How to Make More Sales on Etsy: Success Secret in 2024
So, finally, your Etsy shop is open for business, and now, you cannot wait for the orders to roll in. But instead of the sweet sound of notifications, all you’re hearing is crickets. You have creativity, products, and passion—but where are the customers?
Here’s the thing: figuring out how to make sales on Etsy can be a bit tricky. It’s about understanding the right strategies to get your shop noticed, attract the right buyers, and turn those crickets into a chorus of sales notifications. The good news? It’s simpler than it seems when you know what steps to take.
Page overview:
How to Increase Sales on Etsy?
2. Optimize Your Product Listing
4. Upload Attractive Product Images
5. Write a Detailed Product Description
6. Decide on Competitive Pricing
8. Offer Excellent Customer Service
13. Give Small Gifts or a “Thank You” Note
14. Add Scarcity to Your Product
15. Be Active in the Community
How Popular is Etsy?
If you love unique items like hand-made jewelry, vintage finds, or personal gifts — Etsy is the place to be!
More people are looking to Etsy as though it were a modern-day bazaar where they could find the one-of-a-kind treasures. Etsy has evolved into a huge platform with millions of buyers and sellers over the course of years. It’s no longer your little niche platform — it really is a global community.
Today, Etsy has grown to be one of the largest niche e-commerce marketplaces in the world, with over 8.3 million people selling handmade products and more than 96 million active buyers! Everyone goes to Etsy because they know that the place is a goldmine of unique items.
However, there is a downside to this growing popularity: competition. Tough competition means you have to go the extra mile in making your Etsy store stand out from the crowd.
How to Increase Sales on Etsy?
A successful Etsy shop is not just about listing your items and waiting for customers to come. It is essential to understand the platform and have a few tricks up your sleeve to make your shop stand out among others.
There are a number of things that you can do to boost Etsy sales. Let’s explore a few strategies.
1. Pay Attention to Etsy SEO
What is Etsy SEO?
Etsy SEO is the process of tweaking your shop and product listings to rank higher in Etsy’s search results. This involves using the right keywords and optimizing your product titles and tags. You need to understand how Etsy’s search algorithm works to increase the shop’s visibility.
Etsy Algorithm Search Factors
Etsy’s search algorithm takes several things into account when deciding which listings to show target audience. Understanding these factors can help Etsy sellers optimize your listings effectively:
- Tag and Title Relevance: These keywords help Etsy understand what your product is and match it with buyers searching for similar items.
- Item Attribute Relevance: The attributes you choose (like color, size, or material) also play a role in how Etsy ranks your products. Make sure these details accurately reflect your product and align with what buyers are looking for.
- Listing Quality: Etsy measures the quality of your listings based on how often they’re clicked on, favorited, and purchased.
- Customer and Market Experience: Etsy favors shops that provide a positive experience for buyers. This includes having good reviews, clear shop policies, and a complete shop profile.
- Recency: New listings get a temporary boost in search results. This gives your new products a chance to be seen, but it’s important to continue optimizing your listings to maintain their visibility.
- Shop Location: Etsy considers your shop’s location when showing listings to buyers, especially for those looking for local sellers. While you can’t change your location, being aware of this factor can help you target the right audience.
- Postage Price: Offering competitive or free shipping can also improve your listing’s ranking. Buyers are more likely to choose listings with lower shipping costs, so consider this when setting your postage prices.
How to Find Related Keywords for Your Listing
Keywords are the backbone of Etsy SEO. Without the right keywords, your listing might not appear in relevant search terms, no matter how great your product is.
Here’s how you can identify the most effective keywords:
- Start by reviewing your shop’s stats. Look for patterns in what customers are searching for when they find your products. Understanding what makes your shop unique.
- Type in Etsy’s search bar to see what popular searches pop up. These suggestions can give you insight into what buyers are looking for.
- Check out similar shops and see what keywords they’re using in their titles and tags.
