Maximizing Online Sales on Etsy and Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. E-commerce Platforms
   1. Etsy
   2. Shopify
3. Strategies for Success
   1. Instagram Marketing
   2. Video Content
   3. Showing Faces
   4. Launching New Products
4. Costs Associated with Selling Online
   1. Shipping
   2. Taxes
   3. Employee Salaries
5. Analyzing Sales Data
   1. Comparing Platforms
   2. Upward Trajectory
6. Local Customer Base
7. Conclusion

How to Successfully Sell on Etsy and Shopify

Are you interested in starting an e-commerce business? Or maybe you already have a soap or bath bomb business and are looking for ways to increase your sales. In this article, we will discuss how to successfully sell on two popular e-commerce platforms: Etsy and Shopify. We will also cover strategies for success, costs associated with selling online, and analyzing sales data.

E-commerce Platforms

Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique items. It is a great platform for starting out because there are already customers ready and willing to buy products like yours. In February, we made $2,463.09 on Etsy with a total of 52 orders and over 7,000 visits. In March, we made $1,975.59 with a total of 47 orders and around 7,378 visitors.

Shopify

Shopify allows you to have your own website that is specifically focused on your business and your products. It gives your company the chance to shine all on its own. However, it is up to you and your company to drive all of the traffic to that website in order to get sales. In February, we made $3,771.25 on our Shopify website with 65 orders and 12,158 visits. In March, we sold $3,381.98 spread out over 49 orders and had 13,250 visits to our site.

Strategies for Success

Instagram Marketing

One of the strategies that has helped us increase our sales on both Etsy and Shopify is Instagram marketing. By posting on Instagram consistently, we have been able to increase our following and drive more traffic to our online stores. We have found that video content, including stories, lives, and reels, performs particularly well on Instagram. Instagram's algorithm seems to push any type of video post, so we recommend focusing on video content to increase your reach.

Video Content

Video content is becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms. Instagram and TikTok are two platforms that are particularly video-focused. By creating short, consumable videos, you can increase your reach and drive more traffic to your online store. We have found that reels perform particularly well on Instagram.

Showing Faces

People like to see the faces behind the products they are buying. By showing our faces more on social media, we have been able to increase our following and build a stronger connection with our customers. We have also found that going live on Instagram is a great way to engage with our audience and show the true people behind the brand.

Launching New Products

Launching new products is a great way to keep your audience engaged and wanting more. By launching one new product monthly and making it a limited edition item, you can keep your audience's interest peaked. This is a great way to increase sales and keep your brand fresh.

Costs Associated with Selling Online

Shipping

Shipping costs can be a significant expense when selling online. It is important to find the correct balance between what to charge the customer and what you are paying out of your own pocket. We recommend starting off with a set shipping cost and adjusting it as you get more orders and see where your traffic is coming from.

Taxes

Charging taxes is another cost associated with selling online. The amount of tax a customer pays depends on where they are in the country, and it can be complicated to figure out. We recommend speaking with an accountant early on to ensure that you are on top of your taxes.

Employee Salaries

If you are paying yourself a salary, this is another cost associated with selling online. It is important to figure out a set number that makes sense for both your customer and your business. We recommend speaking with an accountant to ensure that you are paying yourself a fair salary.

Analyzing Sales Data

It is important to analyze your sales data to see where you are succeeding and where you can improve. We have found that our Shopify website is on an upward trajectory, while our Etsy sales seem to be on a decline. This has caused us to consider whether or not we want to keep our Etsy store. By analyzing your sales data, you can make informed decisions about your business.

Local Customer Base

While it is important to focus on your online sales, it is also important to not forget about your local customer base. We have found that having a presence at local farmers markets is a great way to let the community know about our products. This is a great way to build a connection with your customers and keep your brand fresh in their minds.

Conclusion

Selling on Etsy and Shopify can be a great way to start or grow your e-commerce business. By using strategies like Instagram marketing, video content, showing faces, and launching new products, you can increase your sales and build a stronger connection with your customers. It is important to keep in mind the costs associated with selling online, including shipping, taxes, and employee salaries. By analyzing your sales data, you can make informed decisions about your business. Don't forget about your local customer base, as this is a great way to build a connection with your customers and keep your brand fresh in their minds.