Etsy Changes and Tips for Shop Owners

Hello friends, I’ve been noticing a lot of posts and videos about sellers leaving Etsy due to rising transaction fees, frustrating algorithm shifts (that require paid ads), and the influx of mass-produced goods. This is causing small handmade  business owners to consider moving to independent sites. I tried another site a few years ago, do you remember Katherines Corner Shop? It was through Shopify…. It was an incredible waste of time and money, and an absolute failure. I went back to Etsy.

I have been selling my handmade items on Etsy for 17 years! It is an important source of income for us. A big thank you hug to those of you who have purchased from my shops. I am sincerely grateful. You can find a list of my shops HERE. I know some of you also have online shops through Etsy, so I’m sharing a few tidbits of info. I’m using to make some changes.

At the moment have no intention of leaving Etsy, clearly, I am a long-term seller. (smile) I refuse to give up. (Smile)

• Update your titles and keywords. Clearly explain what the customer is buying. Include dimensions, materials, colors, and care instructions. Focus on benefits as well as features.   Answer common questions before customers have to ask. Use phrases that buyers search for. Put your most important keywords near the beginning of the title.
•   Fill all 13 Etsy tags with relevant search terms.  Include keywords naturally in your descriptions. Etsy has a new AI assisted description service and keyword service too.
•  Upgrade your product photos, use bright, high-resolution images. I’m redoing mine now. Remember to show multiple angles. Include photos that show the product in use Add close-up photos to highlight details.
• Price competitively. Research similar products in your niche. Remember to include in materials, labor, fees, and shipping (consider offering free shipping)
• Offer product variations, different colors, sizes, styles, or personalization options.
• Improve customer service by responding to messages promptly. Ship orders on time.       Package items professionally. Include your business card and a thank you note.
• Encourage reviews, include a list of reviews in your photo section.
•  Add new listings regularly.
•  Promote your shop outside Etsy. Share products on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or Facebook.
• Check your Stats to analyze your shops listings. Improve or replace products that receive traffic but don’t convert. If you have best-selling styles, create similar items. If your listings get plenty of views but few sales improve or replace, photos, pricing, descriptions and tags. If your listings get very few views, focus on improving SEO (titles, tags, keywords), adding more listings, and seasonal items.
• one last thing.. use Etsy shipping if possible, it’s discounted! I often compare pricing so I encourage that too. But Etsy shipping is usually the best. (smile)

I hope you found these suggestions helpful. I pray for your success and that making some of these changes will be rewarded with lots of sales. (smile)

One of my favorite quotes, is great for motivation. A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS JUST A WISH! I’ll see you tomorrow for TFT! xox