12 Shocking Mistakes New Etsy Sellers Make | Tips for Beginners

[@MissMolly3377]

It’s wild because I see best selling stores who have terrible mock-ups. Some of them are just a cut out t-shirt, and you layer your design behind the cut out Tshirt. Now, I’m not saying mock-ups don’t matter, but if you have an amazing design, and no one else is doing it, or very few are doing something similar, I think you can still sell it. The problem is when you are competing against best selling stores, basically stealing someone else’s design, which too many gurus teach…that you basically steal a best seller. I’m not saying you’re doing that, Shawna, when I want to learn to design something, I come to you, because I think your teacher mind is so creative. 99% of the Etsy gurus have no idea how to teach what you do, to find new ways to make a design. Your ideas are simple, but so effective, and I appreciate it. I got creative Fabrica in November, and I am not so impressed with them, because there is way too much AI now, it’s so disappointing. I do think that these places need to specify if it is AI, so you can filter it out. Some of it is okay, but some of it is terrible, but you have to scroll through all that junk, before finding something good. Do you have suggestions on how to navigate CF in a better way?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I should do a video on how I find what I want on Creative Fabrica! It does take a little digging sometimes. I also use Canva to get great clipart. Do you use them? And yes... A great design on a bad mock up has a much better chance than a bad design on the bestest mock up! I agree with you!

[@rodneyzagala74]

Number 12 is a good tip. I’ve been doing this for two months and I don’t have an organic sale yet. I have to keep telling myself that I only have 70 designs and to keep going. Thanks for the inspiration. Oh yeah, I’m a teacher too. thanks for all your videos.

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got this Rodney! I only had one sale at 70 listings and I was feeding the algorithm super fast! Had those 70 listings up in maybe 4 weeks. You right there with my growth! Keep at it!

[@shermainedavis2284]

Thank you for letting us know it took 9 months to start getting traction…. I was getting worried as I am 6 months in.

[@LiilReyy]

Hi Shawna, I hope one day you can do a video about how to identify trending colors and fonts, I still having problems identifying colors and fonts, so I have to figure out what’s the name of some specific fonts names and colors, getting the wrong ones 🫠.

[@shawnalynn2083]

This is a great idea for a video!

[@LiilReyy]

Thank you Shawna, Thant will help a lot 🙌🏻

[@Andigold369]

This channel is such a gift for newbies like me! Thank you!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Makes me fell so so good you feel that way!

[@vidamarshall8500]

Great tips! I will say my shop focuses more on Home decor accessories and so there’s less verbiage than there are graphics and patterns. As someone who is not a graphic designer I do rely on graphic sites to provide me with the pretty stuff. I am still working and kinda struggling with how to Vida-fy designs and create my own aesthetic, other than to add text to patterns. I come from an interior design background where signage and words are somewhat looked sideways on in the high end realm. I do lowkey love the cheeky aspect to words for a chuckle though. Haha I’ll work through it and find my place, just sharing my personal struggles. ❤

[@kimbogart5221]

Thanks for your content, as always, it's super helpful!

[@vidamarshall8500]

I can’t stop staring at your amazing teeth LOL Thank you for your tips, they are unique to the rest and we appreciate your unique perspective and great ways you teach the rest of us. Happy New Year! 🍻

[@PowerofPODwRileigh]

Love the Creative Fabrica tip! There are so many cute graphics, but the key is to change them up. Find generic, cute retro images and make them relevant to your niche. Adapt and change!

[@Bekind95]

Yes, totally agree!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Rileigh! I missed the chat on this video and I see you were there! So sorry I missed you!

[@PowerofPODwRileigh]

@@shawnalynn2083 no worries! I’m sorta transitioning back into my previous role? It’s a whole complicated story but I may be able to catch more lives now!

[@looking4peace1]

I'm going to watch all of your videos. I have a Graphic Art education, and I'm taking away so much from everything you're sharing. I'm also a POD Roadmap member. 🤩

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I am so glad you are finding my videos helpful! And I hope you love love love being in Cassiy's group! Keep me posted on your journey!

[@jengibs]

Will you please do a video comparing the quality of pod products & print companies? I recently ordered a sample of an apron and a little girls tshirt and both of them were not the quality I wanted, but I don't want to waste a bunch of money ordering a lot of samples til I find products that work. I know other veteran sellers have already been through all this. Knowing what's good quality as a newbie would be a huge boon.

[@CarolCreates]

13:13 so true. I’ve learned a lot by listening to tips. Thanks for this 👏🏽. I was def guilty of using too small font size on some of my designs. As I’m listening to your video, I’ve changed a few listings by switching out the mock-ups with a different font/larger size 😊

[@shawnalynn2083]

You're so welcome! I'm glad you found this helpful!

