Just Make Cents

Let’s talk about what it’s really like starting an Etsy shop from scratch—because if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What if I open a shop and no one buys anything?”

Well, I’m living that right now. 😂

I’ve created over 40 fun, colorful items for my Etsy store, Little Zest Studio, and as of today… zero sales. But you know what? I’m not discouraged.

Why I’m Not Giving Up on Etsy (Even Without Sales)

Here’s the thing: I’ve done my research, and many of the items I’ve created are seasonal bestsellers—meaning their popularity peaks in the upcoming months. So, I’m playing the long game.

I also read that Etsy loves active stores. That’s why I’ve been adding new products nearly every day, keeping my listings fresh and feeding the Etsy algorithm. I want my shop to be ready before the busy season hits.

Expanding to Amazon Merch

In an effort to diversify my passive income streams, I recently applied to Amazon Merch. I’m still waiting to hear back, but fingers crossed! 🤞

Selling on Amazon would be a game-changer. Their reach is massive, and I’d love to offer some of my best designs on t-shirts and other products right on their platform.

Considering a Shopify Store, Too

Another platform I’m eyeing is Shopify. I’m looking into launching a Shopify store as a way to create a brand hub for Little Zest Studio—one where I have total control over the look, feel, and customer experience.

I’ll be diving deeper into that this week and promise to report back with what I learn. There’s definitely a learning curve, but I know it’ll be worth it.

The Truth About Passive Income (Spoiler: It’s Not That Passive)

I’ll be honest—this whole passive income thing isn’t quite as “set it and forget it” as some people make it sound. It’s taking real time, effort, and a whole lot of patience.

But here’s what I do know: I’m putting in the work. I’m showing up daily. And I believe that once the sales start rolling in, they’ll keep coming. This is just the beginning.

If you’re starting your own Etsy journey and feeling a little discouraged, I see you! Keep creating, keep learning, and don’t give up.

Let’s build this together. 🧡

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Want to check out my latest designs?
Head over to Little Zest Studio on Etsy—I’d love for you to take a look. Please fill out the form below and let me know if you’ve had any success. If so, I’d appreciate it if you could share some of your tips!

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If you’re a creative spirit with an entrepreneurial heart, you’ve probably considered opening your own Etsy print-on-demand shop. That’s exactly the adventure I’ve started — and I’m here to share my wins, challenges, and everything in between.

Whether you’re into custom sports apparel, softball mom shirts, or looking to grow your own print-on-demand business, I hope my journey inspires you to take the leap too.

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Creating Custom Designs That Reflect My Passion

Lately, I’ve been pouring my energy into building unique POD products that speak to who I am — especially the softball and baseball niche that’s so close to my heart. I’ve experimented with early access items from Printify, and the designs have turned out beautifully. Unfortunately, some of them aren’t syncing to my Etsy shop right now, but I’ll be reaching out to Printify support to get that sorted. Every hiccup is a chance to learn, right?

🔗 Tip: If you’re also working with Printify and Etsy, check out this Printify Etsy Integration Guide to make sure everything runs smoothly.

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Why I Chose the Softball Niche

I’m not just creating for a trend — I’m designing for my life. As a softball mom and former player, this sport is deeply woven into my identity. My niece, whom I co-parent, is an incredible pitcher, and we’re counting down the days until All-Star season. If you’ve ever lived the softball grind, you know what I mean: weekends filled with tournaments, travel, sunburns, and priceless memories.

That’s why I started creating:

• Softball mom shirts
• Baseball dad mugs
• All-Star team spirit gear
• And more designs that celebrate the love of the game

This niche doesn’t just speak to me — it represents my family, my roots, and my weekends. And I know there are thousands of sports parents out there looking for fun, high-quality merch that captures the same energy.

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Timing Is Everything — And I’m Just Getting Started

We’re about five weeks away from the heart of All-Star season, so while I’m not expecting a flood of sales yet, I’m getting strategic. This is the perfect time to stock my shop with softball and baseball-themed products so when the season hits, I’m ready to serve those passionate customers.

I also plan to expand into:

• Other youth sports (hello, soccer and volleyball!)
• Summer-themed designs
• Personalized gifts for athletes and fans alike

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Visit My Etsy Shop: Little Zest Studio 🍋

If you love softball, know a proud sports parent, or just want to support a small shop with a lot of heart, check out my store:
👉 Little Zest Studio on Etsy

You’ll find:

• High-quality POD apparel
• Stainless steel mugs
• Custom sports-themed gifts
• And more on the way!

I’m adding new products weekly, so favorite the shop to stay updated!

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Final Thoughts: Start Before You’re Ready

I’m still figuring things out. I haven’t made my first sale yet, but I know it’s coming — because I’m creating with passion, purpose, and persistence. Whether you’re a fellow POD seller, a sports-loving parent, or just dreaming about starting your own Etsy shop, know this: the best time to start is now.

Thanks for following along — I’ll be sharing updates, product drops, and lessons learned along the way.

