Tips for the ETSY BEGINNER- Building Long Term Sustainability on Etsy

[@SamanthaRichards-d6y]

Shawna, thank you. I’ve done 1650 sales since I opened in June last year. I learned everything I know from KZbin and facebook groups. You’re my #1 channel. Don’t ever stop!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! A HUGE HUGE HUGE congrats to you with those sales!!!!! That is so amazing! You are going to grow your shop so much this year! And I am so honored to be a part of your journey! Thank you for taking a second to let me know!

[@jamieb592]

Yes, please do a video on time management for those of us with full time jobs like you when you started! Thanks Shawna!!!

[@itsyaboiherman]

You just gotta make time, no way around it

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it! I am on it!

[@jamieb592]

😍 Thanks Shawna, you are the best!!!@@shawnalynn2083

[@jamieb592]

@@shawnalynn2083 😍 Thanks Shawna, you are the best!!!

[@MarianelaHernandez-l6b]

I need it too. Thanks @shawna

[@mitziemarioncoletmickelson4674]

Hi Shawna. I just wanna let you know how much you inspire me; I literally watch you every single day.. I’ve been into the Etsy POD business since Nov.1st, still at 84 sales 🥺😔, and I’m one of Cassiy’s students.. I’m still working (doctor of OT here) but feeling kinda down coz progress is really slow; part of it is also coz I’m not able to put in my efforts full time.. I just wanna tell you that when I’m experiencing feelings of losing hope and getting discouraged, I make sure I watch your videos to get me going again. Thankful for you and what you do; Cassiy inspires me too.. Pls keep inspiring newbees like me. God bless. -Mitzie

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am so glad I get to be a part of your journey! You have so got this!!!! If I can do it you can too!

[@brittanyvarengo9671]

I opened my shop about a week and a half ago and have DEVOURING your videos!! I updated a bunch of listings based on more in depth SEO research and have more than doubled my views and visits today!! Still looking for those sales but I’m so happy to be getting some traffic. ❤❤❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

Congrats on getting your journey started! I am so excited for you!

[@dianaacosta3211]

Hi Shawna! I can tell that you are a Teacher! The explanation for everything it makes the process easier for us. Thank you so much for this!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thank you so much! I am so glad it was helpful!

[@SCWynne-ie1ey]

You're the most relatable helpful KZbinr. I swear you're part life coach and mentor all in one. lol

[@shawnalynn2083]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@GagaLeslie]

You are the best KZbin influencer for Etsy POD. Many tell us to focus only on one niche. Your approach to the General Store mode makes the most sense to me. Thank you!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

I am so glad you are finding value with me!

[@michaeloswald3776]

In regards to a time management video, ANY video you make would be appreciated by this community. Your story of starting from nothing and getting to where you are now is an inspiration to us all and the more we see you, the more we want the same for ourselves.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Love this Michael! Thank you so much for taking a second to comment this and I am so honored to be a part of your journey! I know it is a bumpy and difficult rollercoaster of a road!

[@juditnyilasi8445]

Love yourself enough to stick to your plan ❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

Love this!

[@jessicakiser3419]

Thank you again for you beautiful honesty about your shop not getting off sky rocketing right a way!❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

You are so welcome! I hope it helps you through those months of struggle!

[@meganharper6566]

Hi Shawna, This video couldn't have come at a better time. I've been at my Etsy shop for awhile now and have very few sales. This last week in particular has me feeling pretty down, and I've been wondering if I should just pull the plug - but when I think about the hours upon hours I've poured into it, it bothers me to walk away. Your video has made me realize that I really havent prioritized myself at all, and that staring at a screen for 13 hours a day, every day really isnt helping. Your video has encouraged me not to quit - but to also take a walk and get some fresh air. Thanks.

[@shawnalynn2083]

I'm so glad you are feeling encouraged! And no one should ever make a decision about there Etsy shop in January and February! They are just tough months for most niches!

[@tiffanybell303]

We only fail if we quit. Until then everything is growth even if it is slower than we were hoping. I have been growing slowly but still better than last year 30sales vs 150 sales. I am hanging around about a sale a day right now

[@robjohnson8382]

Hi Shawna, Sure glad you mentioned the mental health aspect. Thanks

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hi Robin! Thanks so much for watching!

