Crickets to Cha-Chings (Gold City Ventures)

This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights to help you grow and succeed in your Etsy shop (and, more importantly, in your e-commerce business as a whole.)

Here's what you can expect:

• The state of Etsy sales: Discover the reasons behind the decrease in Etsy sales in 2023 and what it means for sellers.
• Where Etsy is growing and what it means for an individual seller's business
• Insights into Etsy's revenue model and how it affects your bottom line as a seller (it's not as clear as you'd think!)
• Why Etsy is focusing on growing its seller base (in my opinion) and what it means for your competition on the platform.
• Tips to protect your business and not have these changes come as a surprise: Learn about practical strategies to adapt your business and protect your success amidst market changes.
• Where I think we're headed: my personal prediction for the future of what's happening on the platform, and how it might shape the way you want to run your business moving forward
  
  Join us for an energizing and informative conversation about Etsy and what's been going on over the last several months or more. We'll break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps and emphasize practical benefits to help you take actionable steps towards growing your Etsy shop.
  
  You don't want to miss this episode -- make sure you tune in today!

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🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟

Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger

Join the waitlist for the upcoming application only small group experience -- http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/apply

Julie talks with Etsy digital products seller, Stephanie, about her plans to create a larger digital products business for busy moms. Her niche is women pursuing businesses.

Takeaways

• Starting an Etsy shop can be a great entry point into the online business world.
• It's important to be flexible and willing to pivot your business direction based on what sells and what your target audience wants.
• Understanding your target demographic and their needs is crucial for building a successful business.
• Consider exploring trends and niches within your niche to find new opportunities for growth.
• Building a Facebook group can be an effective way to connect with your target audience and create a community.
• Collaborating with other influencers in your niche can help you reach a wider audience and gain credibility. Pitching is essential for growing an online business, even if the response rate is low
• Collaborations and bundles can be effective in reaching a wider audience and generating sales
• Building a following and validating the demand for products is important before investing too much time and effort

Contact Stephanie: https://thebusymamabee.com/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pXIDaur0Pw8

Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com

Beyond: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond

Aline Fedorowicz has built a successful Etsy business by broadening her horizons, expanding on her income streams, and still being able (and having time!) to take on the passion projects that she WANTS to make.

If you're worried that the market for highly detailed, customized items on Etsy is waning, listen in today to hear how Aline has been able to master the balancing act between lower priced, quicker produced items and intricate, higher priced artistically fulfilling art.

SEO Checklist - laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

Ready to head into summer with your Etsy shop? In this episode, we'll talk about how to get ready for summer with your shop, how to take a step back and spend time with your family or take a vacation and not lose momentum, and how to head into fall ready to hit the ground running.

Key links:
VIP waitlist for Etsy Roadmap to Success - http://www.creativemomboss.com/roadmaptosuccess

You've heard of Etsy SEO (or maybe you haven't) but do you really know what goes into it, why it is so important for your shop, and where to focus your energy when you create your listings to make sure they get found in the Etsy search?

In today's episode, we'll talk through all those things so that you can get found in the Etsy search, get in front of their huge international audience, and get more sales withou having to learn TikTok dances or master social media.

Get on the Traffic Accelerator Waitlist here - laurenkeplinger.com/traffic

In this week's episode, we talk to Nichole Young! Nichole is a Scale Your Sales student who started her Etsy shop just over a year ago. When a large embroidery-based Facebook group announced it was shutting down, Nichole took the initiative to establish a new support community! Learn how this community serves as a source of inspiration while also strategically building Nichole's loyal customer base, all in this episode! 

Want to check Nichole out?

The Fernway Studio Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFernwayStudio

The Fernway Studio: https://www.instagram.com/thefernwaystudio/

The Fernway Studio: 
https://www.facebook.com/thefernwaystudio 

Snarky and Modern Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/snarkyandmodern/

My 2019 Year in Review -
Big changes my business saw in 2019, what worked best for me (and how you can apply those things to your business), what didn't work, and preparing for 2020.

LINKS -
Facebook group - http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook
SEO Superstar - http://laurenkeplinger.com/seo

The holiday season is upon us, and that can be a good OR bad thing....depending on how prepared you are!

Let's walk through some things to think about and plan for as we dive into what's sure to be the wildest holiday season yet.

