Solved: Q&A with Etsy’s Merchandising team: 2020 holiday t...

FidosFlowers · ‎09-21-2020

Greetings, all!

As the busy holiday shopping season approaches, Etsy’s Merchandising team is here to share insights and answer your questions about trends and holiday shop optimization.

Do you have questions about what’s trending in your selling category right now, and what we're forecasting for the season ahead? Are you looking for tips on improving your listing photos? Or perhaps you’re curious what types of photos are performing well on the site right now? The experts are here to help!

Here’s how it will work:

- Share your questions for the Merchandising team by replying to this post from now until Wednesday, September 23. We will close the thread to questions that evening at 9pm ET.

- Etsy staff from the Merchandising team will answer as many questions as possible by 5pm ET on Friday, September 25.

- Because we will not be able to answer every single question, be sure to read through what others have asked before posting your own. If your question has already been asked, give it a Like! We want to ensure that we answer the questions that matter most to you, so we’ll prioritize answering questions with the most Likes.

And a housekeeping note:

- This Q&A is to address questions about merchandising, trends, and holiday optimization. Please remember that all comments should remain on topic and in line with our community policies. Any comments that violate our policies will be removed.

Thanks all. We're looking forward to your questions!

emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

Hello! I’m Emi and I’m the Weddings Category Manager on Etsy’s Merchandising team. I’m excited to listen to and answer your questions about the Weddings category on Etsy! I've worked at Etsy for 3 years and every day, I am blown away by the talent and creativity of our seller community. In my spare time, I love to spend a lot of time outside - by exploring cities as well as retreating into nature!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

Mary from the Merchandising team here! I lead our team of category experts that identify changes in buyer purchasing patterns, the driving factors behind them, and emerging trends across the industry and marketplace. In my spare time, you'll find me chasing around my toddler and I love a good DIY home project.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

Hi! I’m Lindsay and I’ve been working at Etsy as the Home & Living category manager for about five years now. Today I'm excited to help set you up for success on Etsy by answering your questions and sharing some insights. In my downtime, I enjoy eating pizza, being outside in the sunshine, making jewelry, and working on my own Etsy shop, Binzie.

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

Jess from the Merchandising team here! I oversee the Clothing & Shoes categories on Etsy and am always on the lookout for the latest trends. When I’m not on the hunt for trends, you’ll likely find me making pottery or on a hike with my dog!

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rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

Hi there! My name is Rachel and I’m a senior merchandising manager at Etsy. I am passionate about discovering one-of-a-kind items from our sellers and then delivering those in curated shopping experiences for our buyers. When I’m not merchandising, you can find me on a soccer field or in the kitchen perfecting my cooking skills.

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ckharvey2 · ‎09-25-2020

Hi there! I'm Charlie, I'm based in London and specialise in merchandising across our international markets at Etsy. I love being able to create a localised experience for our buyers, curating beautiful finds tailored to each market. In my spare time, I like to travel as much as possible and have become a little hooked on van life.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

Hi there! My name is Adam and I’m on the Merchandising team, working on Craft Supplies, Vintage, Toys & Games, and some of our smaller categories. I’m super excited to feature shops that might not be on most Etsy buyers' radar. When I’m not combing Etsy for vintage gems, I’m an avid home cook with a serious vintage shopping habit.

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@PaintedLadyPottery wrote:

I am working on some new products for this holiday season. When is the best time to have them posted and available for buyers?

Hi @PaintedLadyPottery , thanks for your question! Early holiday search volume indicates shoppers are already looking forward to the season! I recommend stocking holiday inventory as soon as possible to attract these early shoppers. Here is our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already!

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@everbeedesign wrote:

Hello! I design modern cross stitch pattern downloads. What is trending in that area, and what trends are you forecasting for the future? Thank you!

bees of everbeedesign

Hi @everbeedesign , what a great category to specialize in! Shoppers are heading into the holidays with a strong DIY mindset this year. Themes & motifs that are top of mind are: Fall & Autumn Motifs, Holiday Motifs, Floral Motifs & Nature Motifs. This holiday, I anticipate both cross stitch patterns & DIY kits to resonate with shoppers purchasing for themselves as well as as gifts for loved ones! Kid- and beginner-friendly kits are continuing to gain traction, so I recommend offering some options for easy comfort crafting. Here is our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already! Post-holiday, inspirational motifs to align with a fresh new year mindset are anticipated to gain traction.

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@WobblyLines wrote:

As a novice, and having only two sales so far and background in retail and online image production, what group of shots will make my products stand out? In use, static product, staged in scene, etc? How much time should I spend on packaging/logos?

Welcome to Etsy, @WobblyLines ! Take a look at these How-to’s and best practices related to Photography. Our internal teams have put these together to guide you to best represent your brand and products in your shop! The Ultimate Guide to Product Photography includes tips on lighting, shooting, editing, and more. As for packaging, packaging can be simple, but shoppers appreciate seeing the way an item will be packaged - especially if they are thinking about purchasing items as a gift! We don’t have set guidelines on logos; this is completely up to you as the creator behind your items!

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@LWWbyClaire wrote:

I’m new to Etsy and love making hand printed bunting. Do you see mainly gifts being sold or do customers enjoy buying handmade holiday items for their homes do you think? Thanks so much Claire @LWWbyClaire

Thanks for your question, @LWWbyClaire and welcome to Etsy! Buyers are looking on Etsy for both holiday decor items for the home & gifts. We see holiday decor-related searches spike first; in fact, we are already seeing significant holiday decor-related searches gain momentum week over week! Check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already!

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@Graciosa wrote:

I would please like to know what colors, fabrics and prints will be trending this year. Is plaid still a thing?

Hi @Graciosa ,

Yes! Plaid is a classic and is routinely popular during the fall & winter seasons. This year, we’re also forecasting some unexpected prints to trend like animal print and tie dye. And because this season will be all about getting cozy at home, we are also expecting people to surround themselves with soothing tones and cozy materials.

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@BunchOfSunshine wrote:

Hello! New Etsy Seller here! Do you find more clicks on Products on blank white backgrounds more or Stylized/lifestyle images more? Just wondering if I should make my lifestyle shot the primary?

Hi @BunchOfSunshine ,

Welcome to Etsy! Lifestyle images that are able to show the item in context are always helpful in grabbing Buyer’s attention and allowing them to imagine the item in their space. Up close product image shots are also helpful to show off all of the amazing details of an item too.

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@SewJoyfulandBlessed wrote:

Another Question. What colors are popular this year for fall and Christmas? For example clothing and decor trends and colors.

Hi @SewJoyfulandBlessed , thanks for your question!

As mentioned in our Holiday 2020 Trends Marketplace Insights report, we’ve been calling out the tie-dye trend for some time, and shoppers have been wild about it recently, so expect this natural, often earth-friendly version to make a holiday appearance.

