Podcast Summary: Ep 158 | Answering Your Etsy FAQs

Title: How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy
Host: Lizzie Smiley
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Lizzie Smiley returns with Episode 158 of her popular podcast, "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," dedicated to answering listener FAQs. This episode delves deep into common challenges and questions faced by Etsy sellers, offering actionable insights and expert advice to help entrepreneurs thrive on the platform. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Selling Disney Products on Etsy and Copyright Concerns

Question: Why are there so many Etsy shops selling Disney products or digital files despite Disney’s trademark restrictions?

Lizzie addresses the legality of selling Disney-related items, emphasizing that unauthorized use infringes on Disney's intellectual property rights. She explains that many such listings are newer shops with fewer reviews, indicating they haven't yet been targeted by Disney's legal team.

• Quote: “If you know it's going to sell because people are going to recognize it, that means it's someone's intellectual property. You shouldn't make money off of what they have created.” (05:45)

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid selling trademarked characters unless you have proper licensing.
• New shops frequently post infringing items before legal action is taken.
• Established retailers like Target may have official licenses, differentiating them legally.

2. Testing Print on Demand Designs Across Multiple Products

Question: Should you test a design on multiple items initially or focus on one item and expand based on performance?

Lizzie recommends a methodical approach:

• Testing Phase: Start by listing the design on a few variations (e.g., different colors or mockups) to gauge performance.
• Expansion Phase: Once a variant proves successful, expand the design to additional products.
• Quote: “You don’t need to put it on a ton of different products out of the gate. Test it first and see how it works.” (12:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Begin with a limited product range to manage resources efficiently.
• Use successful variants as a foundation for broader product offerings.
• Diversification is crucial, especially for digital and print-on-demand shops.

3. Expanding Product Lines Without Opening New Shops

Question: Can you add different product types (e.g., digital and handmade) within the same Etsy shop without starting a new one?

Lizzie advises that while it's possible to diversify within a single shop, maintaining cohesion is essential:

• Branding Consistency: Use a consistent tone, color palette, and branding elements across all listings.
• Customer Avatar Alignment: Ensure new products still cater to your primary customer base.
• Quote: “Branding is about your shop’s tone, colors, and fonts. Even if your products vary, a cohesive brand ties everything together.” (20:15)

Key Takeaways:

• Maintain a unified brand identity to prevent customer confusion.
• Evaluate whether new products align with your existing customer demographic.
• Consider starting a new shop if diversification significantly deviates from your original niche.

4. Creating a Cohesive Brand While Catering to Diverse Customer Requests

Question: How can you maintain a cohesive shop aesthetic when responding to varied customer requests?

Lizzie emphasizes the importance of consistent branding elements:

• Visual Consistency: Use branded banners, logos, and a limited color scheme.
• Tone Consistency: Maintain a uniform voice in product descriptions and shop messaging.
• Quote: “Your shop’s header, banner, logo, and listing tone should all reflect a cohesive brand, even if the products themselves vary.” (25:50)

Key Takeaways:

• Consistent visual and verbal branding helps unify diverse product offerings.
• Customers primarily engage with individual listings, making overall shop cohesion less critical but still beneficial.

5. Bundling Print on Demand and Digital Products

Question: Can you bundle print on demand and digital products, and what are the best practices?

Lizzie outlines strategies for effective bundling:

• Avoid "All Access Passes": Instead of offering a comprehensive pass, create specific bundles tailored to product categories.
• Use Organized Platforms: Utilize Google Drive or similar services to manage and distribute bundled products.
• Quote: “Instead of an all access pass, offer specific bundles like a Christmas label collection with organized access links.” (30:40)

Key Takeaways:

• Specific bundles prevent confusion and maximize revenue potential.
• Structured delivery methods ensure customers receive their purchases seamlessly.

6. Optimizing Titles with Long-Tail Keywords

Question: Is it effective to use long-tail keywords densely packed in titles without separators?

Lizzie advises against cluttering titles:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Use commas or line breaks to separate keywords, enhancing readability.
• SEO Strategy: Focus on integrating high-demand, low-competition keywords naturally within the title.
• Quote: “Separate long-tail keywords with commas to maintain neatness while optimizing for SEO.” (35:10)

Key Takeaways:

• Clean, readable titles improve user experience and maintain SEO effectiveness.
• Overstuffing titles with keywords can appear messy and reduce click-through rates.

7. Using Abbreviations and Tags Effectively

Question: Should abbreviations like VTG for vintage or Xmas for Christmas be used in tags?

Lizzie explores the nuances of abbreviation use:

• Potential Risks: Abbreviations may be flagged as typos by Etsy's algorithm.
• Testing Required: Verify if abbreviations yield favorable search results without penalties.
• Quote: “Sometimes abbreviations work, but always test them first to ensure they don’t trigger Etsy’s typo corrections.” (40:25)

Key Takeaways:

• Use abbreviations cautiously and only after confirming their effectiveness through testing.
• Prioritize clear, accurate tags to avoid SEO drawbacks.

