Social media is a powerful tool for online sellers looking to grow their audience and drive traffic to their Etsy shops. With so many social media platforms available, it’s important to choose the ones that align with your products, target audience, marketing goals, and schedule. In 2025, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Pinterest are at the forefront of social media marketing for Etsy sellers. Here’s a closer look at their pros and cons, along with some tips for how to promote your Etsy shop on social media to grow your business.
Instagram: The Visual Platform for Etsy Sellers
In today’s digital world, Instagram continues to be a top choice for sellers looking to grow their brand. Known for its stunning photos and creative storytelling features, it’s the perfect platform to show off your products and connect with shoppers who appreciate craftsmanship.
Instagram helps you build an engaged community while driving traffic to your Etsy store. Plus, with tools like Instagram Stories, Reels, and Shopping, you can turn curious browsers into loyal customers with a single tap.
Why Instagram Works for Handmade Sellers
Instagram is a natural fit for makers because it’s all about visuals. From showing beautifully styled product photos to behind-the-scenes videos, it’s an ideal space to share your brand, connect with potential customers, and create compelling content that fosters brand recognition. Features like Stories and Reels make it easy to interact with your audience and guide them directly to your Etsy listings.
Pros
- Great for showcasing handmade products.
- Reels and Stories drive customer engagement with quick, shareable content.
- You can add Etsy Share & Save links to your Instagram Stories.
Cons
- High competition for visibility without paid ads.
- Algorithm changes can limit organic reach without a strong marketing campaign.
How to Maximize Instagram’s Potential
Use eRank’s Trend Buzz Tool to find trending keywords and add them to your captions and hashtags. For example, if “neutral home decor” or “sustainable gifts” is trending, share social media posts highlighting your product’s related items. Consistent posting, using the right hashtags, and learning how to optimize your captions can help you get seen by the right audience.
Want to learn more? Watch eRank’s LIVE: All about Instagram for the Etsy Seller for simple and practical tips on how to use this platform.
TikTok: The Fast-Paced Trendsetter
In the world of social media, TikTok has become a favorite for quick, creative videos and fun challenges. For handmade sellers, it’s a goldmine of opportunity to showcase your process, highlight unique products, and reach a big audience, primarily younger shoppers who want authenticity and entertainment. TikTok’s powerful algorithm can boost your reach even without paid ads, making it a valuable tool for building brand awareness.
TikTok helps you connect with shoppers in a way that feels fun and spontaneous. Ready to jump in? Let’s break down how you can make TikTok work for your handmade business.
Why TikTok is Gaining Popularity Among Sellers
TikTok’s short videos are perfect for showcasing your creativity and engaging with younger audiences. Whether you’re sharing how your products are made, posting customer stories, or hopping on trending challenges, TikTok offers a fun way to connect with potential buyers.
Pros
- High organic reach compared to other platforms.
- Creative tools make it easy to produce eye-catching content.
- Ideal for building a relatable brand identity.
Cons
- Content requires frequent updates to stay relevant.
- The audience is younger, which may not be ideal for some products.
How to Succeed on TikTok
Research trends in your niche using eRank’s Keyword Tool. Learn which keywords shoppers are searching for and use them as inspiration for TikTok content. Show how your products meet those trending interests in a way that feels entertaining and natural.
Threads: The Conversational Space
Threads has quickly become a popular platform for real-time conversations and community building. For handmade sellers, it offers a more casual and conversational way to connect with shoppers, share promotional updates, and join trending conversations. It’s also a great space to learn crafting tips from other makers, keep up-to-date with new tools or products in your niche, and engage with potential customers.
Why Threads is Worth Considering
Unlike Instagram’s polished look or TikTok’s fast videos, Threads is about authentic conversations. On Instagram, images or videos are a must. However, Threads offers makers the opportunity to share their stories and experiences through text. This alleviates some of the pressure of constantly needing to have a gallery of photos ready to post. Sellers can use it to share behind-the-scenes thoughts, post quick updates, offer discount codes, or join chats around trending topics. This helps make your brand feel more personal.
Pros
- Great for building community and starting conversations.
- Lower-pressure content compared to highly edited posts.
- Connects easily with Instagram.
Cons
- Still developing features for sellers.
- Not as visual as other platforms.
How to use Threads for Your Etsy Shop
Use Threads as a place to test ideas and connect directly with your community. You can also track engagement with eRank’s Traffic Stats tool and check if Threads is sending traffic back to Etsy. Keep posts short, friendly, and don’t be afraid to show personality: authenticity goes a long way here!
For inspiration, follow eRank on Threads to see how it’s being used in real time.
Pinterest: The Platform for Creative Inspiration
Pinterest isn’t just another social platform. It’s a visual platform that thrives on creativity and planning. For Etsy sellers, it’s a powerful way to showcase your products to those already looking for inspiration and ideas.
Pinterest users are often just a click away from making a purchase. With its long content lifespan, a single well-optimized pin can drive traffic to your shop for months or even years.
By crafting eye-catching pins and using strategic keywords, you can position your products in front of an engaged audience that is ready to discover something special. Let’s explore how Pinterest can become a key part of your marketing toolkit.
Why Pinterest is a Game-Changer for Sellers
Pinterest is where people go for inspiration, making it a fantastic platform for handmade sellers. Many shoppers turn to Pinterest to plan purchases for holidays, weddings, and home decor, making it a natural fit for driving traffic to your shop.
Pros
- Long content lifespan compared to other social media platforms.
- Highly targeted audience seeking handmade and unique items.
- Direct links in pins can help drive traffic back to your Etsy shop.
Cons
- Success requires consistent pinning and optimization.
- Less interactive than other platforms.
How to Use Pinterest to Showcase Your Etsy Store
Use eRank’s Monthly Trends tool to identify the best keywords for your pin titles and descriptions. For example, if “boho wall art” is trending, create pins featuring your related products. Use vertical, high-quality images and add a clear call to action like “Shop Now” to make it easier for users to click. Then check your analytics to see which pins are driving the most traffic to your shop.
Want some step-by-step guidance? Watch All About Pinterest for the Etsy Seller, a past eRank LIVE session packed with tips.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
While Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Pinterest are all powerful platforms for handmade sellers, the best one for your shop depends on the type of social media content that will resonate with your target audience and the time and effort you want to spend creating content. Focus on building a social media presence on one platform first, then branch out to others to find the best fit for your marketing strategy.
Here are some tips for deciding where to focus:
- Know Your Audience: if your target market is younger, TikTok may be your best bet. For inspiration-driven shoppers and long-term promotions, Pinterest is ideal. Instagram balances visuals and engagement, while Threads is all about casual conversations and connections.
- Time and Resources: consistency is key. Choose a platform that aligns with the time and resources you have to create content.
- Track Performance: use tools like Etsy’s stats and eRank’s Traffic Stats to measure which platform actually drives significant traffic and sales for your shop.
Social media is an invaluable tool for handmade sellers, and platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Pinterest offer unique opportunities to connect with potential buyers in 2025. By tailoring your content to each platform and using eRank tools to guide your strategy, you can attract more shoppers, increase engagement, and grow your Etsy shop’s visibility.
