How to Sell on Etsy—Building Your Shop

Have you ever dreamed of turning your crafty hobby into a business? If so, then Etsy is the perfect platform for you! As an online marketplace specifically designed for handmade and vintage goods, Etsy has become a go-to for creative entrepreneurs looking to make money from their crafts. But before you jump in, let’s break down what you need to know about selling crafts on Etsy.

Step One: Get Familiar with Etsy’s Guidelines and Fees

A magnifying glass taking a closer look on how to sell more products on Etsy.

The first step to selling crafts on Etsy is familiarizing yourself with the site’s guidelines and fees. 

What You Can’t Sell on Etsy 

There are rules on what you can’t sell on Etsy. All items must comply with applicable laws, including those relating to copyright and intellectual property rights. For a full list of prohibited Etsy items, refer to Etsy’s House Rules.

Understand Etsy Fees 

Additionally, all sellers must pay a fee of $0.20 per item listed plus 6.5% of the sale price when an item sells. Other fees are associated with shipping. You should read over Etsy’s fees before listing so you don’t have any surprises. 

Step Two: Choose a Name for Your Etsy Shop

Choosing a name for your Etsy shop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when setting up your store. A good name will help customers find and remember your shop, while an uninspired or confusing name can turn away potential buyers. When it comes to picking out a great Etsy shop name, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep It Simple

When selecting a name for your Etsy shop, it is important to make sure that the name is clear and straightforward. This will help customers find and remember your store more easily. 

Make it Relevant 

Additionally, having a name that accurately reflects the type of products you sell can help build trust with potential buyers. 

Make It Unique

When it comes to picking out a great Etsy shop name, uniqueness is key. A unique name will help your store stand out from the competition and attract more customers. Be creative and use puns or alliterations to create an eye-catching title for your store.

Step Three: Create Quality Product Photos that Sell

Product shot showing how to take a good photo to sell more products on Etsy.

The quality of your product photos plays a huge role in how successful you’ll be as an Etsy seller. After all, customers can’t touch or feel your items in person – instead, they’re relying solely on pictures to decide if they want to buy them or not. 

Visual Appeal 

It’s important that your product photos are clear and visually appealing. You want your photos to capture the attention of potential customers – think bright colors and interesting compositions! 

Lifestyle Shots 

It also helps if you create lifestyle shots that show customers how your items might fit into their lives; this will help potential buyers better visualize how they’d use the item themselves.

Use the Correct File Format

Be sure to save your images in the correct format. Etsy supports the following file formats:

  • .jpg
  • .gif
  • .png

Step Four: Write Compelling Etsy Descriptions 

Disgram showing Etsy SEO requires a holistic strategy from content to keywords and sharing on social.

Once you’ve got great product photos nailed down, it’s time to write compelling descriptions for each listing! 

SEO Keywords 

This is where SEO keywords come in handy – by sprinkling relevant words into your descriptions, you’ll have a better chance of appearing in search results when someone searches for specific products like yours on Etsy. 

Clear, Concise, Compelling Listings  

Craft a compelling and accurate title that reflects the type of product you are selling. Be sure to describe the item accurately and don’t exaggerate. Use clear, concise language. Consider why buyers need your product and how it can help them. 

No Medical, Legal, or Financial Advice or Cures

Ensure all listings comply with Etsy’s guidelines and applicable laws (e.g., intellectual property rights, don’t make medical cure claims).

What to Include in Your Etsy Listings

  • Detailed measurements
  • Materials used
  • Condition
  • Care instructions
  • Shipping rates

Don’t Keyword Stuff

Keep in mind that SEO isn’t just about using keywords – it’s also about writing engaging copy that speaks directly to potential customers and makes them want to click through to learn more about your products!

Start Building Your Etsy Shop Today!

Selling crafts on Etsy is easier than ever before, thanks to its user-friendly design and helpful features. Whether you’re looking for some extra cash or want to turn crafting into a full-time business venture, start building your Etsy shop today by familiarizing yourself with the site’s guidelines and fees. Happy crafting!


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