Episode Summary: Attract Your Ideal Customers and Strengthen Your Brand Through Podcasting - with Juliana Barbati

Podcast Title: How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy
Host: Lizzie Smiley
Guest: Juliana Barbati
Release Date: July 24, 2025

In this insightful episode of How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy, host Lizzie Smiley welcomes back guest Juliana Barbati to delve into the transformative power of podcasting for Etsy sellers. The conversation explores how launching a podcast can enhance brand visibility, attract ideal customers, and drive sales, offering a fresh perspective beyond traditional marketing platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.

1. The Untapped Potential of Podcasting for Etsy Sellers

Lizzie kicks off the episode by introducing Juliana Barbati, a podcast studio strategist and consultant with a vibrant, hippie spirit. She emphasizes the rarity of Etsy sellers utilizing podcasting as a marketing tool, positioning it as a "backbone foundation of their business" that remains largely unexplored by peers.

Juliana Barbati [03:20]: "It's a strategy that I really don't see many people doing in general."

Juliana explains that while platforms like Pinterest are ubiquitous among Etsy sellers, podcasting offers a unique avenue to connect directly with ideal buyers by addressing their specific struggles and desires. This bespoke interaction can naturally integrate product promotions, fostering a more authentic and effective marketing approach.

2. Leveraging SEO in Podcasting

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the parallels between Etsy SEO and podcast SEO. Juliana highlights the podcast app as a "search engine" where optimized content can increase discoverability.

Juliana Barbati [04:15]: "SEO, podcast is no different. Right. Like, you are using SEO so that you can rank higher in the algorithm."

She underscores that even with a basic understanding of SEO, Etsy sellers can optimize their podcasts to rank higher within podcast directories, thereby attracting a steady stream of potential customers. Juliana shares her personal experience, noting how her own podcast led to consistent sales by aligning content with her Etsy offerings.

Juliana Barbati [07:35]: "I had started my podcast for it and I was making sales because it was the same thing."

3. Creating Evergreen Content

Juliana advocates for the creation of evergreen podcast content that remains relevant over time, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of social media posts. This approach ensures that even sporadic podcast releases continue to drive traffic and sales long after episodes are published.

Juliana Barbati [06:50]: "The content is evergreen, so like ... your content is still relevant, and they're going to come and find your shop and buy from you."

Lizzie echoes this sentiment, appreciating the idea of building a "library of episodes" that doesn't require constant maintenance, making podcasting an efficient marketing strategy for busy Etsy sellers.

4. Identifying and Serving Your Niche

A recurring theme is the importance of niching down to effectively reach and engage the target audience. Juliana advises Etsy sellers to clearly define who their ideal podcast listener is, ensuring that the content resonates deeply with those most likely to purchase their products.

Juliana Barbati [12:52]: "As long as there is like a general rhyme or reason to what you're selling and you're not selling, you know, I don't know, things that don't go together."

Lizzie reinforces the necessity of serving a specific niche, emphasizing that success on Etsy often correlates with the seller's commitment to a well-defined audience.

Lizzie Smiley [18:05]: "It doesn't matter what kind of seller you are. What matters is, are you serving a niche?"

5. Practical Steps to Launching a Podcast

When asked about the initial steps for Etsy sellers interested in starting a podcast, Juliana outlines a straightforward approach:

1. Define Your Ideal Listener: Identify who you are creating the podcast for, focusing on their psychological needs and desires rather than demographic specifics.

2. Keyword Research: Determine the terms your ideal audience is searching for, much like Etsy keyword research, to optimize your podcast's discoverability.

3. Take Action: Encourage launching the podcast without overcomplicating the process, advocating for starting imperfectly and refining over time.

Juliana Barbati [43:55]: "First step is mapping out your person, your ideal person... And then the third step. Don't get in your way. Just do the thing."

6. Technical Considerations and Budgeting

The conversation shifts to the technical aspects of podcasting, where Juliana provides budget-friendly advice. She stresses the importance of investing in a reliable paid hosting service rather than free platforms to ensure the longevity and stability of the podcast.

Juliana Barbati [35:58]: "Do not use a free place to host your podcast. So in order for you to have a podcast, you need to pay something like Podbean or Buzzsprout or Libsyn or something."

She recommends Podbean for its affordability and comprehensive features, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

Juliana Barbati [35:58]: "I recommend Podbean to my clients. And Podbean, if you pay the annual plan, it's $109 a year."

Additionally, Juliana touches on the expansion into video podcasts but advises focusing on audio first to avoid overwhelming new podcasters.

7. Integrating Podcast Content with Etsy Sales

Juliana elaborates on seamlessly weaving product promotions into podcast episodes without overt advertising. By providing valuable content that aligns with product offerings, sellers can organically guide listeners toward their Etsy shops.

Juliana Barbati [21:33]: "You're organically weaving in your offer inside of the podcast episode, you know, so we're still targeting the homeschooling mom and then organically we're mentioning our offer."

She suggests using tools like Bitly for flexible link management, allowing sellers to update their shop links without disrupting existing podcast content.

Juliana Barbati [22:01]: "You can use Bitly links because now Bitly lets you switch, swap out links."

8. Overcoming Common Challenges

Addressing potential hurdles, Juliana reassures listeners that technical barriers can be minimized with the right approach. She emphasizes starting with simple equipment and gradually upgrading as needed, reinforcing that podcasting is accessible even for those new to the medium.

Juliana Barbati [37:00]: "You can buy the expensive microphones. And honestly, I've even recorded podcasts on my phone."

9. The Long-Term Benefits of Podcasting

Towards the end of the episode, both Lizzie and Juliana discuss the broader advantages of podcasting beyond immediate sales, including brand authority, expanded network, and additional revenue streams through sponsorships and partnerships.

Lizzie Smiley [29:07]: "Having this kind of a... What's the word? I'm looking for an outlet to be able to talk through, to be able to draw in those perfect people and expose them to what you've got to offer that they're maybe not looking for yet."

Juliana adds that podcasting can open doors to various opportunities, such as book deals or high-profile interviews, further solidifying a seller's position in their niche.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Lizzie affirming the immense potential podcasting holds for Etsy sellers. She highlights how integrating a podcast can lead to better product development, increased sales, and a stronger connection with the target audience. Encouraging listeners to embrace this strategy, Lizzie and Juliana leave the audience with actionable insights and motivation to explore podcasting as a powerful tool to elevate their Etsy businesses.

Lizzie Smiley [51:10]: "If you're at that spot, it doesn't matter what the product is you're selling."

Notable Quotes:

• Juliana Barbati [03:20]: "It's a strategy that I really don't see many people doing in general."

• Juliana Barbati [07:35]: "I had started my podcast for it and I was making sales because it was the same thing."

• Juliana Barbati [12:52]: "As long as there is like a general rhyme or reason to what you're selling and you're not selling, you know, I don't know, things that don't go together."

• Juliana Barbati [35:58]: "Do not use a free place to host your podcast."

• Juliana Barbati [43:55]: "First step is mapping out your person, your ideal person... And then the third step. Don't get in your way. Just do the thing."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for Etsy sellers considering podcasting as a means to enhance their business. Juliana Barbati’s expertise provides actionable strategies, while Lizzie Smiley’s relatable insights make the concept accessible and encouraging for entrepreneurs at all stages.