Feeling like your Etsy sales have dipped recently? You’re not imagining it and Etsy’s Q2 2025 earnings report confirms it.

In this episode, I break down exactly what’s going on behind the scenes at Etsy, why sales are down platform-wide, and what it means for you as a handmade business owner. We’ll talk about rising fees, buyer hesitation, and Etsy’s push toward AI and personalisation... all without the corporate waffle.

But more importantly, I’ll walk you through what to actually do about it. Whether you’re on Etsy, your own website, or both, you’ll leave this episode feeling calm, clear, and ready to take control of your strategy again.

✨ We cover:

• What Etsy’s report really reveals (and what most sellers miss)
• Why it’s not you - it’s the current buying climate
• 4 things you can do right now to strengthen your shop
• The truth about fees, platforms, and where to focus next

If you’re feeling a little lost or discouraged, this episode will help you zoom out, realign, and move forward with purpose. 💛

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode - What is a social media home hub and how do you find yours?

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🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Sick of posting on Instagram and getting crickets? This episode is your full, step-by-step training on how to turn your handmade Instagram into a sales-driving machine - without feeling salesy or spending all day online.

Steph breaks down the exact strategy that handmade business owners need in 2025, including:

• What to post (and why!) using the 4 Value Pillars
• How to plan your weekly Instagram rhythm without burning out
• The difference between “Going Wide” for growth and “Going Deep” for conversions
• Real examples you can steal (whether you sell candles, mugs, or knitwear)
• And how to sell confidently, without needing a hot shower after every post 💬

Whether you’re stuck at “likes from your mum and best mate” or you’ve given up on Instagram altogether… this episode will get you back on track, feeling clear, confident and ready to sell.

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

🍁 Want to get ahead with your autumn product ideas and boost your handmade sales this season? In this trend-packed episode, I’m breaking down 15 of the biggest autumn trends set to dominate in 2025... with real, practical examples you can turn into products today. From modern rustic to miniature scenes, dupe-it-yourself decor to cosy accessories, I’m covering what’s going to be everywhere (and how to make it work for your handmade business).

🍂 Whether you sell on Etsy, your own site, or at markets - this episode is your seasonal trend cheat sheet. Grab a notebook and get inspired!

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🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Struggling to get sales on Etsy? In this episode of How to Be a Handmade Boss, Steph shares 5 powerful tips to help your Etsy listings get found, get clicked, and get bought. Whether you’re brand new to selling handmade products online or you’ve been on Etsy for a while with little traction, this episode will show you exactly how to optimise your Etsy listings for more visibility, better conversion, and sustainable growth.

We’re covering:

✅ Etsy SEO tips for beginners

✅ How to write titles that actually get found

✅ What your photos really need to do

✅ How to write product descriptions that sell

✅ The truth about pricing and perceived value

✅ Why your tags matter more than you think

So if you’re ready to turn browsers into buyers and create listings that do the selling for you, grab a notebook and tune in!

🎧 Mentioned in this episode:

➡️ Episode 1 – The Beginners Guide To The Etsy Algorithm - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2354025/episodes/14905260

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

In this feel-good episode of How To Be A Handmade Boss, I’m joined by the lovely Fran from Born to Shop Designs – and we’re diving into how she turned hobbies like gardening, crafting and music into a heart-led clothing brand that connects people through what they love. We chat about navigating business pivots, building a brand that feels like you, and why community matters more than ever (especially when you're not a fan of working solo).

Fran also opens up about leaving behind a business that didn’t light her up, starting again with a friend and fresh purpose, and how the Handmade Business Success Academy helped shape her journey. If you’ve ever questioned whether your idea is the one, or wondered if starting over means starting from scratch – this one’s for you.

💬 Topics we cover:
 • Making your business match your life (not the other way round)
 • Why it's okay to leave a business that’s not working
• How hobbies can connect you to your customers – and your best friends
• The mindset shift that made all the difference
• Fran’s tip for finding your thing when you’re full of ideas

🛒 Explore Fran’s brand: bourneto.shop 

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Feel like your handmade business is stuck in the same place month after month -  no matter how hard you try? 😩 

In this episode, we’re getting honest about why so many makers hit a plateau (even when they’re doing “all the right things”)… and what to do if that’s you right now.

