Crickets to Cha-Chings

Free Trail of Simply Listed mockup software: https://go.goldcityventures.com/simply-listed In this episode, Julie interviews Cassiy Johnson, an established Etsy seller and software owner, who shares her journey from being laid off to finding success through print-on-demand and mock-ups. Takeaways: - Cassie's mock-up store has generated $70,000 in sales. - Simply Listed automates the mock-up creation process for Etsy sellers. The tool can create 1,000 mock-ups in just three minutes. - The Laws of Creativity is a recommended read for aspiring creatives. Resources: Simple Listed Free Trial: https://go.goldcityventures.com/simply-listed Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9lmp4nfasdY  

Julie Berninger and Hannah Gardner discuss using Profit Tree to run better Etsy Ad campaigns. Link for the 1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: https://profittree.io/course-promo?via=julie17 They delve into the use of Profit Tree to analyze ad performance, emphasizing the difference between ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) and TACOS (Total Advertising Cost of Sale).  The discussion highlights how effective ad strategies can lead to increased organic growth and overall profitability. Takeaways: 1 Etsy ads can significantly increase profit if used correctly. Understanding your ad costs is crucial for profitability.  2 TACOS provides a more holistic view of ad performance than ROAS.  3 Organic sales should be established before running ads.  4 Not all products are suitable for advertising; focus on high-margin items. Investing in ads can lead to long-term organic growth.  5 The quality of your product listings impacts ad effectiveness. Data collection and analysis are key to improving ad strategies.  6 Etsy may favor sellers who invest in ads, creating a competitive edge. Resources: 1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: https://profittree.io/course-promo?via=julie17  LifeTime ProfitTree Offer: https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=julie40  Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/  Hannah Gardner @ecommhannah on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EcomHannah Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a1PtdpEWJ04  

The Gift Lab print-on-demand course ^ 50% off through Monday night at Midnight making it $147 Beyond ^ $397 package deal for annual membership plus The Gift Lab

Julie Berninger interviews Deanna Seymour, a creative Etsy seller and founder of The Playhouse. They discuss Deanna's journey from creating custom stuffed monsters to building a successful business through collaboration and community engagement. Deanna shares her innovative marketing strategies, including partnering with local businesses and utilizing craft shows to spread the word about her products. The conversation emphasizes the importance of networking, creativity, and the evolution of business practices over the years. In this conversation, Deanna Seymour and Julie Berninger explore the journey of scaling creative ventures, particularly in the Etsy space. They discuss the importance of seasonal trends, the challenges of maintaining the magic of handmade products, and innovative ideas for reviving old concepts. Deanna shares her experience with the Anti-Hustle Holiday Series, emphasizing the need for a break from the hustle culture. The discussion culminates in the creation of community through collaboration and the importance of supporting one another in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways 1 Deanna started her Etsy journey by creating custom stuffed monsters.  2 Creative marketing strategies can significantly enhance visibility.  3 Collaboration with local businesses can drive traffic and build community.  Resources Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Anti-Hustle Holiday Series: https://goldcityventures--deannaseymour.thrivecart.com/the-playhouse/6733aa9b4e4bf/ The Playhouse:  https://goldcityventures--deannaseymour.thrivecart.com/the-playhouse/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2ukb25dDaLU    

Julie Berninger welcomes back Emily, a successful Etsy seller who has generated nearly $450,000 in revenue in her first two years. They discuss the dynamics of holiday sales, particularly during Q4, and share valuable tips for print on demand sellers. Emily emphasizes the importance of personalization, customer service, and the need to prepare throughout the year for the holiday rush. They also announce an upcoming print on demand course aimed at helping aspiring Etsy sellers optimize their shops and succeed in the competitive market.   Takeaways Emily generated nearly $450,000 in her first two years on Etsy. Q4 is crucial for print on demand sellers, with sales often doubling. You don't need to sell holiday-specific items to succeed. Personalization can significantly boost sales and customer satisfaction. Customer service is vital during the busy holiday season. Investing in your shop year-round is key to success. Ornaments and gift-friendly items can be great alternatives to apparel. Setting clear shop announcements can help manage customer expectations. Sales peak around Black Friday and remain high until early December. Planning for post-holiday sales is essential for continued success. titles Unlocking Etsy Success: Emily's Journey Maximizing Holiday Sales on Etsy Sound Bites "Black Friday is coming up" "Personalization is key" "Investing in your shop all year" "Support other small businesses" "Optimize your Etsy shop" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emily's Success Story 02:51 Understanding Q4 and Holiday Sales Dynamics 05:51 Tips for Print on Demand Sellers 09:01 The Importance of Personalization 11:54 Customer Service Strategies for Q4 14:53 Preparing for Q4 Throughout the Year 17:58 Exciting New Course Announcement 21:03 Final Thoughts and Holiday Shopping Inspiration   Resources: Gold City Ventures https://goldcityventures.com/  

