I remember when I first started selling stickers on Etsy I wanted to create stickers that stood out from the crowd. I wanted to start my dream sticker business on Etsy, but I encountered speedbumps learning how to make stickers to sell on Etsy, just as many business owners do in a startup!
Now, I want to share what I learned from those speedbumps, so you don’t waste time and money doing it in the wrong way. In this article, I will share with you the framework of how to sell stickers on Etsy.
Contents
Etsy Sticker Business Guide: How to Sell Stickers on Etsy
You’ll love this if you want to know how to start a sticker business and particularly, how to make stickers to sell online.
1. Finding Your Niche
If you want to know how to start selling stickers and how to start a sticker shop, it’s crucial to create a product or service that you can sell on Etsy without spending more time and money on marketing or advertising than you need to. There’s only one small catch about making stickers to sell: you can’t go after an already popular niche. You have to have a unique product or service that the entire community is yet to discover.
For example, you might decide that your niche will be new mums; selling stickers they can use in their baby books. Or, you might make and sell stickers online specifically for milestone birthdays. But you can’t just slap a sticker on your social media page and hope that it will instantly gain traction. You have to think about branding and positioning first.
2. Think About Branding
Brand your business in the best possible way to get as many people as possible to use your brand in their lives.
Focus on great products that your target market will love (after doing your research, of course), make sure you give your product descriptions much love with perfect spelling and grammar, use keywords and make sure your photos are top-notch.
3. Creating a Unique Design
Once you know your market, creating a unique design is essential to have your brand stand out from the rest. Take a deep dive into your target market, learn about their wants, needs and interests, so your sticker design meets these criteria and becomes memorable.
When you’re wondering how do I start an Etsy sticker shop and come up with unique stickers, don’t be afraid to ask questions either on social media or in-person where your target market hangs out.
4. Pricing Your Stickers
One of the most challenging parts of how to start selling stickers on Etsy is determining a price point. I think Etsy is the best place to sell stickers online and people sell then at a range of prices. Don’t undervalue your time and creative skills, certainly not because you’re new to the Etsy game. You have to set yourself up for growth.
Many people often start selling stickers on Etsy at a price point that’s much too low. Perhaps it’s because they’re desperate to make any money. Other times, it’s because they haven’t done their research.
When you do your research, not only is it important to factor in your time, cost of tools, paper, ink and software, just to name a few, it’s essential that you factor in Etsy fees to ensure you’re not undercutting yourself. Incorporate them into your growth strategy.
When you sign up to Etsy as a seller, it’s free, but there are seller fees involved that will end up coming off your profit margin – a listing fee, transaction and payment processing fee and offsite ads fee. Fees are different for each country; visit the ‘Sell on Etsy’ section for fees specific to your location and you can get 40 free listings as a brand new shop here!
When you take all of the above into consideration, you’ll be setting prices that are profitable right from the beginning.
Interested in starting a sticker business startup? Check this post for how to start a sticker business.
5. Promoting Your Shop
Etsy is not about listing a product and forgetting about it. Etsy requires hard work and a business mindset. Build a social media following and promote your Etsy shop there. But the key to this is to avoid icky sales tactics that are completely offputting. Build a community and relationships with your followers. Share posts that provide value, build trust and weave your products and shop into this naturally with special offers. I refer to my method in The Etsy Plan as the ‘Stand Out Stickers’ method.
6. Getting Reviews
Reviews can be a massive asset for Etsy store owners. They have the power to influence shopper decisions and improve your credibility. Reviews are also great at gaining customer trust and encouraging people to interact with your shop, leading to improved profits!
Get a system in place to ask for reviews. You could request reviews on your receipts/invoices, via thank you pages, social media, or email.
It’s one thing to start a shop on Etsy, and it’s another to make it profitable. People won’t automatically step through your Etsy shop ‘doors’. You will have to nurture them towards your doors with your branding, designs that speak to their needs and your ability to build consumer confidence in the way you communicate.
These basics on how to sell stickers on Etsy are just the start. Now I’ll walk you through the ten steps you need to take to start selling stickers on Etsy:
If you have dreams of turning your creative talent into a thriving business, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the ten essential steps to successfully sell stickers on Etsy.
Step 1: Research and Plan
Before diving into the world of selling stickers on Etsy, it’s important to do your research and make a solid plan. Explore the sticker market on Etsy to understand customer preferences, popular trends, and pricing strategies. Identify your target audience and find your niche within the sticker-selling community. Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, product offerings, and marketing strategies. By laying a strong foundation through research and planning, you’ll set yourself up for success on Etsy.
Step 2: Design and Create Unique Stickers
The heart and soul of your sticker business lies in your designs. Create stickers that captivate and delight your target audience. Experiment with different styles, colors, and themes to find your signature look. Focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail to ensure your stickers stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s cute illustrations, elegant typography, or minimalist designs, let your creativity shine through in every sticker. Your unique and eye-catching designs will be the driving force behind your success on Etsy.
