Handmade & Beyond Podcast

👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

When it comes to running Etsy ads and offsite ads, one of the biggest questions I get is: Are they worth it, or are they just a waste of money? In my latest podcast episode, I tackled this topic head-on, sharing everything you need to know to run ads effectively without blowing your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key points we discussed.

What Are Etsy Ads?

Etsy ads are promoted listings that show up in Etsy’s search results. If you’ve ever searched for a product on Etsy, you’ve probably noticed rows of listings marked as “promoted.” These ads let sellers pay to boost their products in search results, giving them a chance to skip the line and get more visibility.

What I love about Etsy ads is the level of control you have. You can decide:

 • Which listings to promote

 • How much money to spend per day (starting at $5)

 • Which keywords you want to target

That control makes them a great tool—if you know how to use them wisely.

Gradual Budget Changes Are Key

One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is drastically increasing their ad budget overnight. If you jump from spending $5 a day to $50, Etsy’s algorithm can’t keep up, and your money won’t be well spent. Instead, I recommend gradually increasing your budget in small steps, like going from $5 to $8, then to $12, and so on.

This slow-and-steady approach gives the algorithm time to adjust and ensures your ad spend is optimized for results.

Ads Won’t Fix Bad Listings

Here’s a hard truth: If your Etsy listings aren’t optimized, ads won’t save them. If you’re not already getting organic sales, running ads will only send traffic to listings that aren’t converting—and that can actually hurt your ranking.

Before investing in ads, make sure your listings are in top shape. That means great photos, compelling descriptions, competitive pricing, and SEO-friendly keywords. Ads should amplify success, not cover up weaknesses.

Offsite Ads: What You Need to Know

Offsite ads are a completely different ballgame. Etsy runs these ads for you on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Bing. The catch? You don’t have much control over them. Etsy decides which of your listings to promote and charges you a fee only when a sale is made.

Here’s how the fees work:

 • If you make over $10,000 in a rolling 12-month period, you’re automatically opted in, and the fee is up to 12%.

 • If you make less than $10,000, you can choose to opt-in, but the fee is up to 15%.

In my experience, offsite ads tend to perform better than Etsy ads because Etsy is highly selective about which listings it promotes. This can result in a better return on ad spend (ROAS).

Understanding ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)

ROAS is a key metric that tells you how much money you’re making for every dollar you spend on ads. For example, if you spend $25 on ads and earn $130 in revenue, your ROAS is 5.2 (or $5.20 earned for every $1 spent).

The average ROAS varies by niche, but a common benchmark is 3:1. However, depending on your profit margins, you may need a higher ROAS to stay profitable. That’s why it’s essential to calculate this metric and monitor your ad performance closely.

Tips for Running Successful Etsy Ads

If you’re ready to give Etsy ads a try, here are my top tips:

 1. Test All Listings Initially: Start by advertising all your listings and then turn off ads for the ones that don’t perform well.

 2. Avoid Frequent Changes: Don’t constantly tweak your budget or turn ads on and off—it confuses the algorithm.

 3. Monitor Your ROAS: Use Etsy’s dashboard to track your return on ad spend and identify low-performing ads.

 4. Focus on Profit Margins: Ensure your products have enough margin to absorb fees and still make a profit.

Final Thoughts

Ads can be a powerful tool for growing your Etsy shop, but only if you use them wisely. By understanding the differences between Etsy ads and offsite ads, gradually increasing your budget, and focusing on optimized listings, you can make your ad spend work harder for you.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I’ve created a free cheat sheet to help you manage your Etsy ads like a pro. Just leave a comment on the podcast episode, and I’ll send it your way!

Running ads doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right strategy, you can attract more customers, boost your sales, and grow your Etsy business sustainably. Let’s do this!

👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

Boost Your Etsy Traffic and Sales with My Four-Step Trend Strategy

In today’s post, I’m excited to share a powerful four-step trend strategy that can increase traffic and boost sales for your Etsy business. Trends play a huge role in bringing fresh eyes to your shop and creating more sales opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on your current success, this strategy will help you use trends to grow your shop without overwhelming it. Let’s dive into the main points of how trends can elevate your Etsy shop.

Why Trends Matter for Etsy Success

Trends are crucial for Etsy sellers because they’re popular, high-traffic items. Incorporating the right trends into your shop not only adds more visibility but also increases your chances of making more sales. I’ve helped other Etsy sellers grow their revenue by up to 20-30% just by using a targeted trend strategy, and I’m here to share how you can do the same.