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison discuss effective strategies for Etsy sellers to prepare for Black Friday and the holiday season. They cover the importance of creating gift guides, utilizing Etsy promotions, collaborating with other sellers, and engaging audiences through social media. The conversation also touches on adapting listings for seasonal trends and exploring business growth opportunities beyond Etsy.   Takeaways: Creating gift guides can significantly boost sales during the holiday season. Etsy sellers can benefit from participating in promotional sales without feeling pressured. Collaborating with other sellers can expand your audience and increase visibility. Engaging your audience early about upcoming sales can create excitement and anticipation. Rethinking sales strategies beyond just Black Friday can lead to greater success. Adapting product listings to seasonal trends can attract more customers. Utilizing social media effectively can enhance marketing efforts for Etsy shops. Building relationships with other sellers can lead to fruitful collaborations. Understanding Etsy's promotional strategies can help sellers make informed decisions. Exploring additional revenue streams can help grow an Etsy business beyond the platform. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Black Friday Strategies for Etsy Sellers 06:08 Utilizing Etsy Promotions and Sales 12:04 Engaging Your Audience for Black Friday 17:46 Adapting Listings for Seasonal Trends   Resources Mentioned: Etsy Holiday Trend Guide Share & Save Program Awin Signup   Other Resources: Watch on YouTube Gold City Ventures Beyond Program

In this episode, Julie Berninger interviews Cody McGuffie founder and CEO of Everbee, an e-commerce platform that assists Etsy sellers in product research and marketing. Try Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Cody shares insights on seasonal trends, particularly the significant sales spikes during Q4, and dispels myths about summer sales being slow. He also reveals upcoming features for Everbee that will enhance data accuracy and trend tracking for sellers. The conversation emphasizes the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital product space. Q4 is a critical time for sales, often doubling revenue for sellers. Here is what you can do to prepare. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:36 Trends in Etsy Selling and Personalization 07:53 Niche Markets and Successful Selling Strategies 10:48 The Role of Social Media in Etsy Sales 13:44 Holiday Sales Trends and Insights 17:44 Summer Sales and Market Activity 19:47 Upcoming Features in Everbee 24:07 Data Accuracy and Sources 30:48 Final Thoughts and Advice Resources:  Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zE4LiP4jIEk

Etsy's Cat Craze: A Purrfect Opportunity for Sellers The cat niche on Etsy is booming! In this video, we dive into the surprising popularity of cat-related products and how you can capitalize on this trend. Key Takeaways: Cat vs. Dog: While dogs may have a slight edge in search volume, cats are still a major force on Etsy. Cat-ify Your Products: Consider adding cat-themed variations to your existing products. This could include cat-shaped crochet toys, cat-inspired wall art, or even cat-themed phone wallpapers. Digital Downloads: Cat-themed digital downloads like printable wall art and pet care information sheets are highly sought after. Physical Products: Cat-themed physical products, such as cat shelves, cat toys, and cat collars, are also big sellers. Niche Down: Explore unique cat-related niches like cat psychic readings or cat costumes. Leverage Current Trends: Ride the wave of current trends, such as Halloween-themed cat products or political cat-themed merchandise. Specific Product Ideas: Cat Toys: Crochet cat toys, catnip-filled toys, and interactive toys. Wall Art: Cat-themed wall art, digital downloads, and custom pet portraits. Home Decor: Cat-themed pillows, blankets, and furniture. Accessories: Cat collars, cat hats, and cat backpacks. Digital Products: Printable pet care information sheets, phone wallpapers, and custom pet icons. By understanding the current trends and tapping into the growing cat niche, you can significantly boost your Etsy sales. Remember, creativity is key! Think outside the box and find unique ways to incorporate cat-themed elements into your products. Watch on YouTube (this Episode): https://youtu.be/tJ1qCveLymg Watch on YouTube (Dog ideas): https://youtu.be/HfsCujPHzuc Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

This episode delves into the potential of medical subspecialties as lucrative niches on Etsy for digital products. While popular niches like nurses and doctors are often saturated, exploring subspecialties can offer a more unique and less competitive market. Key Points: Subspecialty Examples include EMT, pharmacy techs, veterinary techs, radiology techs, lab techs, surgical techs. Use tools like eRank to estimate search volume for specific keywords.  Product ideas include digital study guides, notes, flashcards, printable gifts, badge reels, funny jokes, and more.  Resources: Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FOGhPLsQF1A    

This episode dives deep into the lucrative potential of dog-related products on Etsy, highlighting highly searched but often overlooked niches. From practical items like dog stairs and ramps to personalized gifts and themed merchandise, the dog-centric market on Etsy is booming. Key Points: High-Demand Dog Products: Dog stairs, ramps, food scoops, crates, bowls, ornaments, apparel, and more. Personalized Products: Customize items with dog names, pictures, and breed-specific designs for increased appeal. Niche-Specific Ideas: Explore subcategories like dog weddings, Halloween costumes, and memorial items. Vintage-Inspired Trends: Capitalize on the popularity of vintage-themed dog products, as seen with 90s-style personalized shirts. Profit Potential: Discover examples of Etsy listings generating substantial revenue from dog-related items, including custom phone cases and personalized shirts. Resources: About Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee  

