How to Increase Sales On Etsy 2022 (Without Paying for Ads): 18 Simple Ways
Are you wondering how to increase sales on Etsy? You’re definitely not alone.
You’ve got your shop up and running, you’ve added a bunch of listings and all looks good. But where are the sales?
With more and more Etsy sellers, the competition is stiff. And, with so many options out there for buyers, it’s important to make sure your shop is standing out from the rest.
If you’re not making any sales on Etsy, don’t panic. Chances are, there are a few things you can do to increase your visibility and boost your Etsy sales – and none of them require spending any money on ads!
You might also like:
- Managing Two Etsy Shops: Can You Have More Than One Shop On Etsy?
- 40 Profitable Digital Products To Sell On Etsy
- How to Change Your Etsy Shop Name: A Step by Step Guide 2022
- How To Put Your Etsy Shop On Vacation Mode & Is It Necessary
- How To Drive Traffic To Your Etsy Shop: 9 Proven Strategies
PIN FOR LATER!
Full disclosure! See those links below? If you happen to click on one of these and purchase something I recommend, I’ll get a small commission (wohoo). Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you (in fact, often I’ll have some discounts you can enjoy!). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales. You can read my full disclaimer here.
- Why is Etsy so popular
- How to increase sales on Etsy in 2022
- 1. Add more product listings
- 2. Take eye catching product photos
- 3. Use Etsy SEO
- 4. Write compelling product descriptions
- 5. Start a blog
- 6. Diversify your products
- 7. Create personalised items
- 8. Give incredible customer service
- 9. Make sure your shop is set up correctly
- 10. Keep your shop active
- 11. Engage with your customers
- 12. Use social media platforms
- 13. Research your competitors
- 14. Create an email list
- 15. Offer free shipping
- 16. Run a sale
- 17. Reward loyal customers
- 18. Gain positive reviews
- What about Etsy ads?
- Conclusion: How to increase sales on Etsy
Why is Etsy so popular
There are plenty of places to buy things online these days. But what makes Etsy so special?
From a buyer’s perspective, Etsy is a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind handmade items that you can’t find anywhere else.
Etsy is also a great platform for supporting small businesses and independent sellers. When you buy something on Etsy, you know you’re directly supporting someone’s dream and helping them to make a living.
Etsy is also a very user-friendly platform, both for buyers and sellers. It’s easy to set up a shop and start listing items, and the buying process is straightforward and simple.
For sellers, there are no overhead costs like rent or employees (unless your Etsy shop has gone big!). And, since Etsy handles all of the payment processing and brings the majority of customers in, it’s a very low-maintenance way to run a business.
If you’re a seller who only sells digital products or print on demand items, you can even run an Etsy shop passively – meaning that other than adding new products and dealing with some customer service, you don’t have to do much work to keep it going.
All of these factors make Etsy a very attractive platform for both buyers and sellers – which is why it’s so popular.
How to increase sales on Etsy in 2022
1. Add more product listings
As any Etsy seller knows, the key to success is to get your products in front of as many people as possible. And what better way to do that than by adding more listings?
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people list 10 items and then think they’re done. If you want to make sales on Etsy, you need to have a lot of listings – the more, the better.
By increasing the number of listings on your Etsy shop, you’ll not only be able to target customers, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of Etsy’s search algorithm.
The more listings you have, the more likely it is that your products will show up in search results, and the more sales you’re likely to make.
2. Take eye catching product photos
Taking eye catching product images is one of the key ways to increase sales. While we may say we don’t judge things by the way they look, this doesn’t usually apply when shopping.
So what exactly makes for a good product photo? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Lighting is everything. Make sure your products are well lit, either with natural light or with studio lighting. Poor lighting will make your products look dull and unappealing.
- Composition is important. Take the time to arrange your products in an attractive way. Make sure the product is the star of the photo and that there aren’t any distractions in the background.
- Use props wisely. Props can help to highlight the features of your product, but using too many props can be distracting. Choose props that complement your product without overshadowing it.
- Edit your photos. Once you’ve taken your photos, take the time to edit them to perfection. Crop out any unwanted elements, adjust the levels, and apply filters if desired. A little bit of editing can go a long way in making your photos look professional and polished.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to taking eye catching product photos that will help increase your sales.
3. Use Etsy SEO
One important factor in increasing sales on Etsy is making use of Etsy SEO (search engine optimisation).
By optimising your item title, tags, and descriptions, you can make your listing more visible to potential customers.
There are a number of ways to find keywords that your target audience are using to search for products like yours.