One of the easiest ways to get started with trends is by joining a community of other sellers. If you’re looking for support, I’d recommend joining my Etsy Games Community, where we share trend tips, motivation, and support. You can find the link below – it’s a super fun space for sellers like you!

A Caution About Trends: Why They Shouldn’t Be Your Whole Strategy

Before I dive into the trend strategy, I want to emphasize a key point: trends shouldn’t be your entire business model. While trends bring quick boosts in sales, relying solely on them can create challenges. Etsy’s algorithm favors shops that have a cohesive product selection aimed at a specific audience. If you only sell trendy items, your shop can start to look chaotic, and it may become difficult for the algorithm to understand your target audience.

Using trends alone can also create a lot of stress, as you’re constantly searching for the “next big thing.” I’ve seen this lead to burnout among sellers. So, while trends can give you a great boost, it’s important to balance them with a core selection of products aimed at your primary audience.

Step 1: Define Your Target Audience and Niche

The first step is defining a specific target audience and niche. A strong foundation focused on your ideal customers will guide your shop’s overall look and help create a steady stream of sales. A steady demand for your core products is essential, while trends should act as a boost to your main product line.

If your products have a natural demand, you can count on consistent sales. Then, by strategically adding trendy items that complement your shop’s main focus, you’ll get an extra sales boost throughout the year. Having a clearly defined audience and niche means each trend you incorporate will add value rather than clutter to your shop.

Step 2: Finding Trends for Your Etsy Business

Now that you’ve established a target audience, the next step is finding trends that work for your shop. Etsy offers some fantastic tools, like Alura and eRank, which can help you spot trending keywords and topics. These tools pull data from Etsy’s API, so you’ll be able to identify popular items and emerging trends that other sellers are tapping into.

Outside of Etsy-specific tools, Google Trends and Exploding Topics are also great for broader trend research. These resources give you a wider view of trends that are gaining popularity across the internet, which can help you stay ahead of the curve. Remember, the goal is to find trends that align with your shop’s theme and appeal to your target audience.

Step 3: Types of Trends to Focus On

When it comes to adding trends to your shop, not all trends are created equal. Here are three types to consider:

• Seasonal Trends: Seasonal items—such as products for fall, spring, or specific events like weddings—can give your shop a steady boost throughout the year. These trends are reliable and return annually, so you’ll be able to plan for them consistently.

• Holiday Trends: Holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Mother’s Day are excellent times to introduce new items or update existing products with holiday-focused keywords. Since holiday trends occur every year, they’re a sustainable way to increase sales regularly.

• Pop Culture Trends: While these trends can bring quick bursts of traffic, they’re often short-lived. Pop culture trends are more “fly-by-night” and may not stick around for long, so use these sparingly and be sure they align with your shop’s focus.

Using a mix of seasonal and holiday trends provides stability, while pop culture trends can be fun but should be used carefully to avoid confusing your audience.

Step 4: Incorporate Trends in Your Products

The last step is incorporating these trends into your product offerings. You can approach this in two ways:

1. Create New Trend-Based Products: For example, if you don’t have any holiday-themed products, consider adding a few items specifically for Christmas or Valentine’s Day. These items can be reused each year, adding seasonal variety to your shop without cluttering it.

2. Retarget Existing Products for Trend Relevance: Take your existing products and make them relevant to an upcoming trend. For instance, if you sell wallets, you could promote them as Father’s Day gifts by updating your keywords and product descriptions to match what buyers are searching for around that holiday. This approach allows you to capitalize on trends without overhauling your shop.

These methods give you the flexibility to keep your shop cohesive and maximize trends that make sense for your business.

Final Thoughts

Adding trends to your Etsy shop can be a game-changer, helping you drive traffic and boost sales. But remember, balance is key. Trends should complement a core business model that’s focused on your target audience. With a strategic approach, you can use trends to increase visibility, attract more buyers, and maximize your revenue while keeping your shop focused and appealing to the right audience.

By following this four-step strategy, you’ll be able to harness the power of trends effectively and give your Etsy business the boost it needs. Give it a try and see how it works for you!

 👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

Boost Your Etsy Sales This Holiday Season with These Powerful Marketing Strategies

The end of the year is coming up fast, and I know everyone is looking to make the most of holiday traffic on Etsy. Today, I’m sharing my holiday marketing plan and strategies that’ll help your shop stand out, drive traffic, and capture more sales as we close out the year. Let’s dive in!

