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Etsy Insights: Building a standout brand
Hello everyone! I’m Catherine, and my Etsy shop is Katnipp Studios. I have been working on building my dream business on Etsy since 2015. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved illustrating and purchasing cute picture books for inspiration. I eventually defined my own style through the things that were of interest to me and brought that to life through my brand. Here’s how I’ve brought the wonderful world of Katnipp to life…
Finding inspiration
When I started my Etsy shop, I felt inadequate when it came to illustration and putting my ideas onto paper. I realized through daily practice and experimentation, I saw my own interests (pop culture, anime and gaming) naturally extend into my illustration style and my products. I realized I was catering to my own demographic and to my amazement, my audience was connecting with it too. Bumblebutt, an adorable and wholesome Katnipp character that I created, has become our shop's top-selling item because of its joyful and boisterous personality. It was an easy decision to expand our selection of Bumblebutt-themed products and incorporate the character across our brand.
What do you want your buyers to feel?
At Katnipp Studios, one of our missions is to create a feeling of happiness. We want buyers to feel like they have stepped into a wholesome and cute world that puts a smile on their face. For example, I use the same cute pastel colors, bubbly and rounded fonts, and graphics across my brand to bring more of that joy. Once you start getting sales and refining your brand voice, the next step is marketing and sharing all of your wonderful work on social media. I went a step further and created my own custom filter to make my footage look more pastel, or more “Katnipp.” When people see a Katnipp picture, product, reel or even YouTube video, the audience knows what brand it is straight away because it is cohesive not only on my Etsy store, but across all of my channels.
Getting Started
It's easy to see other big sellers that you aspire to be and start to feel overwhelmed. The best thing to remember is that they didn't start out with a store like that. You learn along the way how to improve and grow as a brand. But the only way to begin the process is just to get started, warts and all! If you'd like to learn more about building your brand, please consider joining me at Etsy Up on May 18 where you’ll hear me share more about my brand journey and how to create a cohesive brand voice. Don’t forget to RSVP here and join me in the live chat!
How would you describe your brand’s image? What values or personality traits does your brand embody? Let’s brainstorm together in the comments and have a think about your brand vision!
VUYDFSTORE
·3 years agoGreat ！
CRTDISTORE
·3 years agoOhh helpful, great! Thanks.
AUTUISTORE
·3 years agoGreat!!
nancyokangartist
·3 years agoBranding is a side of my business I havent much worked on. Between actually making, and filling supporting roles to keep it moving, its a lot. Feels overwhelming, but better give it a go than just chicken out.
Purple21StoreShop
·3 years agoAnyone want to check out my shop?
I created a pamphlet of my own interview tips that I have used in the past that have gotten me many jobs. I created the pamphlet to share with others in the hopes that the tips can help them, especially individuals who are going after their first job.
I hope that it sells. I just my item for sale about 2-3 days ago.
LaninArt
·3 years agoCongratulations on your beautiful store! Your brand is so cohesive and I love how you feature de quality of your products! To learn from Cheers! Pat.
HoangMaiCosmos
·3 years agoGreat This post was so inspirational and helpful to a new seller like me. Thank you
BoeregirlInBrisbane
·3 years agoAs a newbie here on Etsy this was so inspiring to read, thank you for sharing your insights with us!
