So, you’ve opened your Etsy shop, set up your listings, and waited for the sales to roll in. But here’s the thing: getting those first 100 sales can feel like an uphill climb, especially when you’re just starting out. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Every Etsy seller faces this challenge in the beginning, but with the right strategies in place, you can turn those “favorites” and “views” into actual sales.
In this post, I’m sharing the top tips and strategies to help you land those all-important first 100 sales on Etsy. Let’s get you on the path to success!
1. Optimize Your Listings with Keywords (So Shoppers Can Find You)
If shoppers can’t find your products, they can’t buy them. One of the biggest mistakes new Etsy sellers make is not optimizing their product listings with the right keywords. Etsy is a search-driven platform, so your goal is to make sure your products show up when potential buyers are searching for items like yours.
Hack: Use tools like Marmalead or EtsyRank to find popular keywords related to your product. Once you have a list of keywords, sprinkle them into your titles, descriptions, and tags in a natural way. The more relevant your keywords are, the more likely your product will appear in search results.
Example: If you’re selling printable planners, use keywords like “printable daily planner,” “digital planner,” or “minimalist planner” in your title and tags.
Pro tip: Always use all 13 tags that Etsy allows to maximize your visibility in search results.
2. Nail Your Product Photos (They’re Your First Impression)
Let’s be honest—photos are everything on Etsy. When buyers are scrolling through hundreds of listings, your photos need to stand out and grab their attention. You don’t need a fancy camera to take great product photos, but they do need to be clear, bright, and professional.
Hack: Use natural light to make your products look their best. Avoid dark, blurry, or cluttered backgrounds, and show your product from different angles. For digital products, include lifestyle mock-ups so buyers can visualize how they’ll use your item.
Bonus tip: Use Canva to add text overlays to your photos that highlight key features, like “instant download” or “editable template.” This can help your products stand out even more.
3. Price Your Products Competitively (But Don’t Undersell Yourself)
Pricing can be tricky, especially when you’re starting out. While you want to be competitive, you also need to make sure you’re covering your costs and making a profit. The key is to price your products fairly based on the value they provide, without undercutting yourself or your competitors.
Hack: Research similar products on Etsy to see what others are charging. If your product offers more value (like bundles or customizations), feel free to price it higher. If you’re selling digital products, remember that they can be sold over and over again, so pricing should reflect the time it took to create them.
Bonus tip: Offer discounts or bundle deals for your first few sales to build momentum and attract new customers.
4. Get Reviews Early On (They Build Trust)
Social proof is HUGE on Etsy. Buyers are much more likely to purchase from shops that have positive reviews, so getting those first few reviews is critical. Etsy sellers who have reviews tend to see a higher conversion rate, so make it a priority to encourage customers to leave feedback.
Hack: After each sale, send a polite, personalized message thanking the customer and asking them to leave a review if they’re happy with their purchase. Don’t be afraid to follow up a few days later to remind them!
Pro tip: You can also offer a small incentive, like a coupon code for their next purchase, as a thank-you for leaving a review. This not only helps build reviews but also encourages repeat business.
5. Leverage Social Media to Drive Traffic to Your Shop
While Etsy’s search algorithm is powerful, you can’t rely on it alone to get traffic to your shop—especially when you’re just starting out. This is where social media comes in! Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for promoting your products and driving traffic to your Etsy shop.
Hack: Create eye-catching posts and stories on Instagram that showcase your products in real-life settings. Use hashtags relevant to your niche to reach a broader audience. On Pinterest, create pins for each of your products and link them directly to your Etsy listings.
Bonus tip: You don’t need a huge following to make an impact. Consistent posting and engaging with your audience will help grow your social media presence and bring in more traffic.
6. Offer Outstanding Customer Service
Customer service can make or break your Etsy business, especially in the beginning. Providing a positive buying experience encourages customers to leave good reviews, recommend your shop to others, and come back for repeat purchases.
Hack: Respond quickly to any messages or inquiries from potential buyers. Make sure your product descriptions are clear to avoid confusion and include all the information your customers might need. If there are any issues with an order, handle them professionally and offer solutions (such as refunds or replacements) to keep your customers happy.
Bonus tip: Add a personal touch by including a thank-you note or small freebie with every order. This helps build a connection with your customers and leaves a lasting impression.
7. Run a Limited-Time Promotion
Everyone loves a good deal, and running a limited-time promotion is a great way to boost your sales and create urgency. Promotions can attract new buyers, bring back repeat customers, and get your shop some extra visibility.
Hack: Offer a discount on your products for a limited time, like 10–20% off for the first week after a new product launch. Use social media and your Etsy shop announcement to let people know about the sale and encourage them to take advantage of it before it ends.
Bonus tip: Use Etsy’s built-in “Sale” feature to automatically apply discounts and show a countdown timer, which creates a sense of urgency and encourages buyers to act quickly.
8. Offer Free Shipping or Instant Downloads (When Possible)
If you’re selling physical products, offering free shipping can make your listings more attractive to buyers. Many customers are more likely to purchase from a shop that offers free shipping, even if the product price is slightly higher to cover the cost.
For digital products, make sure you highlight that your items are instant downloads. Buyers love the convenience of being able to access their purchase immediately.
Hack: If offering free shipping isn’t feasible for every item, try offering it for orders over a certain amount to encourage larger purchases.
9. Join Etsy Teams and Connect with Other Sellers
Etsy has a great community of sellers who are eager to help each other succeed. Joining Etsy Teams is a fantastic way to connect with other sellers, learn new tips, and get feedback on your shop.
Hack: Look for teams that align with your niche or goals. You can ask for advice, share your experiences, and even collaborate with other sellers for promotions or giveaways.
Bonus tip: Networking with other Etsy sellers can help you stay motivated and inspired. Plus, they might even share your products with their own followers!
10. Keep Learning and Improving
Etsy is always evolving, and the most successful sellers are the ones who keep learning and adapting. Whether it’s improving your product photos, testing new keywords, or experimenting with social media, the key is to stay flexible and open to change.
Hack: Set aside time each week to analyze what’s working and what isn’t. Use Etsy’s built-in analytics to track your views, favorites, and sales, and make adjustments to your listings as needed.
Bonus tip: Join the Passive Income Society to get access to expert tips, tutorials, and a supportive community of Etsy sellers. It’s a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies to grow your shop!
Final Thoughts
Getting your first 100 sales on Etsy might feel daunting, but with the right approach, it’s totally achievable. By optimizing your listings, using social media, and providing top-notch customer service, you’ll be well on your way to reaching that milestone—and beyond!
Remember, building a successful Etsy shop takes time and patience. Celebrate each sale as it comes, learn from your experiences, and keep improving your shop.
Good luck, and here’s to your first 100 sales (and many more)! 🌟