- Pinterest is a great place to discover trending keywords. Since it’s a visual search engine, you can see what people are searching for in your niche.
- Tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Claude AI can help brainstorm keyword ideas. These AI tools can generate keyword suggestions based on your product descriptions.
- Tools like Google Trends, Semrush, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs can show you what people are searching for online. Using these tools can help you discover high-traffic keywords that you might not have considered.
2. Optimize Your Product Listing
Getting your product listing just right can make a big difference in increasing your Etsy sales. Think of your listing like a shop window: it needs to be eye-catching and informative to draw people in.
Here’s how to optimize your product listing.
Titles
The title of your listing is crucial because it’s often the first thing buyers see. A great title grabs attention and makes it clear what you’re selling.
Start with your primary keyword at the beginning of the title. This helps your listing show up in relevant searches. Keep it easy to read and as short as possible while still being descriptive.
Avoid overloading the title with unnecessary details or keywords; simplicity and clarity are key.
Tags
Tags play a significant role in how easily buyers can find your products. Etsy allows you to use up to 13 tags, so make the most of them. Incorporate multi-word phrases and long-tail keywords to cover different search queries. For example, instead of just “jewelry,” use “handmade silver jewelry for weddings.”
Regional phrases and synonyms can help too. If you’re selling in the U.S., consider using terms that buyers from different regions might use. Avoid repeating categories and attributes in your tags, as this doesn’t help your listing appear in more searches.
Keep an eye on your shop stats to see which tags are bringing in traffic. Adjust your tags based on this data to ensure you’re using the most effective keywords. By refining your titles and tags, you make it easier for potential customers to find your listings, leading to more views and, ultimately, more sales.
3. Consider Etsy Ads
If you want to give your Etsy shop an extra boost, Etsy ads are worth considering. They can help you reach more potential buyers and increase your visibility.
On-site Ads
Etsy’s on-site ads promote your products directly on Etsy. When a buyer searches for items similar to yours, your ads can appear at the top of search results or on related product pages. You set a daily budget and pay per click, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This can help drive targeted traffic to your shop, making it easier for buyers interested in your products to find you.
Off-site Ads
Off-site ads take your listings beyond Etsy. They can appear on other websites and social media platforms, reaching a broader audience. Etsy manages these ads for you, showing them to potential buyers who may not have visited Etsy yet. You pay a fee based on the sales generated from these ads, so if your ad leads to a sale, Etsy takes a percentage.
4. Upload Attractive Product Images
Photos play a crucial role in selling your products on Etsy. After all, buyers can’t physically touch or try your items, so clear, appealing images are their main way to gauge quality.
Here are some tips for taking high-quality photos:
- Use natural light whenever possible. It provides the best illumination for showing off the true colors and details of your items. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows.
- A tripod helps keep your camera steady and your photos sharp. Blurry images can be a turn-off for potential buyers.
- Create a simple, clean backdrop for your photos. A plain, uncluttered background ensures the focus stays on your product, not on distracting elements.
- Take close-up shots to highlight intricate details and textures. This helps buyers get a better idea of the product’s quality and craftsmanship.
- Try different settings and angles to find what best showcases your product. Varying perspectives can give buyers a comprehensive view of what they’re buying.
Adding a product video can also be a great way to engage potential customers. A short 5 to 15-second video can give a better sense of the product’s size, texture, and functionality than a photo alone. Aim for a resolution of at least 1080 pixels to ensure your video looks clear and professional.
5. Write a Detailed Product Description
A well-crafted product description is crucial for convincing buyers to make a purchase. It’s your chance to highlight what makes your product special and why it’s worth buying.
To make your description stand out:
- Begin your description with relevant keywords. This helps your listing appear in search results when buyers look for similar items.
- Break up your description into short paragraphs or bullet points. This makes it easier for buyers to scan and find key information quickly.
- Make sure to provide essential details like dimensions, size, color, and material. Buyers need this information to know if your product is the right fit for them.
