Decide what to sell
The most important part of your Etsy shop will always be the unique items you create. When deciding what to sell, think beyond just a product—consider your passions, the skills you've honed, and the one-of-a-kind handmade items or vintage finds you're eager to share.
What doesn't exist in the world that you can bring into it?
Exploring current trends on Etsy can be helpful in this stage, but you'll often be best served by finding an underserved niche and filling that space. Find what makes you excited, and lean into it.
Research the competition
Once you've solidified your product ideas, explore other Etsy shops that offer similar items. Don't just skim their pages, either—dive deep into their listings to collect data on everything from pricing strategies to product photography.
Ask questions like:
- Are their products positioned as budget-friendly, mid-range, or luxury?
- Are their images high-quality, well-lit, and styled in a way that attracts your target audience? What backgrounds and props do they use?
- What keywords and phrases are they using in their product titles and descriptions to attract buyers through Etsy search?
- Do they have a cohesive brand aesthetic across their shop, including their logo, banners, and product photos? What feeling does their branding evoke?
Understanding the competition will help you navigate the market, identify opportunities to differentiate yourself, and set realistic expectations for your shop's performance.
Build your brand
Your brand is the heart and soul of your shop. It's what makes you, you. And it's so much more than the products you sell—it encompasses everything from your shop name and logo to your visual aesthetic and customer service approach.
Take a moment to envision the feeling you want your brand to evoke. Is it the cozy charm of a handcrafted cottage, or the playful energy of urban artistry? Define your brand's essence early on, so that every element of your shop—from your logo to your copy—works together as your shop unfolds.
Design a logo
Speaking of branding, before you hang your virtual open sign, you'll need a logo. It's the first way you introduce yourself to potential customers, so it needs to be memorable.
You have several options when it comes to logos. You could build your own with one of many online design tools or invest in the expertise of a freelance graphic designer for a professional touch. Some new shop owners opt to simply use a text-based logo with their business's name to start, but this won't work forever if you want real brand recognition.
Now that you have a product, a brand, and a logo, let's look at how to actually open that Etsy shop.