Julie interviews eRank Founder, Anthony Wolf, to find out if eRank accurate and where is the data from? See below for an eRank free trial link. They discuss eRank's features, data sources, and how it aids Etsy sellers in optimizing their listings. They delve into buyer insights from an annual survey, emphasizing the importance of quality images, effective communication, and shipping strategies. Resources: If you want to try a premium eRank plan for 7 days sign up using the Gold City Ventures link below and then navigate to the second linked page to sign up for the free trial. Resources: eRank Account: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank eRank Free Trial: https://members.erank.com/a/goldcityventures Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5KaYX3fesSw  

Teachers can sell products on Etsy like t-shirts, printables, and classroom decor. This episode explores what is bestselling in the teacher niche. Key Takeaways: Niche Down: Targeting specific teacher subniches like math teachers or third grade teachers can increase visibility. Bulk Sales: Offering teacher gifts in bulk can appeal to schools and individual teachers. Personalized Products: Customizing items with teacher names or grade levels can make them more appealing. Teacher-Related Accessories: Items like pens, tote bags, bracelets, and classroom decor are in demand. Seasonal Themes: Incorporating holiday-themed elements can boost sales throughout the year. Digital Products: Printable resources like worksheets, classroom decor, and hall passes are popular. By focusing on these areas and understanding the specific needs of teachers, sellers can effectively tap into this lucrative niche on Etsy. Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/7H_1t9gUa5k    

Nurse Niche Etsy Opportunities Lucrative Niche: The nurse niche is highly profitable on Etsy, with some shops having hundreds of thousands of sales. Popular Products: Nursing school notes, study guides, t-shirts, sweatshirts, badge reels, ornaments, and gifts are in demand.   Niche Down: Targeting specific subniches like oncology or NICU nurses can increase search visibility and sales. Customization: Holiday-themed and personalized products can stand out in a competitive market. Repurposing: Existing products can be relabeled to appeal to nurses, such as labeling a retirement gift for a nurse. By focusing on these areas and leveraging Etsy's search features, sellers can tap into the lucrative nurse niche and increase their sales. About Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ETkOL5DW8iY  

Julie covers ideas for Etsy sellers in the coffee lover gifts niche. She discusses various trends and opportunities within this niche, such as combining food and non-food items, emotional support items, teacher gifts, Christmas tree decor, and mug wraps. The host also highlights the popularity of iced coffee candles and suggests that sellers in the homemade soy candle industry could tap into this trend. The conversation concludes with the importance of social media presence and the potential for viral marketing. Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nb9VHAg07sY  

Julie Berninger discusses unique gift basket ideas for Etsy sellers. She explains Etsy's new creativity standards for gift baskets and provides examples of traditional gift baskets for women and men. Julie then explores creatively assembled gift baskets that meet Etsy's standards, such as seasonal gift baskets, goth gift baskets, and gift baskets for teenagers and tweens. She also suggests ideas like book blind date gift sets, flower girl gift groups, DIY slime kits, and Play-Doh sensory kits. Julie emphasizes the potential for sellers to repurpose their existing products as gift baskets and highlights the importance of understanding trends and using social media to promote these unique gift baskets. Takeaways Etsy has new creativity standards for gift baskets, including having a clear theme and sourcing items from different companies. Traditional gift baskets for women and men are popular, but sellers can explore unique gift basket ideas to stand out. Creatively assembled gift baskets that meet Etsy's standards include seasonal gift baskets, goth gift baskets, and gift baskets for teenagers and tweens. Other unique gift basket ideas include book blind date gift sets, flower girl gift groups, DIY slime kits, and Play-Doh sensory kits. Sellers can repurpose their existing products as gift baskets and use social media to promote them.   Resources: Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ITvaH0XGNI0    

Emily, a successful 6-figure Etsy seller, shares her journey of starting and growing her print on demand and digital product shops. She emphasizes the importance of research and finding niche markets to target. Emily also discusses her graphic design skills and the importance of practice and simplicity in creating professional-looking designs. She shares her productivity strategies, including using templates and setting goals, and how she balances creation and consumption of content.  Contact Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ecommemily/ Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AeBYEexJZeA

In this episode, Julie interviews Meagan, an Etsy seller in the faith and family LDS niche who wants to expand her business beyond Etsy. Megan shares her journey of starting on Etsy and growing her shop to 300 sales. Julie suggests participating in a bundle and creating an email sales sequence to promote the flagship product. They also touch on the topic of social media and the potential benefits of creating videos.   Takeaways Having a flagship product to sell can help drive sales and establish your brand. Participating in bundles and creating email sales sequences can be effective strategies for promoting your products. Creating videos on social media can be a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AOFfA5lgWgM Connect with Meagan: https://printstouplift.com/ Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com Beyond: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond  

Mary, an Etsy seller in the Catholic niche, discusses her journey of selling machine embroidery products and transitioning to selling printables. She shares her desire to move off Etsy and reach her Catholic clientele. The conversation explores the idea of Mary becoming a Catholic influencer and the challenges she faces in feeling like a thought leader. They discuss the potential of creating lifestyle content, such as home decorating and holiday activities, to attract and engage her audience. The conversation also touches on the possibility of launching a membership and the importance of understanding her audience's needs and preferences. https://goldcityventures.com/beyond Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kMHEoaBG3Wg  

