Advice for selling on Etsy
In this interview with the Etsy store owner of WildflowerFoundry, an organic cosmetics shop, get a peak behind the scenes and see what you can expect.
Tell us about your Etsy shop and your mission!
My shop, WildflowerFoundry, is dedicated to providing natural, healthy, effective skincare, hair products, and makeup. My mission is to combine cutting-edge actives with natural, organic, clean ingredients for your healthiest complexion (or hair). I want to enlighten consumers on the importance of skincare ingredients, and replace everything in your routine with a natural version.
How did you get started with Etsy?
I was making batches of products for myself, friends and family and kept ending up with way more than I could use. I started looking into a way to share it with others and a friend who used Etsy recommended I start my own shop.
What initial mistakes did you make setting it up, and what did you learn?
I’ve learned so much! The main mistake or issue: I was not thoughtful of growth or long-term goals when I got started. I began this as a random hobby, not thinking it would actually stick. I used an online name generator for the store/brand name!
Ideally, I’d like to start over with a new company, or rebrand, with a new concept that is more planned and thoughtful regarding overall branding and positioning. I’d like the brand to have well-defined customer personas, messaging, and products. This shop has improved since I first started, but it’s not what I would create/envision now that I have a more holistic view.
In the beginning I viewed each listing individually, whereas now I can view it as a skincare (or makeup or haircare) line – with each step of the journey branded for a custom experience - from the shipping to packaging to product names and offerings.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an Etsy seller?
Understanding Etsy as a platform has not come easy! It has its own search algorithm that changes regularly. It also has various settings for listings that I haven’t devoted time to mastering, much less optimizing for search.
I should also implement a schedule for regularly updating SEO, since competition is thick… Plus, lately I’ve seen more and more dropshippers in what is supposed to be a crafter’s marketplace. It’s disheartening, and has me considering looking for other options when I have the time.
Do you think it’s a feasible career, or do you do it for fun?
I’d like to think this could turn into a standalone career for me, but at this point I’d have to decide to invest ALL my time and energy into growing it for that purpose. I’m not convinced it is feasible, especially with all the competition and manufacturing needs. Plus, I’m happy doing this for fun in my “down time” … but that can always change! It’s also a great fallback if something were to change in my career.
What advice do you have for others starting out on Etsy?
Take your time! Don’t feel the need to jump right in to and evaluate success by immediate results. Building a brand in any shape or form is a slow, thoughtful process. Although, you also want to avoid overthinking your brand so much that you don’t get started.
If you do want to jump in and test things out quickly, you’ll have to settle for working with a basic Etsy Shop you can refine later.
Check out your competition, read the Etsy guides, join Etsy seller forums for advice and guidance. Plus, keep your options and eyes open for other channels!
I’ve personally found that it’s easy to get complacent on Etsy, since a premium account provides you with your own “website” and domain. But that is still connected to Etsy. For full control and branding capabilities, set up your own e-commerce website and explore other available marketplace options.
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