Episodes

  • Should You Sell on Etsy, Goimagine or Shopify? Everything You NEED to Know

    Should You Sell on Etsy, Goimagine or Shopify? Everything You NEED to Know
    Dec 24 2024

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsygamesfree/about

    In this video, I break down the key differences between Etsy, GoImagine, and Shopify to help you decide which platform is the best fit for your business. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, understanding these platforms’ traffic, fees, customization, and audience potential is critical for your success. Here’s what you’ll learn:

    • Traffic Analysis: How the platforms compare in attracting buyers and what that means for your sales.

    • Fees Breakdown: A detailed look at listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees for Etsy, GoImagine, and Shopify.

    • Customization Options: From Etsy’s limited design features to Shopify’s full customization capabilities.

    • Competition Levels: How many sellers you’ll face and how to stand out.

    • Advertising Opportunities: Learn about each platform’s advertising options and where they shine (or fall short).

    • Built-in Audience: Which platform has the most buyers waiting for you, and which requires you to build your audience from scratch.

    • Pros and Cons Recap: A straightforward summary to help you make an informed decision.

    Make the best choice for your business and learn how to strategically expand across platforms. Don’t forget to join the Etsy Games for free to get tips, motivation, and a supportive community of sellers just like you!
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • These EU Changes are CRAZY for Etsy Sellers! Full Details

    These EU Changes are CRAZY for Etsy Sellers! Full Details
    Dec 17 2024

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsygamesfree/about

    In this episode, I break down the messy new EU GPSR changes and what they mean for Etsy sellers like you. These new regulations, effective as of December 13th, apply to most non-food consumer goods, including handmade and digital products. Whether you’re shipping from the EU or outside it, these changes impact anyone selling to the EU or Northern Ireland. I’ll explain what the GPSR is, how it works, and what steps you should take to stay compliant or make decisions about your shop.

    Here’s what we’ll cover:

    • The basics of GPSR and its impact on Etsy sellers.

    • Who needs to comply with these regulations and why.

    • The impracticalities of compliance for small sellers.

    • Required listing details for GPSR compliance and their challenges.

    • The risks of non-compliance, including fines and account suspensions.

    • Exemptions and solutions for Etsy sellers.

    • Specific issues for digital product sellers.

    • How to update your shipping settings or discontinue sales to the EU and Northern Ireland.

    • My take on the challenges and evolving nature of this regulation.
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • How to Sell More Than 99% of Etsy Sellers

    How to Sell More Than 99% of Etsy Sellers
    Dec 10 2024

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsygamesfree/about

    26 Strategies I Use to Help Etsy Sellers Succeed

    In this podcast episode, I shared the key strategies that I’ve seen top 1% Etsy sellers use to grow their shops and dominate the platform. These aren’t about luck—they’re actionable steps that can help any seller move closer to their goals.

    I started by talking about how important mindset and passion are. Success on Etsy isn’t instant—it takes time, consistency, and a genuine love for what you do to push through challenges and keep going. I also emphasized the importance of treating your shop like a business. Showing up consistently, investing in tools like Alura and Canva, and building solid habits are essential to long-term success.

    Education plays a big role, too. I encourage sellers to continuously learn, whether through free resources like my Etsy Games platform or by investing in courses. Every action in your shop should have a strategy and purpose. I always tell people to focus on what they can control and not waste energy on things like algorithm changes.

    Consistency is another big factor. Regularly creating and improving listings not only helps you grow but also keeps you in tune with your niche and audience. And let’s not forget visuals—high-quality photos and videos can make or break a sale, so it’s worth investing in good lighting and staging.

    Understanding profit margins, running promotions, and offering stellar customer service are all part of the equation, too. Reviews build trust, so I shared tips on how to get more of them. I also talked about the importance of taking action—learning by doing is the fastest way to grow.

    Finally, I discussed the power of email marketing and standing out from the competition. Building a list and nurturing it with valuable content can drive repeat buyers, and finding ways to add value to your niche will set you apart.