DoubleNByNguyen
·3 years agoReally helpful to new seller like me
EncompassingArtCraig
·3 years agoHello, I am International Artist William "Craig" Clark,BSHA/HM.My brand as an International Artist is very solid. I like it when the results exceed expectations. I learned to paint in a rural art class in S.E. Missouri public school at the age of 13. I started showing my paintings in restaurants at the age of 14, and in art galleries at the age 16. The first time my art exhibited outside of the United States was in Rome,Italy 2012. Throughout the almost 3 decades I have randomly donated my art to non-profit art auctions, therefore all this time helping others while increasing exposure of my art. In 2021 I entered the Luxembourg Art prize and received an Artistic Achievement Award for my entries. In that same year I was selected for my biography to be published in this upcoming edition of "Marquis Who Who in America. I have met and at times exceeded my goals for social momentum and justice. In the past I had a few things printed from my art to start a path for prints and variety of products. However, this inspired me to instruct myself on how to print. My Etsy Market is more recent, I have a very wide range of recognition in International Art. "I am a self taught artist with no formal art training. I am also a first in my family university graduate. Therefore the title that follows my name is relevant to my Bachelor of Science in Health Administration concentration Health Management. No one who has accomplished what I have should have the financial problems that I have. I understand how non-profit organizations work. I sent my Etsy Market to all of the non-profit organizations I have donated art to throughout the decades hoping people will shop my market on their personal time, with their personal money of course. I am a member of two highly reputable honor societies and have sent them links to my Etsy Market. My university Alumni has access to my Etsy Market link. My Art has helped many while unfortunately my resources have always been scarce. "I have noted the information from Etsy Up and using these notes to implement subtle changes to my Etsy Market. I have invested decades into my name becoming a positive International brand relevant to Art. I learned to print to create a path for my art to be affordable to many more people and exposure by variety of products. I also started messaging and following those I have noted from Etsy Up. " I am urgently needing to resolve the topic of my financial momentum and justice. "I am a self-taught artist with almost 30 years experience and have accomplished two Health Administration degrees. Etsy is the one and only source I have for my customers to purchase my products on the Internet. I need business to my Etsy Market so I can continue expanding options for my customers. https://www.etsy.com/shop/EncompassingArtCraig I am seeking financial momentum and justice that reflects "An Artist who has been exhibiting and donating my art since I was 14 and for the past three decades." I heard about your success on EtsyUP. Therefore I am giving you this overview of when I started showing and managing my art. (You can read my biography in the upcoming edition of Marquis Who's Who in America. ) I am in urgent need of financial momentum and justice. My financial momentum and justice needs to align accordingly. It is urgent that people view and shop my Etsy Market, I have included the link. Thank you from, International Artist,William "Craig" Clark,BSHA/HM.
FoxyDaisySkincare
·3 years agoI watched your segment on Etsy Up and found it incredibly inspiring and helpful! As a new shop owner, it's very easy to get overwhelmed, as you mentioned. Your advice has been encouraging and insightful for me. I'll be attending your workshop on May 18th, and I'm looking forward to it! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
IslamicSet
·3 years agoGreat
Hijabbridalgowns
·3 years agoI researched and read a lot and I set up my store like that, I advertise it, but I can't get enough interaction, what kind of way should I follow, please help
RockBandOutfit
·3 years agoGreat post !
CottonCrochetAtelier
·3 years agoWeddingFavorsForever
·3 years agoVERY NICE :))
RockBandOutfit
·3 years agoSo great!
DuExCard
·3 years agoYour sharing is very helpful !
WittingCraft
·3 years agoI really want to know something about why some listings get "Etsy's Pick", while others don't. Is there any certain standard? Or is it only decided by editor's personal taste?
Taking necklace for example, some necklaces get "Etsy's Pick", but I don't think they are good enough. They are made of stainless stell or brass, and the designs are bought from other shops on Etsy, which makes these necklaces cheap and ordinary.
Just curious.
JimkoschSklep
·3 years agoIts rly good, ty!
RockBandOutfit
·3 years agoSo great!
RockBandOutfit
·3 years agoMy store always has positive reviews from customers that are my motivation every day.
SweetWillowHandmade
·3 years agoI love Katnipp Studios! I have been watching your social media accounts for a few years now and have seen how you have grown. I love that you found your niche and your audience - you create what you enjoy and gives you fulfillment. That's so important when building a brand, otherwise its so easy to experience burn out.
AnnoArtByRasha
·3 years agoThank you!
fashoinyou
·3 years agogood idea.
FullyBalled
·3 years agoVery helpful info. Thanks much, Catherine.
MuddyCreekAntiques
·3 years agoHow to you create a brand when you sell all things vintage? Any suggestions would be helpful. I started with farmhouse but I have 20
sections of different items and about 950 items listed. Thanks in advance. Muddy Creek Antiques.
OnlyNaturalCraft
·3 years agoThank you for the message. With my new shop, I also want to create a brand, combining old crafts with modern luxury. I weave with noble raw materials. I came up with my brand name today.
MysticalArtNight
·3 years agoAmazing! Thank u so much
StoryQuestStudio
·3 years agoI look forward to it!
DiamondOfSea
·3 years agothank you really very helpful for beginners like me....
MarketThatHome
·3 years agoLove this collaboration! I am definitely working on my brand! I want to make my buyers feel like I solved a problem for them. My audience is realtors and vacations rental hosts, and I want ro be the shop that helps them market their product!!
LuckyBeakJewelry
·3 years agoThat is awesome. I think being a big part of a process for someone is important. Like me as a kid making jewelry. If they buy, it and feel good in it- i did a good job then.
LuckyBeakJewelry
·3 years agoWell, I am a young girl- supported by my parents to put my designs out in the world. This is something I never thought would happen. Yet my designs are on a platform for-sale with my parents help. I want to be successful. My pieces are one of a kind creations. I put love and effort into each one. I hope the buyer gets that in return.