Want that special bundle deal I talked about? Sign up for the SEO Checklist and you'll get all the details when it releases - laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

In this week's solo episode, Lauren discusses a change you can make in your Etsy store to increase your conversion rate. Are you seeing a lot of traffic but not the conversions you want? Do know what conversion rate is typical for where you are in your shop? Are you offering too many choices to your customers, leading to decision fatigue? All of these questions and more are discussed this week in Crickets to Cha-Chings. 

Connect with Lauren: 

Brand Bootcamp Signup: https://creativemomboss.lpages.co/bootcamp/

Instagram: @Lauren.Keplinger

Website: https://www.laurenkeplinger.com/

Kate Ahl is a Pinterest master, and today on the podcast she's sharing her knowledge of how to build your Pinterest account for a product based business, specifically an Etsy shop.

We talk through:
- Algorithm changes and how that impacts your reach
- Video and Story pins and how to work those to your advantage
- Changes to the platform and where she sees it heading in 2021

Listen in for all the tips and tricks about Pinterest from someone who has spent years mastering the platform.

Need more help building and growing your Etsy shop? I've got you covered with a wide range of information at http://www.laurenkeplinger.com

What titles, tags, and keywords should you add to your Etsy listings this year for the holidays? 

Can you package your existing listings in a different way to capitalize on what holiday shoppers want?

Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures presents her best ideas for Etsy sellers this holiday season based on the following Resources:

• Etsy Holiday Merchanding Guide
• Etsy Marketplace Insights: Holiday Trends
• Our Link for eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank
• Share & Save Program

Gold City Ventures E-Printables Course is closing for enrollment November 6th at Midnight ET.

• Sign up for E-Printables here

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟

Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures

Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

In moving into 2023, I had some big goals and things that I was super excited to talk about with y’all, primarily focused around my product based business and things that I want to do with it in the coming year. Obviously some of those are currently in a holding pattern while I wait for my house and workshop to be inhabitable again (if you missed it, we had a house fire!) but I got to take some time last week to sit and ponder where I really want to be at the end of December 2023. What is going to move my business forward in a way that feels healthy and sustainable, without making me set goals so high that I'm miserable if/when I reach them because they have forced me to take on too much?

Today I want to talk about goal setting, which honestly is something that I LOVE to do. I think it has to do with the part of me that really loves to daydream about the future and make lists and plans for all the things I’m going to accomplish. We'll talk through 10 goals I'm setting for my business, both the product based and the coaching side of my business, as well as a personal goal that I have that might surprise you!

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Need help with tools, templates, and trainings for all things e-commerce? Head to http://www.cricketstochachings.com to see everything we have to offer.

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures interview Jenny, an Etsy seller who sells printables. They discuss Jenny's journey from selling physical products to focusing on printables, specifically in the golf niche. They explore the potential for Jenny to expand her business beyond Etsy by creating a lifestyle brand and leveraging social media. They also discuss the importance of custom and personalized products and the potential for affiliate marketing. The conversation provides valuable insights and ideas for Jenny to grow her business. In this conversation, Julie and Sasha discuss different strategies for monetizing an Etsy shop that sells golf-themed products. They explore options such as affiliate marketing, creating video content, and targeting specific niches within the golf community. They also discuss the importance of understanding the target audience and their preferences. The conversation ends with rapid-fire ideas for expanding the product offerings and leveraging affiliate marketing.

This is another coaching call-style podcast and there will be two more following in the series!

They discuss:

• The customer journey of people searching for niche printables
• Why picking a niche once you start selling off Etsy is the way to go
• Where Etsy sellers posting on social are messing up
• What to post on social media to attract your ideal customer
• Ways to monetize with YouTube and affiliate marketing by performing product reviews
• How the Gold City Ventures team can improve their new offering Beyond
• & more!

Stay tuned to learn more about Beyond which launches mid-month to the Gold City Ventures community!

Resources:

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3VCSKIx5bUM

🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com 🌟

Are you stuck on the hamster wheel of feeling like all the profit that you're making in your business is getting reinvested, and you aren't actually taking home any income? 

STOP right there

Let's take a deeper look at what is going on with your business financials and how to finally get a hold of them so that you can write yourself a paycheck not just every now and again, but every single month.

For more info and resources mentioned in this episode, head to http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/episode134

This episode dives deep into the lucrative potential of dog-related products on Etsy, highlighting highly searched but often overlooked niches. From practical items like dog stairs and ramps to personalized gifts and themed merchandise, the dog-centric market on Etsy is booming.

Key Points:

High-Demand Dog Products: Dog stairs, ramps, food scoops, crates, bowls, ornaments, apparel, and more.

