5 Things to Know About Selling on Etsy

Five things to know about selling on Etsy, from a local pro

Alaina Smith has been selling on Etsy at her ColdGold shop since 2013, and she recently was invited to write a post for the website’s success blog about how to know when it’s time to hire help for your maker business. (Alaina just hired Shelby Sparks, whose own Etsy shop is ohhushhandmade, to help with production and marketing.) Alaina has been sharing her Etsy Entrepreneur chops in two-day workshops at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (one is scheduled in March — sign up here!) and last week at The Maker City’s first Etsy Sellers Meetup, where about 20 sellers gathered to share their successes and challenges.

Here are five things to know about selling on Etsy, from Alaina:

1. Most important, find people you can connect with who are doing what you’re doing. This sort of support was evident at last week’s meetup. “It can be isolating working by yourself. Find people to encourage you and validate what you’re doing. It will motivate you to keep working!”

2. Bone up on Etsy as a sales platform before you jump in. “I did a lot of reading and research so I could start on the right foot. Read their blogs and the seller handbook. It will make you feel like you’re not starting from nothing.”

3. Learn all you can about taking good product photos or find someone who can. “The number one thing buyers look for before making a purchase is good photos. They should be clear and in focus, well lit and showing the product in use or in a way that gives the buyer a feel for what it is.”

4. Etsy is a great place for treasure hunts. “People show up there to shop because things are personal and handmade. If you make a product with that kind of treasure feel, Etsy is a great platform for you.”

5. Etsy is invested in making sure their sellers do well. “They have staff who can help you who are dedicated to seller growth. It’s hard to say that about many selling platforms.”

More info on the Etsy Entrepreneurship Program

The Etsy Entrepreneurship Program is a free two-day class on March 14 + 21 designed to help craft makers grow their online businesses to increase sales and reach a wider audience. This class is for sellers who already have an open Etsy shop. Topics covered will include getting discovered on Etsy, taking good photos and building your brand. Space is limited so apply ASAP!