Crickets to Cha-Chings Episode 199: Your First $1K Month on Etsy (+ Our New ‘Hidden Gems’ Segment)
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Julie Brenninger and Cody Berman
Author: Gold City Ventures
Description: "Crickets to Cha-Chings" is a podcast tailored for handmade and digital entrepreneurs striving to elevate their Etsy shops and expand their businesses. Topics include marketing strategies, traffic generation, differentiation on Etsy, and balancing online business operations with family life.
Introduction
In Episode 199 of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Julie Brenninger welcomes a special co-host, Cody Berman, co-founder of Gold City Ventures. The episode focuses on achieving the first $1,000 month on Etsy and introduces a new segment called “Hidden Gems.”
Notable Quote: Julie Brenninger [00:00]: "Hello and welcome to the Crickets to Cha Ching's podcast... I have a special co-host with me today. Welcome, Cody."
Cody’s Etsy Success Story
Cody shares his personal journey of launching a new Etsy shop in 2024 to test the effectiveness of the strategies taught by Gold City Ventures. Despite Etsy's saturation, Cody aimed to achieve $1,000 in monthly revenue and succeeded within 116 days, eventually reaching $10,000 in total sales.
Key Points:
- Initial Success: Achieved $1,000/month in 116 days.
- Growth: Shop continued to grow, reaching $10,000 in total sales.
- Effort: Managed alongside other businesses, dedicating 5-10 hours weekly.
Notable Quote: Cody Berman [01:20]: "I wanted to see how well I could do operating in a silo... I hit my $1,000 per month goal."
Digital Products vs. Physical Products
The discussion highlights the significant advantage of digital products over physical ones due to higher profit margins. Cody explains that digital products often have over 90% margins, allowing creators to retain most of the revenue.
Key Points:
- High Margins: Digital products yield higher profits.
- Low Costs: Minimal production costs using tools like Canva.
- Revenue Comparison: $10,000 in digital products translates to more profit compared to physical goods.
Notable Quote: Cody Berman [04:04]: "In digital products, even $10,000 can mostly be profit because the margins are so high."
Scaling Your Etsy Shop with the Template Method
Cody elaborates on his successful strategy of creating multiple variations of a single template to scale his product offerings efficiently. By using a base template and creating numerous versions, he maintains a robust product catalog with minimal additional effort.
Key Points:
- Template Method: Create multiple variations from a single base template.
- Efficiency: Save time by modifying existing designs rather than starting from scratch.
- Keyword Research: Identify niches with low competition to maximize sales potential.
Notable Quote: Cody Berman [05:25]: "I have just under 500 items listed in that shop... I create numerous variations based on a single base template."
Optimizing Your Listings: Images and Aspect Ratios
A critical aspect of Cody’s success is the optimization of listing images. He emphasizes the importance of high-quality main listing images that attract buyers and ensure they are visually appealing across different display formats.
Key Points:
- Main Listing Image: Serves as the gatekeeper to sales; must be compelling.
- Consistency: Ensure images look good in both horizontal and square formats.
- Attention to Detail: Use tools like Canva’s rulers and guides to maintain visual integrity.
Notable Quote: Cody Berman [12:12]: "The main listing image is the gatekeeper to sales. If it doesn't pop, buyers won't click in."
New Resource: “Your First $1K Month on Etsy” eBook
Cody introduces his new eBook, “Your First $1K Month on Etsy”, a 17-page guide designed to help new sellers achieve their initial revenue milestone without relying on social media or an existing audience.
Key Points:
- Content: Covers keyword research, SEO strategies, and product diversification.
- Practical Tips: Provides actionable steps and real-life examples from Cody’s experience.
- Availability: Can be downloaded from GoldCityVentures.com.
Notable Quote: Cody Berman [15:21]: "This ebook will help people get over that hump... it's just gonna be further cement that this stuff works."
Big Announcement: New Show Format “Hidden Gems”
Julie and Cody announce the launch of a new show format titled “Hidden Gems”, aimed at uncovering insights from some of the most successful Etsy entrepreneurs, influencers, and trendsetters. This segment promises to deliver actionable tips and trend ideas in a concise and engaging manner.
Key Points:
- Focus: Interviews with top Etsy influencers and trend experts.
- Format: Tactical and actionable content, avoiding lengthy backstories.
- Feedback Solicitation: Encourages listeners to suggest guests and provide feedback.
Notable Quote: Cody Berman [17:24]: "We want this format to be as actionable and tactical for you as possible."
Hidden Gem Segment: Wall Art Selling Tips and Aesthetic Trends
In the new hidden gem segment, Julie shares her recent experience purchasing wall art for their new beach house Airbnb. She provides practical tips for Etsy sellers in the wall art niche, focusing on enhancing the customer experience and optimizing pricing strategies. Additionally, she discusses current aesthetic trends that are popular in the market.
Key Points:
- Organized Downloads: Importance of labeling files and providing clear instructions.
- Printing Recommendations: Suggests reliable printing services like Printful Love.
- Pricing Strategy: Advises against underpricing digital wall art, recommending higher price points to reflect value.
- Aesthetic Trends: Highlights trends such as “Coastal Grandmother,” “Italian Summer,” and “Strawberries.”
Notable Quotes: Julie Brenninger [21:05]: "You do have to make sure that when it’s printed... it should make sense visually."
Cody Berman [25:10]: "This is so foreign to me... but hey, I'm an Etsy seller. It works."
Conclusion
Julie and Cody conclude the episode by reiterating the introduction of the “Hidden Gems” segment and encouraging listeners to subscribe for future episodes filled with expert advice and actionable strategies. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in growing an Etsy business.
Notable Quote: Julie Brenninger [31:09]: "We all need our time back. We're all very busy. So excited to introduce that format."
Episode 199 of Crickets to Cha-Chings provides a comprehensive guide for Etsy sellers aiming to achieve their first $1K month. Through Cody’s personal success story, practical scaling strategies, and the introduction of valuable resources and new content segments, listeners gain actionable insights to elevate their Etsy businesses.