Personalized Products: Customize items with dog names, pictures, and breed-specific designs for increased appeal.

Niche-Specific Ideas: Explore subcategories like dog weddings, Halloween costumes, and memorial items.

Vintage-Inspired Trends: Capitalize on the popularity of vintage-themed dog products, as seen with 90s-style personalized shirts.

Profit Potential: Discover examples of Etsy listings generating substantial revenue from dog-related items, including custom phone cases and personalized shirts.

Resources:

About Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank

Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee

It’s great to be back and talk about all things Etsy and e-commerce with you (and thanks for so many DMs about last week's episode!)

This week is all about what we would do differently if we could go back in time and start our Etsy businesses all over again -- and there's a laundry list of things that I would do differently.

When I first started on Etsy back in 2012, the internet was a vastly different landscape. I was completely lost and trying to figure everything out all on my own. I didn't have a clear vision of building an e-commerce brand or anything like that, I was simply trying to keep up with the daily grind. If I knew then what I know now, I would have definitely taken a step back and taken a more strategic, long-term approach.

Speaking of which, I’m excited to share some insights with you on how to think beyond the immediate and plan for the future in regards to your e-commerce brand.

It’s essential to consider what matters to you and your vision for your business beyond the day-to-day tasks. Don't feel pressured to follow someone else's version of success or strive for massive financial gains. It’s all about making intentional decisions that align with your goals and values.

In this episode, we've got some fantastic tips and advice to help you grow your small e-commerce business into something amazing, by taking a thoughtful and long-term approach. By the end of this episode, my hope is that it inspires you to look beyond putting out the everyday fires in your business, and instead take an approach that sets you up for succcess a month from now, a year from now, and 10 years from now. 

So, grab your cup of coffee or tea, sit back and get ready to become an e-commerce entrepreneur extraordinaire!

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟

Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger

Join the waitlist for the upcoming application only small group experience -- http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/apply

In this week's guest episode, Lauren talks to Amy Eaton. Amy is a professional photographer turned photography coach. Hear some of Amy's tips and tricks on what makes a great product photo. Amy is also channeling her skills into a new venture to help creatives and makers alike! Listen to all this and more on this week's episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings.

Connect with Amy:

Website: https://www.amytakespictures.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.takes.pictures

Emily, a successful 6-figure Etsy seller, shares her journey of starting and growing her print on demand and digital product shops. She emphasizes the importance of research and finding niche markets to target. Emily also discusses her graphic design skills and the importance of practice and simplicity in creating professional-looking designs. She shares her productivity strategies, including using templates and setting goals, and how she balances creation and consumption of content. 

Contact Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ecommemily/

Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AeBYEexJZeA

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

In this week's podcast, Lauren interviews second-time guest, Liz Wengard. Liz is a Scale Your Sales student who doubled her Etsy sales in less than a year while raising a young family. This week, Liz talks about her family's recent decision to put more of an emphasis on her Etsy store while her family continues to grow. Learn how Liz has scaled her shop and about her future plans in this week's episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings.

Connect with Liz: 

Instagram: LizsDesigns

Etsy: Liz’s Wood Designs

Liz’s Digital Designs

Etsy Gift Mode presents a huge opportunity for Etsy sellers. Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures explains this new shopping experience and how to change your shop sections, pictures, and tags to take advantage of it. She also covers the Etsy email marketing policy change and TikTok shop.

Topics covered in this episode:

1 - Etsy Gift Mode

2 - Etsy Email Marketing policy change

3 - Tik Tok Shop

Resources:

Gift mode article: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1232461378911?ref=handbook

Gold City Ventures YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/goldcityventures

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟
Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Overcoming the Overwhelm - 042

In this week’s episode we talk to Katie Fleming, a former accountant turned entrepreneurial consultant about how to overcome and control your feelings of overwhelm. A lot of you have expressed to me that you are having trouble taking that final leap to launch your shop because you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re anxious that your shop will flop or that it will gain too much traffic and you won’t be able to control it, we address all of your fears and provide tools on how to face them, today!

LINKS - 

Etsy Roadmap Facebook - laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

Start Your Etsy Shop Email Mini Course - laurenkeplinger.com/etsysetup

Katie’s Website - https://www.katiefleming.co/

Katie’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katiefleming/

There are certain pieces of building an Etsy business that are absolutely vital for your success. Whether you are selling handmade, digital, vintage, or something else, you must have these things in place if you want to get traffic, have a profitable shop, continue to grow, and stand out in saturated markets.

