How to sell art prints on Etsy – step by step.
Getting started on Etsy may appear complicated, but it’s simpler than you think. Look through this step-by-step guide on how to sell prints on Etsy and elevate your small design business.
1. Create your own Etsy shop.
If you don’t already have an Etsy account, you’ll need to set one up. On the Etsy homepage, head to the ‘Sign in’ button and enter your details. You can also connect your Google, Facebook or Apple profiles.
To launch your shop, click on your profile in the top right corner and navigate to ‘Sell on Etsy’. Then follow the instructions to start selling prints on Etsy.
2. Find your niche.
Next, you need to find a niche that mirrors your art style. Focusing on a specific theme, like minimalist fine art or groovy vintage prints, can help you build a brand identity and grow a base of loyal customers who resonate with your style. To refine your niche, highlight your USP and envision your target audience.
3. Craft your prints and poster designs.
Now for the creative part – start designing your digital prints to sell on Etsy. Use Adobe Express design tools to craft a creative poster using the customisable templates. Remember to complete market research to establish the designs your target audience is interested in and tailor them to reflect your niche and unique style.
4. List your prints on Etsy.
It’s now time to list your items on Etsy. To do so, you’ll need to craft a detailed description to attract potential buyers and help your prints stand out. You also need compelling product titles that harness your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) skills. Think like a customer – what search terms are they likely to use?
Next, add as many photos as you like to make sure your buyers can see exactly what they’re purchasing. There’s no limit – the more, the better!
5. Set the right prices.
When it comes to pricing your prints, consider the competition. Research similar prints and competitor designers, and then adjust your price accordingly. Make sure to factor in production costs – like printing, shipping and raw materials – as well as time and labour, profit margin and Etsy fees.
6. Market your products.
Develop a marketing plan around your Etsy shop. You may decide to promote your products on social media to get the word out about your prints – you could use Facebook or Instagram to expand your reach. You may also implement sales incentives like free shopping to motivate customers.
7. Sold something? Time to print.
Success! You’ve made a sale. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Now you need to print and send it to the customer. Consider the most cost-effective and high-quality methods to print your designs.
Remember to post it promptly so you don’t keep your buyers waiting, as this will help to secure good reviews and repeat purchases in the future.
8. Learn from traffic and sales data.
Some of the most helpful insights come from your own sales data. Track what does and doesn’t sell well to learn from your customers and improve your offering. You can access your Stats in Etsy’s Shop Manager, view your metrics overview and learn how shoppers found you. This will help you identify where to focus future marketing efforts.
Tips on how to make art prints for Etsy.
Making and selling art prints online can open opportunities for creatives to showcase and make money from their art. Here are five top tips on how to sell physical or downloadable prints on Etsy:
- Create a brand for your Etsy store. Build your brand identity so customers can recognise your signature style and know what to expect from your store. You can also advertise your Etsy brand on social media to encourage customers to check out your art for sale.
- Use photos and videos to raise your store’s profile. Add interest to your Etsy profile and encourage customers to purchase your products using exciting imagery and video content.
- Engage with your customers. Remember – customer service is key! If your customers have a good experience at your store, they’re more likely to shop again or recommend your business to others. Be sure to respond to any queries promptly and keep customers updated with when they can expect their item.
- Boost trust by showing your customer reviews. Show off good customer reviews to present your Etsy brand as trustworthy. This may help encourage potential customers to take the leap.
- Try promotions and limited editions. Keep your art fresh by offering limited editions to increase exclusivity. You could also implement promotions to try and entice customers and sell more prints.