Podcast Summary:

How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy — Ep 199: How to Start Selling Printables for the Holidays with Cody Berman
September 18, 2025 | Host: Lizzie Smiley | Guest: Cody Berman

Episode Overview

This episode is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to starting an Etsy business selling digital printables, with a special emphasis on ramping up for the holiday season. Host Lizzie Smiley and guest expert Cody Berman (co-founder of Gold City Ventures) break down the basics of digital products, why printables are ideal for passive side income, and actionable steps to launch quickly and successfully before the holidays. The conversation is energetic, honest, and peppered with motivational advice, practical examples, and pro tips for listeners at every stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Printables Are the Best Starting Point (11:49–16:06)

• Low Barrier to Entry: Printables require minimal investment, design skills, and tech knowledge.
• Passive Income Potential: After you create them, they sell automatically without needing to trade your time for money.
  • “It was digital products...the first time where I created something and then that something was making me money even when I wasn't working on it.” — Cody (12:21)
• Use of Free Tools: Canva is recommended; you don’t need expensive software. Even basic designs can sell.
  • “Canva is free. It is better than ever. It is come so far since we started in 2019.” — Cody (13:16)

2. Types & Niches of Printables (16:06–22:52)

• Wide Range of Product Ideas: Trackers (water, fitness, business, ADHD), wall art, labels, games, coupons, planners, SVGs, etc.
• Niching Down: Success comes from specificity—serving unique interests/needs (e.g. Corgi dog trackers).
  • “If you niche down even just a little bit...now she's competing with maybe a couple dozen sellers if that versus literally everyone and their mother.” — Cody (20:28)
• Trendspotting and Research: Use Etsy’s search, reviews, and research tools to spot what’s in demand and underserved.

3. Overcoming Tech and Mindset Barriers (15:08–16:06; 25:41–29:23)

• Start Imperfect: Don’t get hung up on branding or design perfection.
  • “Just get it done quick and dirty. List it, you'll get over that fear and then the second one will be even better.” — Cody (26:08)
• Iterate Instead of Deliberate: Your first design or shop brand is not permanent.
  • “Remove the hurdle, right, Cody? Like, eat that frog. Good book.” — Lizzie (29:23)

4. Process of Setting Up Your First Products (25:41–29:23; 35:52–42:23)

• Barebones Path to Launch:
  • Create printable in Canva (free version recommended)
  • Export as a PDF
  • Open your Etsy shop (don’t overthink the name; you can change it later)
  • Upload product, add a clear mockup image, write a descriptive title, use well-researched keywords/tags, and publish
• Mockup Tip: Buy inexpensive mockup images on Etsy to make your listings professional and aesthetic.
  • “You can actually buy those mockups on Etsy and then you insert your own printable example.” — Lizzie (43:23)
• Auto Delivery: Etsy delivers the PDF to the buyer automatically after purchase.
  • “Etsy will actually automatically deliver them the PDF file that you uploaded when they buy. So that's why I like to say it's...95% passive income.” — Cody (41:00)

5. Time Commitment and Scaling with Templates (32:54–35:08; 34:07–35:08)

• Template Systems for Scale: Create a base template and make many variations for different holidays or niches for time efficiency.
  • “I would create like one base template and then I would literally create like 50 to 100 variations of that template into different products.” — Cody (29:39)
• Low Daily Time Required: About 10 hours/week (or 1-2 hours/day) is realistic for launching and reaching significant sales (e.g., $1,000/month in 3-4 months).

6. Pricing, Competition, and the Importance of Research (22:52–25:00; 45:12–46:36)

• SEO/Keyword Research Is Critical: Most common failure point is not matching your product to high-demand search terms.
  • “Keyword research, keyword research, keyword research. People love to create without any data or having any proof that people are searching for that thing.” — Cody (45:12)
• Research Tricks: Use Etsy auto-suggest, spy on new/bestselling shops, and read reviews for feedback and inspiration.

