Finding Profitable Designs on Etsy: Post-Best Sellers Filter

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Removal of the "Best Sellers" Filter on Etsy
3. How to Find Profitable Designs Without the "Best Sellers" Filter
   • Step 1: Determine the Product Category
   • Step 2: Analyzing Best Seller Badges
   • Step 3: Checking Trademarks
   • Step 4: Analyzing Competition
   • Step 5: Standing out in the Search Results
4. Design Tutorial: Creating a Profitable Design
   • Step 1: Using Canva to Create the Design
   • Step 2: Applying Retro Fonts and Colors
   • Step 3: Adding Graphics and Details
   • Step 4: Creating Mock-ups for Listings
   • Step 5: Uploading Designs to Printify
5. Conclusion

Finding Profitable Designs on Etsy Without the "Best Sellers" Filter

As an Etsy seller, you may have relied heavily on the "Best Sellers" filter to conduct your product research. Unfortunately, Etsy has recently removed this feature, leaving many sellers unsure of how to find profitable designs. In this article, we will explore an alternative method to identify and create designs that stand out in the search results.

Understanding the Removal of the "Best Sellers" Filter on Etsy

The decision to remove the "Best Sellers" filter may have disappointed many sellers, but it does not mean the end of finding profitable designs. The filter allowed sellers to easily see the top-selling designs in their chosen category, providing valuable insights into market demand. However, Etsy has made changes to improve the platform and has now replaced the "Best Sellers" filter with the "Popular Now" badges on search results.

How to Find Profitable Designs Without the "Best Sellers" Filter

Step 1: Determine the Product Category

When starting your search for profitable designs, begin by selecting the product category you want to focus on. This will narrow down your research and help you find designs that are most relevant to your target audience. For example, if you primarily sell women's t-shirts, start by exploring the women's shirts category.

Step 2: Analyzing Best Seller Badges

Although the "Best Sellers" filter is gone, Etsy has introduced "Popular Now" badges that indicate which designs are currently trending. While you can no longer see all the best-selling designs at once, you can still find successful designs by searching within your chosen product category and looking for these badges. This will give you an idea of what designs are performing well and have high sales potential.

Step 3: Checking Trademarks

Before proceeding with a design, it is crucial to check for trademarks to ensure you are not infringing on anyone's intellectual property. To do this, you can use the TM search website (tmsearch.uspto.gov) and conduct a search using relevant keywords. For example, if you are considering a design with the phrase "Lake Life," search for trademarks related to that phrase. If there are any active trademarks, particularly in the apparel category, avoid using that design to prevent legal issues.

Step 4: Analyzing Competition

To stand out in the search results, it's essential to understand your competition. Take the time to study the existing designs within your chosen category and identify any common themes or popular sayings. This will give you insights into what designs are already successful and help you find ways to make your design more unique in comparison. Look for design styles, font choices, and color palettes that are popular and consider incorporating these elements into your own design, while adding your unique twist.

Step 5: Standing out in the Search Results

To ensure your design stands out in the search results, it is crucial to create something that is different from what is already available, but still appeals to your target audience. Experiment with different design styles, fonts, and color combinations to create visually appealing and unique designs. Pay close attention to details and consider adding elements that give your design a distinctive edge, such as using retro fonts, playful graphics, or clever slogans. By offering something fresh and eye-catching, you increase your chances of attracting customer attention and driving sales.

Design Tutorial: Creating a Profitable Design

Now that we have gone through the process of finding profitable designs without the "Best Sellers" filter, let's walk through a step-by-step tutorial on creating a design that has high sales potential.

Step 1: Using Canva to Create the Design

To create our design, we will use Canva, a user-friendly graphic design platform. Start by accessing "Create a Design" and selecting the custom size that fits your preferred print provider's design area. In this example, we will use 4500 by 5100 pixels, which is the design area for Monster Digital.

Step 2: Applying Retro Fonts and Colors

Retro fonts have been popular for t-shirt designs, so we will use one of these fonts to create our design. Browse through different font options in Canva or consider using external sources like Creative Fabrica for a wider selection. Choose a retro font that aligns with the aesthetic you want to achieve.

Next, select a color palette that complements your design. Canva provides built-in color palettes, or you can create your own. Matching colors that coordinate well together will enhance the visual appeal of your design.

Step 3: Adding Graphics and Details

To make your design more visually appealing, consider adding graphics or elements that align with your chosen niche. For example, if your design revolves around "Lake Life," search for relevant graphics like anchors, sailboats, or beach-themed elements. Adding these details can make your design more appealing and resonate with your target audience.

Step 4: Creating Mock-ups for Listings

To showcase your designs in listings, create realistic mock-ups that demonstrate how your designs will look on actual products. There are various mock-up resources available, both free and premium, such as Mountain Mocks on Etsy. Upload your designs to the mock-up templates, adjusting the size and placement to achieve the desired look.

These mock-ups will make your listings visually appealing and help potential customers visualize how the design will appear on the chosen product, increasing the likelihood of making a sale.

Step 5: Uploading Designs to Printify

Once you have finalized your designs, it's time to upload them to your chosen print provider. In this example, we will use Printify and the "Monster Digital" print production partner. Select the Bella Canvas 3001 t-shirts and upload your designs. To offer variations, such as different designs for different shirt colors, use Printify's customization options. This enables you to create multiple versions of your design tailored to specific shirt colors, giving customers more options and increasing the chances of a successful sale.

Once your designs are uploaded and customized, you can review and preview how they will appear on the chosen products. Ensure everything looks as intended before publishing your listings on Etsy.

Conclusion

While the removal of the "Best Sellers" filter on Etsy may initially seem disheartening, there are still effective ways to find profitable designs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify popular designs, create unique and visually appealing designs, and stand out in the search results. Remember to conduct trademark checks and ensure that your designs comply with copyright laws. With creativity, research, and attention to detail, you can continue to find success on Etsy without relying solely on the "Best Sellers" filter. Happy designing and happy selling!

Highlights

• Explore alternative methods to find profitable designs without the "Best Sellers" filter on Etsy.
• Analyze "Popular Now" badges to identify trending designs.
• Conduct trademark checks to avoid legal issues.
• Study competition and find ways to differentiate your design.
• Use retro fonts, playful graphics, and clever slogans to create unique designs.
• Create mock-ups to showcase your designs on actual products.
• Upload designs to print providers like Printify for production and fulfillment.
• Remember to follow copyright laws and intellectual property rights.