Why Etsy is the Simplest Starting Point

Etsy is a great starting point for handmade business owners, but it’s not perfect for everyone. Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can decide if it’s the right platform for you.

✅ Pros of Selling on Etsy for Beginners

🔹 1. Built-In Audience

• Etsy has millions of buyers already looking for handmade products.
• Unlike a personal website, you don’t have to drive all the traffic yourself.

🔹 2. Easy to Set Up & Use

• No need for tech skills—just upload photos, write descriptions, and start selling.
• Etsy handles payment processing, taxes, and customer transactions for you.

🔹 3. Trust & Credibility

• Customers trust Etsy as a marketplace.
• New sellers benefit from Etsy’s reputation instead of having to build their own from scratch.

🔹 4. Low Upfront Costs

• No monthly fees (unless you opt for Etsy Plus, $10/month).
• Pay only $0.20 per listing + transaction fees when you sell.

🔹 5. Great for Testing Products

• If you’re not sure what will sell, Etsy is a low-risk way to test demand before investing in a standalone website.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re a beginner looking for an easy way to start selling, Etsy is one of the best options.

❌ Cons of Selling on Etsy for Beginners

🔹 1. High Fees Can Eat Your Profits

• Etsy takes 6.5% transaction fee + 3% payment processing fee + $0.20 per listing = about 10%-15% per sale.
• If you sell high-ticket items, fees add up fast.

🔹 2. Lots of Competition

• Millions of sellers = hard to stand out unless you optimize your listings and market your shop.
• Some categories (like wreaths & jewelry) are oversaturated, so your products must be unique.

🔹 3. Limited Branding Control

• You’re selling under Etsy’s brand, not your own.
• You can’t customize your store as much as a personal website.

🔹 4. You Don’t Own the Platform

• Etsy can suspend or shut down your shop at any time.
• Unlike a personal website, you don’t have full control over your business.

🔹 5. You Must Market Yourself

• Etsy won’t automatically send you sales—you still need to promote your shop on social media, Pinterest, and email marketing.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want full control over branding & sales, consider a website (like Shopify or MMH) instead.

📌 So, Is Etsy Right for You?

✅ Etsy is great for beginners if:
✔ You want a simple, low-cost way to start selling.
✔ You’re testing new product ideas before investing in a website.
✔ You’re willing to market yourself & stand out from the competition.

❌ Etsy may NOT be right for you if:
❌ You want full control over branding, pricing, and customer data.
❌ You’re selling high-ticket products and want to avoid high fees.
❌ You don’t want to compete with millions of sellers.

How to Open an Etsy Shop Step 1: Create an Account

To get 40 FREE Listings you should click on this page, it will only be applied to new sellers. Make sure you create your account using this link: https://etsy.me/4dwQ8YJ

You will see this page,

Click Open a shop today. It'll ask you to create a log in. Enter your email and a password.

Now you'll get this page

Click Let's do this.

Etsy will ask you a few questions. You can skip them or answer them. Once you've answered the questions you should see a screen that says: Click start your shop.

How to Open an Etsy Shop Step 2: Select shop name and preference

Now, let's move on to setting up your shop's language, country, and currency.

1. Shop Language: Choose the language to describe your items. You can't change the default language later, but you can add translations after opening your shop.
2. Shop Country: Select the country where you'll sell your products.
3. Shop Currency: Choose the currency for your listings and customer transactions.

Then select save and continue.

Now, let's move forward with adding a name to your Etsy shop. Your shop name should reflect yourstyle and resonate with your target audience. Here's what you need to know about Etsy shop names:

• Length: Your shop name should be between 4 and 20 characters long.
• Characters: Avoid using spaces or special characters in your shop name.
• Content: Ensure your shop name is free of profanity and doesn't infringe on trademarks held byothers.
• Uniqueness: Your chosen name shouldn't already be in use by an existing Etsy seller

Remember, you can change your Etsy shop name later through the Info & Appearance tab, but it's advisable to maintain consistency with your brand name.

Stuck on a Etsy Shop Name?

Using ChatGPT: Brainstorm Etsy Shop Names

If you're struggling with your Etsy Shop name and you feel like you can't move forward... Use ChatGPT to help you brainstorm name options.

Things to know: You may have to change the name or characters in the name if it's already taken on Etsy or being used somewhere else. ChatGPT doesn't compare the names to any websites/legal docs to see if they're already taken. BUT, this can you help get passed for the first road block if you're stuck.