[@AylaRose_LaAkea]

Yes 🙌 Please make a video on time management it’s been hard for me balancing my two jobs, Etsy, fiancé, personal life, and a big move across the country. Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤

[@mj48187]

Pricing of the items, high or low when you start, strategy for pricing, is my question now. Love your channel and your content. You are like a fresh breath of sound and genuine air. 😊

[@shawnalynn2083]

What a nice message MJ! Thank you!

[@RachaelSchup]

your new channel with friends - sounds amazing!

[@shawnalynn2083]

We are having a lot of fun over there working together on videos and encouraging each other in our shops!

[@SalemtheCat27]

Time management video please! I find I’ll make good progress on a day off but it’s hard to know how to use my time efficiently on other days when I have work or more to do. Thank you for all your great info!

[@shawnalynn2083]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@theresagraham9368]

Thank you, another great video. Yes, I would also love to see the No friends left behind videos and time management . thank you for all you do!

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it!

[@healthydominoeffect9321]

Yes to a time management video

[@InsightsByJess]

Wow Shawna thank you so much for the shout out!! 🥰 I love your content as well! 🤩 I don't have a course but I do have a great library of free resources on my channel and a planning workbook set that is not too different from a course. 🥰

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hi Jess!!! I bet your workbook set will be so helpful! What a great idea for a resource to help others!

[@Katsmom6]

I do all of the above ❤️ Like my designs (which were terrible at first), my branding and mockups have evolved and improved as I got the hang of it. 😅 😬 everything looks more cohesive now.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Love that! We just have to keep going, growing, and learning!

[@valeriemott3120]

Would love a time management video. Thanks so much!

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it Valerie!

[@loliloli7168]

Hey, Shawna!! I feel that learning design skills is the most difficult and time-consuming part of the entire POD, such as sometimes requiring the use of CANVA, AI ILLUSTRATOR, or KITTL. Learning these knowledge and skills sometimes feels fragmented and time-consuming, and there is even no complete process to guide them. Can you share how you learned the entire process of design skills?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Lolli! You are right... that can feel very fragmented as we piece together info for different design apps in different videos! This was definitely something I found as I learned as well! You are giving me ideas for series I could start! Have you checked out Detour Shirts? He has a lot of design app tutorials for a few of the popular design apps.

[@cynle569]

Yes please make a video of your ideas for time management, thank you!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it!

[@caumar_christina]

Thank you for this video and Yes, please, do a video on time management! This is my biggest struggle.

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got in Juliana!

[@caumar_christina]

@@shawnalynn2083 I saw and most of the people in the comments needs the video about time management because they have a full time job and have a pretty busy life. That is why I feel even worse about me not being able to be productive with my store, I Have a lot of free time time every day. I just don’t think I’m giving priority to what is actually important, I have lots of docs where I create my own step by step for POD, from all your videos tips and from other KZbin Chanel as well, and from the course I bought, I spend the entire day sometimes watching videos and learning, taking notes,but I feel like I’m wasting my time not doing the import things.

[@aviannamcfarquhar1117]

Yessss!!!! A Time management video would be AMAZING!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it!

[@courtneysdani]

Your amazing!!! I love your content, great energy and pop. I love and appreciate how encouraging you especially for new people. Thank you!!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thank you so much Courtney!!

[@IndiratempestST]

Yes yes YES to the time management video! 🙏 😃

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it!

[@loliloli7168]

Yes, looking forward to time management video content！

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it Lolli!

[@annayoung8618]

Yes, please. Can you record a video on time management. thank you. you are amazing

[@shawnalynn2083]

On it Anna!

[@irinawatkins6150]

I’d like to have your enthusiasm. Funny part as every time I am ready to stop even trying, your video pop up. The most struggle for me is the niche. Everyone is talking about it, more I am confused. Every time I come up with idea, checking Etsy, and it usually already taken by hundreds, if not thousands. And I am back to the corner.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Don't be intimidated by those big money making niches! You just have to roll up your sleeves and be ready to work to break in! Plus, you have a lot of practice to get under your belt so you just need to get in there and get started! I broke into the teacher niche by persistently listing here over a period of about 6 months but once I finally broke in with some regular sales I was really able to start making money with this niche! I hope this helps!