If you have struggled to gain traction on Etsy and build the business that you are wanting, listen in for three vital factors that you must master in order to be successful as an Etsy business owner in 2021.

REGISTER for the free training, 3 Sneaky Mistakes that Will Sink Your Etsy Shop (and how to avoid them for Etsy success) happening February 12 at 9am Eastern. laurenkeplinger.com/sneakymistakes

Julie covers ideas for Etsy sellers in the coffee lover gifts niche. She discusses various trends and opportunities within this niche, such as combining food and non-food items, emotional support items, teacher gifts, Christmas tree decor, and mug wraps. The host also highlights the popularity of iced coffee candles and suggests that sellers in the homemade soy candle industry could tap into this trend. The conversation concludes with the importance of social media presence and the potential for viral marketing.

Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nb9VHAg07sY

This week we are talking about how to use our shop's data to reverse engineer your success! Many people shy away from looking at the raw data from their shop, but it truly is the best way to strategize your goal setting. We are looking at a few examples to take this strategy step by step. 

Download Reverse Engineer Your Profit Goals: laurenkelplinger.com/data

Listen to Why Conversion Rate Matters (and how to improve yours if it's low!): https://cricketstochachings.libsyn.com/why-your-etsy-conversion-rate-matters-and-how-to-improve-it-if-yours-is-low

Mallery Neptune has taken a passionate to serve underserved women in Haiti, and turned it into an ethical, sustainable business that has wide reaching impact.

Tune in today to hear her story of the challenges that she faced in building a business in a third world country, how the business has changed over the years, and what she has learned along the way.

Gift of Hope Haiti - https://www.giftofhopehaiti.org/

For more Etsy tips and business savvy - laurenkeplinger.com

Resources:

Janet's Etsy Seller Spreadsheet

Janet's Get Legit Toolkit Course training

**we are affiliates for both products

Learn more about Gold City Ventures and Crickets to Cha-Chings: https://goldcityventures.com/

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0K-1qYQTpVo

Today on this quickie episode, I'm digging into my thoughts about SVB and Etsy's complete lack of communication and transparency with sellers. In short: I'm not happy.

If you're wondering where I stand or want to hear my unfiltered thoughts about the whole thing, tune in. Let me know if you agree, disagree, think I'm totally off my rocker or need to preach it over at http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger

Need more help diversifying income streams and growing beyond Etsy? Check out the shop at http://www.cricketstochachings.com

Many Etsy shop owners struggle with the idea of offering free shipping, and struggle to figure out how this will work in their shop as a small business owner.

But Etsy recently released information pushing free shipping again, and I think that the writing is on the wall that this is the wave of the future.

This episode is all about free shipping, and how to make it work for you:

• Why free shipping is important and why it should matter to you
• How to make sure you are profiting, even while offering free shipping
• Why I think that Etsy is going to all but force sellers to offer free shipping in the future

I know that sellers don't want to face this reality -- But the fact of the matter is that Etsy has been pretty transparent with why they are pushing free shipping and how they expect sellers to incorporate it into their shop, and I think it is something that we must take note of.

Notable links:

FB Group - http://www.creativemomboss.com/etsyroadmap

Tune in this week to hear Lauren interview Lacey Gist about great strategies to prepare for your holiday shipping this season. Learn about different platforms that help you compare prices in one place, and expert takeaways for various shipping methods. 

Connect With Lacey: 

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeachBloomCreations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachbloomcreations/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peachbloomcreations/

Have you ever gotten bad feedback to your Etsy shop? Or are you worried that at some point in the process of running an Etsy business you'll get bad feedback (spoiler alert: you will! It is inevitable).

Today we will talk about the different kinds of bad feedback, when to listen, when to ignore, when your customers are just plain wrong, and when to listen and take the criticism.

Show notes:

https://www.creativemomboss.com/episode-5

Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemomboss/

Have you been experiencing slower than normal sales? Have you seen other sellers saying the same? Worried this is the beginning of the end for your business? Make sure you're not falling into this trap so that you don't throw in the towel in your business.

Need more help? Download the free Etsy SEO Checklist at laurenkeplinger.com/checklist or find ways we can work together at laurenkeplinger.com/learn

Wanting to take your shop to the next level in 2021? Ready to put 2020 behind you and start looking forward to the future? Make sure you tune in to hear four critical pieces you need to have in place to make 2021 your best year yet!

