How To Get Started Selling Art On Etsy

One of the essential things modern artists need to know about is selling art on Etsy. Etsy is a website that specializes in handmade and vintage items. It has millions of users worldwide, so shop owners on the platform can get customers globally.

However, to attract customers to your Etsy shop, you first must learn how to set it up. It is also important to advertise the products to reach a broader market. Luckily, getting started on Etsy has never been easier. Start by getting a unique name for your shop, get clear pictures of the items, and advertise them. 

There are many ways to market your Etsy items. For example, you can use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram or use the advertising platforms on Etsy. Also, to keep your shop running and maintain loyal customers, it’s also important to have good customer service. 

This article will cover everything you need to know when starting an Etsy art shop. 

What Is Etsy

Etsy is an ecommerce platform that deals with unique handmade goods and vintage items. The main aim is to provide a market for business starters. Sellers and buyers on Etsy prefer the platform because it is easy to use and has a large following. 

Unlike the other e-commerce platforms, everything on Etsy is collected and sold by the owners. The craft makers also manage their order inventory in the shop and deal with customers directly. 

Customers can easily find items on the platform because the Etsy website allows the sellers to group the items into categories. Moreover, customers can search the items in a search bar, and the website also suggests items based on the buyer’s search history. 

Etsy is available to everyone. Whether you have an account or want to buy as a guest, you can buy from the platform. It makes it easier for people who wish to make a one-time purchase and want to skip the hassle of creating an account. 

Customers go through an easy purchasing process like with other e-commerce platforms, where you can pick the items you want and put them in a cart for checkout entirely digitally. The site also allows customers to use credit and debit cards and Etsy gift cards as payment methods for convenience. 

Once the Etsy sellers receive the customer’s request, they are also responsible for the shipping. The seller chooses the best shipping method to deliver the item to the buyer, considering the costs. 

Now that you know a little about how Etsy works, you can start setting up your art store , and we’ve got a quick and easy guide to help you start selling.

A Guide On Selling Digital Art Etsy

Starting an Etsy art shop is easy and does not require specific documents or details. Follow these easy steps to get started.

1. Get A Name For Your Shop

The first step to starting your art Etsy shop is identifying a unique but easily recognizable name for your shop. Ensure the name is easy to pronounce or write down to make it easier for your customers to find you. 

Also, make sure to choose a name that connects to what your shop deals with, like the type of artwork you sell. You can also include your location in the title. 

2. Identify The Business Using A Banner

The next step is making your business recognizable using a banner and icon. Get an expert in web design to get high-quality professional work. You can also use photo editing programs to make the icon and banners yourself if you wish.

Ensure the banner size fits on Etsy and matches your shop’s name as well as the items you are selling. You can use text and graphics to create a unique design for the shop or customize a unique logo. 

3. Fill Out Your Shop Details

People are skeptical about purchasing items online, so they research the shop before buying. Having fewer details about your Etsy shop could reduce your credibility and have a negative impact on customer sales. 

The shop’s location, profile and “About Us” section, and the shop policies are essential details you should fill out. Don’t forget to mention the return policy, and if possible, provide a Frequently Asked Questions section to let new visitors know how your business operates. 

4. Describe Your Items In Detail

People want to know how the items look or feel before buying, which is impossible with online shops. To help your customers make better decisions on the kind of items you are selling, describe your items deeply. 

In your description box, mention the title of the artwork, the dimensions, and the type of the art. You should tell the customers whether it is original or a print and whether it is signed. 

You can also give instructions on using the art or how and where to display it. Mention the authenticity of the item and the shipping method you use to deliver items to your customers. This information makes the customers feel safer when purchasing items from your online shop.

5. Get High-Quality Photos

You are almost ready to start selling art prints on Etsy. However, getting and uploading clear pictures of your art on Etsy is as important as providing descriptions. Photos are the first things the customers will look at, so they should give an excellent first impression. 

Use a quality camera to take the pictures, and ensure they are clear enough for the customers. They will purchase your art based on how it looks in the photos. Also, make sure you’re offering accurate visual information of the right items – the images you upload on the Etsy site should match with those that you’re selling. 

When taking pictures, capture all the sides of the art to help the customer know what they are purchasing. Also, ensure the thumbnail is of high quality. You can color correct any scanned pictures to make them presentable. 

6. Keep Your Shop’s Style Consistent

Consistency in your shop makes customers trust you more. If you are taking your pictures in a certain way, maintain it in all the items. Also, your description of all items should match the previous ones. 

When you use different photos or descriptions, buyers could doubt the legitimacy of the shop, losing customers. If you want to update or change something in the shop, ensure you do so in the entire shop. 

7. Promote Your Artwork

Now you know how to get started selling art on Etsy. Congratulations! 

However, for your shop to make sales, you should advertise it on social media platforms. You can use the most common ones like Facebook and Instagram.

When advertising, ensure you describe your items well for buyers to understand. You should also use the keyword of the items to make them easier to be found in the search engines. Ensure you mention essential things like what the art is made of. 

Create emails and newsletters to let your customers know what’s new in the shop. Add a description of the items and send it to as many buyers as possible. This is only possible if you have a part on your website where buyers can subscribe to your email. 

When writing the emails, ensure they are short and informative. Also, avoid sending too many emails or sending them too often to the buyers. You can schedule an email once a month or twice a year. 

Final Words

Once you have the basic guidelines on selling art on Etsy, it becomes easy to keep your business running optimally and pushing for more sales. With high quality products, good visual information, and reasonable prices, your art store is sure to attract many customers.