Happy Monday, everyone! 👋 and welcome to issue no. 30 of the Etsy Insight newsletter! This week we’ve got a few more wisdom nuggets that you might consider implementing for your own shop.
So, have a great week and, as always, let’s go!
You know, Etsy isn’t what it used to be. Back in the day - like 2016 - you could slap a picture on a listing, add a short description, and hope for the best.
These days? Forget about it. If you’re still rolling with that kind of approach, you’re going to be stuck at the bottom of search results, wondering why nothing’s working. The way things run now, Etsy’s all about strategy, smart choices, and a whole lot of effort.
Let’s break this down in a way that feels less overwhelming and a little more doable.
1. Start with Stuff That’s Practically a Bargain
Ok, so, selling a bunch of cheap items might not sound exciting, but, hear me out: it’s kind of the trick to getting noticed fast.
Etsy likes shops that are busy - you know, lots of sales, lots of activity. So, if you stock up on simple, low-cost products, you’re giving people an easy way to take a chance on you.
What to Sell:
Think of items people need in bulk or small, affordable things that are almost irresistible - like party favors, craft supplies, or decor. For example, instead of trying to sell a custom wedding backdrop for $200 right away, maybe you sell small floral accents for $5.Why It Works:
More sales = more trust. More trust = higher rankings in Etsy search. It’s kind of like playing the long game, but in a way that pays off quickly.The Catch:
You won’t make a ton of money on these early products, but they set the stage for your more expensive stuff later.
2. Your Photos Need to Look Like You Mean Business
Honestly, people are picky. If your photos look like you snapped them in bad lighting on a carpet that’s seen better days, it’s just not gonna fly.
Shoppers are scrolling fast, and if your stuff doesn’t look pro-level, they’ll pass, even if it’s dirt cheap.
How to Fix It:
Natural light is your best friend - use it.
Use simple props and clean backgrounds to keep things looking sharp.
Edit your photos to brighten them up and make colors pop.
A Reality Check:
Your first few batches of photos might, well, suck. It’s normal. But if you stick with it, you’ll see improvements, and eventually, your shop will look like a mini design studio.If DIY Isn’t Your Thing:
There are people out there who will do mockups or product shots for pretty reasonable prices. Look around Etsy communities or social media to find someone who can help you out without breaking the bank.
3. Stop Buying the Same Stuff Everyone Else Sells
Here’s the thing - if you’re ordering from the same suppliers as 10,000 other shops, you’re setting yourself up to get lost in the shuffle.
Those big platforms like Alibaba and AliExpress? They’re so overdone it hurts. People are tired of seeing the same items over and over.
What You Should Do Instead:
Find small suppliers who can make unique things just for you.
Get creative - ask for specific colors, designs, or materials that you can’t just grab anywhere else.
For Example:
Let’s say you’re selling wedding flowers. Instead of basic white, you get a special shade of pale pink - something that’s soft and subtle but hard to find. That kind of unique touch makes people want to shop with you instead of the other guy.
4. Go Small When You’re Doing Print-on-Demand
Print-on-demand used to be an easy way to stand out. But now? Everybody knows about it. If you’re using the same big services like Printful or Printify, you’re stuck in a crowd that’s only getting bigger.
The Better Option:
Find smaller, more flexible print shops. Sometimes, these are local places that will test small batches for you. Other times, they’re small businesses that work online and are happy to give you personalized attention.Why This Is a Big Deal:
Smaller partners are usually open to trying new things. They’ll help you create something unique, which means your shop won’t look like every other one out there.How to Find Them:
Start with a quick Google search or even ask around in local groups. You might be surprised at how many small businesses are ready to collaborate.
5. Treat Your Shop Like It’s Already a Big Deal
Here’s the thing - if you treat your shop like a side hustle, that’s all it’ll ever be. If you really want to make it work, you’ve got to think bigger. That means investing time, money, and energy into making it legit from the start.
Where to Start:
Get serious about branding. Your logo, packaging, and even the tone of your product descriptions should all feel like they belong to the same shop.
Spend a little on things like good photos, custom supplies, or a website that links back to your Etsy shop.
Why This Matters:
People can tell when you’re trying, and it makes them more likely to trust you with their money.
6. Make Your Shop Feel Special
At the end of the day, people shop on Etsy because they’re looking for something different - something they can’t find on Amazon or in a big-box store. So, your job is to give them that “wow” factor.
How to Do It:
Personalize things. Add handwritten thank-you notes or small freebies to orders.
Tell your story. Use your shop bio or social media to share what makes your products unique.
A Quick Example:
A shop selling custom mugs might include a note that says, “Every mug is hand-painted by me while my cat supervises.” It’s small, but it makes the experience feel more personal.
The Big Takeaway
Alright, so if you’re serious about making Etsy work for you in 2025, you’ve got to think smarter.
Start small with affordable, high-demand products to get the ball rolling. Work on your photos until they look like something out of a catalog. Find suppliers and production partners who can help you create stuff no one else has.
And most importantly, act like your shop is already successful - even if it’s just starting out. With a bit of patience and effort, you’ll get there.