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@happystitchery wrote:

Hi, I offer diy patterns in my store, as my customers don’t receive a physical item (as it’s a pdf/digital download) how can I best merchandise my store for the holidays. Also is there a certain time before the Christmas where customers search for diy projects for the holidays - thanks

Hi @happystitchery !

Shoppers are heading into the holidays with a strong DIY mindset this year and I am anticipating that diy patterns & kits will resonate well with shoppers throughout the holidays! To guide shoppers to your holiday diy patterns, I recommend organizing your shop using the left hand navigation and rearranging your shop to highlight the most seasonal items at the top of your shop. We are actually already seeing significant holiday-related searches gain momentum week over week! Definitely check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already.

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@Former_Member wrote:

Can you provide some marketing ideas for printable downloads? I made my first sale last week, one month after opening my store front selling downloads of infrared nature photography, and am looking for proven holiday marketing and promotion approaches.

Congratulations on your first sale, @Former_Member! I typically recommend leading with images that showcase the photography in a frame, to help catch shoppers’ eyes when browsing as well as to help shoppers visualize how a piece will look like in their own spaces. Definitely check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already!

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@lilypadgreetingcards wrote:

Hello,

Do you think it is feasible/profitable to run a greeting card shop right now? What kinds of cards are shoppers in that market looking for?

Hi @lilypadgreetingcards,

Thanks for your question! The greeting card business is growing rapidly as shoppers turn to cards & gifts to send messages from afar. Greeting cards can be challenging to photograph, so I recommend taking a look at our Ultimate Guide to Product Photography, which includes tips on lighting, shooting, editing, and more. Definitely check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season as well, if you haven’t seen this yet!

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@BridesFlock wrote:

Please advise the best tags for Christmas pajamas

Hi there @BridesFlock ! Buyers come to Etsy to find unique and personalized PJ’s for the whole family and are often searching for “matching family pajamas”. Other popular search terms include Christmas, personalized, matching, family, kids, and pets. I hope that helps!

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@WYNNOVATIONSTUDIO wrote:

2 Questions. What types of product photos are trending? and what are the trends that will be popular with shoppers this Christmas season?

Hi @WYNNOVATIONSTUDIO,

Great question. This season will be all about getting cozy at home. Lifestyle images that are able to show the item in context are always helpful for Buyers to see and imagine the item in their space. Up close product image shots are also helpful to show off all of the amazing details of an item too. Hope that helps!

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@JadedOrchidStudio wrote:

What are the holiday trends for us digital shops, including invitations?

Hi there @JadedOrchidStudio ,

For digital shops specializing in invitations, I recommend keeping a pulse on emerging trends - (i.e. virtual celebrations, lawn signs, etc.) which it looks like you are already doing such a great job of! The sky is the limit when it comes to creativity; I encourage sellers to continue to innovate in this space to make milestone moments feel extra special despite this years’ circumstances. Definitely check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t checked it out already!

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@vickismithart wrote:

Does anyone feel that more people will be sending Christmas cards this year since due to the pandemic more people have been isolated?

That's a great question, @vickismithart! The greeting card business has been growing rapidly since early this year, as shoppers turned to cards & gifts to send messages from afar! I am anticipating this trend to continue, particularly leading up to key gifting occasions i.e. Holiday, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s day, etc.! Check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already! Here, you’ll find a detailed list of what we are forecasting this holiday season.

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@SagaciousArts wrote:

Any idea of what keywords we can target especially with T-shirt, hoodies, sweatshirt and sweater? Or at least give an idea of the keywords trend in the categories mentioned above. Also what tools can you suggest for keyword research?

Hi @SagaciousArts,

Buyers are often looking for seasonal themes within Tees, Hoodies, Sweatshirts and Sweaters. For Fall and Holiday, popular search terms include Halloween, Fall, Pumpkin, Thanksgiving, & Christmas. In addition, Custom and Personalized are also popular searches year-round!

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ckharvey2 · ‎09-25-2020

@MissyBocu wrote:

What are the specific trends for the holidays this year? Bright colors, classic Christmas colors, or pastels? Are trees or snowmen? Vintage or modern? etc.

Hey there @MissyBocu !

Great question! The trending colours we are seeing this season are citrus yellows and oranges paired with soft indigo tones. Tie dye and retro styles with nostalgic motifs and patterns are also set to be popular. Check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already!

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ckharvey2 · ‎09-25-2020

@TheWoodMaid wrote:

Lately I see trending in product photos the "shadow overlay". In your opinion is this a fast fading trend or worth to take photos with a very moody setting with lots of shadows or overlay shadows?

Thanks for your question @TheWoodMaid! Good lighting is very important to get great product images but in terms of the aesthetic of your pictures, this is completely up to you as the creator! Take a look at these How-to’s and best practices related to Photography. Our internal teams have put these together to guide you to best represent your brand and products in your shop! Also check out The Ultimate Guide to Product Photography which includes tips on lighting, shooting, editing, and more. I hope that helps!

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ckharvey2 · ‎09-25-2020

@WOODROSENewYork wrote:
Hi,
i want to know how to get featuredon Etsy home page or buyers’ pick becauseI got featuredonce. I didn’t do anythingspecial that time. However I forgot to update my inventory so my product was out of stock and disappeared from that function. My sells was really good when I got featured randomly.

Hi @WOODROSENewYork, you’ve come to the right team! We search for items and shops to feature on etsy.com and there are a variety of things we take into consideration in this process which you can read more about here. To increase your chances, make sure your photos are as great as can be and optimize your tags and titles so that you are easier to find.

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HarwoodCollective · ‎09-25-2020

@FabilousStitches wrote:

Hello guys!! I think this question may be obvious but I wanted to ask anyway... Is still face masks a hot sale on Etsy? I have noticed a significant drop in the views and sales on my store so I'm not sure if I should spend my time creating Christmas face masks or move on to home decor, clothing, etc? Thank you!!

Hi @FabilousStitches ,

Great question! While we’ve seen mask traffic and sales slightly slow, overall, yes, face masks are still very popular on Etsy! We’re even starting to see searches for “Christmas face masks” and we expect that trend to continue into the season.

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emikoyoshii · ‎09-25-2020

@JGFineWoodworking wrote:

Hi! I am mainly a wood turner but also do general woodwork. What wood products are popular this xmas! Any ideas for style or colours?

Hi @JGFineWoodworking!

Welcome to Etsy and excited to hear about your new shop! Popular items that are made of wood include cutting boards of all shapes, styles, colors, & sizes and family signs and house numbers. During the holiday season, shoppers are often looking for personalized versions of these types of items that they can purchase as thoughtful gifts. Definitely check out our annual Holiday trend report designed to guide you through the upcoming Holiday season, if you haven’t seen this already. I also recommend taking a look at our Ultimate Guide to Product Photography, which includes tips on lighting, shooting, editing, and more.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@FindersKeepersBisbee wrote:

What are the top selling vintage items for the season?