StarGraphicSVG
·3 years agoGreat!
atomicfiberstudio
·3 years agoI want to see lower fees. A repeal on the Etsy 6% charge off my shop ship rates o.O My biggest concern is not creativity, it is overhead. idea: Partnering with a business like Eco Enclose to make special packaging available at a lower cost for low income artists like me would be a awesome start xoxo
Wedesijewellery
·3 years agoHere is my shop link https://www.etsy.com/shop/Wedesijewellery
ArtiVector
·3 years agoDear [Inspiration Seeker]
I hope this email finds you well. As a valued Etsy seller, we wanted to share some insights on building a standout brand on our platform.
As you know, Etsy is a unique marketplace that connects buyers with makers and artisans. With over 4 million active sellers, it's important to set yourself apart and build a brand that stands out. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
1. Define your brand: What makes your products unique? What values do you stand for? Define your brand's personality and story, and make sure it comes across in your shop and product descriptions.
2. Use high-quality photos: Your product photos are the first thing buyers will see. Use high-quality images that showcase your products in the best possible light.
3. Optimize your listings: Make sure your product titles, tags, and descriptions are optimized for search. Use keywords that buyers are likely to search for.
4. Build customer relationships: Respond to customer inquiries and reviews promptly and professionally. Offer excellent customer service to build long-term relationships.
5. Use social media: Use social media to promote your products and build your brand. Share behind-the-scenes photos, customer photos, and product updates.
By following these tips, you can build a standout brand on Etsy and attract more customers. We wish you continued success on our platform and look forward to seeing your business grow.
shoptrendy577
·3 years agoGREAT JOB AND WORK
crossstitchnerd
·3 years agoThis has been something that I have struggled with mostly because I don't think that I understood what a "brand" was. It's only been recently that I have figured out that, even though I have not been consistent in the utilization of my "brand", I do have one and I think that it is a rather good one. My shop has been opened since 2009, but I have not really worked at it. It was mostly an avenue to support my cross stitch habit. So, when I had a dream that John Lennon had come to me begging me to immortalize him in little pieces of embroidery floss, I immediately got started on the creation of his pattern and on stitching him up myself. On completion of the tapestry three months later, the picture of the finished piece became my logo! I thought it fitting!
Especially since I had that dream about him, and considering the lyrics to one of the greatest songs ever written about saying that he was a dreamer,I thought that using the picture as my logo was very fitting. Today, looking back it seems to me that it was much more fitting than I had thought. I used to dream as a teenager about being an artist! Now I do get to combine my artistic skills with my knowledge of the business world.
However, im thinking about applying the dream analogy through out my Etsy shop! So, any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Linda
THE CrossStitchNerd
HeartWarmersByLezlie
·3 years agoI look forward to seeing Etsy Up this year and gathering ideas for taking my shop to the next level. I recently revisited all my listings to refresh my titles, tags, and descriptions. One important thing for SEO that I had forgotten was to include Alt Text on all my photos - I rectified that and visits and views shot up.
My brand is all about making the wearer/user of my knitted and crocheted items feel special - warming their hearts.
7ChakraGift
·3 years agoAwesome, I'm looking forward to it
Twistedwiresculpture
·3 years agoI have been on ETSY for a number of years and due to my lack of persistence my shop hasn't been as successful as my in person sales. I want to change that this year. I know I have a product that is good because my success at comic conventions and craft shows tell me. I just need to apply that approach to the ETSY shop. Your post has made me look back at myself and re-evaluate my approach. Thank you.
ExpressYourselfTee
·3 years agoThank you for sharing your motivational words. Sometimes it can be difficult, especially if you work full time. This forum is amazing, and I am very happy to explore it.
Angelyzee
·3 years agoNicely written! I get the whole picture, it's just hard to start. And I guess the look & feel of the shop shapes and comes together over time. And just by browsing your store, I see how much I have to improve my photos and whatnot..
MysticalArtNight
·3 years agoYou gave me a lot. Thank you:)
Creepyfeed
·3 years agoInsight is on point. Real deal. As I continue getting sales and work on my brand image, I can really see how personal interests flood into creation. The more I dive into things, the more I realize progress.
EdalynArt
·3 years agoThat was so inspirational and helpful for me. Thank you, Catherine!
ArtisanJewelryCraft
·3 years agoHello Dear
We Are Natural Gemstone Handmade Jewelry Manufacturer And Wholesaler
We Provide All Type Jewelry In Very Cheap Price For Resellers
Visit Our Shop And Contact Us For Any Query
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/shop/RajasthaniJewelsArt
Thanks
BudgetwithBrina
·3 years agoThat's awesome. Greatness
BelAmourAUdesigns
·3 years agoLove this .. 'We want buyers to feel like they have stepped into a wholesome and cute world that puts a smile on their face.', great article !
