Why I almost QUIT Etsy and why I'm glad I didn't | ETSY SELLER TIPS

[@KateHayes]

🔑 FREE ETSY SUCCESS MASTERCLASS (60-minute training) 👉 www.etsymasterclass.com

[@gloriouseclectic8020]

Glorious eclectic on etsy!

[@marvingrant4730]

Fabulouswear jamaica etsy

[@oiwajoycecheng1487]

Enjoycecrafts 😍

[@edgarvillasante6706]

AbstractCulture on Etsy, Printable wall art of the abstract variety (Digital Downloads) Great video and messege, I am learning this lesson everyday it seems like.

[@yesterday_studios]

mariposasideas! I really like how informative your videos are! :-)

[@ButtercupCreationz]

Ok I see people say all the time say that they want to give up. Don’t give up! Here are some very important tips. 1. Go back to your shop and take new photos with a clean white background. Go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and have them cut you a piece of 1/4 plywood to the size you need and paint it totally white. Then that needs to be your background and your platform. You don’t need any background other than white, especially in the first photo. 2. Make sure you have a nice head shot, “about me” story and logo in the correct place. All that is important. This is a handmade platform so people read those stories to learn more about the people hey are purchasing from. 3. Your lighting needs to be great! Great lighting is the key to everything in Etsy. If you don’t have a great 1st photo, people will not even click on your product to view. Then if they go to view, and all your photos aren’t great, they will click off once they get there. Great lighting is natural daytime outdoor lighting. If you can’t go outside, then take your photos on your white background in front of a window in the daytime with the natural light. If there are shadows, turn on lamps with bright lights or get a shop light, or spot lights or clamp on lights. Any kind of light to help brighten up the area. Sometimes it’s hard to get the perfect picture. But you don’t have to have all the expensive things to start out. I’ve used white poster board and white foam board a lot to make a box to put objects in. It works. Fix your lighting friends. 4. SEO stands for search engine optimization. That means the key words that customers type in to what they are looking for. Think of all the words that a customer may use to look up your item. Go to the search bar on Etsy and type in your product. Check your top sellers and see what their key words are for that exact product. That will give you an idea of what SEO words to use. 5. Don’t leave any spots empty in your Etsy form for your products. Fill all those tags and materials in with SEO words. Those words need to be sprinkled several times through the listing. If you are selling a “Valentine’s Day Love Door Hanger For Front Porch”. There are several SEO’s in that. Valentine’s Day, Love, Feb 14 gift, Door Hanger, Gift for spouse, gift for girlfriend, wood door hanger, Front porch decor, door decor, etc. The main words are important in title and then throughout the description put the rest of the words. Then in tags type as many words as possible. Then in materials, 1st put all materials then use the main key words to your product to fill in spaces. This is how I get all perfect scores with Erank. It’s a program that you can use to help you get ideas on how to get seen. I have so many more ideas but I’ve already taken up a lot of space here. But if you go back and do these things and wait till Etsy sees that you’ve updated your shop, you should start getting sales. I hope this helps you all. ❤️

[@theworldtarottiktok7774]

Your advices are amazing!

[@AquaBloomStudio]

I believe what you said. It started so slow for me. Now I make 2-3 sales a week. Not as much as I wanted it to be but my I’m happy and been working hard to get new products up. Thank you for this talk. I haven’t given up hope yet.

[@KateHayes]

Trickle and then the flood. Hoping for increase for your business!

[@meganc3090]

This is what I keep telling myself, just keep going.

[@KateHayes]

Thank you for the comment. Such wisdom for business and for life.

[@99centsstitch2]

Good Morning Kate, thank you so much for my shop shout-out! You really brightened my day :) Great content as always, working to keep my daily momentum. Thank you for the Monday motivation and inspiration!

[@KateHayes]

You are so welcome! Your shop is wonderful and your designs are SO cute 😍 Yes keep up that momentum!!