Hi @FindersKeepersBisbee,

Thanks for the question! For the Holidays we’ve historically seen that festive jewelry and brooches and retro holiday decor are top performers. This year in particular, we’ve seen vintage fabric gain popularity as mask-making and demand for crafting-at-home items have increased dramatically. Check out our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trend Report where you can find the entire list of holiday and gifting trends we’re taking note of this year (scroll down to the bottom to see our vintage spotlight!). This annual holiday trend report guides you through the season’s key themes and biggest opportunities we’re tracking for the season ahead.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@PastGlassAndDecor wrote:

How strong are vintage Christmas ornaments and decor items looking for this holiday season?

Hi @PastGlassAndDecor,

Great question! Vintage Holiday items are looking very good heading into the holiday season. In fact, we’ve seen a 36% YoY increase in searches on Etsy containing “vintage holiday.” With shoppers spending more time at home, interest and willingness to spend on unique holiday decor and ornaments is expected to grow. We expect nostalgia to guide shoppers towards retro holiday decor like vintage Santas, big bulb lights, and candy cane style stripes.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@TheSailorsDog wrote:

Any tips on setting your products apart from others? Pet supplies is such a saturated market! Also, do buyers prefer to buy things individually? Like a leash or a single dog toy? Or are they preferring bundle deals in one listing?

Hi @TheSailorsDog !

Pet Supplies is such a fun category to be selling in, and your bright nautical inspired items really pop! Generally, we’ve found the best selling pet items are ones that can be personalized with pets names. In terms of setting your products apart from others, styled images featuring pets ‘modeling’ the items are a key driver as well. We’ve seen great performance from both individual and bundled listings, with some sellers electing to add bundling options for items that naturally go together: ie collar + leash.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

Hi @AuthenticSovietBrand,

Great question! Vintage watches are a subcategory of Jewelry, which happens to be our 2nd largest vintage category. There are some excellent tips in our Seller Handbook to help you both promote your items and to optimize your shop and listing for Search. Consider searching “Social Media” to see if there’s a platform that makes sense for you and your items, or check out these two articles for more specific information with regard to Search and Advertising.

I hope that helps!

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@FoundAndFlogged wrote:

Would very much like to know what is trending in French Vintage & Antiques at this time.

Thanks for the help,

Ed from FoundAndFlogged

Hello and thanks for the question, @FoundAndFlogged! Your shop looks great by the way! We know that generally speaking Home & Living is Etsy’s most popular category, with the best-selling listings in Home Decor, Kitchen & Dining, and Furniture. This is even more significant now, as people are spending more time at home! As far as specific trends are concerned: dining and serveware and retro Holiday home decor are highly relevant this season. I’d encourage you to also explore adding some lifestyle photos to your listing images to help your items pop even more! Check out this article on styling product photos for a bit more information.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@beatrixkrause wrote:

I have a few seasonal soaps in my shop and I wonder about two things;

1. Is it appropriate to leave my seasonal soaps online after the holidays are over, i.e. for the rest of the year? Or does this make a bad impression?

2. For the soaps that are not seasonal, would it help my sales if I retake pictures in seasonal settings?

Many thanks!

Thanks for your question @beatrixkrause! It’s a great strategy to leave your seasonal soaps in your shop long term; this helps build SEO traction for these items throughout the year and gives you the opportunity to be surfaced to early shoppers. Your items will also be available to media outlets that plan their holiday gift guides over the summer. If you’re worried about how this may look in your shop, consider positioning these items on the back pages during the off season.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@MySweetAromas wrote:

As a creator of bath & body products, what is an easy way of creating a Gift Box Set on the Etsy shop as a listing? I would like for people to be able to customize their items for the upcoming holidays, but no one seems to be able to tell me how I can do this. Do you think these Bath Gift Boxes will be a good trend this holiday season?

Hi there @MySweetAromas !

Thank you for the question — we have seen a surge in demand for gift boxes and care packages that can be mailed directly to the recipient given the uncertainty of being able to celebrate in person and anticipate this trend to rise for the holiday season. Think about creating a model gift box set to photograph as a listing, and use Etsy’s variation tools to allow customers to customize their sets.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@Retrostockphotos wrote:

I have had an etsy shop for several years selling custom printed vintage photographs. I have seen steady growth, and seem to have gained traction this year because my sales numbers are up by a very large percentage compared with last year.

I have two questions:

I had a tremendous overnight uptick in all statistics last week (ie items in cart, visits, clicks, purchases), and wonder if I can assume that my shop was featured and I wasn't aware of it. If this is the case, I would like to know if it is possible to have this occur regularly, or if etsy makes random selections of shops getting featured.

I have been using etsy ads, which I believe has contributed significantly to the increase in traffic, sales, etc. I am confused as to whether it is more useful to advertise a few popular items, or to cast a wide net by advertising many different listing with a much larger variety in titles and key words.

Thank you~

Thanks for your question @Retrostockphotos! It’s great to hear you are seeing a steady uptick in visits and sales. The “Traffic Sources” portion of your shop stats will give you insight into where this uptick in traffic is coming from. If the majority of this uptick came from the “Etsy app and other Etsy pages” you may assume that your item could have been featured! You can also see the percentage coming from “Etsy Ads” in your shop stats to give you an idea of how this form of marketing is working for your shop. You can learn more about how to review the performance of your ads here, to help inform your future strategy.

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adamahalvorsen · ‎09-25-2020

@SewJoyfulandBlessed wrote:

Hi, I have a question. What crochet baby toys and/or styles/trends are selling good this holiday season? I sell baby things on Etsy and I would like to know what to put in my shop for the holidays. Thanks, Marissa @ BabySofties

Hi @SewJoyfulandBlessed,

Gifts for kids and babies are popular during the holiday season and throughout the entire year given the number of new babies and baby showers buyers are planning for. Popular toys include personalized options like name puzzles, teethers, plush animals, and rattles. Many of the bestselling baby rattles include crochet elements with animal motifs. Cold weather clothing & accessories — think sweaters, hats, mittens, and hooded shawls in traditional patterns or cute animal shapes — are popular this time of year. We also see popularity around digital downloads for crochet patterns to make baby gifts, clothing, and accessories — something to consider!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@TwinkieCreatesShop wrote:

This has probably been asked, but the majority of the comments I'm seeing are around shipping issues. So what is the "HOT" thing for Christmas decor this year and also for Christmas gifts? Are Covid related items the hot ticket item?

Hi @TwinkieCreatesShop ,

Great questions! In addition to traditional gifting items, we’ve seen an uptick in buyer interest for decor and gifts that speak directly to the current times. For example, ornaments that commemorate 2020 in unique ways (think face masks, or sayings like “the year we stayed home”). There’s also heightened demand for gifts and care packages that are shippable directly to the recipient, a trend we’ve observed this year given less travel and gathering plans. We also anticipate that face masks will remain popular throughout the holiday shopping season (think seasonal patterns like Halloween and Christmas!).