Step 1: Open your ChatGPT account - https://chatgpt.com/

Step 2: You're going to copy and paste this information into ChatGPT

I need help brainstorming 20 potential creative names for my Etsy Shop that sells [type of products]. The name should reflect my [brand personality traits], my passion for [personal passion or theme], and appeal to [target audience]. It should be under 20 characters, easy to spell and remember, and unique. Keywords to consider include: [list of relevant keywords].

What to include and update in the brackets:

• Type of Products: Describe the main products you sell (e.g., handmade wreaths, jewelry, clothing, etc.).
• Brand Personality Traits: List a few words that describe your brand's personality (e.g., fun, elegant, rustic, modern).
• Personal Passion or Theme: Mention any personal passion or theme that influences your brand (e.g., rescue dogs, sustainability, vintage).
• Target Audience: Define who your ideal customers are (e.g., home decor enthusiasts, dog lovers, fashionistas).
• Keywords: Provide a list of keywords that are relevant to your products and brand. Is there something you're passionate about? Your Name? A Nickname? Something you possibly want included?

Example: I need help brainstorming 20 potential creative names for my Etsy shop that sells handmade, whimsical wreaths. The name should reflect my fun and playful brand personality, my passion for rescue dogs, and appeal to home decor enthusiasts and dog lovers. It should be under 20 characters, easy to spell and remember, and unique. Keywords to consider include: Whimsy, Wreath, Rescue, Paws, Petals, Charm, Pooch, Love, Creative, Doggy, Joy, Handmade, and Crafty.

Example Output from Chat GPT: 

Here are 20 creative names based on this prompt to get you started:

1. WhimsyWreaths
2. PawsAndPetals
3. RescueWreaths
4. WreathsByDamon
5. WhimsyPaws
6. PawPrintWreaths
7. DoggyDreams
8. PoochWreaths
9. WreathWonder
10. PetalPaws
11. PawLoveWreaths
12. CraftyPaws
13. WhimsyCharms
14. RescueJoy
15. PoochPetals
16. WreathMagic
17. PawsAndLove
18. HandmadeWhimsy
19. DoggyWhimsy
20. WreathfulPaws

Note: If ChatGPT responds with spaces, special characters or long names you can then tell it:

Remember, the etsy shop names can't have any special characters, spaces and must be under 20 total characters. Can you revise the list?

and it will rewrite your list of potential Etsy Shop names for you. You'll notice in the video below I had to ask it to correct itself. 

Step 3: Create Your First Listing

You can't proceed further without creating your first product listing for your Etsy shop. You can always modify or add more products later. In this case we aren't going to worry about making sure the SEO, Photos, or any of the listing details are perfect. You will make a real listing, and it will be published - but let's price it at let's say $500.00 so the chance of a random customer finding it today, and buying it... Is slim.

Here's how to create your first product listing

Category: Type in what you're trying to sell. Wreath, Swag, Sign, etc. Then select the item that best describes your product.

What type of item is it? Select a physical product if you're going to ship them an item. Select a digital file if you're going to sell something electronically.

Who made it? Select I did

What is it? Select if you're selling a product the customer will use or if it's a product they'll use to make another product. Example - Wreath is a finished product. Wreath Sign is a supply or tool that they would use to make a wreath.

When was it made? Select 2020-2024

Production Partners for this listing. You only need to add production partners if you aren't making and shipping the items yourself. For example, if you were creating a shop for print on demand shirts and someone else was making and shipping your shirts.

Add more details

On this screen we have to add information anywhere we see the red asterisk like this:

Remember, the information doesn't have to be perfect - but we do want to make it feel like a real listing that way the AI bots won't flag our shop and shut it down for spam. Once we start our actual listing process, I'll show you how to correctly write the title, tags, descriptions and choose the listing information.

Once you complete all of the red asterisk fields click save and continue.  

When you get to shipping you will have to click select profile and then create a shipping profile.

Click Select Profile, Create New

For a calculated shipping profile based off of the size of your shipping box you can leave it on:

• Shipping prices - calculate them for me
• Origin Zip Code - your zip code
• Processing time - select how many days it'll take you to pack and ship the order
• Where I'll shop - leave it on worldwide
• Shipping Services - Leave all selected
• Free Shipping - I don't recommend free shipping
• Handling Fee - If you want to add your box, tape, etc here you can instead of rolling into the price of your wreath.
• Click Save as shipping profile, and name the profile - "Calculated Shipping"
• Click as profile and apply

Item Weight - This doesn't really matter, because weight is really calculated off of your DIM weight, which is calculated from your box size. I usually put 5lbs if it's a wreath and weighs more than 1lb.

