Ultimate Guide to Selling Print on Demand on Etsy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Shop Suspension
3. Sales Fluctuations
4. Following Successful Stores
5. Etsy's Ranking Algorithm
6. Targeting Customer Demand
7. Optimizing Listings for Conversions
8. Climbing Up the Search Results
9. Trends and Popular Designs
10. Conclusion

Five Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Etsy Store

Introduction

If you're considering starting your own Etsy store, congratulations! It's a wonderful platform that has helped countless entrepreneurs turn their creative passion into a thriving business. However, before diving into the world of Etsy, there are a few important things you need to know. In this article, I'll share with you five key insights that I wish I knew before starting my own Etsy journey. These insights will help you navigate the challenges and maximize your chances of success on the platform.

1. Shop Suspension: Be Prepared for Unexpected Hurdles

One of the first things I wish I knew before starting my Etsy store is that your shop might get suspended right after you open it. This happened to me back in 2020 when I had just made my first few sales. It turns out that Etsy sometimes mistakenly flags new sellers as spam, resulting in their shops getting suspended. While it can be disheartening and frustrating, it's important to stay positive and reach out to Etsy for assistance. In most cases, they will reopen your shop within a few days. Remember to keep working on your business during this period and use the time to conduct research and design new products. Don't let this setback deter you from pursuing your Etsy dreams.

Pros:

• Reopening your shop usually only takes a few days now, compared to a month during the pandemic.
• You can continue working on your business and preparing for future sales while your shop is suspended.

Cons:

• It can be disheartening and frustrating to have your shop suspended right after opening it.

2. Sales Fluctuations: Embrace the Ebb and Flow

Another important lesson I learned is that sales on Etsy vary throughout the year. Just like in retail, there are busy times and slow times. It takes time to build a consistent stream of sales, especially in the beginning when you're establishing the foundation of your business. The key is to diversify your product range and offer a mix of Evergreen niches along with seasonal and holiday-themed products. This approach has helped me maintain a steady income, with regular sales throughout the year and higher spikes during major holidays. While your first year may feel challenging and unpredictable, things start to stabilize in the second and third year as you build a collection of successful designs and listings.

Pros:

• Diversifying your product range ensures a consistent income stream.
• Seasonal and holiday-themed products can result in higher spikes in sales.

Cons:

• The first year may feel rocky and unpredictable in terms of sales volume.