[@irinawatkins6150]

@@shawnalynn2083 Thank you for the encouragement!!!

[@priscillajackson9243]

Thank you, Shawna. These are great tips.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Glad it was helpful Priscilla!

[@tiffanybell303]

I would love to see a video about time management, but not just how to make time in your schedule, but which tasks are needle moving tasks in the business that need to be done on a daily weekly and monthly basis to get from beginner to where you are😊😊

[@shawnalynn2083]

Love these suggestion Tiffany!

[@thekoreansushi]

Going to get your new calendar! I already have the q4 & teacher one :) it helped me get a best seller this q4 :) Thank you for everything you do!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Yay! Thank you! I am so glad you are finding them helpful! I hope they help fast track you to lots and lots of cha-chings!

[@savvysavermom]

I would love to hear more about time management

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it!

[@vintijeffect6384]

I’m excited to say I’m in the growth phase now! Opened in August and now have 102 sales. I can thank you for the encouragement and motivation when I wanted to give up. I’m getting a few sales a week now, and it’s so exciting (and also addicting getting the cha-ching!). A bit off topic, but I noticed Etsy has begun only showing 1,000 results for items, which makes product research difficult because it’s not showing the actual amount of items for sale. Some times it’ll show the actual number, other times it only shows 1,000 results. Do you have any insight into this?

[@thomasbredewold]

Thx so much. I am one month in now and still hoping, waiting, praying for my first sale. And, yes, everytime I wake up in during the night, watching the stats and ads page 🤪

[@shawnalynn2083]

I can't wait to hear about that first sale! Keep going and the sales will come easier and easier!

[@teresaadderty5091]

Yes please time management video thank you

[@shawnalynn2083]

I will have to get on this Terea!

[@KatySimpsonLive]

Hi again Shawna, have you ever considered holding online Etsy evenings over Zoom like you do in person? I think it sounds like a great idea. I may be interested if you decided to.

[@shawnalynn2083]

I love that idea Katy! I will keep you posted!

[@sonz4205]

Shawna!! Thank you so much for this awesome video! I love every single one of your videos. Time and time to research are the two things I struggle with but I’m breaking down goals now and carving out time for the research. Thank you for all your awesome advice. Love to you and Tucker ❤🥰

[@shawnalynn2083]

Carving out the time is so hard when you have other things going on! It got so much easier for me when I got to that point where it made sense to take the risk and quit my teaching job because suddenly had such a nice amount of time to designate! I can't wait to see what you do this year!

[@sonz4205]

Thank you so much Shawna ♥️

[@PowerofPODwRileigh]

Great video again Shawna! Love it 💕

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thanks Rileigh!

[@Bekind95]

Regarding "No Friend Left Behind", would you consider adding an unknown seller who has sold 100 to 1000+ items in the past year that are NOT shirt related. I don't have anyone in mind LOL. I find there is very little available to watch that isn't all about t shirts. Maybe something in Home and Living (pillows, blankets, etc). It would add variety to the mix. I am still personally interested in watching whatever you come up with. Thanks!

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL Bekind!!!! I will have to look into doing more content that isn't so shirt heavy! Maybe you could be a guest speaker one of these days!

[@rockinitgreatimpressions]

You rock!!! I'm ready to start. I need to get a new computer. My computer I have is old and is very slow. What would you recommend to get? I was wanting to stay with a laptop so I can work on my designs on the go or anyplace in my house.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! A laptop is a great way to go because it is sooooo. portable!

[@makim4199]

I would love a video on time management! But i have ADHD.. so im not sure if have expertise on this or how to incorporate tips from this lens. I work a full time job but often have hours of free time in the evening. I get crazy analysis paralysis and after staring and the screen for hours, researching, watching content, going on many sidequests, i might have one or two new designs after several hours. And this is almost every day! Imagine how much i could have done if only ny brain cooperated. Sigh

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! When I put this together I will incorporate some ADHD strategies! Thanks for the suggestion! You got this Makim!