- Emphasize what makes your product unique. Whether it’s a special feature, a unique design, or a handcrafted touch, make sure buyers know why your item is worth their attention.
6. Decide on Competitive Pricing
Setting the right price for your products is crucial. Too low, and buyers might think something’s wrong. Too high, and you could scare off potential customers.
Market research is your best friend here. Look at similar products on Etsy to see what others are charging.
Your price should reflect the value of your item and gain good profit margins while staying competitive. Consider the materials, time spent, and uniqueness of your product. Price it in a way that feels fair to you and appealing to buyers. Finding that sweet spot will help your shop stand out and attract more sales.
7. Create More Products
Adding new products to your Etsy shop is a great way to keep things fresh and attract more customers. Here’s why regularly updating your offerings can make a difference:
- Stay on Trend: New designs help you keep up with the latest trends. Shoppers are always looking for what’s hot, so offering trendy items can boost your visibility.
- Seasonal Appeal: Create seasonal products for holidays or special events. This not only taps into festive shopping sprees but also gives you a chance to run targeted sales.
- Cross-Selling Opportunities: New products can help you cross-sell. Bundle less popular items with your latest creations to increase their appeal and drive more sales.
Regularly introducing new products keeps your shop dynamic and engaging, encouraging repeat visits and purchases from both new and returning customers.
8. Offer Excellent Customer Service
Great customer service can set you apart from the competition. It’s about more than just handling transactions; it’s about creating a positive experience for your buyers. Here are a few tips for excellent customer service:
- Respect and Promptness: Treat every customer with respect and respond to their questions quickly. This shows that you value their time and business.
- Positive Attitude: Approach every interaction with a positive attitude, even if issues arise. A friendly and helpful demeanor can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
- Honesty: If something goes wrong, be honest about it. Transparency helps build trust and can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.
Providing exceptional service not only helps in retaining customers but also encourages them to come back, fostering a loyal customer base.
9. Value Customer Reviews
Customer reviews play a key role in boosting your shop’s visibility on Etsy. Positive reviews not only enhance your credibility but also improve your shop’s SEO. Etsy’s algorithm favors listings with higher ratings and more reviews, making it easier for your products to appear in search results.
You can encourage customers to leave feedback by:
- Polite Requests: Ask customers to leave reviews in a friendly manner. Consider sending follow-up emails or offering a small discount on future purchases as a thank-you for their feedback.
- Highlighting Feedback: Use positive reviews to showcase your shop’s strengths and address any negative feedback constructively.
10. Utilize Email Marketing
Email marketing is an invaluable tool for boosting your Etsy shop’s success. It’s cost-effective, offers measurable results, and enhances brand visibility without the hefty price tag.
Sending regular emails can keep your shop at the forefront of customers’ minds. You can use email marketing to request product reviews, announce special discounts, share updates on new products, or even send out a regular newsletter.
To make the most of email marketing, always ask customers to subscribe to your list rather than just gathering email addresses from orders. This approach ensures your audience is genuinely interested in what you offer and is more likely to respond positively to your emails.
For managing your campaigns, consider tools like Mailchimp or Mad Mimi. They simplify the process of creating and sending emails, tracking engagement, and analyzing results.
11. Promotion on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for marketing your Etsy shop. Platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok offer immense reach and can help your products gain visibility far beyond Etsy’s marketplace.
When starting out, focus on managing one social media account. Being active is key—regularly share updates, useful information, and important announcements. Showing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process or daily operations adds a personal touch and engages your audience.
Don’t underestimate the power of multimedia content. Videos, stories, and live videos can capture attention and showcase your brand in dynamic ways. They provide an authentic look at what you offer and can drive more engagement.
What to Consider When Collaborating with Influencers
Choosing the right influencer can significantly boost your Etsy shop’s visibility. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Content Quality: Evaluate the influencer’s content to ensure it aligns with your brand’s image. High-quality, professional-looking content tends to attract more attention and reflects well on your products.
