• Blog

    Transform Your Etsy Shop into a Profitable Success Story

    Transform Your Etsy Shop Into a Profitable Success Story
    Transform Your Etsy Shop Into a Profitable Success Story

    Are you ready to take your Etsy shop to the next level without sacrificing your precious time? Running an Etsy shop is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between creating products, managing Etsy SEO, and promoting your shop, it’s easy to feel like you’re all over the place. But what if you could streamline your process, work smarter (not harder), and transform your Etsy shop into a profitable success story?

    Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing shop, we all want to make the best use of our time. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you make the most of the time you have and build a business that works for you, but doesn’t take over your life.

    1. Understand Your Shop’s Potential

    The biggest thing that sets your Etsy shop apart? You.

    Your products, your style, and your way of doing business make your shop unique. Lean into that. Customers don’t just buy products, they buy experiences, stories, and connections.

    Your shop’s personality and style set you apart from the competition. This is everything about your shop like your design aesthetic, the products you sell, the bundles you offer, your customer service, and any extras you include with your sales. People come to Etsy to shop with small businesses, and they want to buy from sellers they connect with.

    Here are a few ways to showcase your personality:

    • Write an About section that explains why you do what you do.
    • Use consistent branding in your photos, descriptions, and shop visuals.
    • Make sure your product listings reflect your style and voice.

    People are more likely to buy (and come back) when they feel connected to your brand and find value in the products you offer.

    Have you opened your Etsy shop yet? If you haven’t, you can score your first 40 Etsy listings for free by using my referral link!

    2. Get Organized

    A cluttered workspace (physical or digital) or disorganized workflow can slow you down. Getting organized is key to running a smooth and efficient Etsy business. The more you systemize your process, the easier it gets to run your shop efficiently.

    Ways to Save Time:

    • Batch similar tasks (e.g., create multiple listings at once instead of one by one).
    • Use templates for product descriptions and mockups
    • Keep a list of FAQs and responses.
    • Automate repetitive tasks (like social media or Pinterest scheduling or use auto-responders to help answer common questions).

    Helpful Tools to Stay Organized:

    • Trello (affiliate link) or Asana for planning tasks.
    • Canva for easy product mockups and graphics.
    • Evernote or Google Keep for jotting down new product ideas.
    • Google Drive for storing and sharing files.
    • Printables! (Check out this Etsy business planner.)

    When you streamline your process and use systems to stay organized, you free up time to focus on creating, selling, and growing your shop!

    3. Create Products That Speak to Your Audience

    Want more sales? It all starts with offering products that your ideal customers actually want. Maybe you’ve heard the expression about marketing to everyone means marketing to no one. If you don’t have an ideal customer in mind, your products can be too generic and it makes it much harder to make sales.

    How to Figure Out What Sells:

    • Do keyword research: use Etsy search suggestions or check out this list of our favorite research tools.
    • Listen to your audience! Are you hanging out where your audience is? Look in Facebook groups, Reddit, on Pinterest, or do a survey to see what they’re looking for.
    • Analyze bestsellers to see what’s trending in your niche and how you can put your own spin on it.
    • Get specific. Specific with your keywords, with your audience, and what’s trending.

    Examples of Successful Products:

    • Digital templates, spreadsheets, and planners – people love organization!
    • Seasonal themed printables like games, cards, or classroom activities.
    • Custom or personalized items because people love buying unique gifts.

    The key? Create products that solve a problem or meet a need that people are already looking for.

    4. Etsy Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

    You need to create listings that are optimized specifically for Etsy. Make sure your listing titles tell your buyers exactly what they’re getting (e.g. printable floral planner for busy moms). You description tells them how your product solves their problem and reiterates what they are getting (size, color, product delivery process). Your tags cover all relevant keywords and phrases that potential buyers are searching for (use every tag!).

    5. Market Your Shop

    You can have the best products, but if no one sees them, they won’t sell. Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent.

    Easy Ways to Promote Your Shop:

    • Pinterest: Pin your products regularly so Etsy shoppers can find you. A lot of Etsy shoppers come from Pinterest!
    • Instagram & TikTok: Share behind-the-scenes content, like your creation process, and highlight customer testimonials.
    • Email marketing: Let your customer stay in touch! Having them join your email list means you can offer special deals to repeat customers.

    Start small and pick ONE platform to focus on first. Consistency is more important than being everywhere at once!

    6. Engaging with Your Customers

    Happy customers = repeat customers. The better experience they have, the more likely they are to shop with you again.

