedback from customers
– Reassess your shop every quarter or more to consider improvements when it comes to your products and listings
Remember, starting an Etsy shop can be a fun and rewarding way to turn your creative passion into a thriving business, either on the side or diving all the way in. By following these tips and best practices we’ve covered here, you’re on your way to building an Etsy shop you can truly be proud of. Best of luck and many sales my friend!
To check out my Etsy shop go to https://secondactsuccessshop.etsy.com.
*Check out my free masterclass on the 3 Secrets to Escape Your Desk Job and Set Up Your Dream Business in 3 Months. You can also learn more about my Second Act Accelerator, a 3-month program that walks you step-by-step through building your dream business with clarity, confidence, and coaching support.
READ SHANNON’S NEW BOOK:
https://startyoursecondact.com
FREE RESOURCES:
Thinking of starting a business? Check out these free resources to help…
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources
WORK WITH SHANNON:
*Book a FREE Discovery Call with Shannon
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram – https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoach
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess
Previous posts:
Federal Layoffs and Job Uncertainty
5 Profitable Business Ideas For Teachers
Share with a friend!
