Fix a DEAD Etsy Shop–Should You Start Over

Are you struggling with your Etsy shop? Feeling like it’s stuck, with little to no traction? If you’re waiting for your Etsy shop to pick up but seeing no results, you’re not alone. Many sellers find themselves in the same situation, searching for effective Etsy shop fixes. Whether you’re a new seller or a seasoned one, the frustration of a dead Etsy shop is real. In this blog, I’ll share actionable steps to revive your Etsy shop and get those sales rolling in.

Is Your Etsy Shop Hopeless?

It can feel hopeless when your determining whether to fix a dead Etsy shop that isn’t performing as expected. You’re doing everything you know, but the sales just aren’t coming in. Here are some common scenarios:

• 6 months and only 6 sales… Maybe two of those are from family members.
• 20 listings and fewer than 10 sales… Your shop feels invisible.
• 500 listings and still under 10 sales… It’s not the number of listings; it’s about quality and optimization.

Then there are shops that were once thriving but now feel like they’re on life support:

• Over $2 million per year, now less than $500k… Watching your shop decline is tough.
• $50k+ per month, now down to $5k… The downward trend is frightening.

The strategies that worked in the past might not be effective today. Whether you’re dealing with a small shop that never gained momentum or a large shop experiencing a downturn, different stages require different Etsy shop fixes. Here’s how to bring your dead Etsy shop back to life.

How to Fix a Dead Etsy Shop That’s Never Been Alive

If your shop has been around for more than two months with fewer than five sales, it’s time to take a hard look at what’s going wrong. Here’s how to implement Etsy shop fixes for a shop that never took off:

1. Evaluate and Consider Starting Fresh

If your Etsy shop is over two months old with fewer than five sales, it might be time to consider starting fresh. Sometimes, the best Etsy shop fix is to close a non-performing shop and start a new one. A new shop can give you a boost in the Etsy algorithm. However, don’t just open a new shop with the same listings and strategies—nothing will change if you don’t change your approach.

For a deeper dive into evaluating and starting fresh, check out this YouTube video on Reviving a Dead Etsy Shop.

2. Remove Low-Quality Listings

If your listings aren’t selling, it’s likely because they’re not competitive. Quality is far more important than quantity. If your design isn’t visually appealing or doesn’t stand out in search results, it’s not going to sell. Get brutally honest feedback by asking for opinions in Etsy forums or Facebook groups. Don’t rely on friends or family—they might not give you the tough love your shop needs.

Only keep listings that you believe can win in search results. If your product photos and designs don’t stand out, they won’t sell.

3. Overhaul Your Etsy Shop SEO

One of the most critical Etsy shop fixes is a complete SEO overhaul. If your traffic is low, you likely have an SEO problem. Effective SEO is the key to getting found on Etsy, and without it, even the best designs won’t get noticed. Optimizing your titles is just the start—make sure your tags, descriptions, and overall shop structure are all working together to drive traffic. If you’re unsure where to start, consider seeking professional help. SEO is crucial to your shop’s success.

4. Focus on Driving Organic Traffic to Fix Your Etsy Shop

Instead of immediately turning to ads, focus on driving organic traffic. Optimizing your listings should always be the first step in fixing your Etsy shop. After that, dedicate half your efforts to creating new, optimized listings and the other half to driving traffic. Platforms like Pinterest and Facebook are excellent for generating both short-term and long-term organic traffic to your Etsy shop.

Learn more about driving organic traffic with this video on Using Social Media to Drive Etsy Traffic.

How to Fix a Dead Etsy Shop That Was Once Thriving

If your Etsy shop was once successful but now feels like it’s dying, here’s how to apply the right Etsy shop fixes:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Revamp Your Listings

If your sales have taken a dive, you have nothing to lose by updating your listings. Many shop owners hesitate to make changes, fearing they’ll make things worse. But if your shop is already declining, doing nothing is the riskier choice. Overhaul your SEO, update your product photos, and refine your descriptions. You have little to lose at this point, so be bold in making necessary changes.

2. Introduce New Products Regularly

Your current product mix isn’t cutting it if you’ve dropped from $100k per month to $20k or less. One of the most effective Etsy shop fixes is to introduce new products. Focus on a mix of trending items (ones not yet saturated on Etsy) and evergreen products. This strategy helps you reach a broader audience and rejuvenate your shop.

3. Use Discounts and Ads to Test the Market

For products that were once best sellers but have slowed down, try discounting them and running Etsy ads. Sometimes, giving away your product at a steep discount for a few hundred orders can help you regain traction and those best-seller badges. Use this as a test to determine whether these products can be revived or if it’s time to move on.

FAQs

Q1: What if my Etsy shop doesn’t improve after these fixes?

A1: If you’ve implemented these Etsy shop fixes and still aren’t seeing results, it might be time to seek professional help. Consider working with an Etsy coach or consultant who can provide personalized advice and help you identify issues you might have missed.

Q2: Should I always start a new shop if my current one isn’t performing?

A2: Not necessarily. If your shop is very new and hasn’t gained traction, starting fresh might be the best option. However, if your shop has history and established listings, it might be better to focus on overhauling what you have rather than starting over.

Q3: How often should I update my Etsy shop SEO?

A3: SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. Regularly review and update your Etsy shop SEO, especially if you notice a drop in traffic or sales. Trends and search behaviors change, so your SEO strategy should evolve along with them.

Ready to learn more about growing an Etsy shop?

Book a call with us to discuss your Etsy shop, any struggles, and hear more about how we can help you through my program, Multi-Six Figure Etsy Blueprint and 1:1 coaching! https://calendly.com/dylanjahraus/program-strategy-call?month=2024-07

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