Key highlights
- Etsy is the perfect platform for creative entrepreneurs to showcase unique products to a global audience.
- Start by registering your account on Etsy and personalizing it to help your buyers know about you and your business.
- Choose the right products, craft compelling listings and optimize your shop for better visibility and sales.
- Promote your shop using Etsy ads, social media and influencer collaborations to boost visibility and sell more effectively.
- Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution can simplify website creation, multichannel selling and store management.
Introduction
Wondering how to sell on Etsy? The good news is that it’s easier than you think. With the right steps and a clear plan, you can turn your creative passion into a successful online business.
The beauty of Etsy lies in its simplicity. It has a vibrant community of creators, offering everything from handmade goods to craft supplies for DIY enthusiasts. So, everyone can show their skills to the world.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the step by step process on how to sell on Etsy. We’ll also explore how you can expand your online business beyond Etsy using Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution. It offers advanced plugins and tools that let you establish, sell and grow your business.
Why you should consider selling on Etsy
Before moving towards setting up your Etsy shop, let’s explore why you should sell on Etsy. Here are a few compelling reasons:
Global reach:
Etsy is a creative marketplace where millions of shoppers spend billions each year by purchasing directly from creative entrepreneurs. It also allows you to connect with millions of shoppers who are specifically looking for unique, handmade goods, vintage items and craft supplies.
Low startup costs:
Selling on Etsy comes with minimal upfront costs, making it accessible for entrepreneurs with limited budgets. There are no setup fees for opening your Etsy account; you only pay when you list products or make a sale. Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, a 6.5% transaction fee on each sale and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee in the U.S. (fees may vary by country). Despite these costs, Etsy remains an affordable platform compared to building a website from scratch.
Built-in traffic:
One of the major perks is access to a large, engaged audience that is actively searching for products. Buyers are already browsing, and you don’t have to spend hours driving traffic to your Etsy shop. Thanks to its built-in search engine and keyword optimization, your items are more likely to be discovered without needing extensive traffic-driving efforts.
Ease of use:
Creating an Etsy store is simple and user-friendly. Whether you’re creating handmade goods, selling vintage items or offering craft supplies, Etsy makes it easy to manage your business. You can set up your shop with just a few clicks, upload products and start selling on Etsy without any technical knowledge.
Support for digital products:
This marketplace isn’t just for physical goods. Digital creators can expand their income streams by offering products like printables, eBooks, art prints and more. If you’re considering this avenue, learn more about selling digital products to explore how you can effectively showcase and monetize your creative work.
Step by step guide on how to sell on Etsy successfully
Mastering how to sell on Etsy starts with understanding the basics and following a structured plan. Whether you’re a first-time seller or looking to improve your shop’s performance, this guide will walk you through each essential step to help you set up a thriving online store.
1. Creating your Etsy account
Getting started with selling on Etsy begins with creating your account. Here’s how you can do it step by step:
- Go to Etsy website: Head to Etsy’s homepage and click on the “Sign In” button placed in the top-right corner.
- Enter your details: Fill in your basic information, including your name, email address and password.
- Verify your email: Etsy will send you a confirmation email. Go through your email inbox and click the link to confirm your account.
- Personalize your account: Add a profile picture and a brief bio to let buyers know a little about you and your business.
Once your account is set up, you’re ready to move on to setting up your Etsy shop.
2. Setting up your Etsy shop
Setting up your Etsy shop is simple, and each step is crucial in building your online presence. Here’s how you can get started:
- Choose your shop location and currency
First, choose your shop location and currency. This helps Etsy determine the shipping options and correctly calculate the payment processing fees. It also helps buyers to recognize and know where you are based.
- Choose your shop name
Your shop name is a reflection of your brand. Make it unique, memorable and easy to search for. Be sure to include keywords related to the products you sell in your shop name. Remember, your shop name can’t be changed once you’ve set it, so choose wisely.
- Upload a shop banner and profile picture
A professional shop banner and profile picture give your Etsy store a polished, trustworthy appearance. Etsy recommends uploading high-quality images—this will make your shop stand out. Think of it as your brand’s first impression.
- Fill out shop policies
Be transparent with your customers by outlining your shop policies. This should include details on shipping, returns, exchanges and any other important information buyers need. For instance, if you’re selling vintage items, be sure to mention the condition and any flaws in your product descriptions.
3. Setting up payment methods
To begin accepting payments on Etsy, you need to set up Etsy Payments:
- Connect your payment methods
Etsy supports various payment methods such as credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal and Etsy gift cards. You’ll need to link your bank account to Etsy to receive payments via automatic deposits. Etsy Payments is the easiest and most secure way to accept payments from buyers.
- Payment processing fees
Etsy charges a 3% payment processing fee per transaction, depending on the country. Be sure to factor in these fees when pricing your products. It also charges an offsite ad fee for products that are sold through its promoted listings.