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@SPELMANDECOR wrote:

I'm adding a seasonal 'gifts' featured section for the holiday season from my print on demand products. What gifts are especially trending this year?

Hi @SPELMANDECOR ,

Thank you for asking! You can find the entire list of holiday and gifting trends we’re taking note of this year in our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trend Report. This annual holiday trend report guides you through the season’s key themes and biggest opportunities we’re tracking for the season ahead.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@roaminate wrote:

I'm merchandising for the general fall (i.e Halloween, fall colors, thanksgiving hosting gifts, etc.) season and then quickly switching to Christmas. What is the best day to switch to Christmas merchandising when people begin to shop early for Christmas presents? Before Thanksgiving? Black Friday? Or should I integrate some now with fall?

Hi @roaminate! I’m so glad you’re thinking about timelines this early in the season. We’re seeing earlier interest in Autumn & Halloween related merchandise this year and expect that to peak in mid-October when holiday seasonality and gifting will begin to rapidly pick up. That said, we are already starting to see searches for holiday & Christmas related goods emerge, so it’s a good idea to prioritize the key seasonal pieces through October while mixing your holiday pieces for shoppers on earlier timelines this year. I hope you find that helpful!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@SewWestCoast wrote:

Historically, what have been the biggest two weeks of sales on Etsy, and with the disruption to delivery this year, should we expect these weeks to be earlier?

Great question, @SewWestCoast! In past years we have typically seen holiday sales begin to steadily ramp up at the start of November, with two of our peak shopping weeks kicking off on Black Friday - Cyber Monday weekend following through mid-December. We’re anticipating a similar peak this year, and anticipating an earlier season for those planning ahead.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@MoonLightSupplies wrote:

Holiday tags such as "Gifts for Teachers" or "Gifts For Him" are so saturated, is it still worth adding these to tags and possibly even titles for the Holidays? I feel like I have read conflicting ideas on this. Thanks so much!

Hi @MoonLightSupplies! It’s always a good idea to tag your items with relevant keywords, especially if they are geared towards a specific recipient or interest. When it comes to saturation, we find that there is strong demand for recipient-based gifts and buyers discover Etsy listings from a variety of channels in addition to search, be it the app, an offsite search like Google, social media channels and more. Adding these tags and titles, if relevant, will help with visibility in these categories across each of these areas. Learn more about how to optimize your tags & titles for Etsy’s search here.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@UptownGirlGallery wrote:

How can I get my one of a kind items to be more visible in searches this holiday season? Better titles? Better tags? Better photos? I make handmade jewelry organizers. There are so many mass-produced, non-handmade jewelry organizers filling the first several pages of the search. Is there a way to market my shop to compete with these?

Hi there @UptownGirlGallery,

In addition to optimizing your tags and titles for Etsy Search (more on that here!), great product photography is key! Listing photos can play a major role in a buyer’s purchasing decision and increasing your conversion rate may improve where your listings rank in Etsy search. Etsy Ads could also be worth exploring. Etsy Ads can make your items more prominent in Etsy search and on category pages. Learn more about starting a campaign here. I hope that helps!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@MadeOnTheHook wrote:

Hi Etsy!

I have a question about title and tags. With the holidays coming up I would like to add into my title phrases like “stocking stuffers”. Since this isn’t a relevant all year should I duplicate listings that I want to add “stocking stufffers” into the title so it doesn’t affect my currents listings rank in the Etsy algorithm?

Hi there, @MadeOnTheHook! It’s a good strategy to think about how your items may be marketed on a seasonally relevant lifecycle to align with purchasing trends and to update your original listing tags and titles accordingly. We see searches for stocking stuffers begin to ramp up in November and remain relevant through mid-December.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@LifeCreators wrote:

I just opened my shop a few weeks ago and I am wonder what kind of discounts is best for the season, whether money off or percentage off?

Thank you

Congratulations on opening your shop, @CREATIVEDESIGNSBYJOI ! We see a healthy buyer demand for sale-related listings throughout the year, and a peak season that aligns to Cyber Week. Etsy launches a Cyber Week sale during this key weekend and we most typically promote links into sale-related searches with a percentage off sale. To reach as many potential customers as possible, be sure to share your shop’s sale details on social media and other marketing channels, like your blog or newsletter. Best of luck with your shop!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@Studio3Sixty5 wrote:

Hi. I carry seasonal product in my store. I have many people save and favorite products. However the conversion rate is about 1%. How would you able to convert those who visit the Store and drive higher conversion them into a buyer? Thanks. Any help or guidance is appreciated.

Hi Amy, thank you for your question! Did you know you can send a coupon by email to shoppers who Favorite one of your listings or have an item from your shop in their cart using Etsy’s targeted offers tool? Learn more about how to set up this option for your shop here.

A few other factors to consider when thinking about your conversion rate are listing photos, shipping, and your product descriptions. Check out this article from our Seller Handbook for tips there!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@PinkDaisyHomeBody wrote:

How do I list my etsy store as a Black owned business on etsy

Hi @PinkDaisyHomeBody,

Great question! There are several areas where you can indicate your shop as a Black-owned business, including your shop profile, announcement and about sections. If you identify as a Black-Owned Shop and would like to receive support from a group of other Black-Owned Shop owners we also invite you to think about becoming a member of the Black-Owned Shops Etsy Team. Learn more about how to join the Black-Owned Shops Team here.

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rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

@CreationsOfTrueFairy wrote:

Are such supplies:

https://etsy.me/3mHpIJ6

= jewelry & decor supplies with real flowers & plants = still trending as 1-2 years ago?

Hi @CreationsOfTrueFairy ,

Yes, this is a trend with staying power! Items across categories with pressed flowers continue to be a popular search on Etsy, and our floral & garden subcategory has seen rapid growth this year related to heightened interest in people nesting, and decorating their homes.

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rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

@CallYourMomStudioArt wrote:

What kind of jewelry trends are upcoming for the fall and holidays this year? I do vintage and handmade stuff but still aim to give the people what they want!

Hi @CallYourMomStudioArt,

Thanks for your question! Jewelry is one of the top three categories on Etsy, with buyer interest ranging across a wide variety of styles — from traditional to trending. For fall and holiday, we’re seeing gold, layering options, personalization, vintage statement rings and engagement rings trending up in popularity. I hope that helps!

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rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

@WhalesongAlaska wrote:

I make one of a kind jewelry, is there a necklace type and length that is trending?

Hi @WhalesongAlaska,

This is a great question! The bestselling necklace length is 18 inches, though offering custom length options is always a good practice to capture a larger buyer base. In terms of type, layering necklaces or necklaces that can be layered are one of our most popular styles this year.