[@TheJesusMirror]

I love the spirit of God that shines out of you, makes me feel like I’m hearing from a friend ❤️ God bless you xx

[@GelliElli]

I think you are very right about just one product/design skyrocketing your business and keep you motivated. I know many who have like 100 listings and just one or two products are making like 90% of their sales. Now that being said you should never stop creating and just rely on those but try to grow even more! I still haven't found a winning product like this but i try to be optimistic! Good luck guys!

[@KateHayes]

Thank you for your insight and thank you for watching!

[@houseofjurg7944]

You have been such a huge inspiration! House of Jurg is my new home school aids and playroom decor shop!

[@KateHayes]

I’m so happy to hear that! Best to you on your new shop! 👏

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Yes, Etsy is such a rollercoaster! And I love what you said about getting 1% better every day! I first read that in Atomic Habits, and it’s definitely helped in my shop as well. Great advice as always my friend ❤️.

[@KateHayes]

Yes! The first person I heard say it was the great Sean Cannell 😆 That mindset has changed everything for me!!

[@Nikecia1]

I’m so happy I came across your video ! ! :) Yes it really can be discouraging at times. I actually do try and think of things every day to make my shop stand, but it does take a lot of time. Thanks again for the encouragement!!!

[@KateHayes]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@jamaalmohd3684]

Thanx a lot kate. I was about to quit. But i will hold on after watching this video. My shop name is fluers de rocaille

[@lyubovshamota5235]

Thank you again, you are the best and your tips always on time. May God bless you and your family, and business.

[@KateHayes]

Thank you friend, you too.

[@cherylgrace2744]

You brought up everything. I've ever wondered about why it's taking me so long for sales on Etsy! Thank you so much for your helpful and informative vlog

[@KateHayes]

I’m so glad I could help clear up some confusion. Thanks for watching!!

[@tanyad2006]

Thank you for this video! I'm 5 months in with my Etsy shop and am trying to weigh the cost of staying. I'm going to keep going and see what happens.

[@KateHayes]

Hi Tanya, What do you sell?

[@tanyad2006]

Hi Kate! I sell handmade greeting cards and craft supplies.

[@KateHayes]

That’s great, put a comment with your shop link. Others may see it and be interested. Also, be sure to tune into our live videos as well. We are picking one of our subs to conduct a live Etsy audit on!

[@tanyad2006]

@@KateHayes wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to more of your videos.

[@AngelaFrank]

Great tips Kate! I used to feel like giving up on my shop too, but last year we hit 6-figures, so I'm glad I kept with it!!

[@KateHayes]

Great job. Yes, 2019 was my first 6 figure year and this year it was even better. So glad I stayed! Staying power is potent!

[@goodvibesonly3113]

The first year was very slow for me but I'm so glad I never gave up on my dream!!

[@KateHayes]

Yes!! Me too!! 🙌❤️

[@Michellelisamahoney]

Thank you so much for this advice! It really helps me knowing thatI am not alone when I have those doubting moments. I really want this. But it can be so hard sometimes to keep on keeping on! So i just have to keep pushing through!!!

[@KateHayes]

Yes sister! You are definitely not alone... it can be so hard at times and I think we all have doubts at some point ❤️

[@ofdamaris]

Hello! I'm basically new to Etsy, my shop is Bacalaito. I found your videos yesterday and love your honesty and support to mamas, but specially sharing your love for God. I also watched your adoption video and I cried a lot, God only knows. Keep helping others and planting the good seed. May the Lord continues to bless you and your family Kate. 😊

[@KateHayes]

Aww that makes my day! Thank you friend!! That is the whole heart behind this channel- to help others and share His love. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! ❤️

[@wellnesswithjannina222]

Your content is so helpful to help build my own shop. Thanks 🎈💫

[@KateHayes]

Aww so glad we’re able to help! Wishing you much success friend! 🥰🤗

[@Eandcostudio]

Oh I loved hearing this! Thank you so much for this it’s the motivation I need to keep going! God bless you! Xo 😘

[@KateHayes]

Thank you for watching! God bless you as well!