Item size - this is the size box you'd ship your product in, not the dimensions of your product.

Shop Section will be blank for now.

Renewal Options - Turn on Manual. This isn't a real listing that we're going to want to renew over and over again.

Press save and continue.

For now, click do this later.

Step 4: Set Up How You'll Get Paid

In this section you'll add all of the information on how you'll get paid from Etsy.

• Your bank location
• What type of seller are you - if you don't have an EIN or Business Bank account just select individual. You can update this later if you set your EIN or Business Bank account up later.
• Tell us a little bit about yourself - add the correct information here
• Your bank information - you will have to connect your bank account to Etsy via the Plaid connection. This is safe and secure and there's no way to set up your account without doing it. Use the INSTANT connection or you may be fighting with your set up for a few days.
• After connecting your bank, Etsy will ask how often you want to be paid. I set my deposits up for weekly so that I can easily track sales a week at a time.

Step 5: Set Up Billing Information

Etsy Listing GPT Tool

Want to know the coolest thing about ChatGPT?

We can program a GPT / bot within the tool with all of our knowledge, intellectual property, best practices, and more...

Then we can program a prompt to do certain tasks based off of that input and the training that we gave it...

So that YOU don't have to re-do all of that work.

We programmed it with all of Etsy's recommendations, our own knowledge of what works for us, our own intellectual property for tips and tricks, and made its education evergreen - so its ALWAYS learning and improving.

This GPT will allow you to upload a photo of your wreath, and then give you all of the listing and marketing information that you need.

I know, we could have just skipped all of the other training and went to this part, but computers are only as good as its programming. I wanted you to be educated enough that if it tells you to do something wrong - you can at least question it or tweek the information to make it perfect.

The best part - any updates I make to the tool, will automatically update in the background. So you'll always have the best version of it!

How to use the tool:

1. Be logged into your ChatGPT account

2. Click this link: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-c0ZRQqdcM-mu-wreath-listing-tool-copy

3. Upload a photo of your wreath by clicking on the paper clip icon

4. Ask it to help with your wreath

5. Give it a few seconds and then read through the feedback!

Here's a demo of me using the tool.

How to find it in the mobile app for quick future use (AFTER you have already clicked the link above)

1. Open the ChatGPT mobile app on your phone and click the 2 lines in the top left corner (the hamburger)

2. Choose the MU Wreath Listing Tool

3. Press the photo icon

4. Select your wreath photo and press Add

5.  Type in "can you help with this wreath?"

6. Press enter or push the arrow button to submit it

What happens if the tool gets it wrong? Look, its completely possible that the tool won't understand all of the features of the wreath. If it gets it wrong just respond back with something like...

"I'm sorry, I think you got this one wrong. Can you please update the information with <describe your wreath> and give me the correct listing information"

and the tool will correct itself and give you a whole new output.

Quick Wins: What Makes a Listing Work

Overview: Increasing your conversion rate can boost your listings' rankings in Etsy search results. Here are key strategies to enhance your listings, focusing on attracting clicks and converting those clicks into sales.

Optimizing for Clicks

1. First Listing Photo

• Importance: The first photo is crucial as it appears in search results.
• Tips: Ensure the image clearly shows the wreath and is eye-catching. Use natural light, focus on the main features, and keep the background solid white.
• Example: A vibrant spring wreath with pink and white flowers, displayed on a solid white background sized 3000x2250 pixels.

2. Listing Title

• Importance: Titles help shoppers quickly understand what you're selling.
• Tips: Use clear, descriptive titles that highlight the unique aspects of your wreath. Keep it concise and relevant.
• Example: "Handmade Spring Floral Wreath – Easter Decor" (I'll usually add more keywords after this initial phrase so that I maximize the keywords here.)

3. Price

• Importance: Competitive pricing can influence clicks.
• Tips: Offer a range of price points. Use a pricing formula considering overhead, production cost, and profit.
• Example: Calculate the price for a wreath:
  • Production cost: $30
  • Mark Up: 4
  • Price: 30 x 4 = $120
  • Revolving Discount: 25% - This helps in your searchability.
  • Cost = $120 x .25 = $90 (This matches our normal rule of thumb of Cost x 3)

4. Special Offers

• Importance: Discounts and free shipping can make your listings more attractive.
• Tips: Use Etsy’s sales and coupons tool to run promotions.
• Example: Offer 25% off daily if following the formula above.