Standing Out on Etsy During the Holiday Season

Etsy is packed with sellers, especially during the holidays, and it can feel like you’re one small fish in a big sea. So, how do you make your shop stand out? I like to think of it as becoming the “fish with stripes”—the one that catches everyone’s attention and keeps them coming back for more. Here’s how you can grab more of that holiday traffic and turn it into sales.

Leveraging Etsy’s Built-In Urgency Features

One of Etsy’s biggest advantages is its built-in urgency and scarcity badges. These are features Etsy adds automatically, and they’re super effective at prompting customers to buy. Here’s a breakdown of what you can use:

• Limited Quantities: When your listing is low in stock, Etsy will display “only X left” on your product page, creating urgency.

• Sale Prices: If you’re running a sale, Etsy displays the original price with a strikethrough alongside the discounted price. This visual cue pushes buyers to act fast.

• Bestseller Badge: If your item hits a certain sales threshold, Etsy may label it a “Bestseller,” giving it credibility and building trust with new customers.

• In-Cart Notifications: Etsy shows potential buyers how many people have an item in their cart, which leverages social proof and makes them think, “If others want it, maybe I should get it too!”

Timing Your Promotions for Maximum Impact

The best time to start implementing your holiday strategy is early December when traffic to Etsy starts ramping up. Run promotions through the month and even consider keeping them active after Christmas. I’ve noticed that some shoppers will buy after the holidays because they couldn’t complete their shopping in time. By targeting these last-minute buyers, you can catch extra sales after the peak season winds down.

Run Effective Holiday Sales

A holiday sale is a tried-and-true way to boost sales, but you want to make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Everyone is running discounts, so go bold if you can! Consider discounts of at least 20-25% if it works within your profit margins. Remember, a larger discount can help you sell more volume and might even make up for the price reduction.

Get Creative with BOGO Deals

If you’re looking to add a twist, try a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) offer. Depending on your profit margins, consider offers like “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” or even “Buy 4, Get 1 Free.” This setup works especially well if you’re offering lower-cost items and can be adjusted easily through Etsy’s marketing tab.

Promote your deals in your shop’s announcement section, in your listings, and on social media. For extra visibility, bulk edit your listings to feature the offer at the top.

Adding Holiday Value Adds

To stand out even more, think about value adds you can offer that your competitors aren’t. Here are a few holiday-specific ideas:

• Holiday Bonuses: Add a small bonus item to orders for the holiday season, like a free sample or a small accessory that complements your products.

• Christmas Bundles: Create limited-time bundles where buyers get extra items when purchasing certain products. Labeling these as “holiday bundles” makes them feel more special.

• Gift Wrapping: Etsy offers a gift-wrapping option that you can add to your listings for an additional fee. If you do this, show what the packaging looks like with a photo, so buyers know it’s worth it.

• Upgraded Packaging: During the holidays, most buyers are shopping for gifts, so make sure your packaging is gift-ready. Adding a festive touch to your packaging can make a huge difference and increase buyer satisfaction.

Offer Something Extra

Adding a little something extra to orders can go a long way. Depending on your niche, this could be a carrying case, a cleaning kit, a care guide, or anything that would enhance the product experience. Small touches like these make your products feel more valuable and encourage buyers to choose your shop over others.

Create a Clearance Section

One last tip to help clear out old inventory is to set up a clearance section in your shop. Mark items down by 40-50% or more, and you’ll see how fast they start moving. I’ve found this especially useful for returns, items I no longer want to stock, or just products I want to move out to make space for new ones. A clearance section doesn’t only attract bargain hunters but can also lead to full-price sales. Shoppers browsing your clearance items may check out your other products and add those to their cart, too.

Wrapping It All Up

Incorporate these strategies, and let’s end the year strong! Try out some of these ideas, and see what resonates best with your customers. These holiday tips are also helpful year-round, so keep testing and see what gives your shop that extra boost. If you’re looking for a supportive, fun community to help you grow, consider joining my Etsy Games Community—where we work together to help Etsy sellers succeed.

Let’s make this holiday season the most profitable one yet!