Etsy search bar
The first way is to use Etsy’s own search bar to find out what people are searching for. Simply type in a few relevant keywords and see what auto-populates in the dropdown menu
These are the most popular search terms that Etsy users are typing in, so you know that these are keywords that you should be targeting.
Google AdWords Keyword Planner
Another way to find relevant keywords is to use Google AdWords Keyword Planner
To use this tool, you’ll need to set up a Google Ads account (don’t worry – it’s free).
From there, you can either search for new keywords or get keyword ideas. If you choose to search for new keywords, simply enter in a few relevant terms and then generate ideas.
You’ll then be given a list of related keywords, as well as some information about each keyword, such as how many people are searching for it and how competitive it is.
Just be aware that these keywords are not specific to Etsy, but rather what people are searching Google for.
Use an Etsy keyword research tool
Alura is a specific Etsy keyword tool that allows you to research your competition to see what the most popular used keywords are.
It also gives you information such as how many views certain keywords get, what the competition is for that particular keyword and also related keywords.
This is an Etsy-specific keyword research tool that can be very helpful in finding the right keywords to use for your listings.
Alura also has other features such as product research, listing helper and a Chrome extension.
This is the keyword research tool I personally used to increase my sales in all my Etsy shops.
Try to target long tail keywords rather than just one-word keywords. For example, instead of just ‘candles’ opt for ‘scented soy candles’.
4. Write compelling product descriptions
Let’s say you’re selling a tshirt on Etsy and your descriptions just says “This is a cotton tshirt, various sizes and colours”
While that’s technically true, it’s not very compelling, is it? No, it’s BORING!
Convincing potential customers to buy your products is a lot harder if they have no idea what they’re actually buying.
So what makes for a compelling product description?
To start with, focus on the benefits of your product rather than simply listing its features. Explain how your product will make life easier or more enjoyable for the customer.
Try to be creative and unique in your language – after all, there’s nothing compelling about a boring, generic description.
And don’t forget to include plenty of keywords so that potential buyers can easily find your products when they’re searching Etsy.
5. Start a blog
“Why on earth would I start a blog when I’m already struggling to makes sales in my Etsy shop?” – I hear you scream.
But…
What if I told you that starting a blog can actually help you get more sales on Etsy?
It’s true! By starting a blog and writing about topics that are related to your products, you can attract new visitors to your Etsy shop.
Not only that, but you can also build up your credibility and authority as an expert in your field, which will encourage people to buy from you.
Blogging is a great way to market your Etsy shop and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Join my free 5-day email course which will teach you exactly how to start your blog from scratch (including all the techie bits!).
6. Diversify your products
If you’re looking to increase your sales on Etsy, one of the best things you can do is to diversity your product offerings.
Focus on items that complement your existing line-up, or add new products that appeal to a different audience.
The more products you have, the more likely you are to make a sale. And if you’re selling items that are related to each other, you can cross-promote and upsell, which can also lead to more sales.
For example, if you sell jewellery, you could add in some hair accessories or scarves. Or if you sell clothes, you could add in a few jewellery pieces to complete the look.
By diversifying your product offerings, you can attract new customers and make more sales on Etsy.
7. Create personalised items
Buyers LOVE personalised products!
A simple strategy to increase Etsy traffic is to offer personalised versions of your products. This could be anything from engraving a name or date on a piece of jewellery, to putting a picture of someone’s dog on a mug.
Personalised items make great gifts and they’re also popular for weddings and other special occasions.
By offering personalised items, you’re giving customers the opportunity to purchase something that is truly unique and has special meaning for them. Plus, it shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make their shopping experience as personal and enjoyable as possible.
Another pro to selling personalised items is that they tend to be more expensive than non-personalised items, so you can also increase your average order value by offering them.
8. Give incredible customer service
There’s no two ways about it, customer service is ESSENTIAL to the success of any business – and that includes businesses selling on Etsy.
In a world where we can buy anything we want with just a few clicks, customers have come to expect a certain level of service. And if you’re not providing it, they’ll take their business elsewhere.
Here are some tips on how you can give your Etsy customers the best possible service:
- Respond to messages promptly: This one is pretty self-explanatory – if a customer sends you a message, try to respond as quickly as possible. Without a prompt response, they’ll just go elsewhere.
- Be friendly but professional: Customers want to feel like they’re dealing with a real person, not a faceless corporation. So be friendly and approachable in your messages. But at the same time, remember to remain professional.
- Keep your promises: If you say you’re going to do something, make sure you do it. Whether it’s sending a replacement item or refunding their money, keeping your promises will build trust and goodwill with your customers.
