Realistic Results for Etsy Shops

If you’re a newer Etsy shop owner or someone with very few sales under your belt, you might be wondering, “What am I doing wrong?” You’ve probably come across those tempting YouTube videos promising “$30k in 30 days” or “$10k from digital products,” but your shop feels like a ghost town.

So, what’s the reality of Etsy? Are you wasting your time? Today, I’m diving into the why behind this initial struggle and what you can realistically expect from your Etsy journey. I’ll also share six actionable steps you can take in the next six days to break through this initial lull.

Welcome

For those who are new to my site, I’m Dylan Jahraus. I’m an Etsy shop owner myself, and I also run a full-time business coaching service for Etsy sellers. I work with hundreds of sellers one-on-one to help them scale their shops to multi-six figures, using real e-commerce strategies that go beyond simply following trends, niching down, or having good pictures.

Getting Started

As a coach, I often speak with Etsy sellers who have just embarked on their Etsy journey. They’ve put up around 50 listings, and their shop has been open for three weeks or maybe a month, yet they haven’t seen a single sale. They’re panicking, feeling like something is broken, and questioning whether Etsy is the right path for them. Perhaps they contemplate starting a second shop or venturing into other e-commerce platforms like Amazon KDP or Shopify.

The problem is that many sellers in this situation are quick to pivot. When they don’t see immediate results, they jump to something new, hoping for a breakthrough. This cycle repeats, and they spend a year or more hopping from one entrepreneurial endeavor to another without learning much. They may know a little about a lot of things, but they haven’t delved deeply into any strategy.

Breaking this cycle is crucial for gaining traction. Instead of expecting immediate sales, you should be prepared to invest some time without seeing results, but don’t just sit idly by. You need to be like a duck, calm on the surface but consistently paddling underneath. The truth is, committing to one strategy and working diligently on it will make you an expert, leading to success.

The reality might be that you won’t make a sale in the first two weeks or even the first month. I personally didn’t make my first sale on Etsy until two months in, and yet, by month four, I was making $10,000 per month, eventually scaling to $134,000 in the first year.

So, while you’re dealing with the discomfort of no sales, I encourage you to take these six steps over the next six days.

1. Unique SEO for Each Listing

Ensure that each of your listings has completely unique SEO. Many shops make the mistake of copy-pasting the same title across all listings, limiting their visibility. The title is just one part of SEO, and you should aim to use as many long-tail keywords as possible to expand your reach.

2. Update Listing Photos

Don’t stick with the same photos you initially launched with. Photos and mockups are a learning curve, and as you progress, you’ll likely look back and find your early listings felt low-budget. Keep improving and testing different backgrounds and mockups. Don’t use the same style for all photos. Try at least ten different mockups or background types when starting out.

3. Start Marketing Early

Don’t wait for sales to start marketing your shop. As soon as you have a listing, get active on Instagram with at least 20 static posts to build cohesive branding and drive traffic via Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Facebook and Instagram yield more immediate results, while Pinterest is a long-term strategy.

4. Create Loss Leaders

Consider adding lower-margin, lower-price-point “loss leaders” to your shop. These items are designed to increase your order count quickly. They help make your shop appear more active and accessible to customers. Launch a new loss leader each day over the next six days.

5. Keep Hustling for Cash Flow

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it’s essential not to put all your eggs in the Etsy basket. While working on your Etsy shop, continue to hustle to generate cash flow. Doing so will provide you with a buffer and the patience required to give Etsy the time it needs to gain traction. People who dive into Etsy without any financial cushion tend to quit prematurely, never experiencing the growth they desire.

6. Cultivate Positive Reviews

Building a reputation on Etsy is crucial. Positive reviews can be a game-changer for your shop. Encourage your customers to leave reviews by providing exceptional service and ensuring they’re satisfied with their purchases. These reviews not only boost your credibility but also make other potential buyers more confident in your products. Over time, a collection of positive reviews can significantly impact your shop’s sales and success.

I challenge you to take these steps over the next six days while you’re navigating the initial phase of your Etsy journey. If you need personalized help with your shop, feel free to reach out. I have a program designed to set you on the path to multi-six figures on Etsy. Your success is within reach; you just need the right strategies and patience to achieve it. Don’t give up!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should I wait for my first sale on Etsy before considering a different platform?
It’s normal not to see immediate results. Give Etsy at least a few weeks or even a couple of months before making any significant changes. Consistency is key.

2. Are there specific tools or resources you recommend for Etsy SEO and marketing?
Yes, Etsy offers helpful resources for improving your shop’s SEO. Additionally, I recommend leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to market your products.

3. What’s the most common mistake new Etsy sellers make when trying to boost sales?
Many new sellers often copy-paste the same title and neglect unique SEO for each listing. This limits their visibility in search results. It’s crucial to understand the power of diverse keywords and the impact of SEO on sales.

Learn more tips about taking your shop to the next level with my Multi-Six Figure Etsy Blueprint program!