👋 Join The Etsy Games (Free) & Learn how to make more 💰 on Etsy. Get the framework I used to earn over $550,000 on Etsy & win cash prizes!!!🤯 Support, community, motivation & tons of fun!🎉 🚀Get your FIRST or NEXT Sale within 30 Days!🚀 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

Etsy’s New Holiday Updates: How They Could Impact Your Shop This Season

As the holiday season approaches, Etsy is rolling out some big changes, and I’m here to break them down and help you prepare! In this episode, I dive into Etsy’s new holiday ad campaigns, added customer service agents, physical gift cards now available in stores, and the all-important USPS holiday shipping deadlines. These updates could significantly impact your shop, so let’s go over everything Etsy just announced—and I’ll share a few pro tips along the way to help you navigate the season smoothly.

Will Etsy’s New Changes Help or Hurt Sellers This Holiday Season?

One question on everyone’s mind: will these changes actually help us as sellers? I believe they’re steps in the right direction, but it’s important to understand how they may affect our shops. As an Etsy seller myself, I’m always looking for ways to drive traffic, boost sales, and create an efficient workflow, especially during the holiday rush.

New Holiday Ad Campaigns

Etsy announced they’re releasing a series of new holiday ad campaigns set to launch at the beginning of November. Expect to see these ads on TV and other mainstream platforms. The goal is to drive more traffic to the site, increase brand awareness, and attract new customers who might not be familiar with Etsy. From my perspective, any marketing Etsy does is a bonus for us sellers, bringing in more potential buyers. I’m excited to see what kind of impact these ads will have on holiday traffic to our shops!

Hundreds of New Customer Service Agents

Another big change is Etsy’s plan to add hundreds of customer service agents specifically for the holiday season. We know how important quick and effective support is, especially during high-traffic periods, but there are still questions about whether these agents will be available for both buyers and sellers. While Etsy has made strides, like offering chat support, there’s always room for improvement in response times and assistance for sellers.

This holiday season, we’ll see if these new agents make a difference. I think this move is a positive one, especially if it improves the buying experience and helps smooth out any issues that come up with orders and customer interactions.

Etsy Physical Gift Cards in Stores

One cool new feature Etsy is launching is physical gift cards in retail stores. You may have seen gift card kiosks in stores featuring cards for Walmart, Home Depot, and other major brands—now, Etsy will have its own gift cards on display! While it’s not clear yet which stores will carry these cards, this is a smart way to drive more traffic. New buyers will be introduced to the platform, allowing us to reach an even broader audience. Gift cards also make a great last-minute holiday gift, bringing more people to the site.

Important USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Of course, we can’t forget about shipping deadlines! USPS has released its recommended deadlines for holiday deliveries, and knowing these dates is critical for Etsy sellers. Here’s a quick rundown:

• USPS Ground Advantage: December 18th (set your shop deadline a few days earlier)

• USPS Priority Mail: December 19th

• USPS Priority Mail Express: December 21st

I highly recommend setting your personal shop deadlines a couple of days before each official USPS cutoff. This extra buffer allows time to package and ship orders on schedule. In my shop, I usually post a notice about these deadlines in the announcement section and even in the product descriptions. This creates urgency for buyers to order early, ensuring their gifts arrive in time for the holidays.

My Final Tips for Holiday Success on Etsy

With all these changes in place, I suggest updating your shop’s announcement section, adding deadline reminders to your listings, and taking full advantage of Etsy’s ad campaigns to boost visibility. These new updates offer more opportunities to attract traffic and reach new customers, and with a little preparation, you can set your shop up for a successful holiday season.

As always, if you have any questions, join my free Etsy seller community, The Etsy Games, where we discuss strategies, share tips, and support each other through the highs and lows of running an Etsy business. Let’s make this holiday season the best one yet!

👋 Join The Etsy Games (Free) & Learn how to make more 💰 on Etsy. Get the framework I used to earn over $550,000 on Etsy & win cash prizes!!!🤯 Support, community, motivation & tons of fun!🎉 🚀Get your FIRST or NEXT Sale within 30 Days!🚀 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

 📈Get My Free Etsy Black Friday Playbook here: https://www.handmadeandbeyond.com/blackfriday

How to Maximize Your Etsy Sales This Black Friday

In my recent podcast episode, I shared a detailed plan to help Etsy sellers make the most out of Black Friday. Here’s a breakdown of my top strategies to drive more traffic and boost your sales during this holiday shopping frenzy.

Understanding Your Profit Margin

To start, I emphasized the importance of understanding your profit margin. Knowing your margins will help you determine the maximum discount you can offer without taking a loss. I recommend using a tool like Aura’s profit margin calculator for Etsy, which takes the guesswork out of setting profitable sales.