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rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

@CreationsOfTrueFairy wrote:

What is more trending on Etsy boho or minimalist style?

Great question, @CreationsOfTrueFairy! Both of these styles are still popular trends that speak to different audiences. Currently, we’ve seen an uptick in demand for minimal design across categories, however, boho tends to peak during summer seasonality aligned to travel and festival seasons.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@ThePotteryPatio wrote:

What do consumers shop for most? Decor items or gifts?

Hi @ThePotteryPatio! During the holiday season, we observe heightened interest in both decor and gifts. We typically see seasonal decor items surge earlier in the season from September through mid-November, followed by increased demand for gifts.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@PearlsAndLavender wrote:

Is there anything I can do to get featured on Etsy social channels or Etsy Marketing Emails? Is there anything I can do to make sure my listings are working in accordance with the Etsy algorithm?

Is it random?

Hi @PearlsAndLavender,

Thank you for your questions! Etsy’s search algorithms and marketing promotions aren’t random and there are ways to optimize your shop and listings for search and to be featured in our marketing channels. Learn more about how search works on Etsy here, and how to increase your chances of being featured here.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@TheRosieFinn wrote:

What are holiday SEO words to use? *For "gifts for her", unique jewelry, custom jewelry? thanks

Hi @TheRosieFinn,

You’re on the right track! Tagging and titling your items with relevant keywords will contribute to strengthening your listings’ SEO. We’ve compiled a full list of cross-category trends and Etsy bestsellers in this recent Marketplace Insights report leading up to the holiday season. Your jewelry is beautiful — for this category specifically, we see search interest for “statement earrings” “dangle earrings,” and “personalized” options.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@LOVEnLAVISH wrote:

Are you promoting early holiday shopping? Customers need to buy much earlier this year to get items on time.

Good question @LOVEnLAVISH!

You’ll notice seasonal merchandise already being promoted onsite and in our marketing channels, yes! As we near October you can expect to see increased visibility of seasonal, holiday, and gifting related marketing that aligns to search & shopping interest we’re observing on Etsy.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@NutmegCottage wrote:

About half of my Etsy shop is devoted to my handmade crocheted items that are geared toward buyers who want to add a cozy feel to their home -- tissue box covers, toilet paper covers, and table decor. Please advise me on the best way(s) to optimize my listings for the upcoming holiday season. Thank you!

Hi @NutmegCottage,

Thank you for the question — your items are beautiful! You are already doing a good job of labeling your listings as holiday decor in your titles and tags, which will optimize your listings for buyers searching for these themes. You may consider creating a seasonal or holiday section in your shop that directs your customers to all of your seasonal offerings.

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@LilMissScrappy wrote:

Is there a way to show that my shop offers gift wrapping (other than when they are checking out?). It would be great to see an Etsy banner in a bold color that says "This shop offers gift wrapping".

What is the average price of gift wrapping and what are buyers willing to pay?

Hi there @LilMissScrappy and thanks for your question! We know many buyers plan to ship directly to their gift recipients this year to ensure on time arrival, so offering gift wrap will certainly be appealing. There are a couple of different places in your shop where you can promote this such as your shop announcement, shop banner, or even in your listing descriptions. You can also show off your gift wrap options in your listing images or via the listing video tool!

Overall, this is a great opportunity to add a personal touch to your items. Including a handwritten note along with gift wrap can go a long way in creating a special experience for the gift recipient!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@napleshandmade wrote:

What are the top tags for holiday 2020?

Hi @napleshandmade and thanks for the question! This would likely vary across categories. Tags relate directly to buyer searches on Etsy and we are anticipating top searches this holiday season around holiday decor, seasonal products & fashion, and gifts (think recipient-based, interest-based and stocking stuffers). Learn more about the specific items and keywords we’re forecasting this season in our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trends report.

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ckharvey2 · ‎09-25-2020

@DYDFABRIX wrote:

Hi! I am a new seller on Etsy. Is there a way that the team could take a look at my shop to see what things I might be able to do to create more interest once people get to my shop? I believe that my shop offers a great opportunity for holiday gifting, but I don’t have a lot of traffic yet.

Hi @DYDFABRIX,

A warm welcome to Etsy! We have lots of guides written by our internal teams on how best to optimize your shop that I think you would find useful - check out the Beginners Guide to Selling on Etsy and How Etsy Search Works to learn how you can increase your traffic. Making sure your shop setup is complete with great photos and an about section helps buyers to engage and lets them know why your shop is unique.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@CaudlesWreaths wrote:
What is the best recommendation for cost effective shipping? I sell wreaths and my local post office charges outrageous prices for shipping. I would like to offer free shipping but that's impossible when shipping is more than the price of the item.

Hi @CaudlesWreaths! Thanks so much for your question. Shipping can be tricky! Here are a few resources that might help:

How to create a competitive shipping strategy: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-create-a-competitive-shipping/541307891404

Strategies for shipping challenging items: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/strategies-for-shipping-challenging/541425680646

You might also find it helpful to join a relevant Etsy Team. Teams are a great way for sellers to connect, get to know each other and share advice. You may find that other sellers who sell wreaths or similarly sized items have recommendations to offer. Here’s where you can search for and join Etsy Teams: https://www.etsy.com/teams

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

Hi @OrnateArtcrafts! Thank you for asking. We’re always looking for new listings to feature in our holiday campaigns, and we're trying to incorporate video as much as possible in our different marketing efforts, as we know from research that buyers are more likely to purchase an item with a listing that has video.* (*Based on a July 2020 analysis of over five million buyers, comparing the purchasing behavior of those who were shown listing videos to those who were not.)

In regards to holiday trends, we are seeing an interest in soothing and comforting tones, in addition to the usual festive colors. Believe it or not, we have already started to see holiday searches picking up, so updating your keywords now is a safe bet. When it comes to choosing specific keywords, make sure you have the most relevant words and phrases applied, and be sure to consider things like the recipient, or who your items might be a good gift for. You can find the entire list of holiday and gifting trends we’re taking note of this year in our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trend Report. This annual holiday trend report guides you through the season’s key themes and biggest opportunities we’re tracking for the season ahead.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@theurbanhedgehog wrote:

Christmas + babies! What are the trends, what are grandparents, friends, parents and relative looking to gift for a baby or a small child? We all know that toys are a must, but other than toys, what can we make that can attract sales.

Also, on home decor, what is the most searched for Christmas, is it Christmas pillows, ornaments, what kind of decor, personalised, colour trends?

Thank you!