- Audience Reach: Look at the influencer’s follower count and the demographics of their audience.
- Engagement Metrics: Beyond just follower numbers, check engagement rates—how often their posts receive comments, likes, and shares. High engagement indicates an active and interested audience.
- Authenticity: Assess how genuine the influencer’s interaction is with their audience. Authenticity in their endorsements can lead to higher trust and better results for your brand.
- Conversion Potential: Consider how effective the influencer is at driving action. Track any referral links or discount codes provided during the campaign to measure impact.
12. Provide Free Shipping
Offering free shipping can be a game-changer for your Etsy shop. It taps into a powerful psychological trigger—shoppers love the idea of getting something extra for nothing. When customers see that “free shipping” banner, it often feels like they’re getting a better deal.
To make this work for you, consider including the shipping cost in your product price. This way, you’re not losing out financially while still giving your customers the perk of free shipping. It’s a win-win: customers get a pleasant surprise at checkout, and you can boost your sales without worrying about shipping fees becoming a deal breaker.
13. Give Small Gifts or a “Thank You” Note
A little surprise can go a long way. Including a small gift or a heartfelt “thank you” note with a coupon code in your packages is a great way to leave a lasting impression on your customers. Not only does it enhance their unboxing experience, but it also provides a chance to spread the word about your brand. These thoughtful touches make customers feel valued and more likely to return, sharing their positive experience with others.
14. Add Scarcity to Your Product
Scarcity is a clever marketing tool that can drive more sales by tapping into a psychological trigger. People tend to value things more when they believe they’re in limited supply. This principle is backed by behavioral science and can boost customer engagement and loyalty by creating a sense of urgency.
Scarcity works because it plays on the fear of missing out (FOMO). When shoppers think an item might run out soon, they’re more likely to make a quick decision.
To use scarcity effectively:
- Incorporate urgency: Use phrases like “limited time offer” or “only a few left.”
- Offer guarantees: A strong refund policy can reassure customers despite the urgency.
- Add a countdown timer: Visual cues of limited time can drive action.
- Limit quantities: Clearly state if stock is running low to encourage quicker purchases.
15. Be Active in the Community
Getting involved in online communities can boost your visibility without sounding like a salesperson. Share helpful advice and insights in forums or social media groups, like those on Reddit.
Avoid direct promotion of your products; instead, contribute value to conversations. This approach helps you build trust and connect with potential customers in a genuine way.
Make More Sales with Personalized Options
Personalized products are a fantastic way to boost sales and stand out. Services like print on demand let you create custom designs without holding inventory. Just upload your artwork, and these POD platforms handle the printing and shipping. Inkedjoy offers a range of customizable items like mugs and t-shirts, adding a personal touch that customers love.
Offering personalized options can make your products more appealing and unique, helping you attract a broader audience and sell on Etsy.
Get Ready to Run Sales!
Ready to give your sales a boost? With the strategies covered, you’re all set to draw in more customers and increase your sales. Implementing these tips—from optimizing your product listings to creating a sense of urgency—can make a big difference. So, gear up, start applying these techniques, and watch your business grow. Here’s to successful sales and happy customers!
FAQs
1. How to get sales on Etsy with no reviews?
Focus on optimizing your product listings with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Engage with potential customers through social media and offer excellent customer service. Over time, positive reviews will build up as you continue to provide a great shopping experience.
2. How do you get your first sale on Etsy?
Start by promoting your shop through social media and local communities. Offer competitive pricing and ensure your listings are well-crafted with clear photos and descriptions. Consider offering a small discount or promotion to attract initial buyers.
3. How to get sales on Etsy without ads?
Enhance your shop’s visibility by optimizing your listings with relevant keywords and engaging photos. Utilize social media to share your products and connect with potential buyers. Join Etsy teams and forums to network and promote your shop organically.