5. Reviews

• Importance: Positive reviews build trust and encourage clicks.
• Tips: Encourage buyers to leave reviews by providing excellent customer service.
• Example: Include a thank-you note with each wreath purchase, asking for feedback.

Increasing Conversion Rates

1. Listing Photos

• Importance: Additional photos provide more product details.
• Tips: Use up to 10 photos showing different angles, sizes, and uses of the wreath.
• Example: Include close-ups of the wreath’s details, a photo of it on a door, and images of it from different angles.

2. Listing Description

• Importance: Descriptions help buyers understand the product and make purchasing decisions.
• Tips: Keep descriptions short but informative. Include relevant keywords naturally in the first few sentences.
• Example: "Welcome spring with this handmade floral wreath. Featuring pink and white silk flowers, this wreath is perfect for Easter décor. Dimensions: 20 inches in diameter."

3. Processing Time

• Importance: Quick processing times can influence purchase decisions.
• Tips: Set realistic processing times and offer shipping upgrades.
• Example: "Ships within 2 business days. Expedited shipping available."

4. Shipping

• Importance: Shipping costs impact buyer decisions and search ranking.
• Tips: Consider incorporating shipping costs into the item price. Offer free shipping or a shipping guarantee.
• Example: "Free shipping on all orders within the US. International shipping available at reduced rates."

Summary

By optimizing your listings with clear photos, descriptive titles, competitive pricing, special offers, and positive reviews, you can attract more clicks and convert those clicks into sales. Ensuring detailed descriptions, quick processing times, and reasonable shipping costs will further improve your conversion rates and enhance your search ranking on Etsy.

Avoiding Overwhelm

Starting a creative business is both exciting and overwhelming. As a new business owner, you’ll likely face road blocks as you strive to build your brand and reach your customers. While some of these challenges are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks of facing them.

5 Common Roadblocks that Cause Overwhelm

1. Can’t decide on a business name

You’d be surprised how many entrepreneurs struggle with this. Overthinking is usually the culprit. We don’t need our perfect business name right from the start. It’s like trying to buy the dream house with our first home purchase. That’s not how it works!

There are a few main factors to keep in mind:

1. Don’t get creative with spelling. Your business name needs to be easy to remember.
2. Keep it simple. You can always start with an easy formula like “your name + your products” like Christine’s Wreath Shop
3. If you want to leave room for growth or expansion keep a little more broad like “Christine’s Home Decor”

You can always change your business name later. We see so many people get stuck on this 1st step that they don’t end up launching their business. Your business will transition as you grow, so you don’t need to create your dream house just yet.

2. Where should I build a website…I’m not tech savvy!

The simple answer is you don’t need one. When you’re first getting started use Etsy to create your own online store. It’s a great place to establish your business without having to invest in an expensive website or pay for advertising.

Once you build up a loyal community then determine if it’s more effective to move away from Etsy.

Now, you may be concerned that there are fees associated with running an Etsy store. There should be fees, you’re tapping into their 89.4 million customer base. There’s also costs for hosting your own website too. Even Shopify has fees, but in that case you’ll need to create your own customer base too.

So, hold off on creating that website until it’s a better fit for your time and money.

3. I don’t like social media!

Social media is necessary for marketing no matter what level of business you’re at. You probably discovered us through one of our social media channels or possibly Google, which is a different marketing strategy all together.

Letting your feelings get in the way of getting your business found online is going to get frustrating for you. Social media is a tool that we can use to find our perfect people! Don’t get in your own way of growing.

Pick a single platform and make it strong. We start with Facebook in the Cha-Ching Blueprint Course and move on to Pinterest, Instagram, and more! Again, trying to do it all as a solopreneur sets the stage for burnout and we don’t want that for you, I’m sure you don’t want that either.

4. I can’t afford a logo

You don’t need to have a fancy logo! You can create a simple text logo that looks like the one pictured below.

Nothing fancy, just done! This goes back to building our dream house vs our starter home. All of these starting pain points are like paint and carpet. We can redo them when the time is right. If we want to get up and running, making sales. Let’s just get it done!

5. Help, I don’t know who my perfect customer is!

Sound familiar? Defining our perfect customer is key to creating a successful creative business. Knowing who they are, what they want and how you can reach them helps us make decisions on product design, pricing, marketing tactics and more.

Take the time to create your ideal customer profile today so that you can start making wreaths with confidence! Make sure to revisit Identifying Your Ideal Customer in the Pre-Work module.