Lisa, a seller in the Gold City Ventures community, shares her journey of starting an Etsy shop to help with daycare costs and her transition to digital products. She discusses her goals of growing her shop and making it a bigger business. The conversation explores the idea of finding a flagship product, with a focus on handprint art and trivia games. Lisa also talks about her experience with social media, specifically Pinterest, and her plans for building an email list and engaging with customers. The conversation focused on identifying the target audience for Lisa's printable products and determining the best approach to reach them.  Gold City Venture's Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ Contact Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/midwestprintableco/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pL74eiK5-Ww  

Halloween is approaching and it's a great time to discuss how to appeal to Halloween shoppers. Julie Berninger shares ideas for Halloween products with good search volume and low competition on Etsy sourced from eRank. The main themes include vintage and retro aesthetics, girlie Halloween, dog breeds, specific Halloween terms like 'momster', accessories like headbands and socks, home decor items like pillows and doormats, boo baskets, dioramas, Halloween slime, digital products like trivia and bingo, Twitch emotes, and wall art. eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9vSCfZRO3aY  

Julie talks with Etsy digital products seller, Stephanie, about her plans to create a larger digital products business for busy moms. Her niche is women pursuing businesses. Takeaways Starting an Etsy shop can be a great entry point into the online business world. It's important to be flexible and willing to pivot your business direction based on what sells and what your target audience wants. Understanding your target demographic and their needs is crucial for building a successful business. Consider exploring trends and niches within your niche to find new opportunities for growth. Building a Facebook group can be an effective way to connect with your target audience and create a community. Collaborating with other influencers in your niche can help you reach a wider audience and gain credibility. Pitching is essential for growing an online business, even if the response rate is low Collaborations and bundles can be effective in reaching a wider audience and generating sales Building a following and validating the demand for products is important before investing too much time and effort Contact Stephanie: https://thebusymamabee.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pXIDaur0Pw8 Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com Beyond: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond    

In this episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Julie Berninger interviews Lauren Hooper, an artist and entrepreneur, about her expertise in user-generated content (UGC) photography. Lauren provides tips for creating UGC, including the importance of background, lighting, and showcasing the product in real-life scenarios. She also discusses the impact of UGC on Etsy sales and the value of testing different types of content to see what converts best. Contact Lauren: https://lauren-likes.com/ Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vgcvBFvLeLc    

Sarah Edwards, a Cricut crafting expert, discusses the crafting community and the popularity of digital files and finished crafts.  We cover: Cricut machine, digital files, finished crafts, SVG files, trends in crafting, selling crafts, crafting, digital files, pricing, layered paper crafts, SVG, sublimation, AI, sublimation printer, Facebook groups, floral craft countdown   Takeaways The crafting community has grown, especially since the pandemic, with a predominantly female audience. Crafters use SVG files to create their projects, which can be customized and uploaded to the Cricut Design Space. Trends in crafting include gnomes, dog breeds, and personalized items. Selling digital files is more popular than selling finished crafts due to scalability and lower costs. The price of digital craft files can vary depending on the complexity and time investment required to create them. Layered paper crafts command a higher sale price due to the time investment and complexity involved. Sublimation crafting is growing in popularity, especially with the availability of affordable sublimation printers. AI is starting to impact the crafting industry, but there is still a demand for hand-drawn and unique designs. Joining crafting communities on Facebook can provide valuable support, inspiration, and learning opportunities. The floral craft countdown summit is a great way to learn new techniques and try out different crafts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:56 The Crafting Community and its Audience 03:56 The Popularity of the Cricut Machine 08:49 Trends in Crafting 20:31 The Pricing of Digital Craft Files 22:51 The Popularity of Layered Paper Crafts 26:10 The Growing Trend of Sublimation Crafting 32:54 Joining Crafting Communities on Facebook 39:24 The Floral Craft Countdown Summit   Resources:  Get your free ticket to the Floral Craft Coundown Summit from Craft with Sarah: https://go.goldcityventures.com/floral-countdown   Learn more about us: https://goldcityventures.com/   The Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/exXxqJNCOTg

Julie Berninger and Janet LeBlanc of Paper and Spark discuss the steps to take when starting an Etsy shop from a CPA's perspective. They cover topics such as understanding the difference between a business and a hobby, obtaining a DBA permit, opening a business bank account, and the importance of bookkeeping. They also touch on the issue of Etsy shop suspensions and the need for proper tax ID information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of treating an Etsy shop as a business and making informed decisions based on accurate financial data.   This is not legal or tax advice. Please obtain your own professionals. Resources: Janet's Etsy Seller Spreadsheet Janet's Get Legit Toolkit Course training **we are affiliates for both products Takeaways: Before starting an Etsy shop, it's important to understand the difference between a business and a hobby, as well as the legal requirements for running a business. Obtaining a DBA permit (Doing Business As) is often necessary for running an Etsy shop under a name different from your own legal name. Opening a business bank account can make bookkeeping and tax filing easier, even if it's not legally required. Proper bookkeeping is crucial for tracking expenses, understanding profitability, and making informed business decisions. It's important to provide accurate tax ID information to Etsy, and to keep track of all business-related transactions for tax purposes. Etsy shop suspensions can occur for various reasons, and it's important to understand and comply with Etsy's policies to avoid suspension. Sellers should be aware of their tax responsibilities, including sales tax and income tax. Janet LeBlanc's GetLegit Toolkit is a valuable resource for product sellers to navigate their financial responsibilities. Learn more about Gold City Ventures and Crickets to Cha-Chings: https://goldcityventures.com/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0K-1qYQTpVo