MellowMadeShop
·3 years agoLooking forward to your presentation at Etsy Up!
HappyBlackCloud
·3 years agoThanks for sharing! I've watched her channel for a long time and I was excited to see she'll be a part of this. I love her business and art! Looking forward to it!
CapeCodPaperCuts
·3 years agoI need to get out of my head. I think something will be cute and the picture doesn't always come out that way. When it does I end up staring at it like its a pile of puppies. It doesn't help that I don't like taking pictures and I'm not really good at it. I have so much more to post too. Argh! Lol
LuckyBeakJewelry
·3 years agoI think people over think the out come. Nothing will be commercial grade. We take pictures the best we can, and put them out there for people to buy. I'm considering looking on Youtube for product photography ideas.
ClosArtCreations
·3 years agoReading this really helps me since I'm new to Esty, thanks for this!
EliteStoreUS
·3 years agoVery Nice
RoseManorGifts
·3 years agoCongrats on your success...very inspiring. Thank you for caring about others in sharing all you have learned through hard work, a great idea, and dedication!
Kinderklipz
·3 years agoI only subscribed Etsy Up because Catherine will be one of the speakers. I follow her on Youtube for quite a while and also on IG, love her aesthetic, Bumblebutt, her nails, and her unique "goodbye" at the end of each video.
Regarding my brand image, i never think much about it (i sell supplies and i feel that it's not that important to my customers) but i do make my product photos stand out and have a cohesive style when someone sees them in the search results and as much informative as possible just for looking at the 1st photo. But i don't see this a "brand" thing but something that i think works for my shop as i don't do social media (i don't update for months).
Can't wait for Etsy Up!
TheraMamaSwag
·3 years agoTheraMamaSwag is for Moms and Therapists who are moms. We typically have a dry or dark sense of humor given the work we do. We like nice/cute things, but we also want people to know that therapy is cool! The push for mental health awareness is huge and we are drivers in that.
SpomiDesign
·3 years agoCongratulations
brassjewels2
·3 years agoVERY NICE
fuliastudio
·3 years agoGreat!
FoxFire9DigitatArt
·3 years agoGreat .
MarryBirdyCraft
·3 years agoAmazing!!
Yiklik
·3 years agoI like jewelry, my brand is to express women 's soft beauty and my own aesthetic, hope that there will be the same aesthetic on the etsy people together with my shop
PrintableDesignplay
·3 years agoits Great
DesignsbyGandTArt
·3 years agoLoved this article. I have followed Catherine for many years on YouTube, I love her humble, authentic, down-to-earth approach with a sprinkle of perfectionism personality. So pleased to see all her hard work (an boy does she work hard!) paying off. She is, quite rightly an inspirational Etsy Goddess!! Hugs Tracy xxx
WoodToyKid
·3 years agoThank you very much!
ELEXURAS
·3 years agogreat
DresszipCollection
·3 years agoReally help full and motivation to work on improvements and how we can get more audience and give them best service and keep them forever
AfterClickMagic
·3 years agoThank you madam.
BookTokBabe
·3 years agoThanks so much for this inspiration and guidance, it is much appreciated!!
RawEdgezStudio
·3 years agoThank you for sharing! Your shop is beautiful! Our vision is to bring sustainability to customers' home by giving them products that last and transform their home with our timeless pieces made with superior materials and craftsmanship.
PorterPerfect
·3 years agoThanks, this will help me take the next step.
Crochetlovemelbourne
·3 years agoThank you, this is so interesting as it’s something that I definitely have to think about more! I know I like designing useful and hopefully a bit more modern crochet patterns for people like me, but I haven’t really defined a consistent look or brand colors so I am looking forward to the etsy up event to hear more about your story!
CeeMmmBites
·3 years agoThank you for this post, very insightful for a new seller like me, I learned a lot reading your post it gives me hope.
AWFPANSTORE
·3 years agoGreat! Its very inspiring for a new seller like me.
Our main objective for our brand is to provide our customers with best in quality personalized products which they can use for themselves or can use as gifts for their loved ones.
We love to hear from our customers and are working daily to maintain the quality of our products.
Thank You!
TheWigWitch
·3 years agoWe love this. Thanks for putting together these concepts.
SpeckledEggCeramics
·3 years agoDefinitely some good talking points
OrnateArtcrafts
·3 years agoWe are a small business focusing on earth friendly materials for home decor with Indian handmade techniques mixed with boho modern decor. Our aim is to provide affordable decor which is classy & sustainable!
