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Crickets to Cha-Chings
213. Etsy Printables: The Top 1% Etsy Seller "Strategy" That Beats Picking a Niche
00:21:08
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- [00:00]
A
Courtney Buteau has sold thousands of digital products on Etsy. And in today's episode, she's going to take you through the products that are selling in her shop. She talks about her top five that have made sales of all time. And she also talks about specifically some trends that she's seeing in the space with the students that she's working with. Let's go to the episode. Hey everyone, this is Julie Berninger from Gold City Ventures. I'm here with Courtney Buteau, who's one of our experts in our VIP E printables group. She's an Etsy seller who sells both digital products and print on demand. Welcome, Courtney.
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B
Thank you very much for having me.
- [00:31]
A
So I'm so excited to talk about your journey and we're going to start with your digital products business today. When did you start selling on Etsy and why did you get involved with it?
- [00:42]
B
So I started selling on etsy probably like 13 years ago, but handmade. And I know we've come across other students who feel that way when they're like, I've been selling can I keep my shop kind of thing. And I decided to keep it cause I still liked the name and phased out of the handmade ornaments I was making. I was making wood slice ornaments, hand painted. I was the only one doing it. And it started to get a little crazy during the pandemic when packages were getting lost and I had to remake things and send them out. And that wasn't fun anymore. And I just thought there's gotta be like a better use of my time. So after that I just googled, you know, creative ways to make money from home. And this course came up and I hadn't known anyone who took it. I was like, sign me up. I know how to use Canva. I can make a printable. And I learned so many valuable things about keyword research and strategies because I was just kind of guessing at the time. I was pretty successful with the ornaments, but you know, I didn't know any of the steps that went into truly making it successful. So now I'm just all digital in that store and top 1% now as of last year. So the graph has been going up and I know it was on my vision board. I said this has to happen. And it happened at the end of 25.
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A
So let's get into your shop. Do you sell in one niche or do you sell in a bunch of niches?
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B
Definitely a bunch of niches. I have a bunch of categories, probably like 10. And some of them are birthdays. Weddings. But then I also have like coupons and certificates. So those are their own things. And I love having categories because then within them they can be all kinds of different certificates. Whether I have a wedding one that has done well for years, you know, and an evergreen product like that, that's probably one of my top five. So I have things like that. But then I also have business automobile invoices that do well in the business section. So I felt like I didn't have to necessarily pick a niche. I just think I'm, I'm doing well in the gift space, like gift card holders. And you know, we, we know there are so many things you can, can do with that and it would just be hard for me to kind of put myself in a corner. It's like anything could be that, right? Bus drivers, teachers, friends, anybody. So I'm kind of happy that I didn't go one way because now I have a bunch of categories it fits into and it seems to be working. So I think that's great for anybody just starting out. So you don't have to kind of worry about that.
- [03:11]
A
I'm glad to hear that because we picked gift card holders, one of the tutorials in E printables, the course for that reason because yeah, you can just turn it into different things. But I was surprised to hear you say automobile invoice. So how did you get there?
- [03:26]
B
That was a lucky. Well, I guess not lucky, but intentional, like keyword research that people were looking for. And I've noticed like with business kind of printables, I like to offer both like a ready made fill out by pen within the listing, of course, because sometimes these people just, they, they need it right away and they don't want to fuss with customizing it and things like that. So I have learned after getting messages from people, they're maybe like, oh, can I just, can I just have it so I can print it? They don't want to do the extra steps. So that had some low competition and it's got legs. It's been a couple of years and it's still in my, my top five. So I would say that and like the wedding certificate are certainly not the same at all, but the traction is the same. So I thought that was kind of cool.
- [04:14]
A
So the idea, and obviously those two particular products have done well for you. Everyone needs to go out and go through this process of finding whatever their products are. It's not necessarily those products, it's more the process of it. And I think what I'm hearing from you is that you don't need to get caught up at the beginning of selecting a niche or finding your perfect idea. It's like every day at a time, every product at a time, you gotta just make it and list it and then see kind of what sticks. Would you say. Say that's how you went about it? It wasn't like you said, oh, I'm gonna pick this niche on day one. And you've stuck with it. Like, you've kind of went on.
- [04:47]
B
Yeah. I didn't even know what I was looking for, so to speak, because, like, I was coming out of my handmade shop where I was, had the mindset of doing what I wanted to do. Right. I was like, oh, I like these. So other people might like these. And that does work sometimes with. With your designs, but there was no intention behind it. So with this, if you're searching for, you know, editable Canva template or a printable whatever it is, once I found the keywords that were low enough where I knew maybe I would stand a chance in getting my listing out there, that was how I selected it. And, yeah, there was no. There wasn't a lot of competition. So that. That certainly has helped. And I've had one product take off with that method. It was three weeks before Valentine's Day, and I made the most off that product in a short time than I have ever with anything else. So I would also say to people, if you're asking yourself, is it too late, don't even worry about it. Like, just do it. Even if there's two days to spare, because you never know. And then you'll be set up for next year. And why not? You've already got, like, the urge to create it. So I definitely don't hold off in that sense. If I see something, I'll just. I'll just do it and get it up there.