Links:
Etsy Roadmap Facebook group - laurenkeplinger.com/facebook
Etsy SEO Checklist Download - laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

Julie and Cody of Gold City Ventures are continuing on with the podcast.

I am happy since I know so many of you were disappointed that all of the old episodes would disappear.

That issue is solved - and we have a better plan.

The ​team at Gold City Ventures​ will be producing new episodes for you going forward.

We recorded one final episode for you today as my truly final goodbye.

I'll be stepping away from the business and letting Cody & Julie run the podcast from here on out.

The episode today is a little different - Julie and I chatted casually about some of the hot topics in the Etsy space right now.

We cover shop suspensions, optimizing for google, listing image changes, video and more.

We also cover trends we’ve seen from the unique position of seeing thousands of shops created on Etsy through our courses

..including what niches seem to be doing well right now and seller qualities that seem to lead to success.

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟

Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures

Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

How long does it take to get your first Etsy sale, and what to work on if you've been open for a little bit and haven't gotten that first (or those first consistent) sales.

We'll go over my top five ways to work on your shop if sales are not happening consistently for you.

Episode notes and transcript:
http://www.creativemomboss.com/episode014

FB group:
http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook

Welcome back to this week’s episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings. On today’s episode we’re talking with my college friend, fellow military spouse and sorority sister Alyssa Cowan.

Alyssa is the brains behind Stinkmuffin, and she’s done an amazing job of building her business with balance and grace while also raising two very young children (including an infant).

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How she got started on Etsy, the pull to have something for herself, and why that post partum period can be really tough for someone who is used to being a goal driven person
• How Alyssa has set boundaries around what she wanted to do in her Etsy business, and what she prioritized throughout it’s growth
• How she managed running her business, having young children, and having a deployed husband without completely losing her mind or having an Etsy business that wasn’t able to take off
• How she’s built a business in a crowded marketspace that still stands out by providing customized options and amazing customer service
• Why she doesn’t feel a pull to underprice her items, and how she’s built a successful business while being a more premium product
• How she separates what she likes to do as a hobby with what she puts into her shop to sell at a profit — and why that is so important to her and to the boundaries she’s set for the business
• How she would start over differently, and the things she’d do if she was just getting started now

Blogging for your Etsy shop - should you spend the time and energy and money setting up a blog with the hopes that it will send traffic to your shop? NO! Here's why that is terrible advice, what industries it MIGHT work for, and how you should use your time instead.

Important Links

http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook

In this week's solo episode, Lauren discusses what did and did not work in her Etsy shop in 2021. Dive in as she discusses her 2021 goals, challenges, successes, and new endeavors! Learn also what goals Lauren has set for herself in light of 2022. 

Looking to connect with Lauren? Slide into her DMs on Instagram: 

@lauren.keplinger 

Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures chats with Kennedy of Our Friendly World Etsy shop. Kennedy sells crochet kits, crochet patterns, and finished crochet products. This episode is in a casual live coaching call style for the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast.

They discuss how to interpret keyword research from tools such as eRank, ideas for monetizing a blog with display advertising, Etsy ads, & more!

Resources:

Our Friendly World: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ourfriendlyworld

Our Friendly World Website: https://ourfriendlyworldcrochet.com/

E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/

Gold City Ventures YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/qIc90wmEgLQ

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟
Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Hey there and welcome back to another episode of crickets cha-chings! Today, we are going to be diving into whether or not you should run a sale to your Etsy shop. I see this a lot with people who are struggling to get traction or to have consistent sales of their products. And one of the things that they often times say is “I think I'm gonna run a sale to try and drive more traffic in to try and have more sales.”

But before we jump right into that, I do want to go ahead and read the spotlight review of the week. This one comes from Rachel at Purposeful Pages.

“After so much searching to find detailed help for my Etsy business, I was thrilled to find Lauren’s podcast. It is detailed, clear, helpful and full of information and stories that busy, solo, mom-bosses can actually relate to and put to use. So excited to hear each new episode and take her courses.”

Rachel's Etsy shop is Purposeful Pages. She makes all kinds of things for your house and jewelry that are made from upcycled books. So any book lover or your teachers, librarian, anyone who love books, you check that out purposeful pages on Etsy.

Rachel thank you so much for the review and I am so excited that we can work together.