    • Have clear photos or product mockups that show your customer exactly what to expect.
    • Reply to messages quickly (fast replies can make the difference between a sale and a lost customer).
    • Encourage them to connect with you after their purchase by joining your email list.
    • Offer great customer service and exclusive coupons for repeat buyers.

    A happy customer is more likely to return and recommend your shop to others. Use word of mouth to your advantage!

    7. Learn and Grow

    Etsy success doesn’t happen overnight. Trends change, algorithms shift, and customer preferences evolve. Even though selling on Etsy is a great source of “passive” income, an Etsy shop isn’t completely setting it and forgetting it. The most successful sellers keep learning, adapting, and improving over time.

    Where to Find Ongoing Support & Education:

    Success on Etsy isn’t about luck. If you treat your shop like a business, it will grow like one!

    Ready to Transform Your Etsy Shop?

    You don’t have to do everything at once, but making small, intentional changes can lead to big results.

    • Get organized.
    • Create products people actually want.
    • Market your shop in a way that works for you.
    • Build relationships with your customers.

    Most importantly, find a system that allows you to run your shop efficiently without burning out. Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Find what you like and can commit to consistently.

    Want more tips, resources, and a supportive community to help grow your Etsy shop? Join our free Facebook group today and let’s build your success story together!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Blog

    7 Best Etsy Keyword Research Tools

    7 Best Etsy Keyword Research Tools
    7 Best Etsy Keyword Research Tools

    If you have ever felt frustrated trying to get your Etsy listings found, you are not alone. With millions of products on Etsy, the right keywords can make all the difference in whether your shop thrives or gets lost in the crowd.

    This guide will walk you through the best Etsy keyword tools, how to use them effectively, and how to optimize your listings without making costly mistakes. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, you will find actionable tips to help you get more views and sales.

    The Best Etsy Keyword Research Tools and What They Do

    There are plenty of keyword research tools out there, but not all are worth your time or money. I firmly believe that choosing the best keyword research tool is a personal choice. You should choose the keyword tool that works with the way your brain works.

    Below are the ones I have personally used and recommend. Each of these tools offer either a free tier or a limited free trial. Sign up, test them out and choose whichever one is the best fit for you! You can always test more later.

    These links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them – at no extra cost to you, of course. Have you opened your Etsy shop yet? If you haven’t, you can score your first 40 Etsy listings for free by using my referral link!

    Now back to the tools…

    1. eRank

    • One of the most popular Etsy SEO tools with data presented in color coded bars
    • Offers a robust free plan with keyword research, listing audits, and competition analysis
    • Paid plans start at just $5 per month, making it an affordable option for beginners

    Pro tip: Ever wondered how sellers can claim they are the top 1% or 10% sellers? This tool that tells you exactly how you rank in total number of sales against all other Etsy shops, and it is available on the free plan! It is great to keep you motivated and track your progress so it is worth signing up even if you don’t use any other features.

    2. Marmalead

    • Free 14-day trial
    • Paid plan is $19 per month, but it includes powerful trend analysis and brainstorming tools
    • We purchased a lifetime deal for $150 after the trial, which was well worth it

    Pro tip: Their customer service is top notch and the storm tool helps you quickly find and save new keyword ideas.

    3. EtsyHunt

    • Limited free searches per day, but a great tool for tracking trending products
    • Offers a free seven-day trends feature
    • The paid plan is only $4 per month

    Pro tip: Use the Find Hot Product feature to see Etsy Picks and Bestsellers and filter by category to see which products are top listings in your niche!

    4. Alura

    • Limited free plan with free AI features and listing visibility scores
    • Paid plans start at $9 per month
    • Great for tracking competitor shops and improving listing performance

    Pro tip: They do have a pricier plan that will generate Pinterest pins, has a nice business dashboard and they also offer a Chrome extension like EverBee, but I haven’t tested it yet.

    5. EverBee

    • Chrome extension for keyword research right on Etsy
    • The paid plan is $20 per month, but occasional deals make it more affordable
    • We got a one-year deal for $116, bringing the cost to under $10 per month

    Pro tip: This tool lets you do an analysis of a listing in real time which is a great time saver!

    6. InsightFactory

    • Limited free credits, but excellent for finding trending keywords
    • Monthly plans start at $20
    • Great for personalized shop recommendations and niche discovery

    Pro tip: This tool offers the best suggestions for hot products to make next and trending keywords to target based on what you’re already selling in your shop.

    7. Sales Samurai

    • Free trial is limited to three days
    • Straightforward user interface, similar to Google Trends
    • Helps sellers identify profitable long-tail keywords

    Pro tip: Great for beginners, their keyword search interface offers long tail keyword suggestions, trending Google keywords, top Etsy listings and tags ideas and pricing suggestions – all with one click!

