- The Design Nexus
- Posts
- New Etsy Changes That Should Protect the Marketplace
New Etsy Changes That Should Protect the Marketplace
Good day, fellow creatives. Today, I want to discuss the huge changes coming to Etsy.
On one side, this is good news because there's an effort to safeguard this marketplace for unique products.
On the other hand, there will likely be many unnecessary shop suspensions and some confusion.
So, keep reading to read more about it…
A special offer for you from our sponsor Kittl
Unlock the power of artificial intelligence in your creative process.
Kittl's cutting-edge AI-powered design tools streamline your workflow, allowing you to create stunning visuals in record time. Gain instant access to an extensive library of premium assets:
Breathtaking illustrations
Stylish fonts
High-quality photos
Versatile icons
Rich textures
ETSY INSIGHTS
New Rules for Etsy Sellers (Important Changes)
Today, I want to discuss the huge changes coming to Etsy.
On one side, this is good news because there's an effort to safeguard this marketplace for unique products.
The new guidelines clearly explain what sellers can offer:
Made by a seller: Physical items crafted, altered, or assembled by a seller, by hand or using tools they own (e.g., a 3D printer or Cricut machine)
Designed by a seller: Original designs by a seller (or seller-prompted AI art) offered as a digital download or produced/printed by a third-party
Sourced by a seller: Items that enable buyer creativity, such as craft supplies, party decorations, and items buyers can personalize and print on demand
Handpicked by a seller: Vintage items, items from nature, and certain collections of items selected/curated by a seller
These rules aim to maintain Etsy's special character as a marketplace for original and creative products.
By ensuring sellers make or design their own items, Etsy sets itself apart from other online stores.
The clearer rules help everyone understand what's allowed on Etsy. (And yes, you can sell AI designs on Etsy).
This protects creativity and supports sellers who put their personal touch into their products.
The logic behind this is that Etsy wants to remain a place where shoppers can find one-of-a-kind items made with care and skill, not mass-produced goods.
SHOP SPOTLIGHT
Stay Safe on Any Marketplace Where You Sell
It doesn't matter if you're selling a digital product, your wall art poster, or t-shirts with funny quotes.
You need to protect your shop from suspension by the platform on which you sell.
This is your #1 priority.
There are several common reasons why Etsy may ban shops:
Selling the wrong products: Etsy only allows the sale of handmade, vintage (over 20 years old), and craft supplies. Selling mass-produced or infringing items can get a shop banned.
Violating intellectual property rights: Selling items that infringe on copyrights, trademarks, or other IP can lead to a shop suspension, even if the seller claims they have permission.
Poor customer service: Etsy prioritizes customer satisfaction. Shops that don't respond promptly to customer questions and issues are at risk of being banned.
Suspicious buying activity: If Etsy detects potentially fraudulent buying behavior, such as using mismatched addresses, they may suspend the account as a precaution.
Expired payment information: Not keeping a valid credit card on file to pay Etsy fees can trigger a shop suspension.
Even if you follow these rules and guidelines, there's no guarantee that you will have a successful shop.
You can try ads at the beginning, and you can try to find an audience outside Etsy, but still, your shop will never be profitable.
Just a sad reality check.
PRESENTED BY CREATIVE FABRICA
Get instant access to 9 millions+ beautiful fonts and graphics.
You also get access to exclusive Full POD commercial license: No modifications are needed - the designs can be used as-is on your POD products.
Sign up for FREE and get access to all resources
Get your first 10 downloads for FREE
Commercial use allowed on all resources
EXPLANATION
What Exactly Is The Etsy Algorithm
The Etsy algorithm is a complex system that chooses which products are shown to customers on the Etsy platform.
While the full details of the algorithm are not publicly known, several key factors influence how it works:
Relevance: The algorithm prioritizes products that closely match the search terms used by shoppers. Sellers can improve relevance by using the right keywords in their listings.
Popularity: Products that have received a lot of positive reviews and sales are more likely to be shown higher in search results, as the algorithm sees them as more desirable.
Newness: Etsy likes to give new products a chance to be discovered, so recently listed items may also be featured prominently.
Shop Performance: The algorithm considers the overall quality and reliability of a seller's shop, favoring those with high customer satisfaction and fast shipping.
To take advantage of the Etsy algorithm, sellers should:
Use relevant, SEO-optimized keywords in their listings
Maintain high customer ratings and fast shipping times
Regularly add new products to their shop
Provide detailed, informative product descriptions
While the full list of signals of the Etsy algorithm remains a mystery, understanding these key factors can help sellers improve their visibility and success on the platform.
EXTRA TIPS
Selling products online is a numbers game. This is a fact I stand behind. But uploading more is not always the path to success.
✔️ Learn SEO: The more you know about search engine optimization, the better.
✔️ Make it personal: Offer personalized products to increase sales and consumer satisfaction.
✔️ Analyze sales: When you make a bestseller, double down on it and make more related designs.
✔️ Use free resources: Marketplaces like Creative Fabrica have tons of graphics, fonts, or templates you can use for free.*
✺ message from our sponsor
So, you are at the end of this email.
I hope you get tons of useful and valuable information that will help you become a more successful seller.
Again, thank you for being a subscriber to this newsletter.
I'm looking forward to next Sunday when I'll have tons of other information to share with you.
Have a nice day,
Miroslav from The Design Nexus
Reply