GohleJewelry
·3 years agoBravo!
TemboSpa
·3 years agoThank you so much for sharing your story!
MorphCollectionShop
·3 years agothanks. hope to make sales soon.
YasminJewelryGifts
·3 years agoDesiAEye
·3 years agoWow! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's very helpful, especially to new shops like Desi AEye that have just started their journey on Etsy.
CCIQQOC
·3 years agoSo great! Ty!
DaydreamerAlley
·3 years agoI've been following Catherine's channel on YouTube for years and have learned SO MUCH from her own shop's growth and challenges. I can't wait for the EtsyUp event! As an artist, I felt incredibly pressured to have my shop be just my name but I want it to be bigger than just me so I created a "brand" that embodies the image and feelings I want my customers to feel-- joy, happiness, sparkling creativity and a bit of childlike nostalgia. I imagine "Daydreamer Alley" as a place-- this magical, colorful alley hidden away somewhere, like that magical alley in that huge movie series about wizards , where you could have a rainbow of experiences. Buy pretty, vibrant art. Eat cupcakes with edible glitter. Play in confetti. Dress up in sequined gowns for a photo op with disco balls and rainbow boas. You know, the stuff of dreams. That's my vision for my brand and my customers and hopefully, one day I can make that a reality!!
VectorLogos
·3 years agoVery useful! Thanks so much for your thoughts!
RumbleDesignStore
·3 years agoThank you for your great insight and narrative of your journey! Stories like this inspires me to persevere, no matter what situations you are faced, and to enjoy the process, as this is our passion!
JameOutfit
·3 years agoI just wish there was a store with all the positive reviews. Hopefully in the future my dream will come true.
LOCALinCEYLON
·3 years agoyes sure
WoofWoofMeowDesign
·3 years agoWhat I want is to get great comments on every product sold from my brand and to be liked a lot. This is how to grow a lot and become one of the top 5 stores on Etsy. I hope I can achieve my dreams.
choosingabetterway
·3 years agoThis post was so inspirational to a new seller like me! Thank you!
JameOutfit
·3 years agoGreat ! Perfect article, I love it. I also have a shop selling t-shirts, hope to have many customers visit. Jameoutfit Store
Allwoodies
·3 years agoReally inspiration for us who are new seller........and such a amazing story very interesting also.... these kind of stories motivate us help us to built our confidence level aslo... there is nothing in this world who don't have ability to do something new and different...but all we need is motivation support hardware and ofcourse etsy is the platform where we can spread our tallent where we can show our hardware and achieve our goals...specialy for those who want to start there business with a small capital like me....so thank you etsy entire team who give us this platform today...hope I get sale very soon so wish me the best of luck...and you guys also best. Of luck for your future
GeosTravelPaintings
·3 years agoI really appreciate you providing this perspective on building a brand. I love your page and I can really see and feel the theme once I see even the store's banner. Once I know how I want my "brand" to look, I'll try and put it on my own page and scale it up!
DelicateandWild
·3 years agoOur main vision for our brand was to design something not only creative and unique but affordable so everyone can enjoy what we spend sooooo many hours lovingly making. It's hard sometimes to get the right words to really describe and make people stop in their searches to look at what we do
Latualucejewelry
·3 years agoWhat do you want your buyers to feel?
I can really say that we are a company that was formed around this problem, which is our main mission. because the most important part of our business is the delivery of the product to the customer at the end of the production phase. When the customer responds with a smile, we feel that we have received almost all of our efforts and we are even more motivated for the next buyer.
steelhipdesign
·3 years agoIt's also about what success is to the individual seller. Many of us are here because the "normal" workforce isn't flexible enough for people with disabilities, those who are caring for dependent family members and those who just want to earn enough to buy more supplies.
The idea of selling thousands of items is not something I want. I would much rather sell one item for $400 not 40 items at $10 each. It means I'm happy with only one or two sales on Etsy per month. Not only am I physically disabled but I'm also the full time carer for my elderly Mum. I've cut down my business to mostly custom orders and professional props/décor due to this.
By it's nature "handmade" can only be scaled up so far. If you ever want a pay rise, sellers have to look at being able to sell less product for more money. That's where branding helps. It's why a $10 lipstick can be sold for $100 with a designer brand on the packaging. It can be tough to "value add" for some products but it can be achieved with simple actions like better photos, creative bundling, bulk selling through to more complex: sourcing exclusive materials, learning/improving technique or investing in better equipment.
I've been incredibly lucky with my "brand" in my target genre with good name recognition within the community. I've done that mostly with genre specific forums and social media with the occasional photo/video going mini viral on Tumblr, FB and Pinterest.