    This episode was packed with actionable tips to help Etsy sellers succeed. If you’re ready to grow your shop, these 26 strategies are your blueprint to joining the top 1% of sellers.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • COMING SOON! This Will HURT Your Etsy Search Visibility

    COMING SOON! This Will HURT Your Etsy Search Visibility
    Dec 3 2024

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

    In this episode, I’m breaking down a big update Etsy sellers need to prepare for—your shop’s search visibility could take a hit if you’re not meeting their customer service standards. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Etsy’s expectations, including message response rates, on-time shipping, and review strategies. Plus, I’ll share pro tips to help you improve your performance metrics and avoid penalties. Whether you’re a new seller or an experienced one, this is a must-listen to keep your shop thriving. Let’s get ready for these changes together!
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Etsy Success in 2025? Get A Head Start (5 Steps)

    Etsy Success in 2025? Get A Head Start (5 Steps)
    Nov 26 2024
    5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Etsy Business for 2025 As we head into 2025, I want to share a simple yet powerful 5-step plan to help you jumpstart your Etsy business, overcome challenges, and move closer to your goals. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just looking for fresh inspiration, these steps will give you clarity, focus, and the momentum you need to thrive. Let’s dive in! 1. Embrace the Truth About Passion and Hard Work You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” While it sounds great, I have to call it out—it’s not true.Even when you’re passionate about your work, it still takes effort, consistency, and determination to make it successful. The reality is that running an Etsy business can feel like hard work, even if you love what you do. And that’s okay! Passion is essential because it helps you push through tough times, but passion alone isn’t enough. Success comes from sticking with it, even when the grind feels overwhelming. Remember, you’re not just selling products; you’re solving problems and bringing value to your audience. If you truly care about your customers, you’ll find the motivation to keep going, even when the work feels challenging. 2. Avoid Fly-By-Night Strategies Etsy success isn’t about chasing quick fixes or gaming the system. Many sellers fall into the trap of trying to hack their way to the top—whether it’s using outdated tricks to manipulate the algorithm or relying solely on fleeting trends. For example, some sellers used to renew their listings daily, hoping for a temporary search boost. That tactic doesn’t work anymore, and even if it did, it’s not sustainable. Similarly, basing your shop entirely on trending products can lead to constant stress, as trends fade quickly. Instead, focus on building a sustainable business model. Learn tried-and-true Etsy SEO strategies, understand your niche, and cater to a specific audience. This approach will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. 3. Build a Sustainable Business by Serving a Target Market If you want to thrive on Etsy, you need to focus on serving a specific audience or niche. This means understanding your customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points. Who are they? What problems can your products solve for them? When you center your business around a target audience, you create a roadmap for success. Instead of chasing trends or throwing random products into your shop, you’ll have a clear direction. Here’s the key: Stop thinking about “making money” and start thinking about how to serve your audience. Focus on their needs, their likes, and what will genuinely make their lives better. Over time, this approach will not only bring in sales but also build customer loyalty and trust. 4. Master the Do-Learn-Do Cycle If there’s one formula that leads to success, it’s this: Do, Learn, Do. Here’s how it works: • Do: Take action in your business. List new products, test new keywords, or try a new marketing strategy. • Learn: Analyze the results. Which listings are getting traffic? What’s selling? What’s not? • Do Again: Use what you’ve learned to refine your approach, then take action again. This cycle is all about continuous improvement. Too many people get stuck because they’re afraid to start, or they take action but don’t learn from the results. The more you repeat this process, the better you’ll get at identifying what works and what doesn’t. 5. Stay Consistent Consistency is the secret sauce to Etsy success. It’s not about doing everything perfectly but about showing up regularly and putting in the work. For example, adding new listings consistently is one of the best ways to improve your shop’s visibility and sales. Based on recent Etsy seller polls I conducted, most sellers who struggle aren’t adding listings frequently enough. Here’s the truth: You can’t expect to see results if you’re not consistently working on your shop. Whether it’s creating new products, improving old listings, or researching keywords, small, consistent actions add up over time. Final Thoughts: Your Roadmap for 2025 Running a successful Etsy business isn’t about shortcuts or quick wins—it’s about building a strong foundation and staying committed to your goals. • Focus on hard work and passion, knowing that it takes effort to succeed. • Avoid gimmicks and fly-by-night strategies, and instead build a business that lasts. • Serve a specific audience and meet their needs with amazing products. • Embrace the do-learn-do cycle for continuous growth. • Stay consistent, even when progress feels slow. 2025 can be your best year yet if you stay focused, take action, and refuse to give up. You’ve got this—I’m rooting for you every step of the way! Let me know in the comments what your biggest goal is for 2025, and let’s make it ...
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Big Tax Changes Coming! Everything You NEED To Know