Laura Winston, Principal and Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Offit Kurman, answers your questions on common trademark and copyright issues Etsy sellers face. Note: This is not legal advice. Please review your own situation with professionals. Questions covered: How do I search on the USPTO web site and understand the results? Is the word FRIENDSGIVING trademarked? Can I use a song title on a t shirt or baby shower bundle of products? What about song lyrics? How about an illustration of a famous pop star? Is parody on a song title allowed? What about a t-shirt that says “In my Swiftie era”? Trivia games – can you use the names of songs? Artists? Candies? Can you use a picture of a candy to show how a printable works with that candy? Can you sell reproductions of vintage art? Let's talk about Winnie the Pooh. Can I use this image in my product? Can I copyright my printable? What if something is trademarked in one country and I live in a different country? Someone copied my printable…but it doesn't look like it exactly…what do I do? Should I be using legal templates that I can purchase on the internet? How can I be sure an artwork is in the public domain? If listeners need further advice on trademark and copyright issues, they can contact Laura at lwinston@offitkurman.com or connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurawinston/ Watch the Episode on YouTube here Learn more about Gold City Ventures

Etsy put out a spring/summer trend report​​ and Julie reviews it in this episode of the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast. Here are some snippets of trending keyword searches according to Etsy in case you don't have time to read the report: +266% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for divorce gifts or items +351% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for cozy home items +465% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for host or hostess gifts +2,159% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for lawn games +105% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for wildflower art +50% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for pickleball gifts We're also seeing major vibes for western and pasta night here. You may be like "eh, my product doesn't fit in these trends" but I would encourage you to think a little deeper about how you can incorporate trending ideas into the product that you already make. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R5wfzV7pQoQ Etsy Marketplace Report: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1255437605579?ref=handbook Watch our free workshop at: https://goldcityventures.com/

In this live episode of the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison discuss strategies for growing an Etsy business off of the platform. They provide guidance to Naomi, an Etsy seller selling printables, on how to expand her business and reach a wider audience. The conversation covers topics such as building an email list, repurposing content for social media, and creating YouTube videos. They emphasize the importance of niching down and finding the right platforms to connect with the target audience. The hosts also highlight the need for traffic generation and suggest exploring Facebook groups as a potential avenue for growth. In this conversation, Julie and Sasha discuss the importance of trying new things and not being afraid to fail in business. They also explore the target audience for Naomi's products, including Sunday school teachers, camp directors, and homeschooling parents. They emphasize the need to understand the specific needs and interests of these target customers in order to create relevant and valuable products. The conversation also touches on the potential for affiliate marketing and the importance of staying focused on the core topic of the business. Gold City Ventures Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ Takeaways Building an email list is crucial for growing an Etsy business off of the platform. Repurposing content for social media can help save time and reach a wider audience. Creating YouTube videos can be an effective way to showcase products and attract customers. Niching down and finding the right platforms to connect with the target audience is essential for business growth. Generating traffic is a challenge for Etsy sellers, and exploring Facebook groups can be a potential solution. Don't be afraid to try new things in your business and allow yourself to fail. Understand the specific needs and interests of your target audience to create relevant and valuable products. Consider the potential for affiliate marketing to promote complementary products to your target audience. Stay focused on the core topic of your business to avoid confusing or losing your audience.

If you missed our Live Q&A, here is the replay on YouTube. Julie broke down 4 business ideas and how they would work off Etsy 1) subscription book box, 2) beauty professional templates 3) seasonal printables for kids monthly subscription and 4) a blog for dog lovers. She also screenshared what Beyond looks like and the prizes you get with purchase. Special pricing ends April 30th at 11:59PM ET. Resources: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/

In this episode, Julie and Sasha of Gold City Ventures and Kennedy of Our Friendly World discuss growing a business off of Etsy. They talk about competitor analysis and the importance of understanding your customers and competitors. They specifically discuss what to do when your competitor is a bigger brand than you and was on Shark Tank!   They also discuss the potential for collaborations and sponsorships, as well as the role of video content in driving traffic and engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of repurposing content and experimenting with different platforms to reach your target audience.   Links:  Kennedy's Business Our Friendly World: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ourfriendlyworld Gold City Ventures Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TU_L6OaA5UQ   In this conversation, Julie and Sasha also discuss various strategies for driving traffic and generating leads for a handmade crochet kit business. They emphasize the importance of understanding the customer journey and tailoring content to different stages of the sales funnel. They also discuss the potential of affiliate marketing, building an email list, and outsourcing tasks to save time. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of collaboration and networking within the crafting community.   Takeaways Understanding your customers and competitors through competitor analysis is crucial for growing your business off of Etsy. Collaborations and sponsorships can be effective ways to expand your reach and attract new customers. Video content is a powerful tool for driving traffic and engagement, and it can be repurposed across different platforms. Experimenting with different platforms and strategies is important to find what works best for your business. Understand the customer journey and tailor content to different stages of the sales funnel Consider affiliate marketing as a way to leverage the networks of others to promote your products Build an email list to capture leads and nurture relationships with potential customers Outsource tasks to save time and focus on high-value activities Collaborate and network within the crafting community to expand your reach and opportunities     Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 Competitor Analysis and Insights 04:06 Understanding the Woobles and Differentiating Your Products 09:06 Taking Advantage of Competitors and Building the Market 12:24 Repurposing Content and Driving Traffic with Video 15:18 Exploring Collaborations and Sponsorships 22:16 The Role of Video Content in Attracting Customers 25:49 Experimenting with Different Platforms and Strategies 28:03 Understanding the Customer Journey and Tailoring Content 35:24 The Potential of Affiliate Marketing and Building an Email List 45:32 Outsourcing Tasks to Save Time and Focus on High-Value Activities 52:07 Creating Efficient Workflows and Maximizing ROI 58:22 Collaborating and Networking within the Crafting Community