Effective Discount Strategies

When it comes to setting up discounts, here are the main options I discussed:

• Percentage-Off Discounts: A straightforward discount across all items, like 10%, 20%, or 30% off.

• Dollar-Amount Discounts: Offer set dollar amounts off, such as $5 or $10, based on total purchases.

• Bulk Order Incentives: Encourage customers to buy more by offering discounts on orders of two or more items.

These discount options can all be set up easily within Etsy’s marketing tab.

Using BOGO and Free Shipping for More Sales

I also covered the value of BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) promotions and free shipping incentives. These options can encourage larger orders, and Etsy even offers settings to apply these automatically for orders over a certain amount. For heavier items, free shipping can be a game-changer that attracts buyers who are put off by high shipping costs.

Creating Urgency and Scarcity

Two powerful tactics for any sales strategy are urgency and scarcity. Ensure that each promotion has a clear end date to drive urgency, and if possible, include limited quantities to add a scarcity factor. For example, mention that only the first 100 customers will receive a specific discount. These psychological triggers motivate customers to act fast, which is essential during a competitive shopping season.

Marketing Your Black Friday Sale Effectively

Marketing plays a crucial role in your Black Friday success. Here’s the approach I suggested:

• One Week Before: Start with a teaser about the sale to build excitement.

• Three Days Before: Send a follow-up with more specific details, including the terms of the discount and end date.

• One Day Before: Send a final reminder that the sale is about to start, reinforcing the urgency.

• Day of the Sale: Send an early morning announcement, reminding customers that the sale is live.

• Three Hours and One Hour Before Ending: Remind customers the sale is almost over to maximize last-minute conversions.

If you’re extending the sale through Cyber Monday, continue promoting through the weekend to keep momentum.

Pro Tip: Day-After Reminder

One of my favorite tips is to send a day-after reminder. Many people may miss the sale due to distractions, so offering a “last-chance” reminder the next day can bring in additional sales from those who couldn’t shop on the sale day.

👋 Join The Etsy Games (Free) & Learn how to make more 💰 on Etsy. Get the framework I used to earn over $550,000 on Etsy & win cash prizes!!!🤯 Support, community, motivation & tons of fun!🎉 🚀Get your FIRST or NEXT Sale within 30 Days!🚀 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

Did Etsy Kill October Traffic? A Deep Dive into the Podcast Episode

Hey there! In my latest podcast episode, I tackled the big question: Did Etsy kill October traffic? There’s been a lot of buzz about this lately, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fearmongering. In this blog post, I’ll break down what I discussed in the episode, covering everything from Etsy’s algorithm changes to unexpected events that impacted sales. Let’s dive in!

Etsy Traffic Concerns: October Drop in Traffic

Right off the bat, I addressed the main concern: traffic was noticeably down for a lot of Etsy sellers this October. If you’re an Etsy seller, you probably noticed the dip, and I get it—it’s frustrating. But it wasn’t just Etsy sellers who were affected. Many sellers on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari reported similar trends.

Overview of October Traffic Decline Across Platforms

It’s easy to blame Etsy alone, but a broader look at the market shows a trend across different platforms. So, what’s going on? The spotlight fell on Etsy because of a recent update that made changes to their SEO algorithm. Naturally, when sales slow down, it’s human nature to look for a cause—and Etsy’s update became the focus.

Impact of Etsy’s Algorithm Change

Etsy rolled out an SEO update in October, placing more emphasis on shipping and offering incentives for lower-cost shipping. The update aimed to make search results more relevant and to prioritize listings with better shipping options. But whenever there’s a change to the algorithm, some shops get hit harder than others. And that’s what sparked a wave of “Etsy killed my traffic” claims.

Etsy’s Goal: Increasing Purchases Through Algorithm Adjustments

I want to set the record straight. Etsy’s not out to kill anyone’s traffic. The goal of any algorithm tweak is to get more buyers to make purchases. Etsy’s changes are about aligning search results with what buyers are most likely to purchase. It’s not about sinking shops; it’s about improving the shopping experience for buyers.

Effective SEO Tactics for Etsy and Beyond

So, what should you do when Etsy’s algorithm shifts? Don’t try to hack the system. Instead, focus on tried-and-true SEO strategies that work not just for Etsy, but for platforms like Google too. Long-term success comes from using solid SEO tactics—like smart keyword usage and well-structured listings—not from trying to game the system.

