Why Most Etsy Shops Fail — And How You Can Avoid It
Hey creative soul,
Let’s be real: starting an Etsy shop sounds easy. Post some cute photos, set a price, hit publish, and wait for the orders to roll in—right?
Except… that’s not how it works.
And if you’ve tried, you already know the truth.
Most Etsy shops never take off. I’m talking zero sales, maybe one pity purchase from your mom, and then crickets. It’s heartbreaking, especially when you know your product is good.
So why do some shops take off while others get buried?
That’s exactly what I’m breaking down in my new subscriber-only series: “Etsy Success Secrets.”
I’ve sold on Etsy for years, and I’ve learned the hard way what actually works. I’ve also seen dozens of shops fail—usually for reasons that are 100% fixable. That’s what inspired me to write this.
Here’s the truth:
💡 Great products don’t sell themselves.
📸 Bad photos can kill your shop faster than bad pricing.
🔍 If your keywords are off, no one will ever find you.
🤝 Etsy won’t do all the work for you—and it’s not supposed to.
📣 The sellers who grow are the ones who build an audience.
The good news?
Everything I just said is solvable.
I’m pulling back the curtain and showing you:
How to fix your photos (even if you’re on a tight budget)
The best tools to find keywords people actually search for
Why 100 listings is a game-changer
The truth about Etsy ads (and when to skip them)
How to drive your own traffic using Pinterest, blogs, or Instagram
Plus, how I combine Etsy, Substack, and blogging to build a business that isn’t at the mercy of any one platform
This series is written especially for creative people like you who want their art, jewelry, digital products, or handmade goods to actually get seen and sell.
💸 How to Access the Full Series
For just $5/month (or $50/year), you’ll get full access to the entire Etsy Success Secrets series, plus bonus tools, checklists, behind-the-scenes looks at my shop, and ongoing tips to keep your momentum going.
This is real, no-fluff advice from someone who's lived it—and is still living it. Whether you're just getting started or trying to level up an existing shop, this series is going to save you so much time and help you avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes.
🛍️ You’ve got something worth selling. Let’s make sure the world sees it.
xo,
Tracy
Creator of the Thelemic Wisdom Tarot, designer, and Etsy realist