With millions of active buyers and sellers, standing out on Etsy is more challenging than ever in 2024. But with some strategic optimizations and creative thinking, you can rise above the competition and attract more buyers to your unique handmade or vintage items. Here are 7 proven tips to help your Etsy shop this 2024.
1. Optimize for Search with Relevant Keywords
Using relevant keywords is one of the most important things you can do to increase visibility and sales on Etsy. Buyers use Etsy’s search bar to find very specific items, so identifying and incorporating the right keywords is crucial.
Use tools like Etsy search, Google Trends, or paid tools to research popular search terms that potential customers use related to your products. Weave those keywords naturally into your listing titles, tags, descriptions, and even your shop’s policies and about section. This will help ensure your items appear higher in Etsy’s search results when buyers look for those terms.
2. Take Stunning Product Photos
In Etsy’s visual-first experience, captivating photos are absolutely essential for drawing clicks and sales. Invest time and effort into taking professional-quality product shots that showcase your items at their best.
Use a simple backdrop like a white paper sweep or plain colored walls. Obtain bright, even lighting by using natural window light, professional photography lights, or cheap work lights and foam boards. Take photos from multiple angles, including detail shots, lifestyle shots with models, and flat lay styling to give buyers a comprehensive look at your items.
Edit photos to optimize brightness, white balance, cropping, and more. Consider using affordable photo editing software and presets. If photography isn’t your strong suit, it may be worthwhile to hire a local product photographer to ensure your listings really pop. Stunning visuals make all the difference.
3. Offer Exceptional Customer Service
Word of mouth and customer reviews are extremely influential on Etsy. Buyers will flock to shops that are known for delighting customers.
Be sure to respond promptly (within 24 hours) to any questions about products, shipping, or order status. Ship orders quickly, using a trackable, reliable method. Consider offering free shipping over a certain price threshold as an incentive. Go above and beyond by including personalized shipping materials like branded boxes or poly mailers, handwritten thank you notes, free samples, etc.
After a purchase, follow up with customers to make sure they are satisfied. Encourage them to leave a positive review if they had a great experience. Address any negative feedback promptly and professionally. Building a reputation for outstanding service will lead to glowing reviews that build trust and attract new buyers.
4. Get Social
A strong social media presence is a must for standing out in 2024’s crowded online marketplace. Certain platforms are better suited than others for promoting an Etsy shop.
Pinterest is a powerful visual discovery engine that drives massive traffic to many Etsy sellers. Create tall, beautiful pinnable product images with text overlays that are SEO optimized. Set up a Pinterest business account to access analytics. Join group boards in your niche to cross-promote.
Instagram is another highly visual platform that works well for Etsy sellers. Share your latest product launches, your creative process behind the scenes, inspirational flat lay shots, and posts that give insight into your unique brand personality. Use relevant hashtags and engage your followers by asking questions to boost visibility.
Facebook and TikTok can work as well, depending on your products and target customer. The key is to research where your audience is active, focus on 1-2 platforms, and post consistently.
5. Start a Blog
Not only does consistent blogging improve your SEO and searchability, but it’s a powerful way to connect with customers on a deeper level and build a loyal following
Use your blog to share your brand story and mission that differentiates you. Give DIY tips related to your products’ uses or materials. Feature inspirational customer photos showcasing how they use items from your shop. Provide valuable education through tutorials, tool recommendations, artist profiles, and advice posts.
An actively updated blog with engaging, shareable content builds trust and allows customers to get to know you better as an artist or curator. This personal connection results in increased engagement, shares on social, and ultimately more sales from your Etsy shop.
6. Collaborate for Growth
Partnering up with other sellers or influencers who share your aesthetic and target customer can be an excellent way to reach a broader audience.
Identify complementary Etsy shops that sell different items your customer would love. Reach out to propose a collaboration through things like:
- Joint promotions like bundled item discounts
- Giveaways where each of your audiences can enter to win a prize
- Guest blog posts or social media swaps to introduce each other to new customers
- Creating a themed product bundle that customers can purchase as a set
You can also partner with popular bloggers, micro-influencers, or YouTubers in your niche to collaborate on promotions, sponsorships, or product features. Leveraging audiences that complement yours expands your brand’s reach.
7. Create Product Bundles and Offer Sales
Making purchasing decisions easy and giving customers added incentives to buy from you are smart strategies to stand out.
Consider creating bundled collections of your best-selling or most complementary products. Perhaps a knitted scarf and hat set, or a packaged trio of hand-poured soy candles in coordinating scents. Bundle them at a discounted price compared to buying separately. This provides extra value and convenience.
Also deploy strategic seasonal sales, discounts, or free shipping promotions. Perhaps a recurring “buy 3 get 1 free” deal, or a 20% off sale to celebrate your shop’s anniversary. Occasional limited-time promotions create a sense of urgency and give customers that extra nudge to purchase from your shop over others.
Final Words
By implementing these 7 tips consistently over time, your Etsy shop will gain more exposure, stand out from the millions of other sellers, and attract more buyers in 2024 and beyond. The key is to keep optimizing, get creative, and focus on providing an excellent customer experience.