[@ShaynaKrause]

I like how up close you are to the camera. Very personal.

[@AnnaS1371]

I am making a few sales here and there, but I can’t seem to get to that point where sales are consistent and daily. Doing the SEO, and selling what people are searching for, but still waiting for that’s take off point...

[@KateHayes]

I understand, and it took a while for us, consistency is the hardest and most difficult part to gain.

[@amytuggle7820]

So many little golden nuggets today! Love the 1% rule because I tend to get v overwhelmed and want to do all or nothing

[@emilylong9887]

I’m somewhat going backwards. I started my Etsy store while I was out of work, but now I’m about to go back (just when my shop is actually doing good) I feel like the pressure of being a wife, mom and now a full time employee, will make my shop suffer. I hope be able to prioritize and make that extra effort to keep it growing!

[@KateHayes]

I understand, I know that is difficult. I was there for a time. How consistent are your sales now?

[@emilylong9887]

@@KateHayes they are decent, 5-10 a day on average but they are low ticket items (Svg files and printables.) I’m grateful for it and I do see growth so I want to keep devoting all the time I am now but I know I will have to prioritize things and strategize better once I go back to work.

[@liliatapia3577]

You are such a wonderful person, thank you so much and God bless you

[@KateHayes]

You are too sweet, friend! Thank you for watching and commenting 💛💛💛

[@LifeExplainedforHumans]

Great video filled with encouraging messages 😊

[@KateHayes]

So glad you thought so! ❤️🥰

[@ButtercupCreationz]

I tell people all the time, “Don’t quit!”. I’ve just been in a year but I felt like quitting before too but it does take time to get going. All the items that was left over from last year sold this year from my shop. I was going to take them out but left them in there and they sold. It just takes the right customer get that certain product. There is a buyer for every product! What is the name of your free group???

[@betsysteiger8161]

Just discovered your videos and subscribed. Thanks for all the great info, tips and motivation!

[@KateHayes]

Hi Betsy! So glad you’re here! ❤️🤗

[@svetlib7003]

I started in 2015 with crochet baby shoes...it was just a hobby in my free time.. most of my customers were in america..im in the uk and the fees are killing me...i no longer get seen outside the uk since etsy changed the search... i want to get on it again but i dont think is worth it for me..maybe i need to go for something different than crochet 😁 anyway my shop has been offline for a long time now... Thank you once again for such honest and great video 🥰🥰

[@KateHayes]

It can be really hard to adjust when Etsy makes changes to the algorithm 😩 Yes, sometimes the best thing is to start from square one and choose a different product. Do some research to find out what’s selling really well and trending on Etsy currently!

[@svetlib7003]

@@KateHayes thank you vey much for taking the time to reply ❤ really appreciate it. Stay blessed x

[@KateHayes]

Of course!! 🥰

[@KateHayes]

Of course!! 🥰

[@printheartsdesigns9939]

Thank you for the encouragement and for this channel. It can get really discouraging sometimes. My Etsy shop: The Printhearts.

[@KateHayes]

My husband and I are starters. We know all too well the familiar shadow that comes over every worthwhile venture. But just know this, that discouragement is not an indication of failure but just part of the process. Keep the faith! Thank you for watching!

[@tomiolunuga]

super helpful as always, thank you! i haven't had any sales in almost two weeks so this really helped =)

[@KateHayes]

So glad it helped! Keep doing what you can to level up a bit each day 🤗

[@tomiolunuga]

@@KateHayes ❤❤

[@stevenguevara3252]

Wow i think youve just motivated me. Thank you!

[@KateHayes]

So glad!! Keep going! 🤗

[@porkchop8542]

Thanks for all the time you take to out your videos. Can you tell me how you started using a laser cutter, where the motivation came from to make your products and how you started to laser cut and what machine did you get at first before you invested in an expensive machine?

