Podcast Summary: Ep 172 | Biggest Etsy Seller Beginner Mistakes How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy with Lizzie Smiley Release Date: March 13, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 172 of How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy, host Lizzie Smiley delves into the most common mistakes that beginners make when starting their Etsy shops. Drawing from her extensive experience as a successful Etsy seller and coach, Lizzie aims to equip new entrepreneurs with the knowledge and strategies needed to avoid these pitfalls and build thriving Etsy businesses.
1. Violating Intellectual Property Laws [00:05:30]
Lizzie emphasizes the critical importance of respecting intellectual property (IP) laws. She warns new sellers against using copyrighted materials, such as popular song lyrics, Disney characters, or recognized trademarks, without proper licensing. "The biggest mistake is using someone else's intellectual property to make money. Looks like you can get away with it. You really can't" (00:05:30), she states.
Key Points:
- Understanding IP: Recognize what constitutes intellectual property and avoid unauthorized use.
- Consequences: Risks include legal actions, shop shutdowns, and loss of listings.
- Licensing: Larger shops may afford licenses, but it's typically not feasible for beginners.
2. Ignoring Market Demand [00:15:45]
Many beginners fail to assess whether there is actual demand for their products on Etsy. Lizzie highlights that Etsy operates as a search-driven marketplace, and if customers aren't actively searching for a product, it won't sell regardless of its quality. "If no one is searching for it, you could have literally the best product on the entire platform and it will not sell" (00:15:45).
Key Points:
- Search-Driven Sales: Utilize Etsy's search bar to gauge demand.
- Leverage Etsy Traffic: Use the platform’s inherent traffic to your advantage.
- Trend Combining: Combine popular trends to create unique, in-demand products.
3. Lack of Research [00:22:10]
Starting without thorough research leads to emotional rather than data-driven decisions. Lizzie advises new sellers to investigate what’s already selling and identify niches with less competition. "People come in with no strategy, and they're using either terms that are too broad or they're using the wrong words" (00:22:10).
Key Points:
- Best Sellers Analysis: Study top listings to understand successful strategies.
- Keyword Research: Use tools like Everbee to find effective keywords.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Base product choices on market data rather than personal preference alone.
4. Subpar Product Designs [00:30:20]
Lizzie points out that beginners often believe their designs are good enough, but in reality, they require refinement. "The designs just aren't good enough yet. There's tweaks that need to be made, they need to be sharpened" (00:30:20). She encourages continuous practice and improvement, drawing parallels to skill development in other professions.
Key Points:
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly refine and enhance your designs.
- Attention to Detail: Focus on elements like font choice, placement, and overall aesthetics.
- Utilize AI Tools: Leverage AI to assist in creating professional-quality designs.
5. Neglecting Attention to Detail [00:35:50]
Closely related to design quality, Lizzie stresses the importance of meticulous attention to details in listings. This includes font selection, design placement, mockup quality, and cohesive branding across listings. "Details, those tiny details matter so much" (00:35:50).
Key Points:
- Consistent Branding: Ensure a uniform look and feel across all listings.
- High-Quality Mockups: Invest in quality mockups to enhance product presentation.
- Professional Listings: Maintain clarity and readability in descriptions and images.
6. Poor Quality Mockups and Photography [00:40:15]
High-quality product images are crucial for conversions. Lizzie advises against using cheap or mediocre mockups, suggesting that investing in better-quality visuals can significantly impact sales. "Mockups matter and I'm linking the ones that I like because they convert really well" (00:40:15).
Key Points:
- Invest in Good Mockups: Quality images can enhance perceived value.
- Lifestyle Settings: Use mockups that showcase the product in real-life scenarios.
- Consistency: Ensure that all images reflect the brand's aesthetic.
7. Ineffective SEO Practices [00:45:20]
SEO is vital for visibility on Etsy. Lizzie discusses common SEO mistakes, such as using overly broad or irrelevant keywords, and not fully utilizing the available character space in titles and descriptions. "A lot of the biggest beginner mistakes involve SEO, either using the wrong words or only using super saturated keywords" (00:45:20).
Key Points:
- Keyword Optimization: Use specific, relevant keywords that potential customers are searching for.
- SEO Tools: Utilize tools like Everbee to analyze keyword performance.
- Strategic Listing: Craft titles and descriptions that align with search behaviors.
8. Overloading Product Descriptions [00:50:00]
New sellers often cram all their product information into descriptions, making them cumbersome and less likely to be read. Lizzie recommends using the photo gallery to answer common questions and provide key information visually. "If they can't quickly and easily find the answer to their question in your photo gallery, they're not going to DM you" (00:50:00).
Key Points:
- Visual Information: Use images to convey essential details about the product.
- Concise Descriptions: Keep written descriptions clear and to the point.
- Customer Convenience: Make it easy for customers to find necessary information at a glance.
9. Poor Customer Service and Communication [00:55:30]
Effective communication is essential for building customer trust. Lizzie warns against using harsh or unprofessional tones in listings and messages. Instead, maintain a friendly and helpful demeanor. "Don’t just say 'absolutely no refunds' in all caps. Make it a little gentler" (00:55:30).
Key Points:
- Professional Tone: Communicate clearly and courteously with customers.
- Customer-Centric Language: Show that you care about the customer’s experience.
- Handling Feedback: Address negative reviews constructively without being defensive.
10. Insufficient Number of Listings [01:10:15]
Beginners often expect quick results without having enough listings to attract a diverse customer base. Lizzie advises that having a substantial number of listings allows for better testing and higher chances of sales. "If you're new, you need to get a lot of listings up. You got to practice a lot" (01:10:15).
Key Points:
- Volume of Listings: More listings increase visibility and sales opportunities.
- Product Variation: Offer a range of products to appeal to different customer preferences.
- Continuous Testing: Regularly add and evaluate new listings to find what works best.
11. Mindset Issues: Giving Up Too Soon [01:20:00]
The final mistake Lizzie addresses is the lack of perseverance. Many new sellers become disheartened by slow initial sales and give up before their shops can grow. "Don't give up so soon. Keep working at it" (01:20:00). She encourages maintaining a positive mindset and being patient with the growth process.
Key Points:
- Patience: Understand that building a successful shop takes time.
- Resilience: Stay committed despite initial setbacks.
- Long-Term Vision: Focus on sustained growth rather than immediate success.
Conclusion
Lizzie Smiley wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of avoiding these common mistakes to achieve success on Etsy. She encourages listeners to stay positive, continue learning, and persist through challenges. “There is enough room for everyone and anyone willing to put in the work long enough” (01:25:00). Lizzie also hints at upcoming episodes focused on mindset, promising further valuable insights for Etsy entrepreneurs.
Notable Quotes:
- “If someone would buy it from you because they would recognize it from someone else, they would recognize the name, the song lyrics, the book title, the character... It's not okay to sell.” (00:05:30)
- “Details, those tiny details matter so much.” (00:35:50)
- “If no one is searching for it, you could have literally the best product on the entire platform and it will not sell.” (00:15:45)
- “Don’t give up so soon. Keep working at it.” (01:20:00)
Additional Resources:
- Workshops and Courses: Lizzie mentions upcoming AI workshops and beginner workshops to help sellers enhance their skills.
- SEO Tools: Recommends using tools like Everbee for effective keyword research.
- Membership Options: Offers trendspotting memberships with weekly reports on what’s trending on Etsy.
For more detailed discussions and resources, visit howtosellyourstuff.com where you can find podcast show notes, links from today's episode, blogs, courses, coaching, and more.
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This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode 172, capturing Lizzie Smiley’s key insights and actionable advice for new Etsy sellers.