From Startup to Six Figures: Dylan Jahraus’ Guide to Etsy Success

In today’s digital marketplace, starting a business on Etsy can open doors to creative entrepreneurs. Few know this better than Dylan Jahraus, an Etsy expert who transformed her shop into a million-dollar business within five years. 

Recently featured on the Product Biz Podcast, Dylan shared her journey and practical advice for aspiring Etsy sellers. Whether you’re new to Etsy or a seasoned seller looking for fresh strategies, here’s a breakdown of Dylan’s key insights on growing a successful Etsy business.

Want to listen to the episode instead of reading? You can find it here. 

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1. Start with a Clear Vision of Your Customer Base

According to Dylan, choosing the right product to sell is less about what you love and more about who you’re selling to. Instead of guessing what might sell, focus on a specific audience with a proven interest in your niche. For instance, her student who targeted hockey parents found rapid success by addressing their unique needs.

Key Takeaway: Focus on a niche audience that spends money regularly on a specific interest. Design your product line around their needs, instead of trying to create a product first and hoping the right buyers come along.

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2. Research Trends Outside of Etsy

Dylan advises sellers not to look to Etsy itself for product inspiration. Instead, browse Pinterest, TikTok, and influencer pages for trends that are emerging but not yet saturated on Etsy. This approach positions you as a trendsetter rather than a follower, giving you a competitive edge.

Key Takeaway: Trends often hit Etsy months later than other platforms. Look outside of Etsy to spot what’s coming up and capitalize on it before others do.

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3. Stand Out with Unique Offerings

To thrive in the Etsy marketplace, differentiation is essential. Dylan suggests special makeups—unique color options, materials, or features that competitors can’t replicate. For example, working directly with manufacturers to create exclusive designs can help you stand out.

Key Takeaway: Focus on making your product distinct, not just with creative designs but also in value-added options like bulk discounts, fast shipping, and customizable features.

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4. Master Etsy SEO to Boost Visibility

SEO is essential to success on Etsy. Dylan stresses the importance of long-tail keywords—three or more words that are specific to your product’s niche. This helps you attract buyers actively searching for exactly what you’re selling, resulting in higher visibility and conversion rates.

Quick SEO Tip: Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, integrate as many unique long-tail keywords as possible across different listings to increase your shop’s visibility in more search results.

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5. Embrace Change and Continuously Improve

The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, and the strategies that worked for Etsy sellers in 2020 may no longer be effective. Dylan highlights the importance of constant iteration and innovation. Drawing inspiration from major brands, she recommends experimenting with limited-edition products to maintain freshness.

Key Takeaway: If you’re not growing, you’re shrinking. Stay ahead by updating your shop regularly, testing new products, and embracing change.

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6. Etsy vs. Amazon vs. Shopify: Where to Start

When expanding beyond Etsy, Dylan recommends focusing on building an independent website on Shopify before venturing into Amazon. Since Amazon’s fees and policies can be more stringent, it’s beneficial to establish your brand on platforms where you retain more control.

Suggested Order:

1. Start on Etsy for fast feedback and proof of concept.
2. Launch a Shopify site when you’re generating around $80,000 in revenue to cut down on Etsy fees.
3. Consider Amazon only when you’re ready for more complex logistics.

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7. Don’t Overlook Etsy’s Long-Term Value

With growing competition, some sellers believe Etsy is past its prime. Dylan disagrees, emphasizing that Etsy remains the most accessible, cost-effective platform for creative entrepreneurs to establish a brand. Even if your goal is to scale beyond Etsy, the platform’s built-in customer base and traffic are invaluable assets to jumpstart your business.

Key Takeaway: Use Etsy as a launchpad. Its marketing reach, built-in customer trust, and accessible interface make it an ideal foundation, especially for handmade or custom businesses.

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Conclusion

Dylan’s story is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and adaptability in building a successful Etsy business. Her actionable insights provide a roadmap for aspiring sellers who want to scale their Etsy shops sustainably. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, digital goods, or print-on-demand products, applying these strategies could be your first step toward significant growth.

For more insights from Dylan, check out her podcast and Instagram, where she shares even more tips for Etsy success.