Importance of Structured Listings and Keywords

The secret sauce to succeeding on Etsy, even during traffic dips, lies in data. I talked about how crucial it is to structure your listings with strong keywords. Give the algorithm what it needs: clear, concise, and relevant data. That’s how you make sure your products get seen, no matter what changes are happening behind the scenes.

October’s Natural Disasters Impacting Sales

One thing that’s not being talked about enough is the role that October’s natural disasters played. We had two major hurricanes that impacted a significant portion of the East Coast, where a large percentage of the U.S. population resides. These hurricanes certainly took a toll on online shopping. It’s hard to think about buying on Etsy when your home is dealing with flooding or wind damage, right?

Influence of External Factors on Online Sales

Disasters, global events, and local crises all impact online sales. It’s easy to overlook these things when you’re analyzing your Etsy shop’s numbers, but external factors can make a big difference. So, before blaming the algorithm entirely, consider what else might be happening in the world.

How to Handle Fluctuating Sales Trends

Fluctuations in traffic are a natural part of online selling. If you’ve been in the game for a while, you know sales ebb and flow. The key is knowing how to ride those waves and not getting discouraged when things slow down. My advice? Focus on what you can control—your business, your listings, and your strategy.

Focus on Business Improvement During Low Traffic Periods

In the podcast, I shared tips on how to use these slow periods to your advantage. Dive deeper into your business and find areas for improvement. Are there ways you can tweak your listings? Is there a new product you can introduce? Use low-traffic times to strategize, so you’re ready to bounce back when sales pick up again.

Successful Sellers: Focusing on Actionable Strategies

I’ve noticed that the most successful Etsy sellers aren’t spending their time complaining about changes in traffic. They’re busy working on their business. Complaining doesn’t bring in sales—action does. So, stay focused on finding solutions, not on blaming the algorithm.

Dealing with Algorithm Changes: A Productive Mindset

It’s okay to be aware of changes, but don’t approach them from a mindset of trying to “hack” the system. Instead, see them as opportunities. Knowledge is power, and understanding how updates affect your shop can give you a competitive edge. Use that knowledge to become a better seller and optimize your listings accordingly.

Adaptability: Navigating Constant Changes in Online Selling

Selling online is all about change. I shared an analogy from “Friends” where they’re moving a couch up the stairs, yelling “Pivot!” You have to be willing to pivot when things shift in the online selling world. Stay adaptable and keep your eye on the bigger picture.

Final Thoughts: Controlling What You Can

In the end, I don’t think Etsy “killed” traffic. October’s dip was likely a mix of algorithm updates and uncontrollable external factors. My advice is to have a thick skin and focus on what you can control—your shop, your listings, and your approach.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, so be sure to check out the podcast episode if you haven’t already! And don’t forget to join the Etsy Games for a fun, supportive way to grow your business within a community of like-minded sellers.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this gives you a clearer view of what’s really going on with Etsy traffic and how to navigate it!

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👋 Join The Etsy Games (Free) & Learn how to make more 💰 on Etsy. Get the framework I used to earn over $550,000 on Etsy & win cash prizes!!!🤯 Support, community, motivation & tons of fun!🎉 🚀Get your FIRST or NEXT Sale within 30 Days!🚀 Join here for FREE

How to Grow Your Etsy Business Using the Rule of 200

If you’re an Etsy seller struggling to grow your business, you’re not alone. Many Etsy sellers feel like they’re spinning their wheels, wasting time on unproductive tasks, and not seeing the traffic or sales they want. In my latest podcast episode, I dive deep into a strategy I call the “Rule of 200”—a daily framework that will help you focus your time, grow your shop, and drive more sales.

This strategy isn’t easy, but most things worth achieving aren’t. By implementing the Rule of 200 consistently, you’ll have a clear path to reaching your Etsy goals faster. Let me walk you through it.

The Problem: Wasting Time on Unproductive Tasks

One of the biggest issues Etsy sellers face is spending time on things that don’t really move their business forward. Whether it’s obsessing over small details or getting caught up in the wrong areas, many sellers fail to focus on what truly matters: getting more listings up, optimizing old ones, and promoting your shop. Time is precious, and the Rule of 200 will help you organize your efforts strategically.

What Is the Rule of 200?

The Rule of 200 is simple: you’re going to dedicate 200 minutes a day to specific activities that will help grow your Etsy shop. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry—I break it down into manageable chunks, and you can always scale it to fit your schedule. The key is consistency.

The rule is divided into two parts: 100 minutes on new listings and 100 minutes on old listings and marketing.

