How to Successfully Sell on Etsy and Amazon

In today’s digital marketplace, the opportunities to sell products online are vast. From Etsy to Amazon, each platform offers unique advantages and challenges for entrepreneurs. Recently, Dylan was featured on the Build Your Profitable Product Based Business podcast.

In this episode, we’ll explore her journey, insights, and practical tips for scaling your product-based business using Etsy and Amazon.

Prefer to listen instead of read? Listen to the full episode here.

Dylan’s Journey to eCommerce Success

Dylan Jahraus comes from a corporate eCommerce background, having worked with major companies like Zappos and Zulily. When her husband’s military career required frequent moves, she pivoted into entrepreneurship, launching her Etsy shop over eight years ago. Within five years, she had generated over a million dollars in profit and expanded onto Amazon and Shopify. Today, she teaches others how to scale their businesses using these platforms, working with sellers who range from beginners to those making eight figures annually.

Why Sell on Multiple Platforms?

Many product-based business owners start with one sales channel but may not realize the value of expanding onto others. Here’s why diversifying is crucial:

• Increased Visibility: Each platform has a distinct customer base. Etsy shoppers, for example, tend to look for unique, handmade, or boutique-style items, whereas Amazon customers prioritize speed and convenience.
• Risk Management: Relying on one platform can be risky. Diversifying ensures that if one channel experiences changes or disruptions, your business can continue to thrive.
• Customer Acquisition: Even if your goal is to drive traffic to your own website, platforms like Etsy and Amazon can serve as top-of-funnel channels to introduce customers to your brand.

Getting Started on Etsy

Dylan’s journey began with a single product—a floral letter she made for her wedding. It took two months to get the first sale, but once she applied her eCommerce knowledge, her shop scaled to $10,000 per month within two months.

Key Strategies for Standing Out on Etsy

Etsy is a competitive marketplace, but Dylan emphasizes that many sellers fail to optimize their listings. Here’s how you can rise above the noise:

• High-Quality Photos & Branding: Your listing image and price are the first things potential buyers see. Ensure your product photos are compelling and clearly communicate your value proposition.
• SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to increase visibility.
• Leverage Reviews & Social Proof: Positive reviews build trust and credibility, encouraging more sales.
• Understand Market Trends: Instead of relying on Etsy search results for product ideas, look at external sources like Pinterest, TikTok, and influencer trends to identify emerging demand.

Handmade Doesn’t Mean Handcrafted

While many assume that all Etsy products must be handmade, Dylan clarifies that the platform allows for various product types, including:

• Print-on-Demand (POD)
• Digital Products (templates, spreadsheets, artwork)
• Curated Gift Boxes
• Services (consulting, video editing, therapy sessions)

Expanding to Amazon

Amazon is a completely different marketplace with its own set of rules. While Etsy allows sellers to control their policies, Amazon dictates terms, especially regarding shipping and returns.

How to Transition from Etsy to Amazon

1. Start with Best-Selling Products: Dylan recommends listing only a select few proven products on Amazon, ideally with high margins.
2. Consider Personalization: Custom products (e.g., engraved gifts, monogrammed items) allow you to set your policies and avoid returns.
3. Be Prepared for Advertising Costs: Unlike Etsy, where you can rank without ads, Amazon often requires PPC (pay-per-click) advertising to gain visibility.
4. Modify Product Listings for Amazon: Differentiating your Amazon product from your Etsy version—such as offering different sizes or bundles—helps avoid direct price comparisons.

Scaling Beyond Handmade

A common misconception is that handmade businesses can’t scale. However, Dylan has helped many entrepreneurs grow beyond six figures by implementing smart scaling strategies:

• Investing in Tools: A laser cutter, for example, can transform a basic product into a high-margin, customizable offering.
• Outsourcing Production: Hiring employees or partnering with manufacturers can help increase output while maintaining quality.
• Targeting B2B & Group Sales: Selling to teams, businesses, and organizations (e.g., bulk orders for sports teams or corporate gifts) can significantly boost revenue.

Final Thoughts

The key takeaway from our conversation with Dylan is that success in eCommerce is about leveraging multiple channels strategically. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, Etsy and Amazon offer powerful opportunities to grow your brand, acquire new customers, and increase profitability.

If you’re interested in learning more from Dylan, check out her YouTube channel or connect with her on Instagram for personalized advice.

Are you ready to expand your product business? Drop a comment below and share your biggest takeaway from this post!