4. Choosing what to sell on Etsy
Before you open your Etsy store, it’s important to choose the right products. Here’s how to decide what to sell:
- Research popular categories
Research popular categories such as craft supplies, handmade jewelry, vintage items and home decor. Etsy has a growing demand for unique and creative items and being in a popular category can help your products get noticed.
- Consider your niche
Your niche is what sets your shop apart. If you’re passionate about vintage goods, for instance, a vintage shop could make a strong impression. Whether you’re selling handmade goods or vintage items, make sure you’re tapping into a market that’s eager to purchase from creative entrepreneurs like you.
5. Creating your product listings
Creating effective product listings is essential to selling on Etsy. Here’s what you need to do:
- Title and keywords
Use clear and descriptive titles with relevant keywords for Etsy search. Include details such as material, size and unique selling points. For example, “Handmade Silver Earrings – Customizable Gift for Women” helps customers understand what they’re buying and is optimized for Etsy’s search algorithm.
- High-quality photos
High-quality photos are essential to catching the buyer’s eye. Etsy shoppers want to see exactly what they’re purchasing, so make sure to include several photos from different angles. Good photography is key to getting your products noticed.
- Description and pricing
Provide a thorough description of your goods and set competitive pricing. Make sure your descriptions of the item’s size, material and any custom options are clear. Be transparent about the shipping price and any other fees. Etsy has tools that help calculate the shipping price for you.
6. Optimizing your Etsy shop
You need to optimize your shop to stand out among millions of Etsy shops. This includes improving your store appearance, providing excellent customer service and utilizing Etsy’s tools for visibility. Here are a few strategies to help:
- Shop banner & branding: Ensure your shop’s banner, logo and overall branding align with the style of your products. A professional, well-thought-out design makes your shop appear more credible.
- SEO: Implement Etsy SEO best practices by using the right keywords in your product listings, shop titles and shop sections. This increases the chances that your shop will appear in Etsy search results when potential buyers search for items related to your products.
- Customer service: Positive reviews are essential on Etsy. Deliver excellent customer service and encourage buyers to leave feedback. The more 5-star reviews you have, the more trust you’ll gain from future customers.
7. Promoting your Etsy shop
Now that you’ve created your Etsy store and listed your products, it’s time to get the word out. Here’s how to promote your shop:
- Etsy ads
Etsy Ads allow you to pay for promoted listings, which will appear in Etsy search. To increase visibility, you can target particular keywords. Etsy ads help drive more traffic to your products and increase the chances of making a sale.
- Social media marketing
Promote your products on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Use targeted ads to attract specific shoppers and get noticed by the right audience. Instagram and Pinterest are visual platforms that work particularly well for Etsy sellers.
- Influencer collaborations
Partnering with influencers in your niche can help get your products in front of millions of shoppers. Influencers with a strong following in your product category can help boost your Etsy business.
8. Managing your Etsy shop
Once your Etsy shop is up and running, managing it efficiently becomes key to your success. Managing an Etsy shop is not just about listing products; it’s about staying organized, keeping track of inventory and maintaining customer satisfaction. Here are some key tasks to consider when managing your Etsy shop:
- Stay on top of orders: Fulfill orders quickly and efficiently to maintain positive reviews and buyer trust. Track stock levels and reorder items when needed to avoid disappointing customers.
- Customer service: Respond to customer inquiries promptly, handle complaints professionally and maintain good communication. Etsy buyers value personal, attentive service, which can lead to repeat customers.
- Inventory management: Etsy provides tools for monitoring stock. For handmade sellers, keeping a system in place for creating and replenishing their products is crucial.
- Shipping and tracking: Update your order status and provide tracking information. Etsy also lets you print shipping labels directly from the platform, saving you time.
- Shop updates: Regularly update your shop’s policies, listings and seasonal promotions. This will keep your shop fresh and improve your visibility on Etsy.
The key to long-term success on Etsy is consistency in your shop management. Regularly check your shop’s performance, keep track of inventory and maintain excellent communication with your customers.
How much does it cost to sell on Etsy?
Selling on Etsy involves various costs and understanding them upfront is key to effectively managing your business finances. Here’s a breakdown of all the potential expenses you might face while setting up and operating your Etsy store:
Expense | Cost | Details |
Listing fee | $0.20 per item | This fee applies for each product listed and remains active for four months or until the item sells. |
Transaction fee | 6.5% of the total sale price | This percentage is calculated based on the product price, shipping cost and any additional service fees. |
Payment processing fee | Varies by country | In the U.S., it’s 3% + $0.25 per transaction. International rates differ (e.g., 4% + €0.30 in the EU). |
Shipping fees | Variable | If using Etsy shipping labels, costs depend on package weight, size and destination. |
Optional Etsy ads | Customizable (based on daily budget) | Promoted listings appear in Etsy search results to increase visibility. Fees depend on ad performance. |
Offsite ads | 12%–15% of the sale price | This fee applies if your item sells through Etsy’s offsite ads program. Sellers with annual sales >$10,000 pay 12%. |
Key considerations
- Renewal costs: If your item doesn’t sell within four months, you’ll need to renew the listing for another $0.20.
