195. REAL QUICK: Our Black Friday Sales

Summary In this episode of the Crickets to Cha-chings podcast, hosts Julie Berninger and Cody Berman discuss Cody's recent success with a new Etsy shop, sharing insights on strategies for achieving sales milestones, the importance of effective listing images, and the launch of a new eBook (grab it here - https://goldcityventures.com/1000-podcast). They also introduce a new podcast format called 'Hidden Gems' that will feature successful Etsy sellers sharing actionable tips. Additionally, they explore current trends in wall art and emerging aesthetic styles in the market. Takeaways Cody achieved $10,000 in sales in a new Etsy shop. Spending 5-10 hours a week can yield significant results. Main listing images are crucial for attracting buyers. First sales can happen quickly with the right strategies. The new eBook offers detailed strategies for Etsy success. The podcast will feature actionable insights from successful sellers. Many sellers are underpricing their digital products. Emerging aesthetic trends can influence product design. It's important to align product themes with market trends. The new podcast format aims to provide concise, actionable content. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gold City Ventures 02:24 Cody's Etsy Success Story 05:01 Scaling with Digital Products 09:02 The Importance of Listing Images 15:24 New eBook Launch 17:41 Introducing the Hidden Gems Format 20:48 Trends in Wall Art and Aesthetics   Resources https://goldcityventures.com/1000-podcast - Ebook to learn how to scale an Etsy shop to $1,000/month https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online https://goldcityventures.com/pdcst - Gold City Ventures Website

Free Trail of Simply Listed mockup software: https://go.goldcityventures.com/simply-listed In this episode, Julie interviews Cassiy Johnson, an established Etsy seller and software owner, who shares her journey from being laid off to finding success through print-on-demand and mock-ups. Takeaways: - Cassie's mock-up store has generated $70,000 in sales. - Simply Listed automates the mock-up creation process for Etsy sellers. The tool can create 1,000 mock-ups in just three minutes. - The Laws of Creativity is a recommended read for aspiring creatives. Resources: Simple Listed Free Trial: https://go.goldcityventures.com/simply-listed Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9lmp4nfasdY  

Julie Berninger and Hannah Gardner discuss using Profit Tree to run better Etsy Ad campaigns. Link for the 1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: https://profittree.io/course-promo?via=julie17 They delve into the use of Profit Tree to analyze ad performance, emphasizing the difference between ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) and TACOS (Total Advertising Cost of Sale).  The discussion highlights how effective ad strategies can lead to increased organic growth and overall profitability. Takeaways: 1 Etsy ads can significantly increase profit if used correctly. Understanding your ad costs is crucial for profitability.  2 TACOS provides a more holistic view of ad performance than ROAS.  3 Organic sales should be established before running ads.  4 Not all products are suitable for advertising; focus on high-margin items. Investing in ads can lead to long-term organic growth.  5 The quality of your product listings impacts ad effectiveness. Data collection and analysis are key to improving ad strategies.  6 Etsy may favor sellers who invest in ads, creating a competitive edge. Resources: 1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: https://profittree.io/course-promo?via=julie17  LifeTime ProfitTree Offer: https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=julie40  Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/  Hannah Gardner @ecommhannah on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EcomHannah Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a1PtdpEWJ04  

The Gift Lab print-on-demand course ^ 50% off through Monday night at Midnight making it $147 Beyond ^ $397 package deal for annual membership plus The Gift Lab

Julie Berninger interviews Deanna Seymour, a creative Etsy seller and founder of The Playhouse. They discuss Deanna's journey from creating custom stuffed monsters to building a successful business through collaboration and community engagement. Deanna shares her innovative marketing strategies, including partnering with local businesses and utilizing craft shows to spread the word about her products. The conversation emphasizes the importance of networking, creativity, and the evolution of business practices over the years. In this conversation, Deanna Seymour and Julie Berninger explore the journey of scaling creative ventures, particularly in the Etsy space. They discuss the importance of seasonal trends, the challenges of maintaining the magic of handmade products, and innovative ideas for reviving old concepts. Deanna shares her experience with the Anti-Hustle Holiday Series, emphasizing the need for a break from the hustle culture. The discussion culminates in the creation of community through collaboration and the importance of supporting one another in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways 1 Deanna started her Etsy journey by creating custom stuffed monsters.  2 Creative marketing strategies can significantly enhance visibility.  3 Collaboration with local businesses can drive traffic and build community.  Resources Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Anti-Hustle Holiday Series: https://goldcityventures--deannaseymour.thrivecart.com/the-playhouse/6733aa9b4e4bf/ The Playhouse:  https://goldcityventures--deannaseymour.thrivecart.com/the-playhouse/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2ukb25dDaLU    