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures interview Jenny, an Etsy seller who sells printables. They discuss Jenny's journey from selling physical products to focusing on printables, specifically in the golf niche. They explore the potential for Jenny to expand her business beyond Etsy by creating a lifestyle brand and leveraging social media. They also discuss the importance of custom and personalized products and the potential for affiliate marketing. The conversation provides valuable insights and ideas for Jenny to grow her business. In this conversation, Julie and Sasha discuss different strategies for monetizing an Etsy shop that sells golf-themed products. They explore options such as affiliate marketing, creating video content, and targeting specific niches within the golf community. They also discuss the importance of understanding the target audience and their preferences. The conversation ends with rapid-fire ideas for expanding the product offerings and leveraging affiliate marketing. This is another coaching call-style podcast and there will be two more following in the series! They discuss: The customer journey of people searching for niche printables Why picking a niche once you start selling off Etsy is the way to go Where Etsy sellers posting on social are messing up What to post on social media to attract your ideal customer Ways to monetize with YouTube and affiliate marketing by performing product reviews How the Gold City Ventures team can improve their new offering Beyond & more! Stay tuned to learn more about Beyond which launches mid-month to the Gold City Ventures community! Resources: Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3VCSKIx5bUM

Amber sells metaphysical and celestial-inspired jewelry on Etsy. She wants to grow her business so she can leave her full-time job. This episode is a casual live coaching call for the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast with Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures. They discuss what they each outsource both in their business and their home, how to create social media content if you don't have the time, keywords that are hot in the metaphysical space, building your personal brand, growing your email list if you sell in person, and more. Resources: Gilded Butterfly Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Gildedbutterflyshop E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2IYLYb-NEG4 ^^ The E-Printables Course is open for enrollment until Monday 4/1 at Midnight!

Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures chats with Kennedy of Our Friendly World Etsy shop. Kennedy sells crochet kits, crochet patterns, and finished crochet products. This episode is in a casual live coaching call style for the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast. They discuss how to interpret keyword research from tools such as eRank, ideas for monetizing a blog with display advertising, Etsy ads, & more! Resources: Our Friendly World: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ourfriendlyworld Our Friendly World Website: https://ourfriendlyworldcrochet.com/ E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/ Gold City Ventures YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/qIc90wmEgLQ

Etsy Gift Mode presents a huge opportunity for Etsy sellers. Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures explains this new shopping experience and how to change your shop sections, pictures, and tags to take advantage of it. She also covers the Etsy email marketing policy change and TikTok shop. Topics covered in this episode: 1 - Etsy Gift Mode 2 - Etsy Email Marketing policy change 3 - Tik Tok Shop Resources: Gift mode article: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1232461378911?ref=handbook Gold City Ventures YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/goldcityventures

This is the Etsy SEO help you need in 2024! Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures reviewed articles in the Etsy seller handbook and YouTube videos from the team at Etsy for hours to determine exactly how to improve your Etsy SEO search algorithm ranking in 2024.  Learn more at: https://goldcityventures.com/ Resources in the video: https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/search-advertisement-ranking-disclosures/899478564529 https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015745428-How-Etsy-Search-Works?segment=selling  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAvxU7fEkO4  https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015663987-Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-for-Shop-and-Listing-Pages?segment=selling  

Gold City Ventures puts together an annual Black Friday deals roundup for Etsy sellers. Find it here: https://goldcityventures.com/etsy-seller-resources/ These deals apply for handmade, POD, or digital product sellers. Some require using the special Gold City Ventures links or coupon code.

What titles, tags, and keywords should you add to your Etsy listings this year for the holidays?  Can you package your existing listings in a different way to capitalize on what holiday shoppers want? Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures presents her best ideas for Etsy sellers this holiday season based on the following Resources: Etsy Holiday Merchanding Guide Etsy Marketplace Insights: Holiday Trends Our Link for eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Share & Save Program Gold City Ventures E-Printables Course is closing for enrollment November 6th at Midnight ET. Sign up for E-Printables here

Julie and her business partner Cody from Gold City Ventures discuss what's been going on with some POD sellers and the future of mockups. They also cover the current Etsy listing image requirements and other best practices and how they think the POD manufacturers will respond. For those outside of the POD space, they also talk about interesting opportunities for handmade sellers to expand their revenue sources (including a cool story with the woman who runs Happy Rugs). And of course, what all this means for digital product sellers too. Cody shares his beginnings in the digital product space and the strategy that made him successful.