    Which Etsy Keyword Research Tool Should You Choose?

    If you are just getting started, I recommend picking one or two tools to avoid overwhelm. Each tool has unique strengths, so once you are comfortable with Etsy keyword research, you can experiment with more and see which ones you like best.

    If saving money is the most important to you right now, try out eRank or EtsyHunt. If you need keyword trends and suggestions, try InsightFactory, Marmalead or EverBee. If you want an easy to use product with a middle of the road price, Alura and Sale Samurai are great choices.

    How to Use Keywords in Etsy Listings

    So you’ve finally found great keywords, now where do you put them?

    Etsy Titles

    Your best long-tail keywords should go in the first half of your title, ideally within the first 40 characters. Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases buyers are likely to search for.

    Instead of a title like Baby Shower Gift, try something like Expecting Parent Coupon Book, or Baby Shower Gift for Sister.

    Etsy Tags

    Etsy gives you 13 tags per listing, and you should use all of them. Each tag is limited to 20 characters (in the U.S.), including spaces, so sometimes you will need to break a long-tail keyword into multiple tags.

    For example, if your long-tail keyword is “Printable Babysitting Vouchers”, you might break it into:

    • Printable Babysitting
    • Babysitting Vouchers

    That is completely fine. Etsy will still recognize these words and match your listing to relevant searches. Try not to duplicate the same words more than two times if you have other options for relevant words and phrases. There’s no penalty if you do, it just wastes precious tag space if you have additional terms you could add.

    When Should You Update Your Keywords?

    Trending keywords change over time, so reviewing your main keywords at least once a year is a good idea. However, DO NOT change keywords on listings that are already selling well.

    Here is why:

    When you update a listing’s title or tags, Etsy treats it as a brand-new listing and resets its search ranking. I learned this the hard way. One of my best-selling products was consistently bringing in sales. I decided to “improve” the keywords, and after the update, the listing never recovered! It still sells, just not nearly as well as before. Lesson learned.

    Instead of updating a successful listing, use A/B testing.

    How to A/B Test Etsy Keywords

    A/B testing (also called split testing) is a smart way to try new keywords without risking your current sales. Here is how to do it:

    1. Duplicate your listing
    2. Update the keywords on the new version
    3. Compare performance – If the new listing performs better, you can decide if it is worth changing the original

    A key tip: Only change one thing at a time. If you change too many things (titles, tags, images, description, etc.), you will not know which adjustment made the difference.

    Action Step: Update One Listing Today

    Now that you have a list of the best Etsy keyword research tools and a strategy for using them, it is time to take action.

    Pick one product listing and update the keywords using one of the tools above. Then track the results over the next 2-3 months.

    Do you need more product recommendations? Check out our Resources page.

    CONTINUE READING

  • Blog

    The Real Costs of Selling on Etsy in 2025

    The real costs of selling on Etsy in 2025 with a woman and her laptop

    Hey there, fellow Etsy enthusiast! If you’re here, you’re probably knee-deep in the wonderful world of Etsy or thinking about jumping in but you’re not sure about the real costs of selling on Etsy. Either way, one thing’s for sure: understanding those pesky fees is crucial to your success on this platform. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you.

    I know you didn’t go into business to throw all your money away, so we’ll talk about how Etsy fees impact your shop’s bottom line so you can confidently price your products and maximize your profits. So, exactly what are the costs of selling on Etsy in 2025?

    1. Understanding Listing Fees

    Have you opened your Etsy shop yet? If you haven’t, you can score your first 40 Etsy listings for free by using my referral link!

    So, you’ve got this awesome idea for a product. What’s next? Does Etsy charge listing fees? If you recently set up your Etsy shop, you already encountered the one time shop fee. Unlike that fee you only pay once, every time you list a product on Etsy, you’re charged a small fee.

    Currently, Etsy charges listing fees per item of $0.20 per listing, and that fee applies whether your item sells or not! Listings are active for four months, so if your item doesn’t sell in that time, you’ll need to renew it and pay another $0.20 listing fee per item. This might not seem like much at first glance (and it isn’t!), but if you’re planning to list a bunch of items, it can add up quickly.

    What some people don’t realize is that you also pay that listing fee each time you sell your product if you have you listings set to automatic renewal. This isn’t charged as a fee of selling, but it is a new listing fee. So each time your product sells, it gets listed again and $0.20 is charged for the listing fee. The simplest way to make sure this doesn’t impact your profits is to take the price you want to charge and just add $0.20 to that amount!

