Lessons from My Etsy Digital Shop
Some people sell handmade items on Etsy, others (like me) sell digital files. I guess technically I still created the digital prints with my hands with the help of the internet. Anyways, in addition to the products you expect on Etsy, like unique jewelry, fun furniture, or customized party items Etsy allows people to sell digital files. When I started my Etsy Shop, in 2018, this was the route I decided to take. The decision felt natural because I was already making printables for myself and my friends.
During my time as an Etsy Shop Owner, I’ve learned a lot about the platform and how to be my own boss. For anyone who’s interested in selling on Etsy or any similar platforms, this would be my advice.
Begin With What You Know
A little bit of background on my skills: I’m not a graphic designer, I’m a marketer and a writer. However, I became interested in graphic design and started studying it in my spare time. I still wouldn’t categorize myself as highly skilled, but I’ve improved my eye for design and learned different techniques. So, you don’t have to be a trained graphic designer to start your own Etsy digital shop, you can learn using tools online and maybe from designers you know in your life.
Etsy is a popular platform, and it’s also very competitive. Because the company was founded in 2005, there are early adaptors who already have a strong customer base. This can lead some people to think there isn’t space for them in the marketplace, but there are strategic approaches you can take. If you can find a niche that is being underserved you have your audience. Don’t feel like your products should appeal to everyone, they won’t. Focus on a niche you understand, a niche you already have knowledge about. From there, you can continue to research and get more insight into your potential customers.
Not sure if your current digital prints will sell? List them anyways! Why? I’ve found sometimes it’s best to see how people respond to your products. And if you’re new to Etsy, you can use my link to open your shop with 40 free listings, which gives you plenty of space to experiment with. If you use the link I get 40 free listings too, so it’s a win-win situation.
Utilize Free Resources
My Etsy shop began as a post-grad experiment/project. And as you can imagine, I didn’t have a large budget. Despite this financial restriction, I was still able to start and build an Etsy store that I’m proud of. In order to create the products, I use Canva and Gimp.
Canva
Canva is a free resource (they do also have a premium version) and you can use their software on desktop and with their app. Canva is easier for people who are starting to explore design. It allows you to be creative and the interface is intuitive.
Gimp
Gimp has more bells and whistles than Canva. Gimp stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. Gimp can be a free alternative to using Adobe Photoshop. Unlike Canva, Gimp takes more skill to use, but it can result in better digital files because you have more freedom to change and create things. To get a better grasp of Gimp, I went to YouTube and watched various video tutorials. When I want to learn a new skill, I go back to YouTube. This can be tricky sometimes, so there are skills that I practice a lot before I can use them properly. It’s also important to note Gimp needs to be installed on your device as a program.
Buffer
Buffer is a tool that can help you with your social media posting. If you prefer to schedule your social media content, you can use Buffer to do this. Consider how much time you have to dedicate to social media. If scheduling software would help you, I recommend you look into Buffer. There are also other social media management software companies like Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
Keep Your Branding Consistent
I know this sounds like an obvious thing to say, but you would be surprised how many Etsy sellers don’t do this. If all of the items on your shop look random and thrown together this will undermine your credibility as a small business owner.
Even Etsy shops need color themes, fonts, and mood. I’ve always handled a majority of my design work (again shoe-string budget). But, I’ve found a way to make sure my Etsy Shop looks professional. I use design software from Canva and Gimp. I found royalty-free stock photos that match my brand.
Consistent Branding also involves being mindful of the copy you use. Your Shop title, Announcement section, and About section should all compliment each other. A good example of excellent branding is Target. Every time I see something from Target it matches the overall mood and energy of their company. Over the years, their marketing has changed, but the “Target Spirit” has remained consistent. Your goal is to have customers and potential customers see that quality when they look at your Etsy Shop. This shows that you know what you’re talking about and makes people more likely to trust/buy from you.
Experiment With Prices
Some people use the strategy of pricing their items lower to attract customers (especially if they’re new). I’ve even seen people who say the lowest possible price is the best one. The difference with digital prints is you don’t have to deal with things like shipping and product packaging.
During my time as an Etsy seller, I’ve tried a lot of different pricing strategies. When my shop opened, I priced my products lower. At the time, this strategy didn’t work for me. Eventually, I started looking at the prices of other similar products on Etsy. Then, I priced my products on the lower side of what I consider “average” in my category. After this, I started getting more sales.
Since then I’ve raised my prices and they are currently at the highest price they’ve ever been at. This experience taught me there are people willing to pay for your product. In order to price your items correctly, you have to think more objectively. There are Etsy fees you will need to cover and you also want to be able to pay yourself. The key is to be honest with customers about your product. If they 100% understand what they’re paying for the interaction will be positive.
Etsy is a diverse selling platform and is full of opportunities if you understand how it works. Selling digital prints is a great way to offer your talent and knowledge to people across the world while making a profit. This advice will help you as you start and grow your Etsy digital shop.
In addition to running my own modest Etsy Shop, I’ve had the honor of working with new Etsy Shop owners and some Etsy Shop owners who are top sellers in their industry. Want to improve your Etsy Shop? Let’s get started today!
