Etsy Seller Tips for Beginners: Start Selling Today

Getting Started

Welcome to Etsy! Starting out can feel overwhelming, but with a few strategic moves, you can set yourself up for success. Here's how to get started:

Create a Compelling Shop Name

Your shop name is your brand. Choose something memorable and reflective of what you sell. Keep it simple and avoid special characters.

Set Up Shop Policies

Define your processing times, return policies, and shipping practices. This transparency builds trust with buyers and is an essential part of Etsy’s seller expectations.

First Listing

For your first listing, pick an item that represents what your shop is about. Use this as a template to streamline your future listings.

Listing Optimisation

Optimising your listings for Etsy's unique algorithm is key to being found by buyers.

Use All 10 Photo Slots

Etsy’s algorithm favors complete listings. Use all 10 photo slots to showcase different angles, details, and uses of your product.

Fill Every Tag with Long-Tail Keywords

Instead of single words, use detailed keyword phrases like "vintage 90s denim jacket" to increase discoverability.

Leverage ListingGenie for Descriptions

Use ListingGenie to craft descriptions that not only describe your product but also rank high in Etsy search.

Pricing & Fees

Understanding the fee structure is crucial for setting the right price.

Calculate Your Costs

Account for the $0.20 listing fee, 6.5% transaction fee, and 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee when pricing your items.

Offer Free Shipping on Orders Over $35

This strategy improves your search ranking and can attract more buyers. Use Etsy’s shipping calculator to avoid underpricing.

Shipping

Handling shipping efficiently can save you money and improve customer satisfaction.

Use Etsy's Discounted Shipping Labels

Take advantage of Etsy’s discounted USPS labels to keep shipping costs low.

International Shipping

Etsy is global, so offer international shipping to reach a wider audience. Clearly state shipping times and customs responsibilities in your policies.

Growing Your Shop

Once you have a few sales, focus on growing your visibility and sales volume.

Renew Listings Periodically

This gives your listings a temporary boost in Etsy search, keeping them visible.

Encourage Customer Reviews

Follow up with buyers to thank them and subtly encourage reviews, which can boost your shop’s credibility.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Learn from others’ mistakes to smooth your own path to success.

Avoid Overlooking Etsy SEO

New sellers often ignore the importance of SEO. Optimize your titles, tags, and categories to improve your visibility.

Don’t Undervalue Your Work

Price your items to reflect their value and the effort invested. Underpricing can hurt your brand’s perceived quality.

FAQ

• How long until my first sale? It can vary, but with optimized listings and active promotion, many sellers see sales within the first month.
• How many listings should I start with? Aim for at least 20 listings to give your shop a full look and increase the chance of being found.
• What’s the biggest mistake new sellers make? They often underestimate the power of SEO—make sure your listings are fully optimized.
• How can I handle bad reviews? Respond professionally, offering solutions. Future customers will appreciate your commitment to service.
• What payment methods does Etsy accept? Etsy Payments allows you to accept credit cards, PayPal, Etsy gift cards, Apple Pay, and more.
• Should I use Etsy Ads? Start with a small budget to test effectiveness, especially if your shop is new and needs more visibility.