All right! So let's jump in to our topic today. We're going to dive into why people think that's gonna work, why it actually doesn't work that well and what you should do instead.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Is it really a good tactic to run a sale on your shop?
• Common reasons why Etsy sellers think running a sale is a good option to drive traffic and generate sales
• What holds people back from purchasing? Is it really the price?
• Factors why buyers love to purchase on your shop and why people are not buying from your shop
• Alternatives to increase traffic to you shop
• Why is it crucial to understand search engine optimization (SEO) on Etsy?
• How to build a foundation of your business using social media?
• Marketing strategies you could use on your social media community
• How relevancy score works on Etsy
• Different type of advertising and marketing sales you could run
• What to do if you’re not getting any traction at all?
• And many more...

So I hope that this has been helpful to you. If you are thinking about running a sale to your shop, I hope that I have helped to explain why I don't think that's a great idea, why don't think that you should take that hit on your profits or to devalue your brand in that way.

If you are wanting more help and you are wanting to join Etsy Roadmap to Success community - a six-week of coaching program that is launching it next week - the doors are only open until Thursday. I hope that you will consider joining us and we will walk through that whole step-by-step process with weekly live Q and A and a whole lot more. If you'd like to check that out, the link is etsyroadmaptosuccess.com and I hope that I will see you in that program!

In this week’s episode Lauren gives tips to Etsy sellers at all stages of their store on ways that they can grow or scale. She walks through the four stages of seller: New with unopened store, opened store with inconsistent sales, medium sales but not reliable, and booming business in need of scaling or reigning in. Through each of these stages there are strategies to implement in order to make your store more successful while maintaining a healthy work life vs. home life balance. 

LINKS - 

Laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

What do you absolutely need to do as an Etsy seller to have success in your online business?

Having this one thing will make or break your business, and help you to avoid burnout as you go along.

Key Links:

Crickets to Cha-Chings Masterclass -
http://www.cricketstochachings.com

The first half of 2021 has been.....more similar to 2020 than we wish! This episode goes behind the scenes of my monogrammed baby gift Etsy shop to look at what is working, what is NOT working, where I am changing things up for the second half of the year, and what has surprised me about the post COVID sales landscape.

Need help getting more traffic to your shop? Check out the SEO Checklist at laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

Today we're diving into the most important analytics so that you're not overwhelmed by all of the numbers that Etsy provides but instead you can just focus on the ones that are going to get the most impact for your shop and the backend of your Etsy shop.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why should we care about Etsy Analytics and how these numbers improve your shop?
• About Etsy Analytics Tracker - download here

• Actual Traffic to your shop

  • Deciphering what each traffic stat means, and how they each play a role in how many people are finding your shop

  Making Window Shoppers into Buyers

  • How do we move those passive browsers into active buyers?

  • What kind of rate of buyers should we be looking for?

  • About shop Quality Score - obtaining quality engagements and conversion

• All about the money

  • What is Average Order Value and how to properly calculate your AOV?

  • How shipping fees, free shipping, and profit margins all play a role in your money reports

  • Selling to new customers versus having repeat customers, and how your pricing can be affected by each

  • Thinking about advertising costs and how you can figuring out whether or not advertising (via Etsy ads or anywhere else) is profitable for you

• Bonus Stat - How to build a loyal following and how we know if that's happening

Resources: 

Download the Etsy Analytics Tracker: http://www.creativemomboss.com/tracker
FB Group: http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook

Julie interviews eRank Founder, Anthony Wolf, to find out if eRank accurate and where is the data from? See below for an eRank free trial link.

They discuss eRank's features, data sources, and how it aids Etsy sellers in optimizing their listings. They delve into buyer insights from an annual survey, emphasizing the importance of quality images, effective communication, and shipping strategies.

Resources: If you want to try a premium eRank plan for 7 days sign up using the Gold City Ventures link below and then navigate to the second linked page to sign up for the free trial.

Resources:

eRank Account: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank

eRank Free Trial: https://members.erank.com/a/goldcityventures

Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5KaYX3fesSw

Allison Carter and Catherine Hildner were two strangers who connected at a conference, turned into business besties, and a few years later saw a gap in the product based business space and decided to take action to fill it.

 In addition to the two businesses they run individually, Allison and Cat are the founders and hosts of Ultimate Product Party (UPP for short!). 

UPP is a 2 day creative conference that serves product based businesses specifically.

Allison and Cat create a unique experience and space for the product based business owner where they can connect with other like minded small business owners who are looking to grow, scale, and make more money! 

UPP is definitely not your average biz conference- it’s a business meets FUN party, full of action focused education, and immediate takeaways for attendees to apply to scale. The next chance to attend UPP will be May 17-18, 2023 in Nashville!

