A Beginners Guide on How to Sell on Etsy

Etsy is a well-known online marketplace specializing in handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items. It's an ideal platform for businesses operating within this niche, as it offers access to a large global customer base of over 95 million individuals. Whether you're an artist, artisan, or collector, Etsy presents a fantastic opportunity to exhibit and sell your products.

This guide will walk you through the process of starting to sell on Etsy in six simple steps. Additionally, we'll provide insights into effectively managing your Etsy store for success and address frequently asked questions.

Note: Streamline your product sales across various popular online marketplaces, including Instagram, Amazon, Google, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart, using our integrated multi-channel listing tool.

1. Create your brand

Before diving into Etsy, invest some time in crafting a compelling brand. This includes designing your shop's name, creating a distinctive logo, and defining your brand's personality. A strong brand identity will differentiate you from competitors and leave a memorable impact on potential customers.

Choose a name that embodies your business and its offerings while evoking the desired emotions you want customers to associate with your brand. Opt for a name that is distinctive, memorable, and easy for customers to find in searches. Consider the unique aspects of your Etsy store—whether it's handcrafted, organic, or vintage—and try to incorporate that into your name.

Before settling on a name, conduct thorough searches on Etsy and Google to ensure it's not already in use by others. This prevents confusion among customers. However, avoid selecting a name that is too generic, as it may struggle to stand out in search results.

2. Create your Etsy account

Once you've established your brand, it's time to create your Etsy account and initiate the setup process for your Etsy storefront.

Setting up your account:

To start selling on Etsy, the first step is to set up an account. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for the initial setup, although you can easily manage existing stores using Etsy's mobile app later on.

Visit Etsy.com and sign in to your existing account if you've made purchases from Etsy before. Alternatively, if you're new to Etsy, create a new account.

If creating a new account, provide basic details such as your email address, choose a password for your account, and complete the email verification process.

Fill out your Etsy profile

After creating your account, you can customize your personal profile to provide shoppers with more information about you and the materials you utilize in your products.

To update your profile:

Click on the user icon located in the top right corner of the page.

Select "View your profile".

Click on "Edit public profile" on the next page.

Here, you can:

Add a profile picture.

Specify your location.

Share a brief description about yourself.

If you create handmade materials, consider updating the "Favorite Materials" section to showcase the materials used in your creations.

3. Open and name your Etsy storefront

Now, you're prepared to establish your Etsy store. Simply click on the user icon located in the top right corner of the screen, then select "Sell with Etsy" to initiate the process of setting up your Etsy storefront.

4. Create your listings

Now, it's time to craft your inaugural Etsy product listing. This step involves filling in a substantial amount of information. Remember, you don't have to complete every field at this moment— the product you're creating won't be immediately available for purchase until you officially launch your shop. Add as much information as you can at this stage, and you can always return later to fill in any missing details.

Take high-quality product photos

Photos serve as the initial impression of your products for potential customers visiting your shop. Most visitors tend to browse product images before delving into product descriptions.

For optimal results, capture pictures in natural light against a clean backdrop, and ensure you capture multiple angles of your product. It's beneficial to showcase your product in use to help customers visualize how it fits into their lives—consider displaying clothing or jewelry on a model or artwork framed on a wall. Highlight any unique features that distinguish your product from similar options in the market.

While photos taken with a smartphone camera may suffice with adequate lighting and patience, you might consider investing in lens attachments to enhance photo quality or enlist the help of a professional to touch up your photos. As your store expands and your budget allows, you can enhance your product photos by hiring a photographer to capture professional images of your products.

5. Payment and billing information

Before launching your Etsy shop, it's essential to configure your payment and billing information to ensure you receive payment for your products and cover Etsy's fees.

Choose your payment method:

To receive payouts from Etsy, indicate whether you're selling as an individual or as part of an incorporated business. You'll need to provide your address and enter your bank account details.

For offering customers versatile payment options, consider utilizing Etsy Payments. This platform enables shoppers to make purchases in their local currency using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, digital wallets like Apple Pay, and other common payment methods.

6. Launch your shop

You're all set to officially launch your Etsy shop! Before making your shop public, ensure all your product listings are updated to prevent any issues, confusion, or missed sales. Customers will be able to make purchases as soon as you go live, so it's important to be prepared to process orders promptly.

If everything is in order, navigate to your account and click "Open Your Shop." However, remember that launching your shop is just the beginning. Don't forget to create excitement for your new storefront on social media and other marketing channels to help potential customers discover your shop!