So I have finally got my Etsy shop up and running. YAY! For the last month, I have been consumed in creating products, taking pictures, researching business plan, etc. etc. It’s crazy how much I’ve learned and how much I still need to know. However, the shop is up and I’m super happy about it so I thought I would share some of the things I’ve found helpful so far.
3 Helpful Resources for Opening An Etsy Shop
1. Plan, plan, & research. This by far was the most important for me by I would assume this is important for any business owner. My main focus was making sure that I was charging enough to make a profit. From my short time (and I do mean short time) as an event planner I learned a hard lesson on pricing and I have no intentions on reliving that lesson.
Helpful resource: Handmade to Sell: Hello Craft’s Guide to Owning, Running, and Growing Your Crafty Biz
This book covers everything from eShops, to craft fairs, to inventory, to arranging for health benefits. It is great for part-timers (like me) or full-timers.
2. Photography is everything. So I learned this pretty early with my blog. I still cringe when I look at some of the photograph I took in the beginning. Because let’s face it: they sucked. But when you know better you do better. So I really took my time with photographing my product. Is it perfect? No, I’m still learning but I gave it my absolute best by reading up on photography techniques and by using the best equipment that I could afford.
Helpful resource: DSLR camera (I use a Canon EOS 70D 
A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book
3. Market on Multiple Platforms. This one really speaks for itself. The more people that see your products the better. Which is why I added all of my Etsy listing to my blog. Because let’s face it, nobody knows me on Etsy platform. I’m a complete newbie over there but my blog is my home.
Helpful resource: Etsy WordPress Shop Plugin This is a premium plug-in (you have to pay for it) but it does the job nicely.
I know I said this was going to be 3 things but I had to mention have fun. I know running a Etsy shop is a business but I think it is important not to over think it and just have fun.
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Do you have online store?
What have you found helpful?
*This post contains affiliate links, so me & the fam can buy food to eat. ha!
These are great tips! For a few months, I tried selling fun bookmarks on Etsy and it was a disaster because I didn’t research or have great pictures haha! Good luck!
~Sara