[@KateHayes]

Hi there, We have pieces we need for a products that we had get through an outside vendor. This was costing us thousands per year and it was an easy decision for us. We could pay two lasers in one year if we did that one piece ourselves. We own two, a Boss 1420 and a Dremel LC-40 but I don’t recommend Dremel now because apparently they have just stopped making them and eventually they will stop stocking parts for the lasers which is unfortunate. We didn’t use a machine before. Most of our stuff doesn’t need a laser. We just bought those small pieces from outside vendors before and now we cut them in house.

[@soniajayne]

Thank you so much, you,are such an inspiration. My shop is Sonia Jaynes Gifts.

[@KateHayes]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@Thecraftyblacksheep]

Omg yes. I’m about 6 months in and I can’t seem to find my groove. I only have 200 sales and because I have a toddler at home I can’t find time to get things done to make new products. It’s tough.

[@balex556]

You can hire someone to get that done for you

[@Lillyscraftsandgifts]

Now!!!!! Still thinking about it

[@KateHayes]

While Etsy is not for everyone, I hope everyone feels encouraged to keep going.

[@victoria.vicky.arikan]

I couldn't start selling because Etsy didn't accept my "Business registration number". I've been planning to sell handmade stuff for my fiance's and my small business. They should fix the "BRN" problem. We really needed Etsy. So sad...

[@KateHayes]

Im not sure what a BRN is, are you selling in the US?

[@victoria.vicky.arikan]

@@KateHayes Hi. Thank you for your response. 🙏 I’m selling in Turkey. I’ve entered the same business registration number a couple times. So our Etsy account has been locked. BRN may be a different kind of number in Turkey. I’m very confused

[@CarlosDiazAustralia]

Great!!! I wonder how many listings to open an Etsy shop?🤔

[@jessicajohnson3352]

I definitely felt like giving up due to tags and ranking but I’m glad I have not.

[@iamartsymomsy]

New subscriber here! Omg, so motivating 🙏💚

[@KateHayes]

Yay!! Welcome friend! 🤗

[@svetlib7003]

Do you recommend having different crafts in one shop? Like i love making greeting cards, crochet and sewing..maybe i should put it all in one shop and hope for the best 🤭

[@KateHayes]

I’d say only have related products in the same shop. So crochet and sewing would go fine together but greeting cards might be too much of a stretch. You can always open a second shop if you want to do both!

[@svetlib7003]

@@KateHayes thank you. I would take this advice 🙏❤

[@kathiejohns1418]

I am at that point!Opened my shop around July 2020-one sale!Since then a few views no sales! I sell one of a kind handmade beaded jewelry simple everyday wearable! What is wrong?

[@KateHayes]

Hey friend! Have you been driving external traffic from social media? If not, that’s a great place to start by offering a big discount to get some momentum going. I have a whole video on this on our Etsy playlist- I think it’ll really help you!

[@hurphenelondwil2419]

Thank you for this awesome video! My shop is JK Composites, I would love to be featured!

[@KateHayes]

You’re very welcome! Will check out your shop!

[@Lillyscraftsandgifts]

Me too in 2015 and it was now because of pandemic but I don’t know

[@natchaa6020]

Etsy closed my 2 shops. I decided to open a site but I still open a new Etsy shop first. I just don’t like the policy that Etsy can close the shop at anytime for any reason.

[@KateHayes]

That is one factor to consider with Etsy for sure. What reason did they give for closing your shops?

[@tinakoshy01]

So helpful! 💕Truebluebabyco and bloomingbridges on Etsy. Thank you!! -Tina

[@NotoriouslyNicole]

Thank you for this!! I created a shop to save my name I thought was clever- I’ve never uploaded a photo or product but the shop has been there for 3 years. Is it wise to go ahead now that I know what product I want to do or should I revamp altogether because it’s been idle? I’ve binged almost all of your videos!!

[@KateHayes]

Thank you for watching. I haven’t heard anything from Etsy on this actually. It might worth it to start new to be safe but Etsy may treat dormant accounts the same. I don’t think it’s a big deal either way though.

[@NotoriouslyNicole]

@@KateHayes thank you for your feedback I appreciate it!