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A
And the year goes by so fast.
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B
It does.
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A
So fast.
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B
And we'll buy things in Christmas in July. So, you know, just leave it up, right?
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A
Yes, totally, totally. And it could become something else as we were talking about. So I'm guessing you organize your shop by sections, so when you have a bunch of listings in one area, you just put it into a section. Earlier, we were talking about a method that you use that isn't talked about very much. Your. Your favorite. Snooping, I guess, is the word I'm using for it. Do you want to explain to those that are watching or listening how to do that?
- [06:27]
B
Yes. So anytime I get a notification that an Etsy shopper has favorited one of my items. You know, I can do it in the morning or at the end of the day, or I like to see what else they're favoriting besides mine, especially if it's like an occasion and they're. They're looking for things for a party or they are looking for maybe a diploma or something. And I kind of like to, you know, I guess we call it snooping, but it's public, so they're just showing you what else they like. And I like to see what else is out there because that kind of gives me a direction as into their taste and maybe the competition, it's just like a little bit of a shortcut, but necessary, I think, in something you could certainly weave into your day because you're getting the notifications anyway. So it's been helpful for me. I've found quite a few things that way.
- [07:13]
A
That's a great idea. And for those that sell, maybe in spaces such as party decor, they could see what else people are doing for themes. I'm bringing that up because when it was my daughter's first birthday, we were hosting a lucky one birthday party for her. And I was doing this as a shopper, but I was looking at these Pinterest boards that Etsy lets shoppers create where they can kind of save things that are related to a board. I've never actually done that myself from a shopping perspective, but I was looking at these other people's boards and I was getting ideas of like, oh, I could do the shamrock cupcakes with her in a leprechaun hat, or I could do these milestone cards that I put on the wall that had her at one month, her at two month, her at three month. And it. And there was a sign and everything was kind of together. It wasn't all from one seller though, but it was all the same theme. And it definitely showed me what color scheme and things that people like. And it helped me understand the theme of the part, like the lucky one theme a little better. So I was doing this as a shopper just to kind of save time. But I can imagine as a seller, this is ways that you can get information that way as well. Like, like kind of. I'm calling it snooping shopper behavior, but it's understanding related listings and what a shopper's looking for in like one setting.
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B
And it's so easy to do because they've already come to your shop, right, and proven they liked what you have. And you could just see, like, well, what else are they Looking for. Of course, I would go on E rank after to, to double check to see what I was working with for competition. But it's certainly. If you can't do anything else that day, you know, maybe you can't design or you can't list. You can at least, like you said, look at shopping habits. And Pinterest is always great for that. Cause they're just ahead of the curve there, you know.
- [08:53]
A
And I, I also love the idea that you're saying you don't have to do everything in one day. Like sometimes, realistically it will take multiple days. Not because it takes so long to do this, just life. Like, you may not have time in one, in one setting to get like a work block to kind of get it all out. But there are little steps you can do so that when you do have time at your laptop with two hands to design this thing, you can already have in your head, like, what you're going to do. I do notice myself doing that pretty much all the time now. I have like my brainstorming separate from my creation totally.
- [09:24]
B
And I feel like mothers or even busy people who have a lot of us have multiple jobs now. So it's tough. You can certainly break up your time that way where if you have a spreadsheet with your ideas, you know, then you can put all of your, your tags and title ideas in that and put it to rest and say, okay, when I'm ready to list, I'll just copy and paste and then that'll be very quick that day. So some of us work start to finish, which I do now that my four kids are in school. I'm like tunnel vision. If I'm in the mode of I've got all my tags and I've done my photos. I kind of soup to nuts, you know, do it all in one sitting. But I didn't do it that way, which is why I think it took a few years. But that's okay. So I have both methods and they both prove to work. And I say whatever you can do is great and it's certainly enough. It's better than not doing anything. Of course, you know, it still moves the needle forward.
- [10:14]
A
So we talked a little bit about your shop and what's working for you lately and how you got started. But also we brought you on as a coach somewhat recently to the VIP printables group. After seeing how well you were doing and you being a former student, it was a perfect fit. So now you're in there and you can now see from the other perspective of how lots of students are doing when they're getting started. And I'm just curious if you noticed any trends there in terms of when. When people are trying to get their first sales, like, what. What seems to be working as you're coming through, or what type of questions or problems are they running into? I'm curious, like, if you have any insights for people based on that experience from the other side of the table.