9. Make sure your shop is set up correctly
Setting up your Etsy shop correctly is essential if you want to make sales. There are a few key things you need to do to make sure your shop is set up correctly.
Ensure your shop policies are clear. Customers need to know how much it will cost to ship an item before they purchase it, so make sure your shipping policies and shipping fees are displayed prominently in your shop. They also need to know what your refund/exchange policies are, so make sure these are also easy to find.
Make your branding clear. Your shop should have a consistent look and feel, so make sure your branding is evident in everything from your shop banner to your product photos. When you promote your Etsy shop on social media platforms, you’ll want to make sure your branding is consistent so people recognise your shop.
Make it easy to find your contact information. Your customers should be able to find your contact information easily in case they have any questions or need to get in touch with you for any reason.
Fill out your personal about page. Potential customers like to know who they’re buying from, so make sure you fill out your about page and include a photo of yourself.
By taking the time to set up your Etsy shop correctly, you’ll make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for – and more likely to make a purchase.
10. Keep your shop active
Throwing a few listings up and expecting all the sales to come through isn’t enough to make your Etsy shop successful. You need to keep your shop active, which means regularly adding new listings, updating old listings, and promoting your shop through social media posts.
The best way to keep your shop active is to have a consistent posting schedule. This could mean posting one new listing per day, or one new listing every other day. Whatever schedule you choose, make sure you stick to it as much as possible.
Not only will a consistent posting schedule help to keep your shop active, but it will also help you to be discovered by potential customers. Etsy’s search algorithm favours shops that are regularly adding new listings, so the more listings you have, the more likely you are to be found by people searching for your products.
Of course, posting new listings isn’t the only way to keep your shop active. You should also be regularly updating your old listings, whether that means changing the tags, descriptions, or prices for listings that aren’t selling.
Want 40 free Etsy listings? Use this link to open your Etsy shop and receive your first 40 listings for free (usually .20 cent)
11. Engage with your customers
You could have the best product in the world, but if you’re not actively engaging with potential customers, you’re not going to make any sales.
The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to increase your engagement and, as a result, your sales.
Most importantly, make sure you’re responding to all of your customer inquiries promptly. No one likes to be ignored, and if you take too long to respond, they’ll likely move on to someone else.
As difficult as it can be sometimes, try to keep your social media accounts active and post regular updates about new products, promotions, etc. If customers see that you’re regularly updating your store and offering new items, they’ll be more likely to check back often and make a purchase.
Take the time to write messages to customers after they’ve made a purchase. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in building customer loyalty. Luckily, you can set up an automated message to customers to this effect, so you don’t have to remember to write a message to each customer individually.
12. Use social media platforms
If you want to know how to get more traffic on Etsy, you must be prepared to promote your items on various social media platforms.
Social media can be a powerful tool for marketing your Etsy shop, but only if you use it correctly. The most important thing to remember is that you need to be strategic about which platforms you use, and what kind of content you post on each one.
Don’t try to conquer all the social media platforms at once – it’s better to focus on a few and do them well than to spread yourself too thin.
The platforms you choose will likely depend on your target market. If you’re selling products that appeal to a younger audience, for example, you’ll want to focus on platforms like Instagram and Tiktok.
If you’re selling products that appeal to an older audience, on the other hand, you’ll want to focus on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest.
The key is to find the platforms that work best for you and your business, and then create content that will appeal to your target market.
Some ideas for promoting your Etsy shop on social media include
- Posting photos of your products with creative captions
- Sharing behind-the-scenes content (e.g., videos of you working in your studio)
- Doing giveaways and contests
- Collaborating with other Etsy shops or influencers
13. Research your competitors
If you’re selling on Etsy, chances are you’re not the only one selling what you’re selling.
Now, I know some people feel a little ick about the idea of ‘spying’ on the competition, but if you want to be successful and boost your Etsy sales, it’s imperative that you take the time to research what other shops in your niche are doing.
This doesn’t mean copying their every move – far from it. But it can be helpful to see what strategies they’re using, what kind of content they’re posting, and what kind of products they’re selling. This research will give you a good starting point for brainstorming ways to improve your own Etsy shop.
Here are a few ideas for how you can research your competition:
- Check out their social media accounts
- Read their reviews
- See what kind of keywords they’re using in their product titles and descriptions
- Take a look at their pricing
- See how often they’re posting new products
- Look at the overall design of their Etsy shop
- Check out their About page
- Read their blog posts (if they have one)
I have to reiterate – NEVER ever copy another Etsy shop’s work. Not only is it unethical, but it’s also illegal. You will get caught, and you will be banned from Etsy. So please, don’t do it!