You’ll learn:
🔸 The illusion of growth that keeps you treading water
🔸 The real cost of DIY-ing everything alone
🔸 Why your fear of investing might be costing you more than you think
🔸 How to know when you’re ready to get real support

Plus, I’ll walk you through the difference between two real-life paths: Sam (the hustler stuck at £200/month) and Lydia (the maker who hit her first £1k month doing less).

✨ If you’re done winging it and ready for real growth — this one’s for you.

⏳ HBSA is OPEN until 8pm tonight! Join us here → https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer
Or hop on the waitlist: https://www.handmadebosses.com/hbsawaitlist

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Ever feel like your business is all over the place? One minute you’re buzzing with ideas, and the next… totally burnt out? You’re not doing anything wrong - you’re just in a different season of business.

In this uplifting episode, I’m walking you through the 4 natural seasons your handmade business cycles through - winter, spring, summer and autumn - and exactly how to thrive in each one without forcing yourself to keep pushing all year round. You’ll learn:

🌱 What each business season feels like (and how to tell which one you’re in)

🔥 Why forcing ‘summer energy’ 24/7 leads to burnout

🧘 How to support your energy and stay aligned, no matter what phase you’re in

🧺 Real-life examples of how I simplify, reset, launch, and grow throughout the year

PLUS: I’m sharing a fun mindset reframe that’ll help you let go of the guilt when things slow down, because it’s not failure, it’s preparation. 💛

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Welcome to Day 5, the final episode in this affirmation series! Today, we’re focusing on abundance and repeatable success because thriving in your handmade business isn’t just a lucky break, it’s the result of aligned action, consistency, and belief in your own power.

These affirmations will help you step into the role of CEO with confidence, embrace systems that work for you, and welcome growth with ease (and joy!). Whether you listen once or on repeat all week, let this episode remind you that success is already in motion and you are ready to receive it.

Take a deep breath, let the words sink in, and get ready to soar to new heights. You’ve got this!

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Welcome to Day 4 of our affirmation series! Today we’re diving into visibility... showing up, shining bright, and calling in your dream customers with confidence and authenticity. These affirmations will help you shake off self-doubt, embrace your unique voice, and remind you that every post, story, and conversation is planting seeds of connection and impact.

Whether you listen on repeat for a week or weave it into your challenge journey, let this audio help you feel more open, seen, and magnetic in your marketing. Your people are out there and they’re ready for you. Let’s take a deep breath, release the tension, and step into the spotlight together.

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.

Welcome to Day 3 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, created to help you stay focused, inspired ✨, and energised as you move through the Sellathon.

Today, we’re leaning into ease, authenticity, and creating a shop experience that feels as good to run as it does to buy from. These affirmations will help you release pressure, build genuine connections, and trust that your creativity and care naturally attract the right customers.

Whether you’re tidying your workspace, packing orders, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, let these words remind you: you don’t have to chase or force success - you’re here to invite it in. Selling can feel joyful, aligned, and true to who you are. Let’s take a deep breath and step into that calm, magnetic energy together.

Insta CTA

🚨 The Listathon is back 🚨

If you’ve made somewhere between zero and twenty sales on Etsy… or you’ve made sales but they feel completely random and you have no idea why they happened…

I need you to listen for a second.

Because I’m about to run something I only do a couple of times a year.

It’s called Listathon.

And it’s a completely free, live challenge starting 16th March where I’m going to walk you through fixing the foundations of your listings properly.

Not “add more products.”

Not “post more on Instagram.”

Not “work harder.”

We fix what’s already sitting in your shop.

The titles.

The photos.

The structure.

The bits that quietly decide whether someone buys… or clicks away.

If you’re tired of refreshing your dashboard and hoping something changes… this is the moment you stop hoping and start fixing.

It’s live.

It’s free.

And it’s for the handmade business owner who knows their products are good… but their shop isn’t pulling its weight yet.

Spots are open now.

Go to handmadebosses.com/listathonweek and get yourself signed up.