[@monikatamasi2717]

So helpful ❤❤❤❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doranalaveaux5110]

Thank you for your videos, you are great interpreter; God bless you

[@Kamulah]

Hey Shawna. I have a suggestion. Can you please teach us how to do couples/ group listings? You always tell us how to make our listing different but I don't know how to make a group listing. Thank you!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Kamulah! I have this on the list! I know this would be a really valuable video!

[@ArtistLisa]

Thank you so much for sharing that it took you nine months to start being profitable in your shop. That sincerely really encourages me to not give up I’m going on almost 4 months with no sales, but I just keep working at it and learning. It is so so helpful to hear your encouraging words, since it comes from experience.

[@RachaelSchup]

I feel you Artistlisa! I've had a couple sales, but only because of my friends. Keep going...don't give up - others will! We just have to keep taking baby steps.

[@RachaelSchup]

I actually came across a shop that still had the "kittl" logo AND non-transparent background! it was crazy!

[@catbishop206]

You are amazing! So grateful for you!

[@RailinX]

Awesome tips! I think I’ve made all those mistakes too, except #12, of course, and not removing background 😆

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey Mel!!! I'm so glad we didn't make mistake #12!

[@ZZpppp945]

Thank you SO much for this video! New to Etsy and I really needed this especially #12😅 Teacher here also hoping to transition to a successful Etsy shop so I can do it full time. Thanks again!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Glad it was helpful! I am so rooting for you! Go teachers on Etsy! You got this! Don't give up to early!

[@AmyParker-w2w]

I needed this today! I so needed to here that I shouldnt give up after 9 months- love your your channel🎉

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am so glad this message reached you when you needed it most! Don't give up... you CAN do this! You REALLY REALLY CAN!

[@migaventer3262]

It’s hard to believe that you made any mistakes 😂 ..I recently had to delete over a 100 listings because you reminded us to check for trademarks.. and honestly, I’d rather delete than be deleted, so thank you so much! It’s good to be reminded of these basics because being a newbie I’m literally drowning in information -purposely, because I need to learn- and it’s easy to just get a little off track trying to focus on and get good at so many things at once. #notgivingup

[@shawnalynn2083]

"being a newbie I’m literally drowning in information" = Truer words were never said! You just took me back to my first year... CONSTANTLY that feeling! I promise it gets better! #notgivingup - YAAAASSSS!

[@sonz4205]

Haha Tucker!! I love it!! Thank you Shawna! Your videos are full of value and motivation, this is no different. Thank you so much for all the tips, always appreciate it ❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

You are so welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@shermainedavis2284]

I just fixed a couple with illegible print!

[@Kerry_Oz]

This video is gold Shawna ✨️ Thank you SO much ❤️ it's funny Cassiy and I were just talking about the exact same things just a couple of days ago(I have been in her course since July), thanks to you ❤ I adore you and I am always waiting for each of your videos each week 🥰 you are amazing 😍

[@shawnalynn2083]

You're so welcome! And thank you bunches for the kind words! She set up such a great support system for us in her mentorship group and has really done the same with her course! And showing up to class and/or videos really helps keep us inspired, motivated, and pushing forward! I hope your sales sky rocket this year!

[@yolandeblack6788]

YOU ARE SAVING ME A SELF-INFLICTED HEADACHE

[@RebeccaLeBlanc-x9f]

Thank you for your informative videos! I learn something new in every one that I watch! (And I’m pretty sure I’ve watched them all!😊) I would love to see you make a video on how you drive traffic to your store. I’m almost 2 years in, have made all those mistakes, and am struggling to get regular sales and decent traffic. I really don’t want to quit, but sometimes I wonder if I should cut my losses? I’m not making a profit and truth be told, I’m in debt from buying mockups, paying for subscriptions. I know you keep saying not to quit, but I feel like all the time Ive spent (more than a full time job) on my store might be a waste of my time and money. That being said, I love doing it!! I actually can’t wait to get to my computer EVERY SINGLE DAY and design, research and post!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! DON'T DO IT! Don't you give up now! I bet you have learned so much and your process is leaps and bounds above where it was! You never know when all that hard work is going to be at the tipping point where it really starts the path to leading somewhere where it starts to payoff!

[@chrismazz75]

1) Yeah I feel like some of my first designs really stunk. I suppose my current ones do too since I get NO sales. Not even views or likes.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! We all have to start somewhere! As long as you are improving you are doing something right! The views ad sales will follow!

[@KateTheMama]

Oh ya when I look back at my old designs I'm embarrassed for myself 😂😂

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL Kate! I am embarrassed for myself too! Haha!