Hi @theurbanhedgehog! Thank you for asking. We’ve been seeing that gifting trends for kids and babies has been largely influenced by current events- think: at-home activities, DIY kits, puzzles, and educational games (check out this recent article for more on what’s trending for kids). When it comes to holiday gifting, personalized items are very popular (and I see you already have a lot of great personalized options in your shop!). For more inspiration, you can find the entire list of holiday and gifting trends we’re taking note of this year in our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trend Report. This annual holiday trend report guides you through the season’s key themes and biggest opportunities we’re tracking for the season ahead. -Lindsay

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@JillMakes wrote:

When listing an item that has multiple variations, is it better to use one listing photo showing multiple variations or to use multiple photos, each one showing one variation?

Hey Jill! So nice to hear from you The good news is that with so many slots available for listing images, you aren’t limited to choosing one or the other. I personally love the way you showcase a range of colors in one photo. The photos pop, and it clearly communicates to the customer that they have multiple options to choose from. You also do a nice job of labeling the color options so that it’s easy for the customer to understand what they’re looking at. The main upside to including photos showing one variation, is that you would be able to link photos directly to a variation option in the drop down menu. So, when a shopper selects that option, the listing photo automatically jumps to the relevant photo showing the selected variation. I would recommend experimenting with this for one style, tracking performance in your shop stats, and evaluating from there.

Here is an article with info on linking variations to photos if you are interested in learning more. I hope that helps!

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marymary · ‎09-25-2020

@ARTfromMIheart wrote:
I would also like to add to this question: I've seen lots of items that do mention covid-related keywords, and some are even bestsellers! Considering people are clearly searching for such commemorative items, shouldn't these tags be allowed?

Thank you for this question — as COVID has evolved this year, so have the items we’ve seen on Etsy-- we’re seeing 2020 commemorative items and gifts, ornaments that reference the current times for example, trending this season and it’s a good idea to consider offering these types of items with your unique spin.

As for keywords, I want to refrain from giving a blanket approval here regarding the use of specific keywords - as with most situations, it really depends on the item and its presentation. Keep in mind that we have policies that prohibit things like making medical claims or attempting to exploit human tragedy. It's your responsibility to know and understand these policies as they apply to your items, as well as any relevant laws or regulations you must comply with. We understand that covid and related terms like "pandemic" and "quarantine" are part of the everyday lexicon at this point and we don't seek to stop our sellers from creatively expressing this fact, but we also have to balance that with keeping our marketplace safe.

We have resources that can help; you can learn more about our guidelines for offering face coverings and covid related items here and how to get the most out of keywords here.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@alchemies wrote:

As an artist I would like to know if there are painting categories (subject, style, colors, size) more trending than others. For example abstract or figurative, small or large, cyan or earthy tones. Is original painting itself trending or people prefer prints and reproductions? Thanks a lot ☺️.

Hi @alchemies! Thanks so much for your question. Art is a great way for shoppers to express their personal style. Though certain styles, such as abstract, remain consistently popular, shoppers come to Etsy because they know that we have something for everyone. Color trends tend to be all over the map as well, as shoppers are typically purchasing art to match their specific decor. With this in mind, I would suggest creating art that makes you happy- the quality will be reflected in your work, and it will appeal to the right shoppers. Try experimenting with different styles and colors, and track performance in your shop stats.

Also, there’s always a market for special, original art! If you’re concerned that the higher price point of original paintings won’t appeal to all shoppers, you could try developing other items that feature your artwork that can be sold at lower price points. For example, if you offer smaller pieces or prints at lower price points, people who can’t afford the large or expensive pieces can still purchase from you. Later on they may return to acquire the more expensive work.

You’ll find more tips for selling fine art on Etsy in this article.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@AmeliaPainter wrote:

What tips do you on selling photographs as holiday gifts?

Hi there @AmeliaPainter! It’s a good strategy to think about how your items may be marketed on a seasonally relevant lifecycle to align with purchasing trends and to update your original listing tags and titles accordingly. When you’re brainstorming tags and titles, it’s important to think through the words a buyer might use when shopping on Etsy. What would you type into the search field if you were shopping for your product? You can also use the search field to help you brainstorm. When you type a word into the search bar, popular search terms associated with that word are automatically displayed. For example, if I type the word “gift,” I see that shoppers often search for “boyfriend gift,” “husband gift, “girlfriend gift” and more. This is an easy way to identify popular search terms that could be relevant to your product.

For tips on tags and getting found in search, check out this Seller Handbook article.

We’re also seeing heightened demand for gifts that are shippable directly to the recipient, a trend we’ve observed this year given less travel and gathering plans. With this in mind, consider updating the listings of any items you wish to position as gifts to include photos that show how the item will be packaged so that shoppers can feel confident purchasing and sending directly to their intended recipient.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@ArtforheartCreations wrote:
I am following ALL the suggestions on how to build successfully my Etsy shop and with 97 listings my grades on erank.com are mostly A. At my surprise, I made 0 sale and 1 to 6 visit daily in September, even after working and adding listings, improving pictures, videos (does it really bring more views?) on almost every day. The past few months before it was better, with less listings, etc. Does Etsy is over flowing with competitors that much? Here is my shop: www.etsy.com/shop/artforheartcreations

Hi Lucie, beautiful work! As a first step, I would consider experimenting with variations in your first listing photo. For example, you could include an image of one of your paintings styled in a frame on a wall. These lifestyle shots can inspire shoppers and help them envision your art in their homes. I would then dig into your shop stats to understand what shoppers are searching to get to your shop, and what listings they seem to be visiting the most to see if you can gather any learnings from there.

Specific to search and keywords, when reviewing your stats, if you find that you have words and phrases that are not appearing in your stats consistently, these keywords may not be working as well for you as others could be. You might consider removing these keywords and trying others. This can be an engaged process, but it provides you with an opportunity to try new titles and tags when you find that older ones aren't as beneficial to your listing's performance.

For more tips on getting found in search, check out our Ultimate Guide to Etsy Search.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@GraeterWoodworking wrote:
As a woodworker I was wondering if the team has any gauge to what people are looking for for gift items when it comes to wood products. Am having a hard time with Covid trying to read and figure out what to produce and sell. Was hoping the team with all their knowledge would be able to share insight as to trends for what people are looking for and buying. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi @GraeterWoodworking! Thanks so much for your question. You’re in luck, because cutting boards remain one of the top searched gifts for holiday You can find the entire list of holiday and gifting trends we’re taking note of this year in our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trend Report. This annual holiday trend report guides you through the season’s key themes and biggest opportunities we’re tracking for the season ahead. We’re also seeing heightened demand for gifts and care packages that are shippable directly to the recipient, a trend we’ve observed this year given less travel and gathering plans. With this in mind, consider updating your listings to include photos that show how the item will be packaged (like you’ve done for the coasters) so that shoppers can feel confident purchasing and sending directly to their intended recipient.