Part One: Spending 100 Minutes on New Listings

To grow your Etsy shop, you need to keep adding new listings. This isn’t just about throwing up random products; it’s about being strategic. Here’s how I recommend breaking down these 100 minutes.

Step One: 20 Minutes on Product Research

The first 20 minutes should be spent researching new products to list. Use tools like Alura, eRank, or even Google Trends to identify what’s selling well in your niche. Don’t just rely on intuition—do the research to make informed decisions. Look for trending keywords, analyze competitors, and find gaps in the market you can fill.

Step Two: 20 Minutes Reviewing Shop Listing Stats

Next, spend 20 minutes reviewing your shop stats. Which listings are bringing in traffic? What’s making sales? Your stats give you valuable insights into what’s working and what isn’t. If certain keywords or products are driving traffic, lean into that by creating similar listings.

Step Three: 60 Minutes Creating New Listings

The bulk of your time should be spent on actually creating those new listings. This includes writing descriptions, adding keywords, and taking high-quality photos. Don’t rush this part! You’ve already put in the research—now make sure your listings reflect that work by giving them the best chance to succeed.

Part Two: Spending 100 Minutes on Old Listings and Marketing

The second half of the Rule of 200 focuses on improving existing listings and marketing your shop.

Step One: 40 Minutes Improving Old Listings

Go through your old listings and see what’s underperforming. Start by sorting your listings by lowest traffic or sales. Are the photos clear? Are the keywords optimized? Sometimes, just updating the SEO or adding better images can make a world of difference.

Step Two: 60 Minutes on Marketing and Promotion

Marketing is essential if you want to scale your Etsy shop. Spend 60 minutes each day on promotion, whether that’s running sales, using social media, or starting an email marketing campaign. You don’t have to do everything at once—focus on one platform to start, like Instagram or Pinterest, and build from there.

The Importance of Consistency

The Rule of 200 only works if you’re consistent. I get it—200 minutes a day sounds like a lot. But if you can’t commit to that, start smaller. Cut it in half with the Rule of 100 or even 50 minutes a day. The important thing is to be strategic and to work on your business every single day.

Overcoming the “I Can’t Do This” Mindset

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you don’t have enough time, but that’s the very mindset that holds many sellers back. You may not be able to dedicate 200 minutes right away, but start where you can and scale from there. Even a little bit of effort each day will get you closer to your goals than doing nothing at all.

Final Thoughts: Stay Strategic and Reach Your Etsy Goals Faster

Growing an Etsy business isn’t easy, but with the right framework, it’s 100% possible. The Rule of 200 is designed to help you focus your time on the tasks that matter most—adding new listings, improving old ones, and marketing effectively. Start implementing this strategy today, and you’ll see the difference it can make in your traffic and sales.

If you’re ready to take your Etsy business to the next level, tune in to my latest podcast episode for a deep dive into the Rule of 200. Let’s grow your shop together!

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This blog post is optimized to attract Etsy sellers looking for actionable strategies to grow their businesses, focusing on Etsy growth tips and the Rule of 200 framework to drive consistent progress.

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How to Sell More on Etsy with a 4D Listing Strategy

If you’re an Etsy seller, you’ve probably wondered how do I sell more on Etsy? It’s one of the most common questions I hear, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But in this post, I want to dive deep into a strategy that helped me generate over half a million dollars on Etsy and continues to drive success across multiple shops. This strategy isn’t just about tweaking keywords or perfecting your listings – it’s about viewing your listings in a whole new way. I call it the four-dimensional (4D) approach to selling on Etsy, and today, I’m going to show you how to implement it in your own shop to get more traffic and sales.

My Journey: From 2D Listings to 4D Success

When I first started on Etsy, I looked at my listings in a very two-dimensional way. I would post a listing, add my pictures and keywords, publish it, and move on to the next one. Sound familiar? This one-and-done approach didn’t allow me to see the full potential of my listings. I realized I was missing out on so many opportunities to reach different audiences and maximize my sales.

That’s when I started thinking about my listings as four-dimensional. Instead of viewing them as static, one-off products, I began to see them as multi-faceted opportunities. This mindset shift changed everything for my business, and I’m going to share how you can apply it to yours.

The 4D Strategy in Action

Let’s break down what I mean by this 4D approach with a real example. Say you’re selling a workout log printable. Most sellers would create the listing, optimize the keywords (like “workout log,” “exercise tracker,” or “fitness planner”), and leave it at that. But here’s where the 4D strategy comes in: instead of stopping there, you can expand that single listing to appeal to multiple audiences, niches, and needs.