    Big Tax Changes Coming! Everything You NEED To Know
    Nov 23 2024

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about

    Everything You Need to Know About Tax Changes for Etsy Sellers in 2024

    As an Etsy seller, staying on top of tax changes is critical to running your business smoothly. In my recent podcast episode, I broke down the upcoming IRS reporting changes for the 2024 tax year, focusing on how they impact sellers using platforms like Etsy, eBay, and even payment apps like Venmo and PayPal. Here’s a summary of the key points from our conversation, designed to help you navigate these changes with confidence.

    Will You Get a $1099 for Etsy Sales Over $600 in 2024?

    This is the big question on every seller’s mind. The short answer: not yet. For the past two years, the IRS has been delaying the move to the $600 threshold for 1099 reporting, which means the threshold remains higher for 2024. As of now, you’ll receive a 1099 form only if you earn more than $5,000 in untaxed income through third-party payment apps.

    The IRS is giving payment platforms additional time to prepare for the lower $600 reporting threshold, which is scheduled to take effect in the 2025 tax season. So, for 2024, the $5,000 threshold still applies—but this is the last year for that limit.

    Understanding Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Transactions

    One of the trickiest parts of these changes is distinguishing between taxable and non-taxable income. Let me simplify it for you with a few examples:

    • Non-Taxable Transactions: Money received as a gift (like birthday money from family), reimbursement for shared expenses (like splitting a dinner bill via Venmo), or selling personal items at a loss (like furniture on Facebook Marketplace).

    • Taxable Transactions: Income from services or products sold, such as an Etsy order, a freelance project, or items sold for more than their purchase price (like collectible sneakers).

    The delayed rollout of the $600 threshold is giving platforms like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App more time to refine their systems for accurately reporting taxable income.

    Why This Matters for Etsy Sellers

    If you’re selling on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, or other marketplaces, these changes matter because they impact how your income is reported. Even if you don’t receive a 1099, the IRS requires you to report all income earned—even if it’s just a dollar. While many sellers only report income when they get a 1099, it’s crucial to stay compliant and report everything to avoid issues down the road.

    For platforms like Etsy, this tax season will look similar to last year, with the $5,000 threshold in place. But if you’re also selling through apps like Venmo or Cash App, be prepared for stricter reporting starting in 2025.

    Selling Personal Items? Here’s What You Should Know

    If you sell personal items, like furniture or clothing, for less than what you originally paid for them, you won’t owe taxes. For instance, if you bought a couch for $500 and sold it for $200, that sale is not taxable because you incurred a loss. However, if you’re selling items that appreciate in value—like rare collectibles—you’ll need to report any profits.

    Preparing for 2024 and Beyond

    Here’s the bottom line: don’t panic, but do prepare. If you’re earning untaxed income, keep accurate records and understand what’s taxable and what’s not. By staying informed, you can avoid surprises during tax season.