[@ToniWall]

I was actually looking for two fonts that were similar to those you showed in the “Be Kind” example. Will you tell me the names of the fonts? I want to use them on a tea towel message. ❤

[@kathleencampbell9225]

Absolute huge help, thanks so much for the tips and sharing your knowledge Shawna :)

[@nikkiwarncke512]

Love your channel ❤ I'm a fellow teacher who opened my shop in January after watching your inspirational interview with Cassidy Johnson. Would you consider doing a video on listing longevity & answering a few of my questions? For example, once a listing has passed the halo period & been up for 8-12 weeks is it worth updating/reworking or has the listing quality score been set? How do you determine if a listing is "dead" and should not be renewed? Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@erikacglover]

Absolutely love your content. It’s all amazing and so eye opening and helpful. Thank you!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thank you Erika! I am so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@juliemc8673]

Hello, Shawna! You're still providing super valuable and relevant videos - thanks so much! I have a request. I'm struggling with SEO when it combines information using Etsy's gift mode. Such as, a cat lover who loves to knit. I'm not sure how to combine these two SEOs into one cohesive listing. Could you possibly provide so learning around this topic? Thanks again! Julie

[@SigmaFeminine]

been in it 2weeks so far. so tired 😂 I have around 190 listings but the first bunch were definitely a bit junky haha not too bad but not great and not based on research either! But i started pivoting after the first 70. No sales yet but any day now 😅

[@shawnalynn2083]

Love this! It is all part of the journey! Sounds like you have yourself on the right path and that first sale should happen anytime now!

[@SigmaFeminine]

what do you recommend for consistent work/niche building out? What does that look like? I love to work smart in batches to be most effective/productive and i would love a pattern/system i can apply all year around to ensure consistency in my shop. Any help 😅 thank you for your videos 🙏 my dog says hi to Tucker

[@shawnalynn2083]

Tucker says Hi back! This sounds like a great idea for a video! I have some resources that might help you and am working on some other specific niche one right now. You can find them in the description. Building out a niche just means making the types of designs that will be selling in that niche in two or three months right now! And doing that consistently throughout the year!

[@sroy9789]

Awesome video, could you please do a video on what mockups are allowed and which are not for t-shirts on Etsy?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Thank so much! Great video idea! I do try to avoid getting any mockups that look like they are fake people generated from AI.

[@sroy9789]

@@shawnalynn2083 Thanks so much Shawna. Thanks for all the valuable lessons!! You're amazing!!

[@RockySantosha]

BEAUTIFUL! Thank YOU!!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Glad you like it!

[@rodgergraeme]

Hello from South Africa.. im sure I've already made 13 mistakes😅 but im learning thank you

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL! I thought of two more I should of added after I was done with this video! So I still have you beat at 14 now! Haha!

[@PointUpDesigns]

Great content, Shawna !

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@AndreeaBerinde]

Hi Shawna, yes , i did so many designs like this at the beginning 😹😹😹now when i see them, pff😹😹expired of course, but i’m always laughing 😹😹

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL! I am still purging my shop of some of those!

[@areebas1120]

As a beginner , which design app would you recommend as we can’t purchase every single one? I have canva but I am limited with it and thinking of switching to kittl

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I actually started with GoDaddy studios and stuck there for the longest! If you started with Canva I would stay there instead of trading that out for something else. When it makes sense you can always add another tool!

[@Leo-pf3cd]

I try market research but I struggle to find best selling ideas, it is the only thing I dislike, do watch videos about it

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got this Leo! Keep at it and you will get better and better at it!

[@Leo-pf3cd]

@@shawnalynn2083 thank you Shawna

[@janeenbittmann5518]

Thank you

[@shawnalynn2083]

You're so welcome! I am glad you enjoyed this one!

[@NatJanDesigns]

Totally did #1 and the Transperent drove me nuts until i figured out how to get rid of it😂😂😂😂

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL! Such a little thing that gets us in the beginning!

[@Bryony-tm7ef]

Shawna, I feel so discouraged at the moment. There are multiple videos from ETSY sellers like Ryan Hogue etc saying it’s almost impossible to be successful on ETSY in 2024. I’m at 48 sales and I want this to work so badly but wish I hadn’t watched these videos. Do you genuinely think there is still hope for us new sellers?

[@shawnalynn2083]

I genuinely think there’s absolute opportunity still for you and Etsy! If something were to happen to my shop today, I would open a new shop absolutely first thing tomorrow morning and get going all over again! You are 48 sales in and and it will be easier to get to 100 from here than it was to get to 48 …do not be deterred… Do not take no for an answer… Give it everything you’ve got!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Sincerely Bryony! Give it everything you’ve got!

[@Bryony-tm7ef]

@@shawnalynn2083 Thank you so much for replying Shawna, I will keep at it I promise. I really do appreciate your encouragement!