    Pro Tips: Batch your product listings to avoid unexpected renewal fees or stay organized and regularly check when your renewals will occur. If a product doesn’t sell or get any views, either make some improvements and try again for another four months, or set to manual renewal if you deactivate that product for now.

    2. Etsy Transaction Fees Explained

    Ok, so imagine you’ve made a sale! Woohoo! But before you pop the champagne, let’s talk transaction fees. When you make a sale, Etsy takes a 6.5% transaction fee on the item’s total cost which means the price of the item and any shipping fees you charge the customer. This fee applies to every sale on Etsy, no matter how small or large.

    Example: If you sell physical stickers for $10 and charge $2 for shipping, Etsy’s 6.5% fee applies to the full $12, meaning you pay $0.78 in transaction fees.

    Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be! Just remember to factor these costs into your pricing strategy so they don’t catch you off guard.

    3. Payment Processing Fees

    Next up are payment processing fees. These are separate from transaction fees and vary based on where you’re located. Etsy handles payments through Etsy Payments, and for that convenience, they charge a processing fee. This varies by country, but in the U.S., the fee is 3% + $0.25 per transaction. So exactly how much are the Etsy processing fees?

    Example: On that same $12 sale we talked about before, you would pay $0.61 in payment processing fees.

    It might sound like a lot of numbers thrown at you, but once you get used to it, it’ll be second nature.

    Think of these as part of doing business online, like paying rent for a brick-and-mortar store but without having to sweep the floors every night!

    4. Optional Subscription Fees

    Etsy offers an upgraded subscription called Etsy Plus for $10/month. This subscription gives you perks like advanced shop customization, discounted listing credits, and ad bonuses.

    Is it worth it? If you’re just starting, the free plan offers plenty. Etsy Plus is better for established sellers who want more branding options and promotional tools.

    Etsy also offers a way to create your own website with Pattern on Etsy. They offer a free 30 day trial, then it is $15/month plus taxes. If you don’t want to create your own website on Wix or WordPress, this is a reasonably priced option for you to have your own website and domain. All processing and transaction fees are still the same as your Etsy store.

    Is it worth it? If you’re just starting out, I would focus on getting your awesome products listed first, not getting distracted by shiny objects like a new website.

    5. Advertising and Promotional Fees

    Etsy ads offer a boost to your shop, but with a cost. There are two main ways to advertise your products:

    • Etsy (Onsite) Ads: You set your daily budget (minimum $1/day) to promote products within Etsy’s search results.
    • Offsite Ads: Etsy advertises your products on platforms like Google and Facebook. If someone clicks on one of these ads and makes a purchase within 30 days, you’ll incur an additional fee of 12 or 15% on that sale (depending on your shop’s annual revenue). However, if your shop made less than $10k in sales over the past year, participation is optional! You can opt out anytime if it doesn’t align with your marketing strategy.

    Pro Tip: You definitely want to have a strategy in place before using Etsy Ads. Test small ad budgets and track which products get the best return on investment before committing more. If allowing for Offsite Ads, don’t forget to cover the additional fees in your product listing price!

    6. Tips to Manage and Minimize Fees

    Here are some strategies to keep more of your hard-earned profits:

    • Price Smart: Factor in all Etsy fees when setting your prices.
    • Offer Free Shipping: Build shipping costs into your product price to make the Etsy algorithm happy.
    • Limit Ad Spending: Start small with Etsy Ads and track performance to maximize return.
    • Batch Listings: List and renew in bulk to stay on top of expiration dates and help speed up your product creation.

    7. Understanding the Total Fee as a Percentage

    You may hear people talk about their profit as a percentage of the sale price. After all, it is really important to know exactly how much profit you’re really making. This helps you make important business decisions like whether to purchase a new course, invest in Etsy Ads, or upgrade your Canva from free to Pro!

    This can mean that if you are selling inexpensive printables, you may end up with a higher percentage of the total amount taken out in fees (though you don’t have to worry about fees on shipping costs) for that item because of the flat $0.25 and $0.20 charges you’ll pay (if on automatic listing renewal) for listing and payment processing on top of the 6.5% transaction fee. For example, if you sell a $2.00 item and want to relist it, your fees will be -$0.20 for the listing fee, -$0.31 for the processing fee, and -$0.13 for the transaction fee. Your pay out from that sale would be $1.36, or a 68% profit when excluding any other business expenses you may have.

    But let’s say you sell a higher priced item, maybe a $20.00 template. The percentage impact of those flat fees won’t affect your overall profit percentage as much. If you relist the product, you’ll pay -$0.20 for the listing fee, -$0.85 for the processing fee, and -$1.30 for the transaction fee. Your pay out from that sale would be $17.65, or a 88.25% profit. Clear as mud, right?