    This year, you may receive a 1099 if your untaxed income exceeds $5,000. Next year, that threshold will drop to $600, so now is the time to make sure your records are in order. Whether you’re selling crafts on Etsy, items on Facebook Marketplace, or offering freelance services, staying ahead of these changes will help you run your business confidently.
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • How To Run Etsy Ads Without Going Broke!

    How To Run Etsy Ads Without Going Broke!
    Nov 19 2024
    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about When it comes to running Etsy ads and offsite ads, one of the biggest questions I get is: Are they worth it, or are they just a waste of money? In my latest podcast episode, I tackled this topic head-on, sharing everything you need to know to run ads effectively without blowing your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key points we discussed. What Are Etsy Ads? Etsy ads are promoted listings that show up in Etsy’s search results. If you’ve ever searched for a product on Etsy, you’ve probably noticed rows of listings marked as “promoted.” These ads let sellers pay to boost their products in search results, giving them a chance to skip the line and get more visibility. What I love about Etsy ads is the level of control you have. You can decide: • Which listings to promote • How much money to spend per day (starting at $5) • Which keywords you want to target That control makes them a great tool—if you know how to use them wisely. Gradual Budget Changes Are Key One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is drastically increasing their ad budget overnight. If you jump from spending $5 a day to $50, Etsy’s algorithm can’t keep up, and your money won’t be well spent. Instead, I recommend gradually increasing your budget in small steps, like going from $5 to $8, then to $12, and so on. This slow-and-steady approach gives the algorithm time to adjust and ensures your ad spend is optimized for results. Ads Won’t Fix Bad Listings Here’s a hard truth: If your Etsy listings aren’t optimized, ads won’t save them. If you’re not already getting organic sales, running ads will only send traffic to listings that aren’t converting—and that can actually hurt your ranking. Before investing in ads, make sure your listings are in top shape. That means great photos, compelling descriptions, competitive pricing, and SEO-friendly keywords. Ads should amplify success, not cover up weaknesses. Offsite Ads: What You Need to Know Offsite ads are a completely different ballgame. Etsy runs these ads for you on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Bing. The catch? You don’t have much control over them. Etsy decides which of your listings to promote and charges you a fee only when a sale is made. Here’s how the fees work: • If you make over $10,000 in a rolling 12-month period, you’re automatically opted in, and the fee is up to 12%. • If you make less than $10,000, you can choose to opt-in, but the fee is up to 15%. In my experience, offsite ads tend to perform better than Etsy ads because Etsy is highly selective about which listings it promotes. This can result in a better return on ad spend (ROAS). Understanding ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) ROAS is a key metric that tells you how much money you’re making for every dollar you spend on ads. For example, if you spend $25 on ads and earn $130 in revenue, your ROAS is 5.2 (or $5.20 earned for every $1 spent). The average ROAS varies by niche, but a common benchmark is 3:1. However, depending on your profit margins, you may need a higher ROAS to stay profitable. That’s why it’s essential to calculate this metric and monitor your ad performance closely. Tips for Running Successful Etsy Ads If you’re ready to give Etsy ads a try, here are my top tips: 1. Test All Listings Initially: Start by advertising all your listings and then turn off ads for the ones that don’t perform well. 2. Avoid Frequent Changes: Don’t constantly tweak your budget or turn ads on and off—it confuses the algorithm. 3. Monitor Your ROAS: Use Etsy’s dashboard to track your return on ad spend and identify low-performing ads. 4. Focus on Profit Margins: Ensure your products have enough margin to absorb fees and still make a profit. Final Thoughts Ads can be a powerful tool for growing your Etsy shop, but only if you use them wisely. By understanding the differences between Etsy ads and offsite ads, gradually increasing your budget, and focusing on optimized listings, you can make your ad spend work harder for you. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I’ve created a free cheat sheet to help you manage your Etsy ads like a pro. Just leave a comment on the podcast episode, and I’ll send it your way! Running ads doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right strategy, you can attract more customers, boost your sales, and grow your Etsy business sustainably. Let’s do this!
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • I Tried This & Added 30% More Yearly Etsy Revenue!