- [10:52]
B
I think that everyone's always concerned about the first one, right? And they're. They're worried and they want it to be the best one. And if I look at my old ones, I probably should pull them out of my shop, right? We're all, like, nervous and we learn as. As we grow. I would say, obviously, to just get it up there and not worry so much, you know, about the niche, like, finding is this the right one? Because we don't know. We don't know if something will take off or not. We just hope so. But I do know there's a ton of excitement in the group and everyone is so ready to learn, and it's so supportive, and I love that. I think even as a coach now, I still learn things because everyone shares the wins, but. And the challenges and, you know, your stories might be different than my stories, and I feel like it all helps each other in that regard. But I just think the biggest worry has been, like, is this, okay? Do I need to do this? And it's different for all of us. So I say just go for it. Just go for it. And we are here to support as a former student and coach, and it's just a very positive environment to be in. And I know that's why I'm. Where I am, is because of all of the things I've learned. So I encourage anyone, if you're thinking about it, you know, come, come join us.
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A
I love it.
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B
Love printables.
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A
And we say done is better than perfect.
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B
Yeah, it's so true.
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A
Because you can't make any money if you haven't listed anything on Etsy because you're worried about it not being perfect.
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B
But don't tweak it after, right? I still do that now if I want to improve a mockup photo, like, once it's up there and you.
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A
You can play around.
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B
So like you said, it's better to just get it, get it done.
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A
The funny thing is that now that you've been a coach for a little bit, people are making sales sometimes on those first products, and we. I always like, wow, that's that's amazing because I think.
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B
I know. I don't think that happened to me. I'll be honest with you. I don't. Do not think so. That's amazing.
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A
Yes. That it's always fun when that does happen. Not everyone, but when it. We celebrate it when it does.
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B
Yes, for sure.
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A
So I know you started trying Print on Demand somewhat recently as well. Can you talk a little more about what that experience has been? Now you've been handmade printables and now you're into the Print on Demand. So what, what got you into that and what have you been doing?
- [13:05]
B
So that was exactly a year and a half ago. I would say that was more fun to start because I was armed with all this knowledge. It did not take as long because I worked through all of the kinks with printable. So I am able to balance both. But I also do a lot of the same intentional habits that I have with digital products for. For that. And I kind of have the same formula in terms of like, you know, the GIFs and like event space and stuff like that. And obviously you can't use the same designs, but just I know what was working printable wise. So I try to see if it can correspond with Print on Demand, but they're both doing really well and I'm having fun with it, so it's nice to apply what I've learned to do something else.
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A
And I'm guessing you did it all in one shop or did you open a second shop for that?
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B
I opened a second shop, yeah. And you can, you can do both. I just, I don't know, I just thought the theming might be a little. A little different. And it was, it was an adjustment, you know, to switch back and forth. You get messages and you're like, wait, where am I?
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A
But I've.
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B
I've got a good groove now, so it's fun. I wish I had time for more. I mean, I'm just so happy. I still love being on Etsy, so. Yeah, it's good.
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A
Yeah, it is. It is so fun and creative. So did you go back to ornaments? I know that was your original handmade piece.
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B
No. And do you know, people still ask because I used to sell it locally too. Like some boutique shops who would sell like handmade artists and stuff. And I'd bring like three dozen at a time, but sometimes the wood would crack if it got too cold in the house. And I had to remake them. And so now I only do them for fun or for gifts. But it worked and it proved that if you have a good product, even though I was kind of guessing with my tags, people found me. So imagine how successful you could be if you do the research behind it and have something good that people want to buy. So digital is, is the best. It's, it's great to be out and make money and not have to even ship anything or worry about it. I mean just. I haven't found anything like that specifically. Definitely more work than pod.
- [15:08]
A
Yeah, yeah. Printables and digital. It's kind of unless you're doing editable. I had some editable products that were in a niche that people really needed. Like a rushed, a rush niche. Like just for example, a wedding is a little more of a high pressure niche or a funeral for example where like people really need the thing and they need it right then and it's like important. There's a lot of pressure on them doing the thing. So in those niches, sometimes an editable product can feel a little more difficult, but you can definitely charge more in that niche and when you do help someone, it's great. But I would say like doing plain printables, just not editable at all. Those are still very successful. I think a lot of people think you have to do Canva templates and you don't. We have students that are making sales, our coaches are making sales just with non editable products particularly. I know Sasha does really well in that space with just a straight up printable. Have you seen with your kind of product mix, are you doing like editable Canva templates and those are what's selling or is it like what you said before where sometimes you'll offer something, you'll give an editable version, but then you'll also give just the regular printable too.