My First Week as an Etsy Shop Owner: What I’ve Learned So Far

Starting an Etsy shop has been an exciting and, at times, overwhelming experience! I’m thrilled to finally dive into the world of online selling and share my creative work with others. So far, I’ve listed seven items in my shop, and while there haven’t been any sales yet, I’m optimistic and looking forward to what the future holds.

What I’ve Done So Far

As of now, my shop focuses mainly on wall art and stationery. I’ve uploaded some of my favorite pieces, including a print of a charcoal drawing I did a few years ago. I’ve put a lot of love into each product, and I hope that potential customers will see that too.

Want to see what I’ve created? Browse my shop, Little Zest Studio, and let me know what you think: LittleZestStudio on Etsy

One of the things I’m most excited about is creating a space where people can purchase unique artwork that adds personality to their homes or offices. I think next week, I will be focusing on expanding my inventory and adding digital products to the mix.

Challenges I’ve Faced

Though my shop has only been running for a short time, there are a few things I’ve learned along the way. Here’s what I’ve been reflecting on:

1. Creating High-Quality Listings: The process of taking good product photos and writing clear, appealing descriptions takes time. I want potential buyers to feel confident in their purchase, so I’ve worked hard on showcasing my products well.
   
2. Marketing My Shop: With zero sales, it’s been a challenge to get the ball rolling. Etsy’s search algorithm can feel a little mysterious, and I’m still figuring out how to make my products stand out.
   
3. Time Management: Balancing the creative side of the shop with the business side is no easy feat. I’ve had to adjust my expectations and realize that success won’t come overnight.
   

What’s Next for My Etsy Shop

As I enter my second week as an Etsy shop owner, I’m already planning my next steps. Here’s what I’m thinking about doing:

1. Add More Products

One of the most important things for new Etsy shops is having a variety of products to offer. I plan to add more items to my shop next week, including additional wall art, stationery, and digital downloads. Digital products, like printable artwork or planners, can be a great way to reach more customers since they don’t require shipping and can be sold globally.

2. Optimize Listings for Search

I know that optimizing my listings for Etsy’s search engine (SEO) is crucial. Next week, I will focus on improving the titles, tags, and descriptions to make my items more discoverable. I’ll experiment with using different keywords to see what resonates best with shoppers.

Tip: Think about what your ideal customer might search for when looking for products like yours. Use those keywords in your listing titles, tags, and descriptions to increase your chances of being found.

3. Promote on Social Media

I plan to start promoting my shop on social media more actively. Sharing behind-the-scenes photos, sneak peeks of new items, and engaging with followers will help me build a loyal customer base. Whether it’s Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, social media can drive traffic to your Etsy shop.

Tip: Create a content calendar to stay consistent with your posts. Engaging with your audience and offering them something valuable, like discounts or exclusive items, can encourage them to support your shop.

4. Offer Discounts or Promotions

To build momentum and attract buyers, I’m considering running a promotion, like offering a discount on first-time purchases or free shipping for a limited time. Etsy allows you to easily set up discounts and promotions, and they can help encourage buyers to make that first purchase.

Tip: Consider offering a coupon code to customers who sign up for your newsletter, which will help you build a list of people who are interested in your work.

5. Monitor Performance and Adapt

I’ll be closely monitoring the shop’s performance to see which items are getting the most attention and what keywords are driving traffic. By reviewing my shop’s analytics, I can adjust my strategy and make more informed decisions about what to focus on.

Tip: Etsy provides analytics that can help you understand your shop’s traffic and sales. Use this data to fine-tune your listings and marketing efforts.

6. Patience and Persistence

Finally, I know that building a successful shop takes time. It’s easy to get discouraged when there are no immediate sales, but I’ve heard that persistence is key. I’ll keep learning, improving, and putting effort into marketing my shop, trusting that over time, things will begin to click.

Tip: Keep a positive mindset and stay consistent. Celebrate small milestones, like completing your first sale or receiving positive feedback, and don’t get discouraged if things don’t take off immediately.

Conclusion

My first week as an Etsy shop owner has been a great learning experience. While I don’t have sales to report yet, I’m excited about what’s to come and feel encouraged to keep pushing forward. There’s so much to learn, and I know I’ll continue to make adjustments along the way. If you’re considering starting an Etsy shop or are in the early stages like me, just know that it’s a journey. Stay motivated, be patient, and keep evolving your strategy.

Looking forward to sharing more updates soon! Stay tuned for Week 2 of my Etsy journey.

Are you passionate about creating handmade products, vintage treasures, or unique craft supplies? If so, opening an Etsy store is a fantastic way to turn your creativity into a business. Etsy is a global marketplace for independent artists and makers, and it’s the perfect place to showcase your products to a wider audience. (FYI – I’m new at this too and am setting up my first shop)

Whether you’re looking to sell jewelry, home décor, digital art, or custom-made clothing, this guide will walk you through every step of setting up your Etsy store—from the basics to launching your first products.

And, as I’m currently going through this beginner process myself, I plan to publish my first items for sale this week! I’ll be checking back in weekly to update you on how things are going, and I’m excited to share this side hustle journey with you.

1. Create Your Etsy Account

Before you can start selling, you’ll need to create an Etsy account. If you don’t already have one, follow these simple steps:

• Visit Etsy.com: Go to www.etsy.com and click on “Sign Up” in the top right corner.
  
• Create an Account: You can sign up with your email, Google account, or Facebook. Make sure you choose a professional name for your shop later, as it will represent your brand.
  
• Choose a Shop Name: This will be the name that customers see when they visit your store. It should be unique, easy to remember, and related to what you’re selling. Make sure it aligns with your brand.
  

Pro Tip: The name must be 4-20 characters long and can’t contain spaces or special characters.

2. Set Up Your Shop Preferences

Once your account is created, you’ll begin setting up your shop. Etsy will guide you through the following steps:

• Shop Language: Select the default language for your shop. This is important as it will be the language your listings and descriptions will be shown in.
  
• Shop Country and Currency: Choose your country and the currency you want to use to display your prices.
  
• Shop Policies: Etsy requires sellers to set policies regarding shipping, refunds, and exchanges. This is your chance to communicate how you handle transactions and customer concerns.
  

Take time to consider your policies. Clear, transparent policies can help you build trust with buyers.

3. Add Your Products (Listings)

Now comes the fun part: adding your products! Here’s how to set up an appealing listing that attracts customers:

• Product Name: Be descriptive but concise. Include keywords that your potential customers might use when searching for products like yours.
  
• Photos: Etsy is a visual platform, so high-quality images are essential. You can upload up to 10 photos per listing, so show your products from multiple angles and in different settings. Natural lighting and simple backdrops can make a huge difference in how your products appear.
  
• Price: Consider the cost of materials, your time, and the current market rates when setting your price.
  
• Description: Write a detailed description of your product. Highlight its features, materials, size, and any special qualities. Don’t forget to include keywords that will help your listing appear in search results.
  
• Shipping Information: Be clear about shipping costs and delivery times. You can offer free shipping if it works with your pricing structure, or you can set a flat rate for shipping.
  

Pro Tip: Make sure your titles, descriptions, and tags are SEO-friendly. This will help your products rank higher in Etsy’s search results.

4. Set Up Your Shop’s Branding

Your shop’s branding is critical for making a good first impression. To help customers identify your store and connect with your brand, you’ll need:

• Shop Icon: This is the small image that will represent your shop in search results and on your storefront. Use a logo or a clean, recognizable image.
  
• Shop Banner: A banner is a large header image that appears at the top of your shop page. It’s a great place to showcase your brand’s personality and aesthetic.
  
• About Section: Share the story behind your business and products. Etsy buyers love to know who they are buying from and what makes your items special. Be authentic and personal.
  

5. Set Up Payment and Billing

You’ll need to set up your payment system so Etsy can process transactions. Etsy allows you to accept payments via Etsy Payments, which includes credit cards, debit cards, Etsy gift cards, and PayPal.

• Etsy Payments: This is Etsy’s primary way to process payments. You’ll need to enter your bank account information so Etsy can deposit the money from your sales.
  
• Billing Information: Etsy charges a small fee for each listing, plus a transaction fee when you make a sale. You’ll need to set up billing information to cover these costs.
  

6. Test Your Shop

Before officially launching your Etsy store, make sure everything is in order by testing your shop:

• Check that all product links work and that customers can easily navigate your store.
  
• Ensure that shipping costs and policies are correct.
  
• Review your listings for typos or mistakes in descriptions.
  

You can also ask friends or family members to check out your store and provide feedback.

7. Launch and Market Your Etsy Shop

Congratulations, your Etsy store is now ready to launch! But your work isn’t over just yet. To make your store successful, you need to promote it. Here are a few strategies:

• Social Media: Promote your store on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Share behind-the-scenes content, new product launches, and customer testimonials.
  
• Etsy Ads: You can run ads directly on Etsy to increase visibility for your listings.
  
• Collaborations: Partner with influencers, bloggers, or other sellers to get the word out about your shop.
  
• Email Marketing: Collect email addresses (with permission) and send out newsletters or promotions to keep customers coming back.
  

8. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Once your store is up and running, providing excellent customer service is key to maintaining a strong reputation on Etsy:

• Respond to messages quickly.
  
• Ship orders on time.
  
• Resolve any issues with orders or products promptly.
  

Good reviews will help your shop grow, so always strive to exceed customer expectations.

My Etsy Journey

As I’m in the midst of setting up my own Etsy store, I’ll be publishing my first products for sale this week! I’m excited to share this experience and learn as I go. I plan to check back in weekly to update you on how things are progressing, any challenges I encounter, and the lessons I learn along the way.

Final Thoughts

Opening an Etsy shop is an exciting journey that allows you to share your creations with the world. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful Etsy store. Remember, building a brand takes time, so be patient, stay consistent, and keep refining your listings and marketing strategies.

I’ll be updating you soon on my own journey as I start my Etsy adventure, and I can’t wait to see how your shop grows, too! Happy selling!

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