    If you’re looking for an easy peasy way to keep track of the costs for selling on Etsy or you just hate working with numbers, check out my friend Debbie’s Etsy Profit & Pricing Calculator (affiliate link). She’s got it all set up with each type of fee, plus other business expenses you might have to help you easily price your digital products and keep track of your revenue and profit! And to top it all off, her calculator can help you decide exactly what to price your items to reach your income goals.

    If you’re ready for more tips and tools to manage your Etsy shop subscribe to our newsletter below and check out our Resources page for more of our recommendations like Debbie’s Etsy Profit & Pricing Calculator!

    CONTINUE READING

  • Blog

    How Do I Make Printable Products to Sell on Etsy?

    How do I make printable products to sell on Etsy? What are printable products?
    How do I make printable products to sell on Etsy? What are printable products?

    Hey there! Ever found yourself curious about what printable products are and how you can whip them up for your Etsy shop? Well, you’re in the right place. If you’re already familiar with Etsy, you may know it is a great place to find all kinds of cool stuff. I’ve personally bought shoes, custom wood shelves, dirt (and plants!), wall art, candles, jewelry, and wedding invitations.

    But most of those things are what are referred to as “physical products” basically because something is crafted and then shipped to you. Printable products or printables, however are considered “digital products” because they are crafted and then provided digitally.

    What Are Printable Products?

    But what exactly are printables? In a nutshell, these are any digital files that your customers can download and print at home (or at a local print shop). Etsy draws people in with an array of planners, art prints, invitations, or even educational worksheets – all just a click away. So that’s what’s in it for your buyers, but what is in it for you? You can create products in a variety of categories, and for various needs and occasions without the fuss of physical inventory. That’s a huge win!

    Why Printables Are Perfect for Your Etsy Shop

    Now, why should you consider adding printable products to your Etsy repertoire? For starters, they come with low overhead costs! This means there’s no need to worry about shipping, packaging, storage of materials or inventory, you don’t need a whole crafting room overflowing into the rest of the house, and you don’t have boxes and bins all around! Plus, you get the freedom to design as many variations as your heart desires – whether it’s a quirky cat calendar or a chic nursery wall art piece. The possibilities are endless when it comes to printable products.

    Getting Started with Creating Printable Products

    Ready to jump in? Great! Let’s talk tools. You don’t need fancy equipment or a degree in graphic design to get started. Software like Adobe Express or Canva is super user-friendly (and Canva has a crazy robust free version!) while Adobe Illustrator offers more advanced features if you’re feeling adventurous. When it comes to designing, remember: simplicity often shines brightest. Use clean lines and colors that pop. Your goal is to create something that stands out on the page and sets you apart from other sellers.

    I had zero design experience when I first started, but Canva was really helpful in jumpstarting my journey. They have tons of fonts and images you can use for free, and design templates you can look at for inspiration when you’re creating.

    From Idea to Finished Product

    Okay, let’s break down the basic process from start to finish:

    1. Brainstorming Ideas: Start by jotting down ideas based on trends or personal interests. What’s popular now? Maybe seasonal planners or motivational quotes? What colors or patterns are trending right now?
    2. Designing Your First Product: Once you’ve got an idea in mind, it’s time to bring it to life! Play around with fonts and graphics until you find a style that feels just right. Does it look balanced? Is there enough white space?
    3. Finalizing and Exporting Files: After perfecting your masterpiece, export it in a format suitable for printing (PDFs work well for most things). Now it’s ready for the Etsy stage!

    I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. For instance, consistency in style helps build brand recognition among buyers. Also, don’t shy away from experimenting; sometimes happy accidents lead to the best designs! And don’t forget to do your research. Remember that you are not designing what you would want to purchase, you’re designing what people want to buy!

    Listing Your Printable Products on Etsy

    Have you opened your Etsy shop yet? If you haven’t, you can score your first 40 Etsy listings for free by using my referral link!

    Now that your printable product is ready, let’s make sure it catches the eye of potential buyers!

    Crafting an Eye-Catching Listing: Think of your product description as a mini story that highlights its benefits and uses vivid imagery. These are referred to in “the biz” as mockups. When your potential buyer is scrolling though hundreds of images, how can you draw them to click on yours? The product needs to shine and stand out, but your mockup does too!

    Pricing Strategies: Price competitively but remember not to undervalue your work so you need to consider factors like design complexity and market demand. I check at least once per year to see if my pricing is still competitive with the market. You don’t want to be the cheapest, but you don’t want to be the most expensive either. Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you want it to be juuuust right.