Step 3: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
Setting up your Etsy shop is an exciting step towards realizing your sticker-selling dreams. Sign up for an Etsy account and follow the easy steps to create your shop profile. Choose a shop name that reflects your brand and is memorable. Craft a compelling shop announcement and fill out your shop policies to establish trust with potential buyers. Showcase your stickers with high-quality product photos and write engaging descriptions that highlight their features. Your Etsy shop is your storefront, so make it inviting and appealing to customers.
Step 4: Price Your Stickers Competitively
Determining the right price for your stickers is crucial for attracting customers and generating sales. Consider factors such as materials, production costs, and the value you provide. Research the prices of similar stickers on Etsy to gain insights into competitive pricing. Avoid underpricing your products, as it can undervalue your creative work. On the other hand, avoid overpricing, which may deter potential buyers. Strive to find a balance that reflects the value of your stickers while remaining competitive within the market. Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy based on customer feedback and market trends.
Step 5: Listing Your Products for Success
Your product listings play a vital role in capturing the attention of potential buyers. Create compelling listings that showcase your stickers in the best light. Use high-quality product images that accurately represent the colors, details, and size of your stickers. Write informative and engaging descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of each design. Utilize keywords strategically to improve your visibility in Etsy search results. A well-crafted product listing will grab the attention of customers and entice them to make a purchase.
Step 6: Pack and Post Like a Pro!
Packaging and shipping are key elements of the customer experience. Invest in quality packaging materials that protect your stickers during transit and create a memorable unboxing experience. Choose reliable shipping carriers and select shipping methods that offer tracking and insurance options. Clearly communicate your shipping policies, including estimated delivery times and any international shipping restrictions. By providing a seamless and professional packaging and shipping experience, you’ll leave a positive impression on your customers and encourage repeat purchases.
Step 7: Promote Your Etsy Shop
To drive traffic to your Etsy shop, it’s important to promote your products effectively. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your stickers and engage with potential customers. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, offer sneak peeks of new designs, and create engaging content related to planning and organization. Collaborate with influencers or join relevant communities to expand your reach. Implement marketing strategies such as giveaways, discounts, or collaborations to generate excitement and attract new customers.
Step 8: Provide Outstanding Customer Service
Delivering exceptional customer service is vital for building a loyal customer base and receiving positive reviews on Etsy. Respond to inquiries and messages promptly, addressing any concerns or questions with professionalism and kindness. Handle returns or exchanges efficiently and with a customer-centric approach. Strive to exceed customer expectations by going the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction. By providing outstanding customer service, you’ll create a positive shopping experience that encourages customers to return and recommend your shop to others.
Step 9: Keep Improving!
As a sticker seller, it’s important to stay innovative and continuously improve your offerings. Pay attention to customer feedback and reviews, using them to enhance your designs and customer experience. Keep an eye on market trends and adapt your collections accordingly. Experiment with new styles, themes, or materials to provide fresh and exciting options for your customers. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement to stay ahead in the competitive Etsy marketplace.
Step 10: Focus on the Data
Regularly monitor and analyze the performance of your Etsy shop to identify areas for improvement and seize new opportunities. Utilize Etsy’s analytics tools to gain insights into customer behavior, traffic sources, and sales performance. Track your best-selling sticker designs and identify patterns or trends. Use this information to optimize your marketing strategies and refine your product offerings. Stay flexible and adapt to changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and industry developments. By staying informed and adaptable, you’ll position your Etsy shop for long-term success.
I hope this guide helped if you’ve been asking how so I start a sticker shop.
Ready to Sell Stickers on Etsy? Start to make stickers for planner pages today.
How to Sell Stickers on Etsy – Free Class!
Ready to get started? Click here to watch my FREE class on Discovering the Stickers That Sell!
AFTER THIS CLASS, YOU’LL KNOW:
- The 3 BIG mistakes new sticker makers and shop owners make … so YOU can avoid them
- The tools and equipment you need to get started
- How to use your creativity to start a side hustle … even if you’re not an artist or designer
- How to stand out from the crowd for sticker shop success selling the stickers that people WANT
You’ll discover the stickers that stand out from the crowd on Etsy and that people actually WANT to buy!
Make Your Own Planner Stickers Today
Want to get started today creating your own stickers for yourself … or to sell?
You can, when you join The Sticker Shop Plan eCourse!
After taking this course, you’ll know how about making stickers to sell on Etsy in a fun, profit-focused sticker shop.
I’ll show you how to get awesome sticker ideas out of your head (and your heart) and into your planner … and the hands of customers who are just waiting for your stickers to brighten their days.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO GET STARTED NOW
Read Next:
- Ultimate Guide on How to Start a Sticker Business from Home
- TPP #67 – Goal Setting for Perfectionists … Like Me!
- Check out my Making Planner Stickers book here and learn how to design planner stickers!
- Get Free Printable Planner Stickers
- How To Make Planner Stickers With Cricut
- Learn How to Make Planner Stickers with Cricut or Silhouette
Originally published on July 3 2021 and updated for July 19 2023.