- Scaling costs: As your sales volume grows, fees related to ads, transaction rates and shipping will scale proportionally.
- Fee visibility: Etsy provides an intuitive dashboard where you can track all your incurred expenses in real time, including Etsy fees like listing and transaction charges.
Expand your business with an online store
Running a successful Etsy shop is an amazing start for creative entrepreneurs. But as your business grows, having an online store can offer additional flexibility, control and opportunities to connect with customers. An online store not only complements your Etsy shop but also serves as a hub for your brand, allowing you to expand your reach and offer a more personalized shopping experience.
Creating a website to complement your Etsy shop
WordPress is an ideal platform for creating a website. Known for its flexibility and extensive customization options, WordPress enables you to create a website tailored to your specific business needs.
To bring your WordPress website to life, you’ll need a reliable hosting provider. This is where Bluehost comes in. Recommended by WordPress.org, Bluehost offers hosting plans that are easy to use and packed with features like one-click WordPress installation, a user-friendly dashboard and tools to help you manage your website effortlessly.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your Etsy shop, Bluehost WooCommerce hosting plans provide the perfect foundation for your online store. Alternatively, you can consider Cloud hosting plans for enhanced performance and scalability. It also stores your data across multiple servers, which minimizes downtime and ensures reliability.
Customize your storefront and brand identity
Customizing your online store to reflect your brand identity is key to standing out in a crowded marketplace. With the Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution, you can create a unique storefront that aligns with your style and resonates with your audience. This solution also gives you access to powerful tools specifically designed for online selling.
Features of Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution
- WonderBlocks: This intuitive page builder lets you design a stunning storefront without any technical skills. Drag-and-drop features make customization easy, whether you want a minimalist design or a vibrant, creative layout.
- SEO tools: Optimize your product pages for search engines with the Yoast SEO plugin. It helps your products rank higher and attract more customers.
- Secure payments: Accept payments through the best WooCommerce payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe for your online store, ensuring a smooth checkout experience for your customers.
- Gift cards and promotions: Offer gift cards and run promotions to attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases.
- Product bundles and add-ons: Create custom bundles or add-on options for products to enhance the shopping experience.
- Email marketing: Use the integrated email marketing features such as, CreativeMail, to engage with your customers. Send newsletters, promotional offers and product updates directly to their inbox to drive repeat business and strengthen customer relationships.
- Store locator: Enable customers to find your physical store locations with ease. This feature is perfect for businesses with both an online and offline presence, helping you connect your digital storefront with in-person services.
These features not only simplify website management but also help you establish a professional and engaging online presence.
Multichannel selling with Ecomdash
Managing sales across different platforms can be challenging, especially as your business grows. The Ecomdash feature within Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution simplifies this process by enabling multichannel selling. The tool seamlessly syncs your Etsy shop with your website. So, the inventories, orders and customer data are centralized in one easy-to-manage dashboard.
This integration ensures that your inventory stays updated across platforms, reducing the risk of overselling or manual errors. It also gives you the flexibility to offer your customers multiple ways to shop while keeping your operations organized.
Final thoughts
Selling on Etsy offers an exciting opportunity for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their unique products and reach a global audience. With its low startup costs, built-in customer base and user-friendly tools, Etsy simplifies the process of starting and growing an online store. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the steps to set up your shop, optimize your listings, manage fees and promote your brand effectively.
Remember, success on Etsy requires consistency, creativity and adaptability. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to scale your business, staying committed to delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service will set you apart.
As your business grows, consider complementing your Etsy shop with a dedicated online store. Bluehost WordPress hosting provides the tools and flexibility to expand your brand, engage more customers and explore new revenue opportunities. Whether you’re selling handmade goods, vintage items or digital products, the combination of Etsy and a personalized website can help you build a thriving eCommerce business.
Now that you’ve learned how to sell on Etsy, it’s time to take the first step toward turning your passion into profit!
FAQs
First, create an account, set up a shop, list your products and promote them through social media or Etsy Ads.
Yes, Bluehost can help you set up a professional website where you can integrate your Etsy listings, build your brand and drive more traffic to your shop.
Etsy Plus is a subscription service that offers enhanced shop customization, 15 monthly listing credits, $5 in ad credits, restock alerts and discounts on custom domains and shipping materials. If you’re looking to scale your business, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Etsy Ads help boost product visibility in search results. You can set a daily budget and target specific keywords to reach a larger audience.
Etsy allows you to purchase discounted shipping labels directly through the platform. You can also set your own shipping rates or offer free shipping to attract buyers.
Yes, personalized and custom-made products are highly popular on Etsy. Be sure to add customization options to your listings to attract buyers.