    Tips for Selling Printable Products Successfully

    Here’s where we take things up a notch:

    • Marketing Your Creations: Social media can be your best friend here! Share sneak peeks of new designs or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. Showcase product lines or holiday products. The possibilities are endless.
    • Pinterest: Etsy products are popular on Pinterest, which is a visual search engine. Adding Pins for your products helps you get more engagement and eyes on your products which then helps them be shown to more people!
    • Engaging with Customers: Building relationships is one of the most important things you can do when owning a business! Respond promptly to inquiries and encourage feedback.

    Creating a loyal community around your brand isn’t just rewarding; it also leads to repeat business. Etsy even flags purchases from repeat buyers so you know when your buyers come back.

    This stuff is the fun part, just don’t forget that before you dive head first into socials and Pinterest, you need to make sure you have products to sell and that your listings are high quality.

    So what do you say? Ready to turn those creative juices into profit? If you start designing today, your first printable product could be just one brainstorm away from becoming someone’s favorite purchase! And hey, why not join our vibrant community of Etsy sellers by signing up for my newsletter! Let’s grow together and support each other every step of the way!

    Ready to learn more? Check out: Are You Ready to Start Your Printables Business on Etsy? or Feeling Overwhelmed About Starting on Etsy?

    CONTINUE READING

  • Blog

    Are You Ready to Start Your Printables Business on Etsy?

    Are you ready to start your printables business on Etsy? 8 things you need to know.
    Are you ready to start your printables business on Etsy? 8 things you need to know.

    Thinking about starting your own digital product Etsy shop? Let’s see if you’re ready to take that exciting step! Trust me, starting a printables business isn’t just about having a great idea or being crafty (though those help!). It’s also about preparation and mindset.

    Have you opened your Etsy shop yet? If you haven’t, you can score your first 40 Etsy listings for free by using my referral link!

    Etsy’s marketplace is a great choice for beginner sellers. Whether you’re starting a side hustle, looking to pay some bills, or have a need for a creative outlet, here’s what you need to know before you get started selling printables on Etsy.

    1. Understanding the Basics

    So, what exactly are printables? (And why are they such a hit on Etsy?)

    Printables are digital files that customers can purchase, download, and print at home. These can be anything from planners and calendars to art prints and party invitations. The beauty of printables is they’re versatile and cater to so many interests. Plus, once you create them, they can sell over and over again without any extra work on your part. Sounds like a dream, right?

    What’s even better, there’s an opportunity for people of all skill levels to make a printables business. For example, if you love designing or have an eye for detail, invitations could be a perfect business model for you! If you prefer simple designs, business templates or checklists might be your niche of choice.

    Etsy is a popular spot for busy people looking to save time and buy quality handmade goods from individual sellers. But wait, how is a printable download handmade? Even though you don’t have to assemble and mail any items, your printables are still designed and made by you, so they are considered handmade (unless you used Artificial Intelligence to help you design, in which case you must disclose that on your listing).

    2. Assessing Your Skills and Resources

    One of the advantages of selling printables is that you don’t need to be a professional designer to do it! There are plenty of user-friendly tools out there like Canva or Adobe Express that make designing accessible even if you’re not a pro designer, but you can also use a program like PowerPoint or Google Sheets if you are already familiar with those. Just remember, quality matters. People want products that look polished and professional, even if they’re only paying a few bucks.

    Remember that you will build up your skillset over time, so you don’t have to know everything before you get started with your digital Etsy shop. Also, you can look into purchasing templates with private label rights (PLR) or master reseller rights (MRR) where other creators make the base design that you can modify (PLR) and sell or sell as-is (MRR). These can help you avoid blank page syndrome when you’re first getting started. Check out our PLR templates in the shop.

    And don’t forget that creativity isn’t just about design skills. It’s also about coming up with unique ideas that stand out in the crowded marketplace. Think about what makes your style different or what niche you could fill.

    3. Evaluating Your Goals and Motivation

    Let’s get personal here. Why do you want to start this business? Is it purely for extra income (which is totally fine!)? Or maybe it’s because you love creating and want to share your passion with others?

    Having clarity on why you’re embarking on this journey will keep you motivated when challenges arise, and believe me, they will! Whether it’s dealing with tough customers or figuring out SEO (search engine optimization) and always changing algorithms – your “why” will keep pushing your printables business forward.

    Setting mini-goals can also be really helpful when you are just starting out. Maybe your first goal is just the first sale, then the next goal could be getting to 10 sales or 10 products designed and listed. Each time you reach a goal, reward yourself in some small or meaningful way. Then set your next goal. Think about what you hope to achieve in your first few months with your new business. What effort or time will you need to commit to reach your goals?

