From Zero to 10K with Etsy & Print on Demand

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Jen's Journey: From Digital to Print on Demand
3. Finding Success on Etsy: Tips and Strategies
   • 3.1 Discovering Your Passion
   • 3.2 The Power of Evergreen Listings
   • 3.3 Navigating Seasonal Trends
   • 3.4 Importance of Customer Service
   • 3.5 Scaling Your Shop
4. Work-Life Balance: Tips for Parent Entrepreneurs
5. Staying Motivated: Finding Your "Why"
6. Advice for New Etsy Sellers in 2023
7. Conclusion

Jen's Journey: From Digital to Print on Demand

Welcome back to my channel! Today, I have a very special guest, Jen, who has an inspiring story to share about her journey with print-on-demand and Etsy. Jen started her entrepreneurial career in the digital side of Etsy but eventually transitioned to print-on-demand. Let's dive into Jen's story and discover how she found success in this unique and challenging industry.

Jen's story is centered around the challenges and opportunities she encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before COVID, Jen worked full-time as a nurse practitioner. However, the move and the uncertain times pushed her to explore alternative ways to generate income. Being an avid shopper on Etsy, she stumbled upon videos on YouTube that showcased how to sell digital items. Intrigued, she decided to give it a try. However, she soon realized that digital items were not her forte.

During her YouTube exploration, Jen came across my channel. She started watching some of my early videos and decided to pivot her focus to print-on-demand. In February of last year, she took the leap and started adding print-on-demand items to her shop. She dove right in, and in March, she began seeing consistent sales, which motivated her to keep going.

Making a major career shift, Jen went from being a full-time nurse practitioner to a part-time one, juggling her new venture as a print-on-demand entrepreneur. With the support of her husband, who carries the bulk of the family's financial responsibilities, Jen embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom of four children and devoted her time and energy to building her Etsy shop.

Fast forward to the present, and Jen has achieved significant success in her first year on Etsy. With a revenue of nearly $75,000, her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and dedication. She has learned valuable lessons along the way and is excited about the growth potential of her Etsy business.

Throughout her journey, Jen encountered several milestones that shaped her success. One significant achievement was earning five figures in a month, which happened for the first time in January of this year. Despite initial expectations of a slow month, Jen surpassed her own projections and earned over $14,000 in revenue.

To achieve this level of success, Jen focused on building a diverse range of listings. While her shop primarily consists of apparel, particularly t-shirts using the Bella + Canvas 3001 product, she has successfully expanded into other product types such as sweatshirts, ornaments, mugs, and candles. By catering to a mix of Evergreen and seasonal niches, including unexpected success in the Valentine's Day niche, Jen has maximized her sales opportunities.

Looking back at her journey, Jen admits to making beginner mistakes along the way. One crucial lesson she learned was not to change successful listings in an attempt to optimize keywords. This error caused her listings to lose traction in the Etsy algorithm. However, she quickly bounced back and focused on creating new bestsellers, such as the three products that propelled her shop to new heights in January.

As a parent entrepreneur, Jen understands the importance of work-life balance. Juggling her responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom and an Etsy seller is no easy task. However, through careful time management and utilizing quiet moments in her day, she has been able to create a harmonious balance. She remains dedicated to her long-term goals and believes that the sacrifices she makes now will lead to greater freedom and financial stability in the future.

In her journey, Jen discovered not only the potential for financial freedom but also the power of genuine motivation. Being able to witness success stories of other Etsy sellers and envisioning her own path keeps her motivated and inspired. She understands that success does not happen overnight but requires consistent effort and commitment. Jen believes that she is just one design away from her next bestseller, and with every sale, she gets closer to her ultimate goals.

For new Etsy sellers or those looking to dive into the world of print-on-demand in 2023, Jen has some valuable advice. She emphasizes the importance of finding your passion and focusing on a specific niche. Rather than trying to do everything at once, Jen recommends starting with a few products and gradually expanding over time. Building a solid foundation of Evergreen listings and consistently adding new designs will set you on the path to success.

In conclusion, Jen's journey from digital to print-on-demand on Etsy is a true testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. Through careful planning, dedication, and a strong work ethic, she has achieved significant milestones in her first year on Etsy. Her story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the possibilities that await those who are willing to take the leap and pursue their dreams.

Highlights:

• Jen's transition from digital to print on demand on Etsy during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Embracing her entrepreneurial spirit and finding success through perseverance and dedication
• The importance of finding passion and focusing on specific niches in Etsy
• Strategies for maximizing sales through Evergreen and seasonal listings
• Balancing work-life responsibilities as a parent entrepreneur
• Staying motivated and committed to long-term goals
• Valuable advice for new Etsy sellers and print-on-demand entrepreneurs in 2023