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Hey there, fellow moms! So, you're thinking about starting an Etsy shop and diving into the world of mompreneurship? High five! An Etsy business is a great way to not only make extra money, but turn that side hustle into a permanent gig. Juggling kids, a household, and a business is no small feat, but let me tell you, it's totally doable. I've been there, and I've got some tips to help you get your Etsy shop off the ground and thriving.
Finding Your Niche
First things first, you need to figure out what handmade goods you're going to sell in your own Etsy shop. This is your niche, and it should be something you're passionate about and skilled at. Are you a whiz with a crochet hook? Do you make stunning jewelry? Do you have a good eye for finding vintage items? Maybe you create adorable printables that other moms would love. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy and can see yourself making for a long time.
Pro Tip:
Check out Etsy’s "Trending Items" section and see what's hot. But remember, it’s crucial to add your unique twist. Standing out in the crowd is key to running an online business and reaching potential customers!
Setting Up Your Shop
Once you've nailed down your niche, it’s time to set up your Etsy store. Your first Etsy shop can be a good way to join this beautiful online marketplace to display and sell your handmade items. Here’s a step-by-step guide for a new shop owner:
1. Create an Etsy Account:
If you don't already have one, head over to Etsy.com and sign up. It's quick and easy.
2. Open Your Shop:
Click on "Sell on Etsy" and follow the prompts. You'll need to choose your Etsy shop name – make it catchy and memorable!
3. Stock Your Shop:
Start by listing a few items. High-quality photos are a must. Use natural light, clear backgrounds, and show your product from different angles.
4. Write Killer Descriptions:
Be clear, concise, and detailed. Include size, materials, and care instructions. And don’t forget to tell the story behind your product. Buyers love knowing the story behind what they’re purchasing.
Pro Tip:
It's a good idea to do some keyword research on your product idea to see what words people are searching for to find similar items. Be sure to include these words in both the listing title and description for easy SEO (see below) searchability.
Branding Your Shop
Your brand is more than just your shop name and logo; it's the experience you provide running your own business. Consistent branding helps build trust and recognition. Here’s how to create a strong brand:
1. Logo and Banner:
Create a professional-looking logo and banner. You can DIY with tools like Canva or hire a designer from Fiverr.
2. Color Scheme and Fonts:
Choose a color palette and fonts that reflect your style and stick with them across your shop and social media.
3. Packaging:
Make your packaging part of your brand. A little thank-you note or a cute sticker can make a big impression.
Pricing Your Products
Pricing can be tricky, but it's important to get it right. You need to cover your costs and make a profit, but also remain competitive. Consider the cost of materials, time spent, and any Etsy listing fees. A good rule of thumb is to price your item at least three times the cost of materials and time.
Pro Tip: Check out what similar items are selling for on Etsy. This will give you an idea of the market rate. Keep in mind the quality of craft supplies used on your products when you are comparing.
Optimizing Your Listings for SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is your best friend on Etsy. The better your SEO, the more likely your products will show up in search results and reach your target market. Here’s how to optimize:
1.Use Keywords:
Think about what words a buyer might use to search for your product. Use these keywords in your title, description, and tags.
2. Clear Titles:
Your title should be descriptive and include your main keyword. For example, instead of “Cute Earrings,” use “Handmade Silver Earrings with Blue Gemstones.”
3. Detailed Descriptions:
Write detailed descriptions that include your keywords naturally. Avoid keyword stuffing – it should still be readable and engaging.
4. Tags:
Use all 13 tags Etsy allows. Mix broad and specific tags to cover all bases.
Pro Tip:
The best way to find keywords is to use the Etsy (or even Google) search bar to see what words auto-populate that are related to your products.
Marketing Your Shop
Once your shop is set up and your listings are optimized, it’s time to get the word out. Here are some effective marketing strategies:
Social Media Accounts:
Share your products on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok. Engage with your audience and use relevant hashtags.
Etsy Ads:
Consider using Etsy’s advertising options. Even a small budget with an advertising fee of just $1/day can help boost your visibility.
Email Marketing:
Start building an email list on your own website. Send newsletters with updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes peeks. (Be sure to check Etsy's policy on using customer emails).
Collaborations and Influencers:
Partner with other small businesses or influencers in your niche. This can help you reach a larger audience.
Pro Tip:
Use Canva to create cute graphics with your products for social posts or even mockups for t-shirts, jewelry, wall art, furniture and more.
Managing Your Time
As a mompreneur, time management is crucial. Here are some tips to stay on top of everything:
1. Set a Schedule:
Block out specific times for working on your shop. Maybe it’s during nap time or after the kids are in bed.
2. Use Tools and Apps:
There are tons of tools to help with productivity. Trello for organizing tasks, Canva for creating graphics, and Planoly for scheduling social media posts.
3. Get Help:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s getting a babysitter for a few hours or hiring a graphic designer, you don’t have to do it all alone.
Pro Tip:
As many small business owners will tell you, learn from those that have gone before you. Take an online course or Etsy masterclass to learn the skills you need to turn your great Etsy shop ideas into becoming one of the top sellers.
Providing Excellent Customer Service
Customer service can make or break your shop. Here’s how to keep your customers happy in a thriving business:
1. Fast Response Time:
Respond to messages as quickly as possible. Customers appreciate timely communication.
2. Clear Policies:
Have clear policies for shipping, returns, and exchanges. This sets expectations and can prevent misunderstandings. Be sure to check Etsy's terms to be sure you are in compliance.
3. Personal Touch:
Include a handwritten thank-you note with each order. Small gestures can leave a big impression.
Pro Tip:
Get the Etsy sellers app on your phone so that you can easily access messages, edit listings, and check stats to your online shop.
Handling Challenges
Every business faces challenges, and your Etsy shop will be no different. Here’s how to tackle some common ones:
1.Negative Reviews:
Address them professionally and politely. Offer a solution and show that you care about your customers’ satisfaction.
2. Slow Sales:
It happens to everyone. Use slow periods to review and improve your shop. Update photos, tweak descriptions, and brainstorm new products.
3. Burnout:
Running a business (and a household) is exhausting. Make sure to take breaks and practice self-care. Remember, you’re in this for the long run.
Growing Your Business
Once your shop is up and running, you’ll start thinking about growth. Here are some ways to expand:
1. Add New Products:
Keep your shop fresh by adding new items regularly.
2. Seasonal Items:
Create products for holidays and seasons. Shoppers love themed items.
3. Wholesale and Consignment:
Consider offering your products to local boutiques or other online shops.
Pro Tip:
Join a private Facebook Group. Many Etsy sellers will tell you that it is a great idea to find other sellers in a Facebook Group where you can ask questions and expand your customer base. Support other shop owners and purchase from another successful small business. The best businesses support each other and still reach a lot of people.
Final Thoughts on How to Start an Etsy Shop
Starting an Etsy shop as a mompreneur is an exciting journey. It takes time, effort, and a lot of love, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll not only create beautiful products but also a beautiful life for you and your family.
So, are you ready to dive in? Take that first step today. Your future self will thank you.
Happy selling, mommas! 💖
Written in collaboration with artificial intelligence (ChatGPT-3.5). Edited by a human.
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Comment below with your Etsy Shop tips and share this post with another #mompreneur who could use some marketing ideas too.
Great learning post for us Etsy Shop Owners. Thanks Kristina 🙂