Julie Berninger welcomes back Emily, a successful Etsy seller who has generated nearly $450,000 in revenue in her first two years. They discuss the dynamics of holiday sales, particularly during Q4, and share valuable tips for print on demand sellers. Emily emphasizes the importance of personalization, customer service, and the need to prepare throughout the year for the holiday rush. They also announce an upcoming print on demand course aimed at helping aspiring Etsy sellers optimize their shops and succeed in the competitive market.   Takeaways Emily generated nearly $450,000 in her first two years on Etsy. Q4 is crucial for print on demand sellers, with sales often doubling. You don't need to sell holiday-specific items to succeed. Personalization can significantly boost sales and customer satisfaction. Customer service is vital during the busy holiday season. Investing in your shop year-round is key to success. Ornaments and gift-friendly items can be great alternatives to apparel. Setting clear shop announcements can help manage customer expectations. Sales peak around Black Friday and remain high until early December. Planning for post-holiday sales is essential for continued success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emily's Success Story 02:51 Understanding Q4 and Holiday Sales Dynamics 05:51 Tips for Print on Demand Sellers 09:01 The Importance of Personalization 11:54 Customer Service Strategies for Q4 14:53 Preparing for Q4 Throughout the Year 17:58 Exciting New Course Announcement 21:03 Final Thoughts and Holiday Shopping Inspiration   Resources: Gold City Ventures https://goldcityventures.com/  

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison discuss effective strategies for Etsy sellers to prepare for Black Friday and the holiday season. They cover the importance of creating gift guides, utilizing Etsy promotions, collaborating with other sellers, and engaging audiences through social media. The conversation also touches on adapting listings for seasonal trends and exploring business growth opportunities beyond Etsy.   Takeaways: Creating gift guides can significantly boost sales during the holiday season. Etsy sellers can benefit from participating in promotional sales without feeling pressured. Collaborating with other sellers can expand your audience and increase visibility. Engaging your audience early about upcoming sales can create excitement and anticipation. Rethinking sales strategies beyond just Black Friday can lead to greater success. Adapting product listings to seasonal trends can attract more customers. Utilizing social media effectively can enhance marketing efforts for Etsy shops. Building relationships with other sellers can lead to fruitful collaborations. Understanding Etsy's promotional strategies can help sellers make informed decisions. Exploring additional revenue streams can help grow an Etsy business beyond the platform. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Black Friday Strategies for Etsy Sellers 06:08 Utilizing Etsy Promotions and Sales 12:04 Engaging Your Audience for Black Friday 17:46 Adapting Listings for Seasonal Trends   Resources Mentioned: Etsy Holiday Trend Guide Share & Save Program Awin Signup   Other Resources: Watch on YouTube Gold City Ventures Beyond Program

In this episode, Julie Berninger interviews Cody McGuffie founder and CEO of Everbee, an e-commerce platform that assists Etsy sellers in product research and marketing. Try Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Cody shares insights on seasonal trends, particularly the significant sales spikes during Q4, and dispels myths about summer sales being slow. He also reveals upcoming features for Everbee that will enhance data accuracy and trend tracking for sellers. The conversation emphasizes the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital product space. Q4 is a critical time for sales, often doubling revenue for sellers. Here is what you can do to prepare. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:36 Trends in Etsy Selling and Personalization 07:53 Niche Markets and Successful Selling Strategies 10:48 The Role of Social Media in Etsy Sales 13:44 Holiday Sales Trends and Insights 17:44 Summer Sales and Market Activity 19:47 Upcoming Features in Everbee 24:07 Data Accuracy and Sources 30:48 Final Thoughts and Advice Resources:  Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zE4LiP4jIEk

Etsy's Cat Craze: A Purrfect Opportunity for Sellers The cat niche on Etsy is booming! In this video, we dive into the surprising popularity of cat-related products and how you can capitalize on this trend. Key Takeaways: Cat vs. Dog: While dogs may have a slight edge in search volume, cats are still a major force on Etsy. Cat-ify Your Products: Consider adding cat-themed variations to your existing products. This could include cat-shaped crochet toys, cat-inspired wall art, or even cat-themed phone wallpapers. Digital Downloads: Cat-themed digital downloads like printable wall art and pet care information sheets are highly sought after. Physical Products: Cat-themed physical products, such as cat shelves, cat toys, and cat collars, are also big sellers. Niche Down: Explore unique cat-related niches like cat psychic readings or cat costumes. Leverage Current Trends: Ride the wave of current trends, such as Halloween-themed cat products or political cat-themed merchandise. Specific Product Ideas: Cat Toys: Crochet cat toys, catnip-filled toys, and interactive toys. Wall Art: Cat-themed wall art, digital downloads, and custom pet portraits. Home Decor: Cat-themed pillows, blankets, and furniture. Accessories: Cat collars, cat hats, and cat backpacks. Digital Products: Printable pet care information sheets, phone wallpapers, and custom pet icons. By understanding the current trends and tapping into the growing cat niche, you can significantly boost your Etsy sales. Remember, creativity is key! Think outside the box and find unique ways to incorporate cat-themed elements into your products. Watch on YouTube (this Episode): https://youtu.be/tJ1qCveLymg Watch on YouTube (Dog ideas): https://youtu.be/HfsCujPHzuc Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

This episode delves into the potential of medical subspecialties as lucrative niches on Etsy for digital products. While popular niches like nurses and doctors are often saturated, exploring subspecialties can offer a more unique and less competitive market. Key Points: Subspecialty Examples include EMT, pharmacy techs, veterinary techs, radiology techs, lab techs, surgical techs. Use tools like eRank to estimate search volume for specific keywords.  Product ideas include digital study guides, notes, flashcards, printable gifts, badge reels, funny jokes, and more.  Resources: Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FOGhPLsQF1A