8. Implementing Alt Text for SEO and Accessibility

Question: How should alt text be written to balance accessibility and SEO benefits?

Lizzie underscores the dual purpose of alt text:

• Accessibility Focus: Describe images clearly for visually impaired users without keyword stuffing.
• SEO Boost: Enhance visibility on search engines like Google Images.
• Quote: “Alt text should accurately describe the image for accessibility while subtly supporting SEO, without overloading keywords.” (45:50)

Key Takeaways:

• Write descriptive, user-friendly alt text that serves both accessibility and SEO purposes.
• Avoid inserting irrelevant keywords solely for ranking improvements.

9. Importance of Alt Tags in Etsy Search

Question: Do alt tags significantly impact Etsy search rankings and overall traffic?

Lizzie explains that while alt tags contribute to SEO, they work best in conjunction with other factors:

• Primary SEO Elements: Titles and tags remain the most critical for Etsy search rankings.
• Secondary Benefits: Alt tags enhance visibility on external search engines, indirectly boosting traffic.
• Quote: “Titles and tags are paramount for Etsy search, but alt tags help appear in Google Image searches.” (50:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Focus primarily on optimizing titles and tags for Etsy search.
• Utilize alt tags to gain additional visibility through external search platforms.

10. Utilizing Etsy Ads for High-Ranking Products

Question: Should you use Etsy ads for products that already appear on page one or two of search results, especially during holidays?

Lizzie advocates for continued ad use even for top-ranking listings:

• Increased Exposure: Ads can reinforce visibility by appearing multiple times in search results.
• Holiday Advantages: Capitalize on peak shopping periods to maximize sales potential.
• Quote: “Even if you’re on page one, running ads can increase your exposure and boost sales, especially during the holidays.” (55:15)

Key Takeaways:

• Ads complement organic traffic by enhancing product visibility.
• Strategic ad usage during high-traffic seasons can significantly amplify sales.

11. Evaluating Social Media Efforts and Traffic Conversion

Question: If social media platforms like Pinterest and Facebook aren’t driving traffic or gaining followers, should you cease using them?

Lizzie recommends refining rather than abandoning social strategies:

• Master Etsy First: Focus on optimizing your Etsy shop before expanding to social media.
• Optimize Platforms: Assess and enhance your social media strategies through targeted courses or coaching.
• Quote: “Don’t quit social media. Instead, learn how to do it better and integrate it once your Etsy shop is thriving.” (60:00)

Key Takeaways:

• Strengthen Etsy presence before diversifying marketing channels.
• Continuous learning and strategy adjustment are key to effective social media marketing.

12. Managing Seasonal Listings and Renewals

Question: Do seasonal listings stay relevant for the following year, or should they be renewed?

Lizzie advises proactive management of seasonal products:

• Renewal Strategy: Disable automatic renewals post-season and reactivate manually as needed.
• Cost Management: Avoid unnecessary listing fees during off-seasons.
• Quote: “After the holidays, disable automatic renewals for seasonal listings and reactivate them when the next season approaches.” (65:20)

Key Takeaways:

• Control listing renewals to manage costs effectively.
• Reactivate seasonal products strategically to align with upcoming demand cycles.

13. Impact of Shipping Costs on Etsy’s Algorithm

Question: Does higher shipping to non-US destinations affect your Etsy search rankings within the US? Should you limit international shipping?

Lizzie clarifies the algorithm's focus:

• Algorithm Exclusions: Shipping costs for international destinations do not impact domestic search rankings.
• No Need to Limit: Continue offering international shipping without worrying about domestic algorithmic penalties.
• Quote: “Shipping outside the US doesn’t factor into the domestic ranking algorithm, so you don’t need to limit your international shipping.” (70:10)

Key Takeaways:

• Maintain international shipping options without fearing adverse effects on US search rankings.
• Focus on optimizing domestic shipping costs where applicable.

14. Gaining Initial Sales in a Saturated Market

Question: As a new candle seller, how can you generate sales and compete in a saturated market without using ads?

Lizzie offers strategies to penetrate saturated niches:

• Identify Micro Niches: Focus on specific, underserved segments within the broader candle market.
• Competitive Analysis: Study top sellers to understand their strategies and differentiate your offerings.
• Diversify Listings: Expand product variations to capture more segments and reduce competition reliance.
• Quote: “Find the micro niches where there's demand but low competition. Look for listings with under 10,000 competing items.” (75:45)

Key Takeaways:

• Target specific niches to minimize competition and meet precise customer needs.
• Thoroughly analyze successful competitors to model and differentiate your products.