Head to http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/UPP for more info and to snag your ticket before they sell out!

Need help with tools, templates, and trainings for all things e-commerce? Head to http://www.cricketstochachings.com to see everything we have to offer.

Today I'm coming at you with some unpopular opinions. These are things that I've observed after 8.5 years of selling on Etsy that I just think are overrated and/or misused about the platform and what people think.

We're talking:
ODR
Halting sales because of an influx of orders
Why Etsy isn't "taking" your profits
Why OVERSATURATION isn't the reason that your products aren't selling -- and what you can do about it.

Want more help? Download the Etsy SEO Checklist at laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

Need support and community- laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

This is the Etsy SEO help you need in 2024! Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures reviewed articles in the Etsy seller handbook and YouTube videos from the team at Etsy for hours to determine exactly how to improve your Etsy SEO search algorithm ranking in 2024. 

Learn more at: https://goldcityventures.com/

Resources in the video: https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/search-advertisement-ranking-disclosures/899478564529

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015745428-How-Etsy-Search-Works?segment=selling

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAvxU7fEkO4

 https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015663987-Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-for-Shop-and-Listing-Pages?segment=selling

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟
Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures
Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

You hear so much these days about digital products, that it almost feels like you're like an old-school seller if you sell physical products rather than digital products.

But today on this episode, we're talking PHYSICAL products. Not digital, not printables, but actual physical products that you have to ship to your customers.

Because that's my background (and my most successful product line) and it's where I started and continue to shine. Digital products are great, but they aren't the be-all-end-all of selling online.

Let's talk about scaling physical products, some major things I've done to have more highly scalable items that are personalized, and how to up those profit margins so you are making physical products that are worth your time and energy!

Need more help optimizing sales? Check out my SEO checklist at http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/checklist for a free 8 step download to optimized Etsy SEO.

Are you worried about the changes that Etsy is making to Etsy advertising? This bonus episode will walk you through what is happening, when it is happening, and what the projected impact will be in terms of hard, real-life shop numbers.

Want to continue the conversation -- laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

Eugenia Salnikova has been a student in my program for over a year, but decided to pivot her business in the midst of COVID last year to create wooden embroidery crafting kits for buyers to create while they are home.

Since last summer, she's grown the business to produce a full time income to support her business partner (her mom) as well as a part time income for herself...so if you are tracking that, that's a full time and a half income in less than a year!

Listen in to hear:

Eugenia's advice on how to grow and pivot to listen to customer's suggestions and create custom orders that can sell again and again

How built this niche business so quickly in the midst of COVID

Where she wants to take it moving forward into this year

REGISTER for the free training, 3 Sneak Mistakes that Will Sink Your Etsy Shop (and how to avoid them for Etsy success) happening Friday, February 12 at 9am Eastern at laurenkeplinger.com/sneakymistakes

Check out Eugenia at etsy.com/shop/happystitchingtime

Kerrie Fitzgerald created a multi six figure subscription box by leveraging the power of a raving fan base and repeat customers -- and she think it's the cornerstone of any brand that is going to have long term success in today's online selling environment. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how Kerrie built a cult like following for her business, why repeat customers are so important to your bottom line, and how you can use Etsy to introduce your customers to your brand while also connecting with them outside of Etsy for repeat business.

Looking for more trainings, tips, workshops, and templates? Head to the easier-than-ever shop at  http://www.cricketstochachings.com and see everything we have to offer!

Connect with Kerrie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kerrie.a.fitzgerald/

The importance of social media to drive sales for online retailers is growing exponentially. In this week's episode we talk to Kristyn Burney about how she utilized Instagram's Live, Story and posting features to create meaningful connections with her followers, effectively turning them from followers to fans.

We discuss tips for how to engage with followers and touch on some best practices for using Instagram to further cement your brand.

LINKS-
Facebook Group - http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook
Kristyn’s Website - https://www.kristynburney.com/

Want to work with me? http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/seo

Are you afraid of failing on Etsy? Does the fear of failure hold you back from getting started or really putting yourself out there to actually have success? Do those ugly thoughts creep into your mind every time you allow yourself to daydream about what you might be able to do with your Etsy shop, and then you start to doubt that it's possible for you? If you nodded yes to any of those things, this episode is for you.