Julie and Cody of Gold City Ventures are continuing on with the podcast. I am happy since I know so many of you were disappointed that all of the old episodes would disappear. That issue is solved - and we have a better plan. The ​team at Gold City Ventures​ will be producing new episodes for you going forward. We recorded one final episode for you today as my truly final goodbye. I'll be stepping away from the business and letting Cody & Julie run the podcast from here on out. The episode today is a little different - Julie and I chatted casually about some of the hot topics in the Etsy space right now. We cover shop suspensions, optimizing for google, listing image changes, video and more. We also cover trends we've seen from the unique position of seeing thousands of shops created on Etsy through our courses ..including what niches seem to be doing well right now and seller qualities that seem to lead to success.

My plan was to shut down the business and move on. But after I sent the last goodbye email, my friend Julie from Gold City Ventures reached out to me. She proposed an interesting opportunity. It allows me to keep the podcast and all prior episodes live for you ..and for Julie and her business partner, Cody, to take over the responsibilities that I need to offload. I'm excited to announce that their business, Gold City Ventures, will continue on with my podcast, Crickets to Cha-Chings. Today we released one of two final episodes with me as the host and then Gold City Ventures will take over from here on out. I've known Julie for years and I am so excited to see what new energy and insight she brings to the podcast. Cody and Julie have individual Etsy shops with thousands of sales as well as an Etsy coaching business, ​Gold City Ventures.​ They both have experience as podcast hosts with their respective personal finance podcasts too. Check out my announcement and learn more about Julie's personal story in this podcast episode today.

It's great to be back and talk about all things Etsy and e-commerce with you (and thanks for so many DMs about last week's episode!) This week is all about what we would do differently if we could go back in time and start our Etsy businesses all over again -- and there's a laundry list of things that I would do differently. When I first started on Etsy back in 2012, the internet was a vastly different landscape. I was completely lost and trying to figure everything out all on my own. I didn't have a clear vision of building an e-commerce brand or anything like that, I was simply trying to keep up with the daily grind. If I knew then what I know now, I would have definitely taken a step back and taken a more strategic, long-term approach. Speaking of which, I'm excited to share some insights with you on how to think beyond the immediate and plan for the future in regards to your e-commerce brand. It's essential to consider what matters to you and your vision for your business beyond the day-to-day tasks. Don't feel pressured to follow someone else's version of success or strive for massive financial gains. It's all about making intentional decisions that align with your goals and values. In this episode, we've got some fantastic tips and advice to help you grow your small e-commerce business into something amazing, by taking a thoughtful and long-term approach. By the end of this episode, my hope is that it inspires you to look beyond putting out the everyday fires in your business, and instead take an approach that sets you up for succcess a month from now, a year from now, and 10 years from now.  So, grab your cup of coffee or tea, sit back and get ready to become an e-commerce entrepreneur extraordinaire!

This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights to help you grow and succeed in your Etsy shop (and, more importantly, in your e-commerce business as a whole.) Here's what you can expect: The state of Etsy sales: Discover the reasons behind the decrease in Etsy sales in 2023 and what it means for sellers. Where Etsy is growing and what it means for an individual seller's business Insights into Etsy's revenue model and how it affects your bottom line as a seller (it's not as clear as you'd think!) Why Etsy is focusing on growing its seller base (in my opinion) and what it means for your competition on the platform. Tips to protect your business and not have these changes come as a surprise: Learn about practical strategies to adapt your business and protect your success amidst market changes. Where I think we're headed: my personal prediction for the future of what's happening on the platform, and how it might shape the way you want to run your business moving forward Join us for an energizing and informative conversation about Etsy and what's been going on over the last several months or more. We'll break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps and emphasize practical benefits to help you take actionable steps towards growing your Etsy shop. You don't want to miss this episode -- make sure you tune in today! -----------

In today's world, buyers are more conscious about the impact their purchasing decisions can have on the businesses they support. They want to align themselves with brands that share their values. And you know what? This trend is especially true for small businesses, creatives, and artisans like us... Now, I know what you're thinking..."No way, I'm not going there..." But the thing is, brand values don't have to be controversial or political, my friend. They can be centered on authenticity and creating a connection with your customers. People crave that deeper connection with the brands they love. They want to feel a values-based bond that goes beyond just a transaction. And get this — they're even willing to pay a bit more for products or services from brands that align with their values. Talk about a win-win situation! The podcast episode also highlights the power of brand loyalty and trust. When your customers feel that connection with your brand values, they're more likely to stick around and support your business for the long-haul. It's like having your own tribe of loyal supporters cheering you on!  So, here's the big question: What are your brand values, my creative friend? What sets you apart in the handmade or small business e-commerce world? It's time to dig deep and tap into what makes your brand special. Maybe it's about quality products, personalization, sustainability, or empowering your customers through your creations. The possibilities are endless!   -----------

Are you tired of spending countless hours managing your handmade business and you're looking for some tools and tricks to streamline and improve your efficiency? In this episode, we reveal the top productivity tools and apps to streamline your business and save you time -- making you able to get more out of the limited time you have available! From email marketing automation to print-on-demand service, social media scheduling and analytics and more, these resources will revolutionize the way you run your business to make it more profitable, less overwhelming, and finally help you to get ahold of the time sucking things that take up your day. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to efficiently manage your online business and focus on what you love most - creating and selling your products. 