15. Succeeding in Saturated Niches

Question: How can you succeed in an already saturated niche like candles or jewelry?

Lizzie reiterates the importance of finding unique opportunities:

• Opportunity Pockets: Utilize tools like Everbee to discover high-demand, low-competition keywords.
• Continuous Innovation: Regularly update and diversify your product offerings to stay relevant.
• Quote: “Succeed in a saturated niche by finding pockets of opportunity and continuously expanding your offerings.” (80:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Leverage specialized tools to identify and exploit underserved market segments.
• Maintain product relevancy through consistent innovation and expansion.

16. Selling Print on Demand and Digital Products in the Same Store

Question: Is it feasible to sell both print on demand and digital products within a single Etsy shop?

Lizzie confirms the possibility, emphasizing strategic management:

• Cohesive Branding: Ensure both product types align with your shop’s overall aesthetic and branding.
• Organized Listings: Clearly differentiate between digital and physical products to avoid customer confusion.
• Quote: “Yes, you can sell both print on demand and digital products in the same store as long as your branding remains consistent.” (85:10)

Key Takeaways:

• Maintain clear distinctions between product types to streamline customer experience.
• Ensure unified branding to support a diverse product range.

17. Promoting New Products and Maintaining Consistent Sales

Question: Why might sales spike initially for a new product and then suddenly drop, even without changes to the listing?

Lizzie explores possible reasons for fluctuating sales:

• Market Saturation: Initial spikes may be followed by increased competition or market saturation.
• External Factors: Economic events or seasonal shifts can impact consumer spending.
• Optimization Needs: Continuous refinement of SEO, listings, and marketing strategies is essential.
• Quote: “There will always be fluctuations in sales due to market dynamics. Diversifying your listings can help stabilize income.” (90:05)

Key Takeaways:

• Anticipate and adapt to natural sales fluctuations by diversifying product offerings.
• Monitor external factors that may influence consumer behavior and adjust strategies accordingly.

18. Handling Sales Fluctuations in Jewelry Shops

Question: Why do sales in jewelry shops fluctuate drastically across different months, and how can consistency be achieved?

Lizzie provides insights into managing sales volatility:

• Understanding Patterns: Recognize that economic events and seasonal trends naturally cause sales fluctuations.
• Diversification: Expand product lines to balance high and low seasons.
• Financial Management: Save earnings from peak months to buffer slower periods.
• Quote: “Having more listings and diversifying your products helps manage and mitigate sales fluctuations.” (95:00)

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare for seasonal and economic fluctuations through diversified offerings.
• Implement financial strategies to sustain business during slower periods.

19. Selling Internationally as a Canadian Seller

Question: Can Canadian sellers sell to the United States, and how should they set up their print on demand shops to accommodate both markets?

Lizzie affirms the feasibility and suggests leveraging resources:

• Technical Setup: Utilize print-on-demand services that support international shipping.
• Resource Utilization: Refer to detailed YouTube tutorials for step-by-step setup guidance.
• Quote: “Yes, you can sell internationally by configuring your print on demand provider to handle multiple regions seamlessly.” (100:20)

Key Takeaways:

• Ensure your print-on-demand service is configured for international orders.
• Seek out comprehensive tutorials to streamline the setup process.

20. Structuring Multiple Etsy Shops Under a Single LLC

Question: How should sellers manage multiple Etsy shops in terms of legal structure, such as using different LLCs or DBAs?

Lizzie addresses the complexity of legal structuring:

• Legal Advice Recommended: Consult with a licensed attorney to tailor the structure to individual business needs.
• Standard Practice: Many sellers operate under sole proprietorships initially, gradually incorporating as needed.
• Quote: “This is an extremely personal legal question. I highly recommend consulting with a licensed attorney to determine the best structure for your specific situation.” (105:50)

Key Takeaways:

• Seek professional legal guidance for business structuring to ensure compliance and asset protection.
• Start with simpler structures like sole proprietorships and evolve as your business grows.

Conclusion

In Episode 158, Lizzie Smiley expertly navigates a wide array of Etsy-related questions, providing both strategic advice and practical tips. From legal considerations and SEO optimization to branding and sales strategies, Lizzie equips listeners with the knowledge to overcome common obstacles and excel in their Etsy ventures. Her emphasis on understanding market dynamics, continuous learning, and strategic diversification serves as a valuable roadmap for both new and seasoned Etsy sellers.

Notable Workshop Mentioned: Lizzie promotes her upcoming workshop on December 11, focusing on using AI for creating digital products, generating ideas, and mastering SEO on Etsy. This workshop is designed to empower sellers with the tools needed to replicate her success.

For more detailed insights and resources mentioned in this episode, visit howtosellyourstuff.com. If you found this summary helpful, consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast to support Lizzie and help other Etsy sellers discover this valuable content.