But by researching your competitors, you can get a good idea of what’s working well in your niche, and then put your own spin on it.
14. Create an email list
Another way to increase Etsy sales is to create an email list. This can be done by signing up to an email marketing tool like Mailerlite or Convertkit and including a link to the sign up form on your Etsy shop page, on your blog or on social media.
You can only collect email addresses from those who opt to sign up – you must never take directly from an Etsy sale.
Once you have a list of subscribers, you can send out periodic emails with updates about your shop, new products, promotions and more.
Not only will this keep your customers informed, but it will also help to remind them of your shop and encourage them to make a purchase.
15. Offer free shipping
Now hear me out. I’m not saying you need to bear the cost of shipping for every single order. But offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount can be a great way to increase your sales.
Customers love free shipping, and they’re more likely to make a purchase if they know they don’t have to pay for shipping
You can either offer free shipping outright, or you can offer it as a discount at checkout. For example, you could say something like, “Spend $35 and get free shipping.”
When you offer free shipping on all your products, you raise your prices to make up for the cost of shipping. While you know that it’s not actually ‘free’ shipping, your customer doesn’t, and they are more likely to pay more for a product that has free shipping than pay less with added shipping. It’s all about perception!
16. Run a sale
If you’re looking for a surefire way to increase sales on Etsy, you could always try running a sale. Discounts are always a popular motivator, and people love feeling like they’re getting a good deal.
Of course, you don’t want to run a sale too often, or people will start to expect that everything in your shop is heavily discounted. And you don’t want to discount your products so much that you’re not making any profit.
But if you strike the right balance, a sale can be a great way to increase traffic to your shop and boost your business.
You can promote your sale through social media, your Etsy shop banner, or even by sending out a mass email to your customers (if they’re signed up to your mailing list and you have permission to email them).
17. Reward loyal customers
Another great way to boost your Etsy sales is to reward your loyal customers. This can be done in a number of ways, such as giving them a discount code for their next purchase, or sending them a little free gift with their order.
You could also create a loyalty program, where customers earn points for every purchase they make. They can then redeem these points for discounts, free products or other rewards.
Not only will this make your customers feel appreciated, but it will also encourage them to keep coming back to your shop. And the more repeat customers you have, the more sales you’re likely to make.
18. Gain positive reviews
I don’t know about you, but before I make any online purchase I check out the reviews. And I’m not alone – according to a study by Spiegel Research Center, the likelihood of a purchase on an item with 5 star reviews is a whopping 270% greater than that of a product with no reviews.
This just goes to show how important customer reviews are, and how they can influence someone’s decision to buy (or not buy) from your Etsy shop.
The best way to increase your sales on Etsy is to make sure you’re getting positive reviews from your customers. There are a few ways to do this
- Make sure you’re providing excellent customer service. This means being quick to respond to messages, being friendly and helpful.
- Send a follow-up message after each purchase, asking your customers if they were happy with their purchase and if they’d like to leave a review. You have to be careful with these kinds of messages as you don’t want to seem to push them into leaving a review.
- Send a thank you card with the item and include a link to where they can leave a review.
Negative reviews are inevitable. You can’t make everyone happy all the time. But it’s how you deal with a negative review that sets you apart from other sellers.
What about Etsy ads?
You might be wondering if it’s worth paying for Etsy ads. And the answer is, it depends.
For some Etsy shops, ads are a great way to increase sales and get more exposure for their products. But for others, they’re not so effective.
One of the main reasons people end up not making sales from Etsy ads is because they’re promoting a product which they’ve not tested previously. This means they have no idea if people are actually interested in buying it.
Before you start paying for ads, make sure you’ve done your research and you’re confident that people will want to buy what you’re selling. And also be prepared to test and tweak your ads until you find a winning formula.
Paying for Etsy ads can be a great way to increase sales, but it’s not the only way. If you’re not ready to start paying for ads, or if you’ve tried them in the past and they haven’t worked for you, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to increase your Etsy sales.
PIN FOR LATER!
Conclusion: How to increase sales on Etsy
There you have it – 18 simple ways to increase your sales on Etsy in 2022 – and the best part is that you can do them all without having to spend any money on ads!
Start experimenting with some of these methods and see which ones work best for you and your shop. And always remember, the more effort you put in, the more likely you are to see success.
If you haven’t started your Etsy shop yet, sign up below to receive my free step by step guide to setting up your shop.
Have you tried any of these techniques to increase your Etsy sales? What’s worked for you?