[@davidfisher7806]

Hello my Etsy friend, thank you so much for this video, such invaluable help from your experience, so valuable! I’m struggling as a new seller, but I’m committed just as you were! I have questions, how would I ask you them? Do you have an email for questions? I’m happy I’m a friend that will never be left behind by you, thank you for your loyalty! Have a lovely day and God bless ❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Dave! I am glad you enjoyed this one! You can email me at [e-mail]... be patient if you do! I am a little better at digging into my KZbin comments than I am at checking me email! LOL

[@davidfisher7806]

@@shawnalynn2083 Thank you Shawna I really appreciate it ❤️

[@areebas1120]

For selling only in the UK, would you research and look at listings that work in the UK only or also worldwide ?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Are you doing POD? Any particular reason you aren't selling in the US? There is a huge Etsy customer base in the US.

[@areebas1120]

@@shawnalynn2083 yes I am doing POD from the uk, where would I start with researching how to sell globally? With Finding the right print provider

[@MelissaYS1776]

How do you deal with someone who stole your best seller and now they are the best seller?

[@MissMolly3377]

Yeah, that is what prevents me putting up stuff, sometimes. I have a couple of good ideas for the political niche, and I am trying to make all the popular designs, before I put them out, because I know that people will take these and throw make them in all the popular designs. I know people will buy my designs, but I’m trying to prevent some of these best selling stores to be able to simply make a design, or steal mine.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Guys! Don't let this put you off or slow you down! Focus on what you can control! I have had countless designs ripped off and others have gotten best sellers on my ideas... but I always focus on the next design! ALWAYS! This strategy has not led me wrong, and it was a very deliberate choice I started to make way back!

[@RVS214]

I liked your reading design better and I would have chosen yours as the colors and fonts immediately attracted me and I am a click on a thumbnail for a better look buyer but why would you use the exact same wording? This is a huge problem especially if that saying has a copyright or trademark. I copyright and trademark my original sayings and art. Costs a fortune but I sell mainly on Amazon and we need protection

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Using popular phrases helps you provide buyers with what we know they are already wanting, but you always have to check your trademarks first!

[@RVS214]

@shawnalynn2083 dont sell your design short. I actually loved it...I understand what you are trying to say...I have been an Amazon seller since 2009 I also understand how online selling and algorithms work. As a writer, photographer and artist. I started as a hairdresser colorists and makeup artist many moons ago...and quickly went onto being a photoshoot director because all that requires and eye for design and talent. I actually really liked your design better. It looked fresh...the other design looked dull to me No matter which is nicer, the original would come up first because it was there first and is a best seller, right? People who copy anything verbatim will wind up ranking low and usually unseen unless they pay for advertising. I see your gift even in your decor, your side shots of adorable tucker. You are special. I would love to see a totally original brand from you that captures your exuberance and intelligence. Keep the stuff you have now...and make a Simply Shauna originals line. You need a Tucker line too if you don't already have one because he is the perfect model...lol doggie bed and sleepwear line called Tuckered Out...lol

[@shawnalynn2083]

@@RVS214 Thank you RVincents! You’ve been around the block if you’ve been on Amazon sense 2009! I’m sure you’ve seen it all! And I love that… Tuckered out!!!😂😂😂 I think Tucker is going to be demanding a raise soon!

[@RVS214]

@shawnalynn2083 I love the idea of Tuckered out for you. He is soooooo cuuute can imagine little Tucker teddy bears with Tuckered out the shirt... would be so cute.... human and puppy matching Tucker Jammies especially for Christmas! Lol..if you are use it..delete these comments..lol there isn't anyone more adorable than a loving pet owner Donate Part of the proceeds to no kill shelter or animal rights and now you have a cause your you tube fans will buy for

[@qahnaarin6532]

While this is all and good, where's the video to help get us past the bots as soon as the shop is opened? It bans just about anyone who starts a fresh store following all the rules within days, if not minutes.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hi there! That has happen to me too, and you just need to email Etsy. I have mentioned it in a video before, but don't know readily off the top of my head which one. Stay courtesy and professional when you email them and usually they release the shop in less than a week. Keep learning and making designs while you wait!

[@yuly2917]

You just describe my designs 😅😂 😂😂😂

[@shawnalynn2083]

Oh no! Don't worry! I made ALL of those mistakes too!

[@yuly2917]

@@shawnalynn2083 but you right , I am getting better by the time , just started 4weeks ago , thank you for sharing your experience makes me feel better lol

[@christavanderwalt9491]

Such perfect advice as usual dear Shawna...i am still hanging in there.. 20 sales after 20 mths. 😢😢😢 but not giving up. Love Christa foreveryoungdesignsa

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am so rooting for you Christa!

[@down-D-stairs1234]

I’m so excited to have found your channel. Thankyou SO much for giving such great advice in a friendly way 🩷