Etsy Sellers Checklist
Etsy is a platform that encompasses the global market for creative and unique products. At Etsy, you’ll find a wide range of crafted, extraordinary items. Currently, most entrepreneurs are opting for craft business because it’s lucrative. Etsy sellers should employ the right marketing strategies. Digital marketing strategies play a significant role in increasing traffic. On the Etsy platform, you can sell custom jewelry, electrical products, and handmade products. Choose a product that matches your interests and identify your target customers. Below is the Etsy sellers checklist:
1. A Customer Profile
Starting an Etsy business might seem like a straightforward process, but that isn’t the case. Professionalism is a key aspect that’ll help you attract targeted leads. Design a customer profile that’ll attract visitors to your business. In order to come up with a great customer profile, find out what your target audience likes and dislikes. Use a Pinterest board to create an appealing customer profile that suits your customers’ tastes and preferences. This aspect will help you select the best-selling products.
2. A Brand
Before you start selling your craft on Etsy, you should come up with a cohesive brand. In addition, ensure your brand portrays a comprehensive message. The first item to consider when designing your brand is the product. The best brand will help you identify the best marketing strategies, solutions to people’s problems, and your target audience. A brand name goes hand-in-hand with a mission statement. The main goal of a mission statement is to explain more about your craft business. Customers trust a firm that portrays more information about its existence. When you’re opening your Etsy store, you’ll have to key in information regarding your brand story, tagline, and logo. There are various properties of a good logo: versatile, simple, timeless, relevant, and memorable. Below are some of the top benefits of a good brand:
– Gives confidence
– Brand equity
– Customer recognition and loyalty
– Allows shared values
– Consistency and credibility
– Attracts potential buyers
In addition, a good brand shows that your store is professional and complete. Make sure you have all components of a brand in your Etsy store. In addition, include relevant keywords and colors that match your brand.
3. Professional Photography
Solid photography is a key component of Etsy. Based on research, there are seven principles of photography: movement, unity, rhythm, balance, emphasis, pattern, and contrast. The standard of your photos matters. Customers prefer professional photos of your products. When taking photos of your unique products, identify the tastes and preferences of your target audience. In addition, have a clear idea of what you want. Some of the aspects you should avoid when taking professional pictures include blurry images and blinding flash. Photography requires time, persistence, and effort. Therefore, investing your time will definitely improve traffic to your Etsy business.
4. Merchandise
Before starting your Etsy store, you need to ask yourself some crucial questions.
– How many units of your products can you make in a day or week?
– How many units are ready for sale?
– How many units are you willing and able to sell?
Having clear information about your units is vital because it will help you come up with a strategic plan. Provide reliable information, especially if your crafts are labor-intensive. Avoid incorrect information about your crafts because that information can ruin your brand within a short span. Credibility is an important aspect that plays a significant role in driving traffic into your Etsy business.
5. Social Media
Social media is gaining more popularity due to its efficiency when it comes to marketing and advertising. Most people are using social media accounts to place their orders. In addition, having a website is another aspect that’s making most Etsy businesses flourish. You can link your Etsy store with both your social media accounts and website. Social media accounts improve SEO, thus improving your online presence. In addition, social media sites will help you identify your weaknesses and strengths. You’ll, therefore, model your crafts to suit your customers’ needs. Professional social media profiles should entail your brand. Ensure you analyze various social media platforms to identify the most suitable platform for your products.
6. A Fulfillment Plan
Before coming up with an Etsy store, you should consider shipping services. Choose various shipping options that’ll suit your brand. Note that some shipping services are quite expensive compared to others. Choose a reliable shipping service that’ll meet your customers’ needs. Etsy provides discounted shipping services for its sellers. You should have a strategic plan that entails the shipping process before customers start ordering your crafts. A good Etsy business should have both a shipping and return policy. Provide exceptional customer services to retain customers. Also, excellent customer service will help you convert visitors into loyal customers.
7. Research your Product
You should research not only the Etsy platform but also your product. Before identifying any product, ensure you consider the target market and your competitors. Analyzing your competitors will help you come up with unique features that’ll help you stand out. You should develop a backup plan, especially if your initial strategy fails.
8. Get Constructive Advice
Before launching your Etsy store, you should consult professionals. Experts will give you honest feedback regarding your brand. You’ll, therefore, have in-depth knowledge about what you should include or eliminate in your Etsy platform.
9. Stay on Top After the Launch
After launching your Etsy store, you need to put some business aspects into consideration. For instance, keep an eye on the returns, refunds, and social media accounts. In addition, don’t assume the past clients’ reviews because they define your brand. You should always pay attention to all operations of your Etsy business. Being active will make you flourish in your field of specialization.
10. Choose an Etsy Shop Name
Your Etsy store should have a creative and catchy name. A good name should be memorable and easy to comprehend. Below are some guidelines that’ll help you come up with a solid Etsy store name:
– No profanities
– No special characters and spaces
– Should have a minimum of 4 characters and a maximum of 20 characters
– No trademark infringements
– Use a unique name
In some instances, you can use your name or suggestive descriptive names. The Etsy platform will give you a single chance to change your business name.
Conclusion
To thrive in the Etsy business, you should have clear goals, a strong bond with customers, reward loyal customers, and be a part of the community.