    I Tried This & Added 30% More Yearly Etsy Revenue!
    Nov 12 2024
    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about Boost Your Etsy Traffic and Sales with My Four-Step Trend Strategy In today’s post, I’m excited to share a powerful four-step trend strategy that can increase traffic and boost sales for your Etsy business. Trends play a huge role in bringing fresh eyes to your shop and creating more sales opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on your current success, this strategy will help you use trends to grow your shop without overwhelming it. Let’s dive into the main points of how trends can elevate your Etsy shop. Why Trends Matter for Etsy Success Trends are crucial for Etsy sellers because they’re popular, high-traffic items. Incorporating the right trends into your shop not only adds more visibility but also increases your chances of making more sales. I’ve helped other Etsy sellers grow their revenue by up to 20-30% just by using a targeted trend strategy, and I’m here to share how you can do the same. One of the easiest ways to get started with trends is by joining a community of other sellers. If you’re looking for support, I’d recommend joining my Etsy Games Community, where we share trend tips, motivation, and support. You can find the link below – it’s a super fun space for sellers like you! A Caution About Trends: Why They Shouldn’t Be Your Whole Strategy Before I dive into the trend strategy, I want to emphasize a key point: trends shouldn’t be your entire business model. While trends bring quick boosts in sales, relying solely on them can create challenges. Etsy’s algorithm favors shops that have a cohesive product selection aimed at a specific audience. If you only sell trendy items, your shop can start to look chaotic, and it may become difficult for the algorithm to understand your target audience. Using trends alone can also create a lot of stress, as you’re constantly searching for the “next big thing.” I’ve seen this lead to burnout among sellers. So, while trends can give you a great boost, it’s important to balance them with a core selection of products aimed at your primary audience. Step 1: Define Your Target Audience and Niche The first step is defining a specific target audience and niche. A strong foundation focused on your ideal customers will guide your shop’s overall look and help create a steady stream of sales. A steady demand for your core products is essential, while trends should act as a boost to your main product line. If your products have a natural demand, you can count on consistent sales. Then, by strategically adding trendy items that complement your shop’s main focus, you’ll get an extra sales boost throughout the year. Having a clearly defined audience and niche means each trend you incorporate will add value rather than clutter to your shop. Step 2: Finding Trends for Your Etsy Business Now that you’ve established a target audience, the next step is finding trends that work for your shop. Etsy offers some fantastic tools, like Alura and eRank, which can help you spot trending keywords and topics. These tools pull data from Etsy’s API, so you’ll be able to identify popular items and emerging trends that other sellers are tapping into. Outside of Etsy-specific tools, Google Trends and Exploding Topics are also great for broader trend research. These resources give you a wider view of trends that are gaining popularity across the internet, which can help you stay ahead of the curve. Remember, the goal is to find trends that align with your shop’s theme and appeal to your target audience. Step 3: Types of Trends to Focus On When it comes to adding trends to your shop, not all trends are created equal. Here are three types to consider: • Seasonal Trends: Seasonal items—such as products for fall, spring, or specific events like weddings—can give your shop a steady boost throughout the year. These trends are reliable and return annually, so you’ll be able to plan for them consistently. • Holiday Trends: Holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Mother’s Day are excellent times to introduce new items or update existing products with holiday-focused keywords. Since holiday trends occur every year, they’re a sustainable way to increase sales regularly. • Pop Culture Trends: While these trends can bring quick bursts of traffic, they’re often short-lived. Pop culture trends are more “fly-by-night” and may not stick around for long, so use these sparingly and be sure they align with your shop’s focus. Using a mix of seasonal and holiday trends provides stability, while pop culture trends can be fun but should be used carefully to avoid confusing your audience. Step 4: Incorporate Trends in Your Products The last step is incorporating these trends into your product ...
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins