If you're a seasoned Etsy seller aiming to expand or a newbie getting ready to start an Etsy shop, and you're wondering whether you should start by finding your audience or your products to sell, keep reading this blog focused on this crucial decision related to how to sell on Etsy.

What you'll discover in this blog captures the essence of the episode "Which comes first to start your Etsy shop: finding your audience or your product to sell?" from the "Etsy Shop Accelerator" podcast. Whether you prefer the written format of the blog or enjoy engaging discussions on the podcast, where deeper insights into personal experiences and examples are explored, both mediums offer valuable insights to help you address questions such as:

• What comes first to start an Etsy shop?

• What are the best products (digital and more) to sell on Etsy?

• How to use Etsy research tools like eRank and EverBee to make money on Etsy?

(This post contains affiliate links, and you can read the full disclosure here)

Exploring the Crossroads: Audience or Product First?

Picture this: you're at a crossroads, torn between two paths, looking for Etsy success. On one hand, there's the allure of crafting irresistible products that captivate buyers. On the other, there's the strategic approach of understanding your audience inside out. But which path leads to real success? Let's unravel the mystery together.

My Insights: Lessons from the Pitfalls

Drawing from my own journey as a top Etsy seller, I've learned that success lies in striking a balance between audience appeal and product excellence. Early on, I fell into the trap of chasing trends without considering my target audience—a mistake that led to unfocused product offerings and disappointing sales. But through trial and error, I discovered the power of aligning my products with the needs and preferences of my audience—a game-changer that propelled my Etsy business to new heights.

Weighing Your Options: Audience-Centric vs. Product-Centric Approach

Product-Centric Approach

Prioritizing product development may yield initial gains, but it risks alienating your audience if the offerings don't resonate with their interests. Without a clear understanding of your target audience, you may find yourself chasing trends endlessly, unable to master any particular niche.

Audience-Centric Approach

By focusing on audience research first, you gain invaluable insights into their preferences, behaviors, and pain points. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your product lineup to meet their specific needs, fostering long-term loyalty and sustainable growth.

The Power of Etsy research Tools: eRank and EverBee

In today's digital landscape, success favors the savvy. That's where tools like eRank and EverBee come into play. These indispensable resources provide invaluable insights for audience research, -covering everything from keyword optimization and trend analysis to competitor research— equipping Etsy sellers with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Using eRank and EverBee: A brief Step-by-Step Guide

1. Keyword Research: Start by typing in audience-related keywords (e.g., "horse") into eRank or EverBee. These tools will generate a plethora of keyword combinations related to your audience, offering insights into popular products and trends.

2. Market Analysis: Next, analyze the top-selling products on Etsy using the keywords generated. Pay attention to customer reviews and bestseller rankings to understand what resonates with your target audience.

3. Product Development: Armed with this information, develop a product lineup tailored to your audience's preferences and interests. Whether it's horse-themed apparel, home decor, or digital planners, ensure that your offerings align with the needs of your target market.

Final thoughts

Navigating the journey of starting an Etsy shop requires careful consideration of whether to prioritize audience research or perfecting product offerings. By leveraging insights from experienced Etsy sellers and utilizing tools like eRank and EverBee, you can empower yourself to make informed decisions that drive your Etsy shop towards success. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your existing shop, remember that understanding your audience and offering products tailored to their needs is the ultimate recipe for Etsy success.

-

Join my coursemunity "Digitally Purposed: The Digital Product Profit Formula" to dive into a comprehensive start-to-finish experience designed to automate your business on Etsy. This course and community provide everything you need to succeed with your Etsy digital product or hybrid (POD + digital product) business and reach $10K+ per month, just like I did.

By joining, you'll gain access to in-depth training, and you'll benefit from personalized support, weekly training sessions, live Q&A calls, and shop audits. 

Selling digital products online requires constant learning, and we'd love to support you!