Are you tired of spending countless hours managing your handmade business and you're looking for some tools and tricks to streamline and improve your efficiency? In this episode, we reveal the top productivity tools and apps to streamline your business and save you time -- making you able to get more out of the limited time you have available! From email marketing automation to print-on-demand service, social media scheduling and analytics and more, these resources will revolutionize the way you run your business to make it more profitable, less overwhelming, and finally help you to get ahold of the time sucking things that take up your day. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to efficiently manage your online business and focus on what you love most - creating and selling your products. 

Have you heard about Etsy's new affiliate program, which allows content creators and sellers to earn a commission for promoting Etsy products on their website or social media, including your own products? Let's talk about the good, the bad, and the reason that I think Etsy is rolling out this new program so you can get a full picture about whether or not this is beneficial to you as the business owner!

In the world of handmade eCommerce businesses, there's often a misconception that creativity alone is enough to guarantee success. In reality, finding the perfect balance between creativity, data that gives you information about next steps, and business strategy is crucial to truly thrive in the online marketplace. In this episode, we'll explore the importance of each piece of the e-commerce puzzle, and how they work together to create a flourishing handmade business. -------

In this week's myth busting episode, we're tackling the common misconception that you can simply sell anything online without considering market demand and competition. We'll cover things like why having a defined target audience and offering unique products that cater to their needs and preferences is crucial, especially in today's world of e-commerce. These days, it's not so much about niching down your store but having a specific segment in mind who the product works for, and that differentiation helps you not to get lost in the sea of other generic, bland products that people slap up online. But it's not all business - we're also talking about the importance of balancing your personal interests with market demands. It's not as easy as "only make what you love" or "only make what sells" -- there's a real sweet spot that often gets overlooked.   Whether you're a seasoned Etsy seller or just starting your crafting journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of eCommerce. ------- Want more? Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

Have you been blasted with Facebook ads over the past several years selling you on the idea of starting an online shop and creating a digital asset that you can sell for "passive income" while you frocklic into the sunset to spend your millions? Yeah, me too. And I'm here to tell you as someone who has a physical product shop, a digital product shop, a podcast, blog, and many digital courses -- passive income is the biggest lie the internet is out to sell you. Let's talk about it on this myth busting episode. ------------ Ready to take your business up a notch and get step by step training and help?  Check out the shop at http://www.cricketstochachings.com for *all* of our templates, workshops, and trainings (and I promise there's no BS in there about creating something from nothing and doing no work - just honest, down to Earth, straight to the point teaching about creating a business that brings you MEANINGFUL income...even though that takes work!)  

While starting an online business is significantly cheaper than starting a brick and mortar business, it's not free. At the very least you have material or equipment expenses, and some costs to create some basic branding, listing fees on Etsy, etc, and it's important to be prepared for these expenses, otherwise the efficiency of how you run your business is going to majorly suffer. Being prepared for business related expenses and then being able to take some of your revenue and reinvest it back into your business is going to allow you the freedom and flexibility to grow in strategic ways and not be constantly putting out fires to stay afloat. Let's talk about it. ------------ Ready to take your business up a notch and get step by step training and help?  Check out the shop at http://www.cricketstochachings.com for *all* of our templates, workshops, and trainings.  

When you started thinking about building a business online, what was your expectation for success for that business? A month? 6 months? A year? Well I'm here to tell you: whatever that timeline was, it will probably take you longer than that. In the age of internet smoke and mirrors where everyone is telling you that you can grow a six figure business in 2.5 seconds flat, I'm going to be the outlier and call BS.  And don't worry, it doesn't have anything to do with your products. It has do with unrealistic expectations of what it looks like to build a successful business.  In this episode I'm breaking down the timeline to e-commerce business success, and busting through the myth that you'll be rollin in the dough in the next 30 days. ------------ Ready to take your business up a notch and get step by step training and help?  Check out the shop at http://www.cricketstochachings.com for *all* of our templates, workshops, and trainings.

Do you ever feel like selling online is a constant rat race to keep up with everyone else in your industry? Or you feel like you don't even want to try out a new project or new style that you see because there are already so many people doing it, how can you even compete with them? Or you worry that your business is in a downward death spiral because your competitors keep taking your ideas and designs, and you don't know how to keep up? If you've had those feelings before, this episode is for you! Selling online CAN be a constant hampster wheel of creating new things and feeling like you're always two steps behind, but it doesn't have to be. Let's talk about how you shift into a space where the competition isn't at your neck, and have freedom to create things in your business that allow you to stand out. Want more step by step and in depth teaching? Check out the shop at http://www.cricketstochachings.com for all our templates, workshops, and trainings, and make sure you get signed up for May 16's training all about Increasing Your Etsy Conversion Rate.