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

In this episode, I break down the messy new EU GPSR changes and what they mean for Etsy sellers like you. These new regulations, effective as of December 13th, apply to most non-food consumer goods, including handmade and digital products. Whether you’re shipping from the EU or outside it, these changes impact anyone selling to the EU or Northern Ireland. I’ll explain what the GPSR is, how it works, and what steps you should take to stay compliant or make decisions about your shop.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The basics of GPSR and its impact on Etsy sellers.

• Who needs to comply with these regulations and why.

• The impracticalities of compliance for small sellers.

• Required listing details for GPSR compliance and their challenges.

• The risks of non-compliance, including fines and account suspensions.

• Exemptions and solutions for Etsy sellers.

• Specific issues for digital product sellers.

• How to update your shipping settings or discontinue sales to the EU and Northern Ireland.

• My take on the challenges and evolving nature of this regulation.

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

26 Strategies I Use to Help Etsy Sellers Succeed 

In this podcast episode, I shared the key strategies that I’ve seen top 1% Etsy sellers use to grow their shops and dominate the platform. These aren’t about luck—they’re actionable steps that can help any seller move closer to their goals.

I started by talking about how important mindset and passion are. Success on Etsy isn’t instant—it takes time, consistency, and a genuine love for what you do to push through challenges and keep going. I also emphasized the importance of treating your shop like a business. Showing up consistently, investing in tools like Alura and Canva, and building solid habits are essential to long-term success.

Education plays a big role, too. I encourage sellers to continuously learn, whether through free resources like my Etsy Games platform or by investing in courses. Every action in your shop should have a strategy and purpose. I always tell people to focus on what they can control and not waste energy on things like algorithm changes.

Consistency is another big factor. Regularly creating and improving listings not only helps you grow but also keeps you in tune with your niche and audience. And let’s not forget visuals—high-quality photos and videos can make or break a sale, so it’s worth investing in good lighting and staging.

Understanding profit margins, running promotions, and offering stellar customer service are all part of the equation, too. Reviews build trust, so I shared tips on how to get more of them. I also talked about the importance of taking action—learning by doing is the fastest way to grow.

Finally, I discussed the power of email marketing and standing out from the competition. Building a list and nurturing it with valuable content can drive repeat buyers, and finding ways to add value to your niche will set you apart.

This episode was packed with actionable tips to help Etsy sellers succeed. If you’re ready to grow your shop, these 26 strategies are your blueprint to joining the top 1% of sellers.

👋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

In this episode, I’m breaking down a big update Etsy sellers need to prepare for—your shop’s search visibility could take a hit if you’re not meeting their customer service standards. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Etsy’s expectations, including message response rates, on-time shipping, and review strategies. Plus, I’ll share pro tips to help you improve your performance metrics and avoid penalties. Whether you’re a new seller or an experienced one, this is a must-listen to keep your shop thriving. Let’s get ready for these changes together!

5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Etsy Business for 2025

As we head into 2025, I want to share a simple yet powerful 5-step plan to help you jumpstart your Etsy business, overcome challenges, and move closer to your goals. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just looking for fresh inspiration, these steps will give you clarity, focus, and the momentum you need to thrive. Let’s dive in!

1. Embrace the Truth About Passion and Hard Work

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” While it sounds great, I have to call it out—it’s not true.Even when you’re passionate about your work, it still takes effort, consistency, and determination to make it successful.

The reality is that running an Etsy business can feel like hard work, even if you love what you do. And that’s okay! Passion is essential because it helps you push through tough times, but passion alone isn’t enough. Success comes from sticking with it, even when the grind feels overwhelming.

Remember, you’re not just selling products; you’re solving problems and bringing value to your audience. If you truly care about your customers, you’ll find the motivation to keep going, even when the work feels challenging.

2. Avoid Fly-By-Night Strategies

Etsy success isn’t about chasing quick fixes or gaming the system. Many sellers fall into the trap of trying to hack their way to the top—whether it’s using outdated tricks to manipulate the algorithm or relying solely on fleeting trends.

For example, some sellers used to renew their listings daily, hoping for a temporary search boost. That tactic doesn’t work anymore, and even if it did, it’s not sustainable. Similarly, basing your shop entirely on trending products can lead to constant stress, as trends fade quickly.

Instead, focus on building a sustainable business model. Learn tried-and-true Etsy SEO strategies, understand your niche, and cater to a specific audience. This approach will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

3. Build a Sustainable Business by Serving a Target Market

If you want to thrive on Etsy, you need to focus on serving a specific audience or niche. This means understanding your customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points. Who are they? What problems can your products solve for them?

When you center your business around a target audience, you create a roadmap for success. Instead of chasing trends or throwing random products into your shop, you’ll have a clear direction.

Here’s the key: Stop thinking about “making money” and start thinking about how to serve your audience. Focus on their needs, their likes, and what will genuinely make their lives better. Over time, this approach will not only bring in sales but also build customer loyalty and trust.

