Etsy Business Tips We’ve Learned from TikTok
Okay, we have a confession to make: we’re obsessed with the small business community on social media. Maybe it’s because the community is so encouraging, or maybe it’s because there’s something rewarding in helping others learn what you had to learn the hard way— either way, it’s so nice to be surrounded by like-minded people.
One of the places where the business community is especially strong is on TikTok— in fact, our entire feed seems to be consumed by Etsy businesses and artists. Etsy businesses have basically taken over the world since the beginning of the pandemic, and are a great way for people to get a chance at owning their own small businesses and to explore their passions.
For those of you who don’t know, Etsy is an online marketplace comprised of thousands of independent artists and creators. With products ranging from résumé templates and ceramic spoons to hair scrunchies and bath bombs, you can really find anything on Etsy! It’s an amazing platform for getting your business started. However, it can be hard to get started with your Etsy business, as there are just so many on there, making it hard to launch sales. But, you don’t have to worry: the Etsy business side of TikTok has got you when it comes to growing your brand.
Here are our favorite Etsy business tips as learned from TikTok!
Etsy Listing Navigation
When listing an item on Etsy that has several styles under one listing, it can be difficult for customers to differentiate between what style matches what photo.
It is important to link the photo and style together so that when customers choose a specific style, the correct photo shows up!
To do so, go to Edit Listing > Link Photos > Variation Type > then manually correlate the pictures.
Etsy ABC’s
Using Etsy’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Etsy’s ABCs allows you to rank higher in the searches.
Type your general product (i.e. scrunchies) into the search box, add a space, and type the letter A. Of all the terms in the dropdown, choose which ones apply and add them as tags for your product. Continue all the way through the alphabet.
This will work alongside SEO to make your listings rise to the top! This is a great way to boost traffic to your shop page.
The Financial Side of Etsy: Hidden Fees
Per item, Etsy takes 20 cents off as a shop fee.
They also take 5% off of each item.
There is also a payment fee: 3% off of the payment + an additional 25 cents.
A great way to keep track of your actual earnings is through an Etsy calculator— you can find many online.
Common Errors for Etsy Beginners
Not using Pinterest as a visual marketing tool. Pinterest is the best social media platform to draw traffic to your shop.
Not preparing enough materials for your initial shop launch.
Obsessing over sales and numbers. Analytics are an important tool, but they aren’t everything: especially when you are just starting out.
Copyrighted Materials on Etsy Marketplace
It’s really important to not sell or distribute copyrighted material on Etsy, as Etsy will remove your listings and can deactivate your shop. Thousands of shops fly under the radar doing this, but it doesn’t mean you should too: Etsy has been cracking down extra hard on this lately.
Having your listings removed doesn’t sound that bad: but if your items aren’t made-to-order, then you have paid to make products that will not be sold.
Copyrighted material includes things like movie quotes, book characters, song lyrics, and anything else that can be tied to someone else’s intellectual property.
Shop Links
Make it easy for your audience to view your shop on all your social media platforms.
Add your shop link to your bio.
It is: shopname.etsy.com
Drawing in Traffic
Make your titles work for you!
When creating titles, use all the available characters to fill out the description, as it gives your item more opportunities to show up in the search.
Use synonyms for your product type i.e. “Scrunchie” can be “hairband”, “headband”, “hair accessory”.
If it is a specific holiday-themed item or can be used as a gift, make sure to add that to the title as well.
That’s all of the Etsy business tips we have managed to pull from TikTok! But believe us, there are thousands and thousands of helpful videos and instructions under the #smallbiztiktok hashtag —and if you’re anything like us, then you’re eager to figure out the best way to boost your Etsy Business.
If you’re looking for more Etsy business tips and tricks, make sure to check out our previous Etsy articles! And while you’re at it, give us a follow at @lifelapse_app on Instagram to get the first glance at all the content and help we have to offer.
