20 Must-Dos Before Posting Your Etsy Listing!

10 years ago, when I first started selling on Etsy, I spent many hours creating the perfect listing. But when it came down to uploading the products, I simply posted them without any preparation work and just hoped for the best. I learned from that experience that preparation and setting up the listings correctly are equally as crucial as the product itself.

Over the years, I've seen new sellers with amazing products who failed because they didn't set up their listings correctly. That's why, in this blog, I'll share with you 20 essential tips to ensure you have the best chance of succeeding on Etsy.

Let's get right into it!

Tip 1: Engaging Descriptions

You want to make sure that your descriptions are detailed and answer all the buyer's questions. Include your keywords naturally throughout the descriptions, as they play a role in SEO.

Example: Instead of writing "Personalized sweater," try "This beautiful personalized hand-embroidered name baby sweater is crafted from 100% organic wool, providing warmth and classy style. It is perfect for chilly evenings and has cute designs, ideal for kids!"

Tip 2: Competitive Analysis

Before posting your listings, understand the marketplace and see what you're up against. Look through your competitors' listings and reviews to learn what customers like and dislike. From there you will have an idea of what to include and not in your shop.

Example: If you notice that a popular competitor has many reviews praising their fast shipping but criticizing the lack of gift wrapping, you could highlight your fast shipping and offer gift wrapping as a selling point or vice versa.

Tip 3: Keyword Research

Ensure you're adding high-demand and relevant keywords to your listings. Use tools like eRank or Marmalead to find suitable keywords for your offered products.

Example: For a listing of handmade candles, instead of using just "candles," use "handmade soy candles," "organic scented candles," and "eco-friendly candles."

Tip 4: Pricing Strategy

Determine your pricing strategy before listing your items. Decide whether you want to price lower to gain momentum, competitively match top sellers, or set higher prices to position yourself as a premium product.

Example: If similar products are priced at $5–$15, you might start at $7 to attract initial buyers, then adjust as needed based on sales and feedback.

Tip 5: High-Quality Photos

Showcase your products with high-quality photos from different angles, use cases, and lifestyle images.

Example: For a wedding invitation, include photos from all sides, a close-up of the details, and a shot of someone or of a couple checking it.

Tip 6: Optimize Titles

Avoid turning your titles into descriptions. Focus on searchable keywords.

Example: Instead of "Custom affirmation cards with 15 designs to choose from," use "Positive affirmation cards, mindfulness cards, and therapy worksheets."

Tip 7: Bonus Item

If you're selling digital products, include a bonus item to increase the perceived value.

Example: If you sell printable planners, include a free set of printable stickers or bonus writing prompts crafted for your target market.

Tip 8: SEO-Friendly Text

Ensure your text is SEO-friendly, incorporating keywords naturally.

Example: In the description for a knitted blanket, use phrases like "cozy knitted blanket," "handmade throw blanket," and "warm winter blanket."

Tip 9: Variations and Customization

Showcase all customization options and variations in your images and descriptions.

Example: For custom jewelry, include photos of different metal options (silver, gold, rose gold) and various gemstone choices.

Tip 10: Policy Review

Include your shop policies within your listings and shop page so buyers understand your return policies, shipping information, etc.

Example: "Free Shipping. Return and exchanges not accepted."

Tip 11: Preview Listings

Always preview your listings to ensure they look good on both desktop and mobile.

Example: Check that your product photos display correctly and that the text is readable on a mobile device.

Tip 12: Mobile Optimization

Optimize your listings for mobile viewing since many buyers shop via mobile devices.

Example: Ensure text on images is large enough to read on a small screen and that buttons or links are easily clickable.

Tip 13: Upsells and Cross-Sells

Include links to related products within your descriptions to encourage additional purchases.

Example: "If you love this handmade soap, check out our moisturizing lotion and exfoliating scrub for a complete skincare routine."

Tip 14: Promotions and Coupons

Implement discount strategies to attract new buyers, especially when launching new products.

Example: "Summer Sale - Up to 30% OFF!" or "Buy one, get one 50% off for the month of July."

Tip 15: Social Proof

Include reviews or testimonials within your images or descriptions to build trust.

Example: "★★★★★ ‘As a busy but aesthetic mom your mock ups are life saver! Really-really satisfied with my purchase."

Tip 16: Brand Consistency

Maintain a consistent tone, color palette, and style across all your listings and shop.

Example: Use the same background for all product photos, and keep your logo and brand colors consistent in all images and graphics.

Tip 17: Upload File Preparation

Double-check that you're uploading the correct files for each listing.

Example: For digital downloads, make sure each file matches the product description and is named appropriately.

Tip 18: Video Listings

Consider adding videos to your listings to showcase your products in action.

Example: A short video showing how your handmade soap lathers and the packaging process can be very engaging for potential buyers.

Tip 19: Customer Engagement Plan

Plan how you'll engage with customers post-purchase to build relationships and encourage repeat business.

Example: Send a thank-you email with a discount code for their next purchase or a survey asking for feedback on their experience.

Tip 20: Final Checks

Perform a final review of your listing to ensure there are no errors, typos, or missing information.

Example: Double-check that all keywords are relevant, images are correct, and there are no spelling mistakes in your descriptions.

Conclusion

Remember, this may seem like a lot of information, but once you go through this process, it gets faster and easier each time.

If you want to watch my YouTube video for more Etsy tips, you can watch here.

Discover the secrets to building a profitable Etsy shop with the Digital Freedom Academy! Our detailed guide will walk you through the process of mastering selling digital product on Etsy.

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Happy selling!