[@makim4199]

@@shawnalynn2083 thank you so much for including ADHD strategies and for all the helpful content you make. looking forward to it!☺️

[@jennyshaneyfelt1002]

Love all of your videos! Thank you thank you thank you! I have a question I’m hoping you can help with… I have several good designs from the fall/thanksgiving seasons that are expiring (some have purchased / some do not). I want to renew them, but should I wait until closer to the Fall to renew them? ❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Thanks for watching Jenny! If you don't want to pay that listing fee through these early months I would just make sure to get them back out there by June/July. I just let mine stay because it is easier for me. I do make a random sale in the early months every once in a while. I hope this helps!

[@Shopgirl2000]

YAZ to a time mngmnt video …especially what to do daily … what weekly etc … maybe routine and how to keep track of everything pleaeaeaeaese. 😅❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it Shopgirl!

[@Shopgirl2000]

thank you so much Shawna! @@shawnalynn2083

[@Bekind95]

Yes, time management please.

[@shawnalynn2083]

You got it!

[@rodgergraeme]

Thank you for video.. Rodger from South Africa

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hi there Rodger! Thanks so much for watching! And all the way in South Africa! Love it!

[@hilarygilliam]

Thanks you Shawna!

[@shawnalynn2083]

You are so welcome Hillary! I am so glad you got to hang out with us this morning!

[@melissasenter8600]

Also do you have a good program to keep track of orders from multiple platforms and local, not just Etsy?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there Melissa! Thanks for reaching out! I'm so sorry! I don't! I bet someone out there does!

[@satheeskumarsanthiralingam1022]

Hi Shawana, I been regularly watching your videos Thank you so much for all the amazing tips! I am new to Etsy and I just started making some sale. Just wondering at what Revenue point you changed your shop to an LLC ?

[@todarl]

Oh my god… when you said you would wake up middle of the night to check if you had a sale…. That hit home for me…. I’m in that era now. What did you do that made a huge difference to get out of those no sales days?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I know!!!!! It is is totally obsessive and I could not help myself! I know you know what I mean! I honestly just dug into studying what was getting views, favorites, and sales and kept designing here... I also had a niche or two I had my eyes on and I just didn't let up... I did the research and kept designing day after day and month after month. It was such slow going until suddenly it wasn't! I am rooting for you!

[@almagjim]

Shawna, would you please do a video (if not available already 😅) about how to list on Printful? I am having a hard time doing this 😅 hope you can help 😊

[@shawnalynn2083]

It can be tricky! I have been meaning to do a video like this!

[@bubbafuzzesmomma]

A question for you.. My 18yo daughter wants to start an Etsy shop and she has 7 months to diligently work on it and then will leave it alone for 18 months to go serve a church mission, then will return and resume working on it afterward. Do you think the 18 mo haitis will ruin her shop or do you think the 7 months of initial strong creation will keep it at least somewhat alive and possibly even earn her a little bit of money to come home to? (I would manage customer service and such while she was gone, there would just be no new listings.)

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I have friends that have opened up shops and not done much with them and returned to them later.... I think it couldn't hurt to go ahead and get started. I would anyway! It will take a big input of work again when she gets back to get the fire going but at least she will have already learned tons over the next 7 months and she won't be starting from scratch. Hope this helps!

[@bubbafuzzesmomma]

Thank you very much!

[@LennyYT]

Do buyers complain that one uses POD services or they don't pay attention to that? also if you ship from different warehouses for one buyer?

[@shawnalynn2083]

HI Lenny! No one has ever complained about using a POD and they usually don't pay attention to it or even know what that means. BUT... if they are getting more than one package from the same supplier or different ones you will want to reach out and let them know or they get mad and think they received an incomplete package when the first one shows up!

[@LifeLoveLearning90]

Love your Channel!

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thank you so much!

[@mysunshine0063]

Hi Shawna, I was wondering if you could do a video on how to edit color chart files. I purchased one in a pdf form. I can not for the life of me figure out how to edit it or find a tutorial on how to do it. I have wasted so much time trying to figure it out (and I know it's something simple ) that I could have been using in my shop. Please help.