    Be sure to celebrate your wins along the way! Starting your own shop means that you are putting yourself out there and that is an accomplishment in itself!

    4. Market Research and Niche Selection

    It’s homework time! Before launching any business venture (even something as fun as selling printables), research is crucial. Look at successful shops within your niche; what are they doing right? How can you offer something similar but uniquely yours?

    Plan out everything from product ideas and pricing strategies to marketing plans and customer service policies. Having these elements mapped out gives structure amidst all the creativity flowing through those veins! Check out resources available to you by people you trust. Get on YouTube, join some email lists, buy a course or two. Learn. I give away tons of tips, free stuff and deep discounts to people that join my newsletter.

    Use keyword research tools to help you decide what products you should make first. When choosing a niche, you can think in broad areas like educational resources, or weddings, or wall art. Then you can drill down further into more specific types or categories or even who your ideal customer is.

    5. Technical Know-How

    Are you comfortable with trying digital tools and platforms? If you need help, YouTube is a great option to watch tutorials on every tool and platform out there! A little tech-savviness goes a long way! If you’re lacking in an area or need a confidence boost, tutorials can be a big help.

    You will need to navigate platforms like Etsy, design software, and eventually some basic marketing tools. Don’t worry – you can learn as you go, but be open to experimenting and refuse to give up!

    6. Building Your Support System

    Who’s in your corner cheering you on? Never underestimate the power of community support! Surround yourself with supportive friends, family or join communities of fellow Etsy sellers. It’s easier when you have people to share your wins and troubleshoot with. They can help you get unstuck and keep you motivated!

    Join our free Facebook group here to access our awesome community.

    7. Financial Considerations

    The good news is, starting a printables business is low cost. Starting on Etsy, you will be required to pay a one time fee ($30 or less) to open your shop. You might also invest in design software and templates. And don’t forget individual Etsy listing fees. It costs $0.20 to list each item (and again each time it sells) plus 6.5% of your sale price. If you open your shop using my referral link, you will get your first 40 listings for free! Otherwise, all Etsy fees come out of your proceeds. Just be sure to budget wisely to keep expenses manageable. There are a lot of free resources out there. Here’s my list of 10 Tools to Grow Your Etsy Shop.

    8. Ready, Set, Launch!

    Alright, let’s get real for a second – how much time do you actually have? Running an Etsy shop isn’t just set-it-and-forget-it (wouldn’t that be nice?). It takes time to create listings, market your products, engage with customers, and update designs based on feedback or trends.

    Consider your current schedule: family commitments, work responsibilities, social life (yes, that’s important too!). Can you carve out dedicated hours each week to focus on your business? If you’re juggling multiple roles already, think realistically about how you’ll manage your time. How much time do you have available to work on your shop and get your first product listed?

    Be sure to pace yourself so you don’t feel overwhelmed, but you also need to set deadlines and they need to be realistic deadlines. Aim to create a few high-quality products before opening your shop. Having more than one product gives you a better chance at being seen by buyers. When you first list a product, you get a slight boost in the search while Etsy tries to figure out what your product is and how well it resonates with potential shoppers.

    Don’t forget you also have to invest time to grow and maintain your shop. You will have to respond to customer service inquiries. Etsy isn’t a get rich quick scheme so you will want to commit as much time as you can to the growth of your shop in order to see results. This doesn’t necessarily mean a huge time commitment up front, but the amount of time you are able to spend building your shop can help your show grow faster.

    Planning your timeline keeps the process manageable and stress free. If you’re looking for the steps to get your first product designed and launched in your Etsy shop, check out our 5 Day Etsy Shop Launch Challenge!

    Ready to Start Your Printables Business?

    You don’t have to do this alone. Join our community of beginner and intermediate Etsy sellers online where people ask questions, share tips, and even talk about their struggles (because we all have them). Plus, you get the support of people who understand exactly what you’re going through!

    Remember, it doesn’t matter if today isn’t quite the day, what matters most is starting when YOU feel prepared both mentally AND practically.

    Are YOU ready now? If so, I’m cheering loudly from here!! And hey…if not yet…that’s okay too, you’ve got this whenever the timing feels right. Either way, you can subscribe to our email list to get tips, tricks, and insider secrets straight to your inbox, just like having a coffee chat with a friend who’s been there, done that! If you’re still Feeling Overwhelmed About Starting on Etsy, check out this post.

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  • Blog

    Feeling Overwhelmed About Starting on Etsy?