Expanding Your Audience with Keywords

Here’s how I started looking at my products from different angles:

 1. Target Different Groups – Instead of just a generic workout log, you can create variations for different groups. For example, a new mom workout log, a pregnancy workout log, or a postpartum workout log. This lets you tap into specific groups of buyers and make your product more relevant to them.

 2. Tailor to Specific Training Programs – You can market your workout log to people following specific fitness plans, like a 5K training log, a marathon workout log, or a triathlon training log. This turns one product into several niche offerings.

 3. Appeal to Age Groups – Don’t forget about age demographics! You could create a version for seniors, teens, or fitness beginners. Each group has different needs, and by targeting them, you widen your potential customer base.

 4. Goal-Oriented Listings – Everyone has different fitness goals, so why not create versions of your workout log for those goals? Try offering a weight loss workout log, a get shredded workout log, or a couch-to-5K log. This makes your product more appealing to people with specific goals in mind.

Rebranding for Different Audiences

The beauty of this 4D approach is that you don’t need to create a brand-new product each time. You can rebrand your existing product to fit different audiences. For example, the workout log template stays the same, but you can change the title, keywords, and branding to match the new audience. Think of it like rebranding a car – whether it’s labeled a Hyundai, Acura, or Ford, it still gets you from point A to point B. Your workout log is the same, but the branding makes it relevant to different buyers.

Why This Strategy Works

By using this four-dimensional approach to your listings, you’re doing more than just adding a few new products. You’re creating a wider range of listings that appeal to more people. Here are some key benefits of thinking 4D:

 • More Listings, More Traffic: Each new variation of your listing gives you more chances to be found by customers. More listings = more opportunities for sales.

 • Increased Data: By creating more listings, you gather more data about what works and what doesn’t. You can adjust your strategy based on real performance.

 • Diverse Shop: As you expand your listings in this way, your shop becomes more diverse and appealing to a broader range of customers.

Conclusion: Start Implementing 4D Thinking Today

If you’re ready to grow your Etsy shop, start by rethinking how you view your listings. Look at your products in a four-dimensional way, and you’ll begin to see opportunities you never noticed before. By targeting different groups, training programs, age demographics, and goals, you can turn one listing into multiple revenue-generating opportunities.

Want more help growing your Etsy shop? Join my Etsy Games Community! It’s a fun, supportive space where I share more in-depth strategies and tools to help you succeed on Etsy. Click the link below to join, and let’s get started on boosting your sales!

📆Get your Oct/Nov Etsy Marketing Guide Here: https://www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsy-oct-nov-promo-guide

👋 Join The Etsy Games (Free) & Learn how to make more 💰 on Etsy. Get the framework I used to earn over $550,000 on Etsy & win cash prizes!!!🤯 Support, community, motivation & tons of fun!🎉 🚀Get your FIRST or NEXT Sale within 30 Days!🚀 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

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Looking to save time and increase sales with an efficient Etsy social media marketing plan? In this video, we dive into a powerful four-part strategy designed specifically for Etsy sellers who want to maximize their social media impact without spending hours online. Learn the essential steps to streamline your content creation and marketing efforts, attract more customers, and grow your Etsy business.

📆Get your Oct/Nov Etsy Marketing Guide Here: https://www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsy-oct-nov-promo-guide

👋 Join The Etsy Games (Free) & Learn how to make more 💰 on Etsy. Get the framework I used to earn over $550,000 on Etsy & win cash prizes!!!🤯 Support, community, motivation & tons of fun!🎉 🚀Get your FIRST or NEXT Sale within 30 Days!🚀 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

📚Etsy SEO Revealed FREE eBook- Learn and understand Etsy SEO to help you grow your business. Download it for free here: https://www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsyseosuccess

🚀Etsy Quickstart Free Guide- A quick guide to help you get your Etsy business off the ground. Download it for free here: https://www.handmadeandbeyond.com/quickstart

Get ready for the holiday season with these powerful promotion tips! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday offer huge opportunities to boost your sales. Now’s the time to plan big, combining discounts with unique bonuses to entice shoppers. Consider offering a standout discount or a “deal of the week” to drive excitement and scarcity around your products. And don’t forget to promote across social media and email. Staying responsive is crucial—download the Etsy seller app to quickly connect with potential buyers and secure sales. Let’s make this season a success!