[@sch728]

Shawna. I’ve been at this for 6 months and have made 12 sales. I have 3 shops, I’ve watched like 5 videos a day this whole time and followed everything as well as getting multiple subscriptions. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! I’m so sorry you’re struggling! I can’t imagine trying to start three shops, and grow them all at once. Do you think that’s splitting too much of your in too many directions?

[@mirandadoolittle8079]

I have been at it for over a year, and I have the same issue. The only thing I can think of is that my designs aren't good enough. I keep watching videos and implementing the strategies, but crickets. I got 1 organic sale in Q4. That's it. It's very disheartening when you put in hours and nothing.

[@shawnalynn2083]

@@mirandadoolittle8079 Definitely! If you want to send me your Shops, I’ll take a look when I get a chance!

[@mirandadoolittle8079]

@@shawnalynn2083 I would so appreciate that.

[@mirandadoolittle8079]

@@shawnalynn2083 etsy.com/shop/lifeschaosdesigns.com

[@cindyleinwand5062]

Hi Shawana - I'm starting my 2nd year - all of a sudden shirts that have not had views or favorites or anything are getting sold? Is that normal? Is that because I'm being seen more from my shirts that are sold regularly? I'm starting to learn which designs will sell - and then there are some I'm thinking - wow that had no view or anything I should delete it - and then it sells! That's happened with about 10 different shirts? Is that kind of how it works? The more you sell the more your other shirts are seen? I just thought it was so random.

[@David-mk5yq]

Hi Shawna, I'm recently opened my etsy shop and one of the trickiest part for me is calculating profits, shipping, tax, etc(especially for international). When you first started, did you ship only in your home country to keep it simple and then progress to shipping international you got more experience? or did you immediately ship to international countries as well?

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there David! I actually ship only in the US and in Canada so I did keep it pretty simple for myself! You can charge different amounts for shipping to different countries in your shipping profiles. Another hack... I run a sale in the US only. My Canada orders are more expensive to fulfill so I just don't run the sale there to make up for that. Hope this helps!

[@amystokes1993]

I belong to Cassiy's group and Mandy's group - both phenomenal! I do watch videos of the other and I never fail to learn something.

[@shawnalynn2083]

You are surrounding yourself with so much knowledge! I can't wait to hear about what you accomplish this year!

[@darlenebirkhoff4871]

yes. that’s where i’m struggling and i’m getting nowhere.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Oh no Darlene! I hope this year brings you so much success!

[@CrazybeautifulNicole]

New sub here ! Thanks for sharing

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thanks for subbing! We are happy to have you here with us!

[@MileyonDisney]

HA! I made it! First and last to comment in chat! My life's mission is complete. I can retire as a winner. hehe

[@shawnalynn2083]

I still have the window open and I just tried to hop back in there to say last! LOL!!!! It won't let me because the event is over! Thanks for waking up to hang out with us today Miley!

[@alan-kq7sp]

"Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable." *Theodore N. Vail

[@steveeyler]

Based on the way my shop has done I think I've proven to myself that a POD shop should focus on women's designs.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Double down on what is working for you!

[@hilarygilliam]

FYI Cassiys course does not include shop reviews

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there! Thanks for watching! No, not shop reviews but she does have that mentorship piece happening. Thanks for hanging out with us this morning Hillary!

[@placeholder23]

15 sales since september, paying for etsy ads, my revenue is 300$ I'd say I failed.

[@shawnalynn2083]

I didn't have a whole lot more going on 4 months in than you! And I had hundreds of listings up at that point too so tons of effort! I'm so glad I didn't throw in the towel, and I hope you won't either!

[@placeholder23]

@@shawnalynn2083 ❤️

[@rebekahrutt5491]

I put my shop in vacation over the Christmas and new year holiday and when I reopened and went back to designing I felt like I forgot almost everything. 😂😂 NOT SMART.

[@shawnalynn2083]

LOL Recekah! You wil be back into the swing of things in no time!

[@jsummitt8234]

Lol. I follow all of those.

[@shawnalynn2083]

Hey there!

[@reneinatlanta1375]

❤

[@shawnalynn2083]

Thanks for watching!

[@NightTimeCrafts]

Email sent thank you Shawna 🥰

[@cynthiadeg9206]

Too many thieves on Etsy. They belong in jail!