10 Tips For Running A Successful Etsy Shop

I have recently ventured into the world of selling on Etsy and I have to admit that it has been good to me. I am hoping that between Etsy, this awesome blog and my books that I can make a full-time income between all three. After all I am a single mother going back to college while I raise two sons on my own. And while doing all of that it is hard to work outside of the home. That’s why I am going to start focusing on things that can help single parents do it all and make money from home. So I decided that today I am going to share some tips that I learned and gather on running a successful Etsy shop. Don’t forget to stop by and visit my shop Bookish Wears.

10 Tips for Running A Successful Etsy Shop

1. Be ready to lose money up front. This one is kind of obvious, when you start a business you typically will lose money when you start and selling on Etsy is no exception. I probably spent $300 when before I started my shop. I bought my Cameo Silhouette, Vinyl, my mugs and other miscellaneous things that I used to start my business. Now that I have gotten my business started and going, I have made my initial money back.
2. Do your market research. If you are a crafty and creative person research similar products that you are make or plan on making. I don’t condone copying anyone’s products, just see what they are doing to be successful. See what keywords, and how they are pricing their items. It’s a free market so that is perfectly okay.
3. Be a part of the community. Talk to other sellers and even buyers. The sellers are a great resource and it helps buyers get to know you.
4. Offer good quality, unique products. Like I said in #3 don’t copy anyone’s products. BE YOU and BE UNIQUE. Make quality items that show off your creativity.
5. Be organized. Please learn this lesson from me. I am a scattered mess at best and one thing I have learned about running my Etsy business is that I have to keep track of orders and supplies. Also of money and what I am spending on supplies. There will definitely be a post coming about these things very soon.
6. Take awesome photographs. I have to admit when I first started my shop, I didn’t have the best photos up for my items and I am still working on remedying that situation. To help your shop be successful be sure to take bright clear photos that show off your items. Check out this example of my first photo of my “This is Probably Vodka” mug vs. a newer that I took outside with my DSLR camera. 
7. Practice clean, clear writing in your item descriptions. The best advice that I can give here is when you write your listings be very clear and be detailed. You want your customers to know what they are getting and to understand what is being offered.
8. Practice great customer relations. Just like if you were working in a retails store face to face with people, you have to practice those same skills with your own customers. Answer questions quickly and with courtesy. Show them respect and give them quick responses. Also be sure to have clearly outlined shop policies. Such as business hours and return policies. Remember a key to being successful is to also be mindful of working hours and work/life balance.
9. Use social media. There are tons of places where you can promote your Etsy shop via social media. Some of the best places are of course Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and course a blog if you run one.
10. Promoted listings on Etsy. I can’t talk enough about how invaluable these are on Etsy. They are well worth the money and I can’t speak enough about how great they have been for my Etsy business. Important things to remember to make sure they work for you are keywords on your listings, and great item titles and photos.

These tips can help you get a great start or boost your Etsy shop to get you on the right track.

If you are also interested in writing be sure to check out my 30 Day Publishing Blueprint.