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2020 IMPORTANT UPDATE:
- Consumers (almost 90% according to Forbes) want earth-friendly products that help save the planet.
- Etsy has seen a forty-three percent year-over-year rise in all categories for eco-friendly items (source: MarthaStewart.com).
- Lyst, a curator of fashion trends, has seen a 75% increase in searches for sustainable fashion since 2019.
- If you don’t make sustainable products, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Read more here.
A brainstorming technique that will give you quick results for things to make is to look on Etsy and Amazon. Start with the major categories and expand those into hundreds of subcategories. For examples, see: https://www.etsy.com/help/categories/seller.
Got a product idea and wondering if it’s what shoppers are buying? Let’s look at how you can use data gathered from buyers on Etsy and Amazon Handmade to learn what consumers are searching for and purchasing.
EtsyRank.com is a subscription service providing reports on keywords used by real buyers on Etsy. Keyword search data changes daily, but as an example of what you can learn are the results from several fashion craft-related searches done at the time of this writing using EtsyRank’s Keyword Explorer tool:
- shoulder bag – 3,949 searches
- tote bag – 7,979 searches
- diaper bag – 4,789 searches
- drop earrings – 5,428 searches
- statement earrings – 15, 426 searches
- minimalist earrings – 7,063 searches
- silk scarves – 1,235 searches
- boho clothing – 1,483 searches
- festival clothing – 3,162 searches
On Amazon, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Handmade/zgbs/handmade/ to view bestsellers in the Handmade category. Not only will you get product ideas from the subcategories themselves, you’ll get a look at seller listings that are working well.
From the two steps mentioned, start your own list of subcategories of products you could or want to make. Prioritize your ideas. Pick things you will enjoy making. You can be profitable with just one or two types of products. Later on, add new items as your business grows.
You are probably already getting ideas following fashion and style bloggers and magazines like Vogue and Elle. Also, check out the huge list of fashion newsletters on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/aqeelasasman/fashion-newsletters/.
Another source for inspiration is to follow influencers on Instagram who have large audiences. Use the free version plan at Heepsy.com to find influencers by topics, like “style” or “fashion.”
Want more ways to promote your handmade items online? Get a copy of Sell Your Crafts Online,The Handmakers Guide to Selling from Etsy, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Shopify, Influencers and More
Sell Your Crafts Online is a one-of-a-kind blueprint for finding success and generating profitable returns in the highly lucrative world of e-commerce. Between helpful how-to’s and checklists, Dillehay’s proven strategies will speed your landing your passion projects in every buyer’s shopping cart. By following his user-friendly approach, your hard work will reach wider audiences ready to invest in your talent.
In Sell Your Crafts Online, you’ll learn:
– Pro tips for selling on Etsy, Amazon Handmade, eBay, with Shopify
– Discover how to set up shops on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest
– How to post your product listing on multiple channels at the same time
– Methods for using SEO to draw in shoppers looking for products like yours
– How to price your pieces online to earn top dollar
– Ways to pitch to influencers so your products secure social media attention and much, much more! Buy now
Related article: Top Etsy Trends to Watch