    Feeling overwhelmed about starting on Etsy? Let's break down your Etsy journey together!
    Feeling overwhelmed about starting on Etsy? Let's break down your Etsy journey together!

    Starting an Etsy shop can feel like a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and a never-ending to-do list. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many aspiring shop owners experience that mix of excitement and fear when they first begin. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. Let’s break it down together and get you on the path to Etsy success!

    1. Understanding the Overwhelm

    Why does everything feel so daunting at first? (Hint: It’s not just you!)

    When you’re starting something new, especially a business, there are a lot of moving parts. From choosing a niche to figuring out product listings and marketing, it can feel like there’s too much to tackle at once. The pressure to “get it right” from the beginning can also add to that stress. But here’s the truth: no one has it all figured out on day one, and you don’t need to either!

    There’s a common expression people use: done is better than perfect. You don’t need to have everything perfect (or even that good) you just need to get started! Until you jump in, you won’t be able to learn and grow. You didn’t drive a car or ride a bike perfectly the first time, right? It took practice to get better, and that’s what you’ll do with your Etsy shop, too.

    You don’t need to have design experience, either! You can start with a very simple format or a template at first and also get inspiration about what looks good while you do your research.

    2. Breaking Down Your Goals

    Start small! Setting manageable goals can lead to big successes.

    Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on small, actionable goals. Want to open your shop? Start by deciding on a product to sell. Then, work on creating one listing. Small steps build momentum and prevent burnout. Ask yourself: What’s the next easiest thing I can do to move forward?

    My 5 day Etsy shop launch challenge gives you small actionable steps to do each day to get your shop launched. It will help you brainstorm ideas for your shop, how to do keyword research, what you need to know about titles and tags, my recommendations for creating printable products and mockups in the free version of Canva, and then how to open your Etsy shop and create your first listing.

    Get your first 40 Etsy listings free when you open your shop by signing up here!

    3. Creating a Simple Plan

    Creating a plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ideas on what to do first get started:

    • Brainstorm Product Ideas: What are you passionate about creating?
    • Ideal Customer: Who do you think is your ideal buyer? Moms? Teachers? Nurses?
    • Research Keywords: Find the popular words your ideal customers are searching for.
    • Software: What will you use to create your product? What are you already familiar with? PowerPoint, InDesign, Canva, Excel, Notion?
    • Create Your First Product: Focus on just one item to start. Pick something you’re the most excited to create!
    • Choose Your Shop Name: Pick something easy to remember that is either meaningful to you or explains what kind of products you sell or who you sell to. (You do have a chance to change it later, so don’t stress too much on this!)

    By breaking these steps into manageable pieces, you’ll make consistent progress and start your Etsy shop without feeling overwhelmed.

    4. Prioritizing What’s Important

    Everyone’s journey is different. The best part about starting your own Etsy business is that you get to decide what should come first in your journey. It’s okay to take one step at a time. Your life experiences and the time you have available is unique to you. Maybe you have kids, maybe you have a full time job (or two jobs!). Don’t worry if your life looks different from someone else. That’s a good thing! It is what makes you unique.

    Not everything is urgent. Prioritize the essentials: creating quality products, writing clear and compelling listings, and understanding your audience. It’s okay to let other tasks wait while you focus on the foundation of your shop. Remember, progress is better than perfection.

    5. Finding Support and Resources

    You don’t have to do this alone! There are plenty of resources and communities where you can find support:

    6. Staying Motivated Through Challenges

    Every business faces setbacks. Whether it’s a slow sales month, a bad review, or technical hiccups, challenges are part of the process. To stay motivated:

    • Celebrate how far you’ve come.
    • Focus on what you can control.
    • Remind yourself why you started.
    • See if you can learn a lesson for the future.
    • Talk to others who have been or are where you are.
    • Learn a new skill or implement a business tip.

    A positive mindset and a supportive community can make all the difference. Join our Facebook group!

    7. Celebrating Small Wins

    Recognize and reward yourself for every little achievement along the way!

    Opened your shop? Created your first listing? Got your first sale? Your first $100 month? Every milestone counts! Take time to acknowledge these victories. Small wins add up and keep you motivated for the long haul. They also help you to create momentum and establish goals and business plans for the future!

    Rewards can be anything that helps motivate you to reach your goals. Maybe something new for your business, a piece of candy, celebrating your wins with your spouse or a friend, taking a day off, getting a massage. Each time you set a new milestone for yourself, think of how you will celebrate your achievement.

    We’re here to support you and help you start your Etsy shop today. Subscribe to our email list to get Etsy tips delivered right to your inbox – then check out this post to help you start your Etsy shop today!

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