4. Master the Do-Learn-Do Cycle

If there’s one formula that leads to success, it’s this: Do, Learn, Do. Here’s how it works:

• Do: Take action in your business. List new products, test new keywords, or try a new marketing strategy.

• Learn: Analyze the results. Which listings are getting traffic? What’s selling? What’s not?

• Do Again: Use what you’ve learned to refine your approach, then take action again.

This cycle is all about continuous improvement. Too many people get stuck because they’re afraid to start, or they take action but don’t learn from the results. The more you repeat this process, the better you’ll get at identifying what works and what doesn’t.

5. Stay Consistent

Consistency is the secret sauce to Etsy success. It’s not about doing everything perfectly but about showing up regularly and putting in the work.

For example, adding new listings consistently is one of the best ways to improve your shop’s visibility and sales. Based on recent Etsy seller polls I conducted, most sellers who struggle aren’t adding listings frequently enough.

Here’s the truth: You can’t expect to see results if you’re not consistently working on your shop. Whether it’s creating new products, improving old listings, or researching keywords, small, consistent actions add up over time.

Final Thoughts: Your Roadmap for 2025

Running a successful Etsy business isn’t about shortcuts or quick wins—it’s about building a strong foundation and staying committed to your goals.

• Focus on hard work and passion, knowing that it takes effort to succeed.

• Avoid gimmicks and fly-by-night strategies, and instead build a business that lasts.

• Serve a specific audience and meet their needs with amazing products.

• Embrace the do-learn-do cycle for continuous growth.

• Stay consistent, even when progress feels slow.

2025 can be your best year yet if you stay focused, take action, and refuse to give up. You’ve got this—I’m rooting for you every step of the way! Let me know in the comments what your biggest goal is for 2025, and let’s make it happen together.

👋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

Everything You Need to Know About Tax Changes for Etsy Sellers in 2024

As an Etsy seller, staying on top of tax changes is critical to running your business smoothly. In my recent podcast episode, I broke down the upcoming IRS reporting changes for the 2024 tax year, focusing on how they impact sellers using platforms like Etsy, eBay, and even payment apps like Venmo and PayPal. Here’s a summary of the key points from our conversation, designed to help you navigate these changes with confidence.

Will You Get a $1099 for Etsy Sales Over $600 in 2024?

This is the big question on every seller’s mind. The short answer: not yet. For the past two years, the IRS has been delaying the move to the $600 threshold for 1099 reporting, which means the threshold remains higher for 2024. As of now, you’ll receive a 1099 form only if you earn more than $5,000 in untaxed income through third-party payment apps.

The IRS is giving payment platforms additional time to prepare for the lower $600 reporting threshold, which is scheduled to take effect in the 2025 tax season. So, for 2024, the $5,000 threshold still applies—but this is the last year for that limit.

Understanding Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Transactions

One of the trickiest parts of these changes is distinguishing between taxable and non-taxable income. Let me simplify it for you with a few examples:

 • Non-Taxable Transactions: Money received as a gift (like birthday money from family), reimbursement for shared expenses (like splitting a dinner bill via Venmo), or selling personal items at a loss (like furniture on Facebook Marketplace).

 • Taxable Transactions: Income from services or products sold, such as an Etsy order, a freelance project, or items sold for more than their purchase price (like collectible sneakers).

The delayed rollout of the $600 threshold is giving platforms like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App more time to refine their systems for accurately reporting taxable income.

Why This Matters for Etsy Sellers

If you’re selling on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, or other marketplaces, these changes matter because they impact how your income is reported. Even if you don’t receive a 1099, the IRS requires you to report all income earned—even if it’s just a dollar. While many sellers only report income when they get a 1099, it’s crucial to stay compliant and report everything to avoid issues down the road.

For platforms like Etsy, this tax season will look similar to last year, with the $5,000 threshold in place. But if you’re also selling through apps like Venmo or Cash App, be prepared for stricter reporting starting in 2025.

Selling Personal Items? Here’s What You Should Know

If you sell personal items, like furniture or clothing, for less than what you originally paid for them, you won’t owe taxes. For instance, if you bought a couch for $500 and sold it for $200, that sale is not taxable because you incurred a loss. However, if you’re selling items that appreciate in value—like rare collectibles—you’ll need to report any profits.

Preparing for 2024 and Beyond

Here’s the bottom line: don’t panic, but do prepare. If you’re earning untaxed income, keep accurate records and understand what’s taxable and what’s not. By staying informed, you can avoid surprises during tax season.

This year, you may receive a 1099 if your untaxed income exceeds $5,000. Next year, that threshold will drop to $600, so now is the time to make sure your records are in order. Whether you’re selling crafts on Etsy, items on Facebook Marketplace, or offering freelance services, staying ahead of these changes will help you run your business confidently.

👋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!

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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.