- [16:14]
B
In my top five, I would say I have like some scavenger hunts too and I sell those. They're not editable. It's just like print them and go and some other kind of tags that are not editable and they were designed that way that are still in the top five. So it's really, I guess it's a mix and like you said, you don't always need it. Sometimes if you know if they were bingo sheets or something, someone just wants to print them out and start playing. So I think it depends on the need for it. Right. But I think they're just as successful. Mine is a mix. I could never say that templates are supporting the store. Right.
- [16:47]
A
Yeah. And I think getting in the mindset of the buyer, like some of the things you listed, while I would love to be the mom that spends two hours putting together an amazing scavenger hunt for my kids on holidays so that they can have a lot of joy, realistically, like, do I have the time to do that? No. So it makes sense why, when someone else has put that time and thought into it, like, I just want to get it printed out, we're going to get going, we're going to do this versus, like, putting a lot of work on their plate. Like, okay, now you got to edit this thing to make it work or make sense, but other things make sense to be editable.
- [17:18]
B
I think if I had gotten. Sometimes I've gotten questions saying, is this editable? I felt like if I had that question more than twice, I would then, you know, turn it into that and change it. And that's okay to pivot, too. I mean, it's nice to hear feedback and see what the needs are. So I've only had to do that a few times, but it lets you know, like, what the need is. So it's like, okay, so they want to add their daughter's name in there or maybe change the colors and can change the price a little bit and just alter the listing. And that's helped. That's helpful.
- [17:47]
A
So I'm so glad you mentioned to. Don't do it when it's when someone asks only once. Like, when you get to. When you're, when you're a beginning seller, you're like kind of diving for dollars for, oh, they want me to make this into a cowboy hat or this or that. And then you can get into it with a customer because then you want to get the best review. And now you're doing 100 changes for like $2 or something. It's. It can be a lot. But instead if you, the first time you're like, oh, no, it's not editable. And then you hear it like a couple more times, then you're like, okay, this is a signal they should. They want this. Or getting curious. Like, if they ask you, like, oh, do you have it in blue? Like, ask them what, like what they're looking for or try to get more information so that you can make a different variation of the product or you can edit the product to what they want. I think that's, that's very important for making this sustainable. I mean, you've been selling for 13 years. Have you burned yourself out in the first year? You wouldn't still be selling on Etsy.
- [18:38]
B
Yeah, I'm glad this has been the last Five. And it's the best. Printables is. It's the best.
- [18:45]
A
Yeah, I enjoy that as well. I mean, I remember the days with the handmade. While I was selling temporary tattoos and the shipping and things, I was having my husband help and he's very detail oriented, so he was like putting everything in the correct spots, whatever. Like one time, I don't know, somehow I managed to like switch someone's order. I'm like, hey, that's, that's the end of the. This, like, this is too much stress with work and everything. I need to focus on something that's kind of like one and done. Like someone orders the printable, it downloads, gets to them. So. So this, I love the simplicity of it. Is there anything else for like trends? I mean, we talked about a little bit of like your, your top five bestsellers, but in terms of like, what, what is trending or hitting right now or any, any like, interesting ideas or even things you're noticing in life, like with your kids or family. Cause you didn't mention kid products. A lot of people think, oh, you have kids, you know, you sell kid products. But that you mentioned.
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B
Funny, I do have them. They're just, I don't know, they're not like super popular. I mean, I love my kids still. Every year they look for them like Valentine's coupons. They ask for them because. And those are not editable either. Like, I just, with a pen, fill them out and stick it, stick it in their card and you know, ice cream coupons and things like that. And that's all kid driven as well. But I definitely am seeing a lot of still, the coquette bows, like those are out there still. And a lot of watercolor I'm noticing. And I didn't always have that, you know, in my clip art or illustrations. But it seems to be that softness that is out there, no matter the theme or the party, which is very pretty, you know, and it prints well. I don't know. I think that they're all sticking around like a lot of the retro and like disco ball and kind of doodle art. Like I did see that in pod, but I see it a lot on invitations as well. And I saw it last year too, and it's still here. So that's good for anyone just starting you have some data to look at to say, like, wow, these have been doing so well and I can still still make my own spin on it with anything. Like, it's not just bridal showers, it's even some of the kids stuff. It's super cute. I like it.
- [20:42]
A
So, yeah, you can definitely bring over whatever is working in sort of one area and apply the same aesthetic. So, Courtney, thank you so much for coming on today and sharing your experience. We're gonna have you in our webinar with Emily, who is an amazing print on demand Etsy seller who does coaching work with us. And thank you so much for coming on today and sharing your journey with everyone.
- [21:04]
B
Thank you for having me. It's so fun. I love talking about this. We could do it all day, right?