7. Legal Pitfalls to Avoid (49:09–50:43)

• No Copyright Infringement: Don’t use copyrighted images, names, or pop culture IP (e.g. “Taylor Swift”, “Disney”) in your products.
  • “Please don't sell copyrighted stuff...Don't go and create a bunch of Taylor Swift stuff. Don't go and create a bunch of Disney stuff.” — Cody (49:09)
• Use Only Commercial-licensed or Self-made Visuals: Confirm all art/fonts/images are permitted for resale.

8. Mindset Riffs & Encouragement (10:54–12:04; 59:55–60:49)

• Consistency and Showing Up Beats Flashy Ideas: Sustainable businesses are built on consistent effort, not overnight success.
  • “What builds legacy is getting really, really, really good at something and sticking with it longer than everybody else.” — Lizzie (10:54)
• No-Excuse Culture: Take the first step even if you’re overwhelmed or not ready.
  • “You don't have to see the whole staircase. You just have to take the first step.” — Lizzie (60:25)

9. Tools, Education & Community Resources (33:01–33:12; 53:38–58:07)

• Gold City Ventures e-Printables Course: Step-by-step video program with templates, live coaching, community, and advanced tips.
  • “Basically E printables, it's the A to Z everything you could possibly want to know about creating and selling digital products.” — Cody (53:38)
• Membership & Trend Reports: Weekly trend emails, product idea prompts, bonus videos, and live Q&A calls.
• Special Enrollment: Course doors open Sept 22–29, 2025, with free workshops and bonuses for Lizzie’s listeners.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It is about the simple, consistent actions every single day, rather than just one big sprint day... The results speak for themselves.” — Cody (11:11)
• “If you niche down even just a little bit...now she's competing with maybe a couple dozen sellers if that versus literally everyone and their mother.” — Cody (20:28)
• “Please don't sell copyrighted stuff... Or Marvel, people love selling that stuff... The last thing you want is to have a suspended Etsy shop.” — Cody (49:09)
• “What builds legacy is getting really, really, really good at something and sticking with it longer than everybody else would.” — Lizzie (10:54)
• “Just get that first listing up as fast as possible. If you were to stop this right now...you could probably have something listed within an hour or two and that would just be like such a huge hurdle.” — Cody (27:13)
• “You don't have to see the whole staircase. You just have to take the first step.” — Lizzie (60:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Why Printables/Passive Income | 11:49–16:06 | | Niching & Types of Printables | 16:06–22:52 | | Importance of Research | 22:52–25:00 | | Getting Started Quickly (Mindset) | 25:41–29:23 | | The Power of Templates | 29:23–35:08 | | Time Commitment & Scaling | 34:07–35:08 | | How Fulfillment/Delivery Works | 35:52–42:23 | | Pro Mockup and Listing Tips | 43:23–45:00 | | Knowledge Gaps & Importance of SEO | 45:12–46:36 | | Legal Pitfalls (Copyright) | 49:09–50:43 | | Success Stories (Annemarie) | 47:11–48:43 | | Course Details and Enrollment | 53:38–58:07 | | Motivational Close | 59:55–60:49 |

Recommended Actions & Resources

• For Beginners: Start with Canva, pick one type of simple printable (tracker, card), upload to Etsy, and don’t obsess over branding.
• Do Your Research: Use Etsy search, keyword tools, and pay close attention to listings with bestsellers/rave reviews.
• Avoid Copyrighted Content: Only use your own art or properly licensed assets.
• Join Gold City Ventures (Sept 22–29): For detailed training, community, live events, and resources. Free workshop and bonus templates available for Lizzie’s listeners.
• Trend Membership: For ongoing trend reports and product ideas.
• Get Support: Don't go it alone—connect with the community and coaching for accountability.

Final Encouragement

Lizzie and Cody underscore the importance of starting before you’re ready:

“The biggest mistake I see people make is just waiting too long because you're going to learn as you go...” — Lizzie (59:55)

With printables, the opportunity is wide open, and the episode gives both a roadmap and motivation to move quickly—especially before the holiday demand explosion.

For more info and to access resources and course enrollment, check the podcast show notes and Lizzie’s special links.