Publication date: November 30, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes
Are you an Etsy seller looking to boost traffic and sales to your shop? If you’ve been scouring the internet for secret hacks promising overnight success, it’s time to take a step back. While there are no magic bullets, there is a proven strategy that—when combined with hard work and dedication—can lead to a consistent flow of traffic. Let’s dive into the three key sources of buyer traffic for your Etsy shop and how to harness their potential.
Internal Traffic: Your Prime Opportunity
Internal traffic refers to the shoppers already browsing Etsy. Think of them as the people strolling through a bustling mall with shopping bags in hand. They’re ready to buy. To tap into this goldmine, you need to optimize your shop for internal traffic.
Mastering SEO: Your First Step
First and foremost, invest time in perfecting your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Without it, your shop might remain hidden, no matter how remarkable your products are. Craft well-researched titles, tags, and descriptions to improve your listings’ visibility in Etsy search results. eRank’s KEYWORD TOOL (found under the Tools menu) and LISTING HELPER (found under the Listings menu) are great for helping you with this task.
Aesthetics Matter: Attract with an Appealing Shop
Imagine a beautiful store in a busy mall—enticing, right? Your Etsy shop should exude the same appeal. Ensure you have clean, clear, and consistent branding. This includes your shop banner, logo, profile photo, and high-quality listing images. Shoppers are more likely to trust and make purchases from shops with an inviting and professional appearance.
Remember, branding isn’t just about logos and colors; it’s a psychological trigger that influences buying decisions. Building trust through branding is essential.
External Traffic: Creating Your Online Presence
External traffic is the audience you bring to your shop from other platforms like social media and email lists. Unlike internal traffic, these potential buyers might not be in a shopping mood initially. It’s your job to captivate them and inspire purchases.
Content Is King: Quality over Quantity
Building an external following requires a different approach. You’re not just sharing Etsy links; you’re creating quality content. Focus on building a dedicated audience that aligns with your target market. Consistency and content quality are key.
Build Trust: Rule of 7
The Rule of 7 in marketing suggests that prospects need to interact with a message at least seven times before taking action. Be patient, as trust-building takes time. Invest in creating engaging marketing material, whether it’s on social media, email, or other platforms.
If you’re new to social media marketing, consider starting with a structured plan. Try a 30-day Instagram challenge or similar guides to build a consistent marketing strategy aligned with platform algorithms.
Paid Traffic: An Optional Avenue
Paid traffic is entirely optional, especially if you haven’t reached Etsy’s $10,000 threshold that requires participation in their off-site ads program. However, if you’re curious about paid marketing, here are some tips to get started.
Ready Your Listings: Prerequisites for Paid Ads
Before spending a dime on ads, ensure your listings are ready. High-quality photos, compelling descriptions, and excellent SEO are non-negotiable. Remember, no amount of ad spend can rescue a poorly executed listing.
Budget Control: Don’t Overspend
Maintain control over your ad budget. If ad expenses begin to outstrip profits, you’re missing the point of advertising. Keep a close eye on ad spending and don’t hesitate to pause campaigns that aren’t yielding results.
Back Your Winners: Focus on Best Sellers
Instead of promoting underperforming listings, concentrate your ad budget on your best sellers. These listings have a proven track record and are more likely to provide a return on investment. Additionally, advertising your best sellers can funnel traffic to other items in your shop.
A Balanced Approach to Etsy Success
Etsy success is a culmination of these three forms of traffic: internal, external, and paid. Start by strengthening your shop’s SEO and branding for internal traffic. Next, embark on the journey of building an external presence on social media and through email marketing. Finally, consider venturing into paid ads but only after ensuring your shop and listings are primed for success.
Remember that there are no shortcuts to success on Etsy. It’s a journey that demands dedication and a balanced approach to traffic sources. With consistent effort, your Etsy shop can become a thriving and profitable business, especially during seasons when internal traffic may be slower.
Were These Tips Helpful?
If you found these tips helpful, they were provided by eRank Manager and Handmade Alpha Academy Coach Starla Moore. Starla’s 9-module self-paced coaching program opens on December 1st and will only be open for new students through December 10th. The Handmade Alpha Academy teaches Etsy sellers the foundational knowledge of brand psychology, marketing, and funnel building. Starla also includes a year of eRank Pro with your enrollment to utilize while learning the in’s and out’s of SEO.
For more information and to sign up for the waiting list to be reminded when enrollment opens, go to joinhaa.com. You can also email starla@handmadealphaacademy.com with any questions that you may have about the program.