[@Nikecia1]

My shop is Masksandmore20... but thinking about changing the name

[@justjeanne1458]

Hi! I'm still trying to get the Etsy SEO think down and I think I'm going to start offering more gift sets year round instead of just Mothers Day and Christmas. They seem to be my best sellers. Your videos have been very helpful! Thanks so much :) Jeanne @HarvestHerbals

[@KateHayes]

Thank you Jeanne!

[@Junkinsally]

A “saturated niche” aka saturated market is NEVER a positive thing. Unfortunately E-Commerce has made most markets over saturated. The trick is coming up with me markers or just settling for mediocre results unless you are willing to diversify what and where you sell.

[@KateHayes]

A saturated market is neither inherently good or inherently bad. It just means a couple of things: 1. Proof that there is demand for that specific product type. 2. You will have a harder time breaking through at first 3. You will need to stand out and likely drive external sales to boost your listing before relying on the algorithm to carry you. Many look at it as a reason to never even try which is why I like to give encouragement in this area. Will it be difficult? Probably so. Will you have to get really creative to stand out? Probably so. Is it possible to have success? ABSOLUTELY!! I know from first hand experience (being in a hugely saturated niche on Etsy) that it is more than possible to break through and have major sales 🙌🙌🙌

[@AvinashKumar-wq3qk]

Hello ma'am this is ashutosh I started my etsy shop in 2020. My etsy shop name is makeincraft .I didn't get sale for last 1.5 months. so please advise me what I have to do for boost my sales. And what kind of improvement need my shop.

[@KateHayes]

We have several videos on our channel that give these kinds of tips. Just check out our playlists.

[@rollno45tanyasrivastav2nda6]

Hello Kate I have started etsy shop in November 2020 but till date I have 3 sales I am not able to understand where I am going wrong bcoz I really work hard in designs title and tag but still no sales I have not opted for etsy ads still doing organic sales

[@KateHayes]

Hi there, What do you sell?

[@rollno45tanyasrivastav2nda6]

@@KateHayes tshirts mugs and jewelry

[@KateHayes]

Okay, great. Are you selling from the US?

[@rollno45tanyasrivastav2nda6]

@@KateHayes yes

[@traceyfolks8570]

Is there a link to your Etsy shop

[@kindnessiscontagious720]

Same here! I feel like I am loosing money on posting my work for no reason now! 😩 @ Etsy. Chicsdesign

[@KateHayes]

So sorry friend! I know the feeling. I hope this brings you some encouragement!!

[@kindnessiscontagious720]

All I have been doing is to wait, make improvements on my work, pay, post and... just wait. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kylaboulter9274]

Would love to be featured! My shop is Limberlost Revival 💜 And I sell vintage items ❤️

[@KateHayes]

Awesome! I’ll take a look at your shop!

[@cardsbybecci]

Being patient is sometimes a little difficult 😅 but I see that my shop views raise so I hope to sell more soon 🤔😊 Etsy-Shop: CardsbyBecci

[@KateHayes]

Yes! Keep pressing ahead and improving little by little! 🤗

[@Nesskh]

I had tried before but will follow your tips for my new boutique thanks 🤍 @inaiDesign

[@kayleeberry1112]

Kardsbykaylee on Etsy

[@Firefistmaxx96]

Thank you so much!! I needed this!! My shops FFMCUSTOMCREATIONS I do glass paintings and resin art

[@KateHayes]

Thank you!

[@Laavarts]

Very insightful content Kate! Thanks for sharing! ❤️ I've just stepped into Etsy and this is my shop: LAAVARTS

[@KateHayes]

Congrats on starting your Etsy shop!! I hope you have tons of success!! ❤️❤️

[@hennask1644]

Bossmomsherkhan

[@leahj1145]

I just opened my shop yesterday! I didn’t realise how hard it would be, but your videos have really helped give me advice on how to achieve and hopefully get my first sale! Thank you! 🥰 www.etsy.com/shop/sallygardencreatives

[@KateHayes]

Thank you for tuning in. So glad it has all been benefiting you!