Additionally, labeling your listings as holiday gifts in your titles and tags, will optimize your listings for buyers searching for these themes (learn how here!) We see searches for holiday gifts begin as early as September, and remain relevant until early December.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@NastasiyaDesign wrote:
Hello! As an illustrator, I would like to understand what is better to draw, which digital product is more in demand? Also, when it is already necessary to put it in the store and which better to use tags to promote it? And I would like to understand what should be done to make my store see more people?).
Thank you .

Hi @NastasiyaDesign!

Thanks so much for your question. Digital art remains a popular selling category on the site. We’ve also seen an increasing interest in illustrations that speak to current events and seasonally relevant themes (your Halloween and holiday listings are great examples of that!). Beyond that, I always suggest sellers create art that makes them happy- the quality will be reflected in the work, and it will appeal to the right shoppers! Try experimenting with different styles and themes, and track performance in your shop stats.

Regarding timing, we’re suggesting sellers list holiday inventory now to attract any early shoppers who may be anticipating potential mail carrier delays or looking for personalized items.

As for tags, buyer behavior suggests that shoppers use descriptive terms when searching the site, as they usually have something specific in mind. Be sure to use all 13 tags available to you, and be descriptive. This tagging worksheet can be a great place to brainstorm ideas: http://blog.etsy.com/news/files/2013/06/etsy-notepad1.pdf

For more tips on getting found in search, check out our Ultimate Guide to Etsy Search.

I hope that helps!

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@LiveEdgeByOrchard wrote:
Hello! I'm a small woodshop who makes custom furniture and other miscellaneous wood pieces. My wife also contributes with her handmade candles. Are there any trends or items in our category that are usually hits? Would like to start gearing up for holiday production! We are going to make a charcuterie gift basket that comes with candles and other goodies for one idea! Thanks for the help

Hi @LiveEdgeByOrchard! Thanks so much for your question. Your pieces are beautiful! And candles remain a top searched gift year after year. Cutting boards, coasters, and smaller picture frames are other ideas you might consider adding to your current assortment if you are looking to develop additional giftable options. You can find the entire list of holiday and gifting trends we’re taking note of this year in our recent Marketplace Insights: 2020 Holiday Trend Report. This annual holiday trend report guides you through the season’s key themes and biggest opportunities we’re tracking for the season ahead.

We’re also seeing heightened demand for gifts and care packages that are shippable directly to the recipient, a trend we’ve observed this year given less travel and gathering plans. With this in mind, consider updating the listings of any items you wish to position as gifts to include photos that show how the item will be packaged so that shoppers can feel confident purchasing and sending directly to their intended recipient.

Additionally, labeling your relevant listings as holiday gifts in your titles and tags, will optimize your listings for buyers searching for these themes (learn how here!) We see searches for holiday gifts begin as early as September, and remain relevant until early December. I’d also recommend reading up on these photography tips to help your items stand out in search.

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@Munndala wrote:
Hi I sell paintings on canvas Pricing has always been a difficult one for me so some guidance on that would be good thanks

Hi! I know that pricing your work can be really tricky. We’ve created a simple worksheet to help sellers determine the right prices for their items. You may find it helpful to do the exercises covered in this article: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-price-like-a-pro/22603777434

Understanding your expenses and your labor costs can also help you set more accurate prices. Here are a few tips for pricing your products in a way that accounts for your time and skill: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/are-you-paying-yourself-enough/27950120177

Defining your target customer will also help you determine the appropriate price for your items, and the best promotional strategies. You may find it helpful to read through our tips for creating a shopper persona: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/6-tips-for-defining-your-target-customer/22452932254

And finally, if you’re concerned that a high price point won’t appeal to all shoppers, you could try developing other items that feature your artwork that can be sold at lower price points. For example, if you offer smaller pieces at lower price points, people who can’t afford the large or expensive pieces can still purchase from you. Later on they may return to acquire the more expensive work.

Thanks for the question - I hope these resources help!

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@MarlymcgbArt wrote:
This will be my first Christmas with an Etsy shop, I've only had it for a few months. I paint custom watercolor pet portraits. How do I optimize my pet portraits for the holidays? other than changing what holiday they are for? Tags?

Hi @MarlymcgbArt! Congrats on your new Etsy shop, your portraits are great

Labeling your listings as holiday gifts in your titles and tags can help you optimize your listings for buyers searching for these themes (more on that here!). Beyond that, I’d suggest you continue experimenting with listing titles and tags across your portraits. Be sure to monitor your stats over time to see which words and phrases are bringing in the most traffic. From there, update as needed!

We see searches for holiday gifts begin as early as September, and remain relevant until early December. Additionally, this Seller Handbook article has some great tips on holiday marketing: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/holiday-marketing-tips-for-etsy-sellers/22815438793

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@siideess wrote:
Hi, I would like to now about the holiday trends in small furniture like small end tables and decorations? Should we change the tag lines and list them as a gift options? Should we use more holiday related words in the description?

Hi @siideess! Thanks for your question.

With shoppers spending more time at home, interest in unique furniture and decor could grow. When it comes to tags for furniture, I would consider what words a shopper might use when searching for an item like yours. They are likely to use search terms that describe the style and material, for example “modern”, “metal”, “wood”, etc. You can also experiment with a few holiday tags too. For example, “festive furniture” or “gift for the home”. This tagging worksheet can be a great place to brainstorm additional ideas: http://blog.etsy.com/news/files/2013/06/etsy-notepad1.pdf

Keep an eye on your shop stats to see what words and phrases are working well for your shop, and which can be swapped for something different.

Thanks and best of luck this holiday season!

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byANM · ‎09-25-2020

Hi everyone,

We've seen a few questions around improving your shop overall, so I just wanted to plug our Shop Critiques section where you can ask your fellow sellers for a critique. Thanks!

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@pillowlink wrote:
Hello dear Etsy folks,
I have been selling on Etsy since 2011. In home and living category mostly. I am really out of ideas on color palette trends for this upcoming Holiday season. Hope you will share some tips for photo compositions and for color trends in home interior niche. THANK YOU!

Hi @pillowlink! Thank you for participating in our Q&A!

Right now, we're seeing soothing colors as well as yellows and oranges trending. Additionally, soft indigo tones are popular and folks are still into tie dye and other retro styles, motifs, and patterns. For product photography, using a variety of photo styles can help convey a variety of information about your product. Check out our 7 Essential Types of Product Photos article for inspiration!

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lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@MylifeAesthetic wrote:
As an artist & illustrator, I would like to know the trending styles on wall prints (abstract, anime, minimalist, photography, quotes, etc) What are people searching the most in this category?

Hi @MylifeAesthetic! Thanks so much for your question. While certain themes (abstract, for example), remain popular year after year, shoppers love coming to Etsy for Art because they know that they will be able to find something that matches their unique personal style.

Wall decor and art are seeing increased demand as shoppers spend more time at home and want to add some flair to their walls. Prints and digital downloads in the styles you mentioned are popular choices among buyers right now. We’ve also seen increased interest in illustrations that speak to current events and themes (your “Be Brave” print is a great example of that!).

