Starting an Etsy shop is an exciting, nerve-wracking, and eye-opening experience! After my first month running Library of Rivendell, I’ve learned so much about being an Etsy seller, marketing, and what actually works. Whether you’re just starting or thinking about opening your own shop, here are the biggest takeaways from my first 30 days.
1. Your First Sale Takes Time (But It’s Worth It!)
When I first launched, I had this hope that my shop would take off immediately. Spoiler: it didn’t! It took 23 days before I made my first sale, and it was such a rush when it happened.
💡 Tip: Focus on optimizing your product listings with great SEO, compelling descriptions, and eye-catching images. Tools like eRank and EverBee can help with keyword research.
2. SEO Matters More Than You Think
Etsy is a search engine! If people can’t find your products, they won’t buy them. I spent time researching keywords and updating my titles, tags, and descriptions – this is key to being an Etsy seller, so is worth spending your time on!
💡 Tip: Use long-tail keywords that describe exactly what your product is, like “printable fantasy bookshelf decor” instead of just “printable art.”
3. Pinterest is Your Best Friend
Pinterest is a goldmine for Etsy sellers! Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where posts disappear fast, Pinterest pins keep driving traffic for months.
💡 Tip: Create fresh pins regularly and use rich keywords in your pin titles and descriptions. Tailwind or Buffer can help schedule pins effortlessly.
4. Mock-ups Sell Your Products for You
Since I sell digital products, I quickly realised that mock-ups make all the difference! Styled product images look more professional and help customers visualise the item in their space.
💡 Tip: Use tools like Canva or Etsy for high-quality mock-ups. Also, lifestyle images perform better than plain product shots.
5. Pricing Right is a Balancing Act
I initially priced my products too low, thinking it would attract more buyers. But I quickly learned that pricing reflects value—too cheap, and people assume it’s low quality.
💡 Tip: Look at competitors, consider your time and effort, and don’t be afraid to test pricing strategies.
6. Consistency is Key
One of the biggest lessons? Etsy rewards consistency. Shops that add new products regularly and update listings tend to perform better.
💡 Tip: Set a schedule for uploading new products, refreshing old listings, and sharing on Pinterest.
Final Thoughts: Is Etsy Worth It After One Month?
Absolutely! While it takes time to gain traction, every sale, every shop favourite, and every Pinterest click feels like progress. If you’re just starting, be patient, keep learning, and experiment with what works for your shop.
Are you thinking of starting an Etsy shop? Drop your questions in the comments—I’d love to help! And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to pin it for later. 📌✨
Head to the blog for Etsy tips, small business ideas and more!
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