I hope this helps! Good luck this holiday season!

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FidosFlowers · ‎09-25-2020

Hi everyone,

We’re closing up this Q&A now. Thank you for all the thoughtful questions here this week! We hope you were able to get some ideas and inspiration as we approach the holiday shopping season!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and successful holiday season!

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CostumeCoutureNaomi · ‎09-21-2020

Shipping has been a little tenuous at best with covid delays. Has Etsy come up with a plan to help communicate to buyers realistic delivery expectations, and to support sellers facing shipping delays during the holiday season? (For example, will the "official" Etsy cut off for Christmas orders be earlier this year?)

DesertRoseArtistryAZ · ‎09-21-2020

Would there be any additional shipping companies we could use that would get items delivered in a more timely manner. USPS has been so disappointing w/losing items & delayed delivery. A Postal worker said mail Xmas by Nov 1

CraftyCornishMaids · ‎09-23-2020

@CostumeCoutureNaomi

I have never seen an official cut off date for Christmas on etsy, your postal system may have one, but I've never seen Etsy have one.

I normally decide myself what it is, depending on the country I ship to, as they will be different

CostumeCoutureNaomi · ‎09-23-2020

It is standard in the US for retailers to show on websites the shipping cutoffs for Christmas delivery.

This is an unusual year for shipping though, so perhaps Etsy can provide more guidance to sellers this season.

CraftyCornishMaids · ‎09-23-2020

Etsy is a worldwide site, there is no way they are going to keep up with delivery dates for all of us.... even if there were no problems

which is why they let us use our countries carriers dates, or we can choose our own.

SpartaBeautiful · ‎09-23-2020

Hello CostumeNaomi

This is what is happening to my business....shipping delays are AWFUL - it's gotten worse due to the Emergency the Postal Service is facing and I wish ETSY would REALLY drive that with customers so it doesn't effect our ratings

LADYPOPPIES · ‎09-23-2020

Hi there,

I had a couple of questions here.

1. Q: How to link my expanded new brand with crochet Sculpture or art on it.

2. Do I need a second shop?

beatrixkrause · ‎09-23-2020

I was wondering whether the shipping delays are for USPS standard shipping? I have only recently opened my shop and only shipped priority flat rate boxes (not through etsy but through a different company that links to etsy) and all my shipments make it within 2 days. I even shipped one to Germany that only took a few days.

ArtoftheGift · ‎09-23-2020

I would like to see search options for buyers to focus on local shops that offer local delivery or pickup options. This would keep sales going into December when people may otherwise not purchase due to shipping risks.

OLDSTUFFNOW · ‎09-23-2020

I'm a little upset about the free off site advertising that is free but I'm being charged 12 percent commission in the free service. No matter how you respond I'm being taken fir 12 percent plus a shipping fee and I'm doing all the work

alchemies · ‎09-21-2020

As an artist I would like to know if there are painting categories (subject, style, colors, size) more trending than others. For example abstract or figurative, small or large, cyan or earthy tones. Is original painting itself trending or people prefer prints and reproductions? Thanks a lot ☺️.

ColourfulStrokes · ‎09-23-2020

Same question

VaskivArt · ‎09-23-2020

I wonder if hand-painted T-shirts aren't popular on Etsy? I see printouts very often, but very few hand-painted T-shirts + I can't find good tags, tell me if I'm looking in the wrong place

HandmadeArtUSA · ‎09-23-2020

Same Question - As an artist I would like to know if there are painting categories (subject, style, colors, size) more trending than others. For example abstract or figurative, small or large, cyan or earthy tones. Is original painting itself trending or people prefer prints and reproductions

CarmasCraftBoutique · ‎09-23-2020

I had the same basic question if it was traditional colors, or will there be colors trending like fall had.

lindsaymarieobrien · ‎09-25-2020

@alchemies wrote:

As an artist I would like to know if there are painting categories (subject, style, colors, size) more trending than others. For example abstract or figurative, small or large, cyan or earthy tones. Is original painting itself trending or people prefer prints and reproductions? Thanks a lot ☺️.

Hi @alchemies! Thanks so much for your question. Art is a great way for shoppers to express their personal style. Though certain styles, such as abstract, remain consistently popular, shoppers come to Etsy because they know that we have something for everyone. Color trends tend to be all over the map as well, as shoppers are typically purchasing art to match their specific decor. With this in mind, I would suggest creating art that makes you happy- the quality will be reflected in your work, and it will appeal to the right shoppers. Try experimenting with different styles and colors, and track performance in your shop stats.

Also, there’s always a market for special, original art! If you’re concerned that the higher price point of original paintings won’t appeal to all shoppers, you could try developing other items that feature your artwork that can be sold at lower price points. For example, if you offer smaller pieces or prints at lower price points, people who can’t afford the large or expensive pieces can still purchase from you. Later on they may return to acquire the more expensive work.

You’ll find more tips for selling fine art on Etsy in this article.

CreationsOfTrueFairy · ‎09-21-2020

Are such supplies:

https://etsy.me/3mHpIJ6

= jewelry & decor supplies with real flowers & plants = still trending as 1-2 years ago?

rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

@CreationsOfTrueFairy wrote:

Are such supplies:

https://etsy.me/3mHpIJ6

= jewelry & decor supplies with real flowers & plants = still trending as 1-2 years ago?

Hi @CreationsOfTrueFairy ,

Yes, this is a trend with staying power! Items across categories with pressed flowers continue to be a popular search on Etsy, and our floral & garden subcategory has seen rapid growth this year related to heightened interest in people nesting, and decorating their homes.

CreationsOfTrueFairy · ‎09-21-2020

What is more trending on Etsy boho or minimalist style?

Gooddayscrubcaps · ‎09-23-2020

I have the same question.

InkstaticDesigns · ‎09-23-2020

This is my question too!

rrefo · ‎09-25-2020

@CreationsOfTrueFairy wrote:

What is more trending on Etsy boho or minimalist style?

Great question, @CreationsOfTrueFairy! Both of these styles are still popular trends that speak to different audiences. Currently, we’ve seen an uptick in demand for minimal design across categories, however, boho tends to peak during summer seasonality aligned to travel and festival seasons.

UptownGirlGallery · ‎09-21-2020

How can I get my one of a kind items to be more visible in searches this holiday season? Better titles? Better tags? Better photos? I make handmade jewelry organizers. There are so many mass-produced, non-handmade jewelry organizers filling the first several pages of the search. Is there a way to market my shop to compete with these?

SpeeritCreations · ‎09-23-2020

I make handmade jewelry and feel the same way. It feels like there is no competing with the non_handmade and it's just not right. Especially talking prices- there's no way the price of a handmade item can come even close to competing with non-handmade. I'm beyond frustrated with those items at this point.

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