Key links:
Crickets to Cha-Chings Masterclass - http://www.cricketstochachings.com

Brooke Castillo's Life Coach School -
https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/235/

In the world of handmade eCommerce businesses, there's often a misconception that creativity alone is enough to guarantee success.

In reality, finding the perfect balance between creativity, data that gives you information about next steps, and business strategy is crucial to truly thrive in the online marketplace.

In this episode, we'll explore the importance of each piece of the e-commerce puzzle, and how they work together to create a flourishing handmade business.

-------

Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com 

Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com

Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

Did you miss Lauren's webinar last week "3 Strategic Shifts You Must Make to be Successful on Etsy"? You're in the right place! This week's podcast is actually the release of that very webinar with a special course announcement included! 

The doors for Lauren's brand new course, Traffic Accelerator, are now open! If you are ready for a no-nonsense course focused on tangible steps to take to drive traffic directly to your Etsy store, this is the course for you. If you're considering this course, it's time to take the leap- the doors close on August 31. 

Purchase the Traffic Accelerator: 

trafficaccelerator.co

do you really want a full time income?

what if you just want a supplemental income?

can you hit that income goal with time intensive items?

what kind of changes do you need to make to hit the revenue level you are wanting?

Need more help? 
laurenkeplinger.com/checklist for the 8 step Etsy SEO Checklist

Over the past several years of doing the coaching/teaching/podcasting things, I’ve become very familiar with FB ads, and I always get really interesting comments on them. I’m not super easily offended at this point after 10 years in internet businesses, so rather than defend my ad or whatever I take it as an opportunity to read between the lines of what people are actually saying.

Here are a few comments I have gotten in the last 6 months or so: You’re at the mercy of the Etsy algorithm. Nothing can be done. Etsy is built to help those who have multiple sales, period. I’ve tried everything, and I don’t make any sales. Etsy is a scam and all they do is take your money.

Of course Etsy has an algorithm, and that algorithm prioritizes some content over others. Usually the content that performs well, has people clicking on it, and converts people into buyers. All tech platforms have algorithms, and the algorithm’s job is to match the best product to the buyer who is most likely to buy the item.

So does this work against you as a seller? Does it work for your business? Who is really in control here? Let's dive into it today in this episode.

Need help with tools, templates, and trainings for all things e-commerce? Head to http://www.cricketstochachings.com to see everything we have to offer.

In this week's episode, Lauren interviews Michelle of Lushy Labels! Michelle's personalized wine label Etsy store boomed with 2,000 sales in just 6 months! Learn why she believes prioritizing personalization and customer service are two major keys to standing out on Etsy. 

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LushyLabels

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lushylabels/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LushyLabels/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lushylabels/_created/

In this week's episode, Lauren talks about 3 major mindset shifts that you must master for Etsy success. How do you shift from thinking of your Etsy store as a hobby to a profitable entity? How do you set goals and strategize growing your shop? How do you set long-term goals and why is that important? Lauren addresses these questions and more this week on Crickets to Cha-Chings. 

Interested in learning more? Secure your spot for Scale Your Sales, live this Friday, September 10 at 12 noon EST. Save your seat at LaurenKeplinger.com/masterclass

In today's world, buyers are more conscious about the impact their purchasing decisions can have on the businesses they support. They want to align themselves with brands that share their values. And you know what? This trend is especially true for small businesses, creatives, and artisans like us...

Now, I know what you're thinking..."No way, I'm not going there..."

But the thing is, brand values don't have to be controversial or political, my friend. They can be centered on authenticity and creating a connection with your customers. People crave that deeper connection with the brands they love. They want to feel a values-based bond that goes beyond just a transaction. And get this — they're even willing to pay a bit more for products or services from brands that align with their values. Talk about a win-win situation!

The podcast episode also highlights the power of brand loyalty and trust. When your customers feel that connection with your brand values, they're more likely to stick around and support your business for the long-haul. It's like having your own tribe of loyal supporters cheering you on! 

So, here's the big question: What are your brand values, my creative friend? What sets you apart in the handmade or small business e-commerce world? It's time to dig deep and tap into what makes your brand special. Maybe it's about quality products, personalization, sustainability, or empowering your customers through your creations. The possibilities are endless!

-----------

Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com 

Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com

Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

Karen Dibert of The French Dog talks to us today about creating a brand rep program for her Etsy shop.

We dive into:

1) How to search for reps, what that looks like for her shop, and how she uses the brand rep search to increase her Instagram reach and exposure

2) What kind of brand rep benefits she offers, how that works for her financially, and what the incentives are for the rep to continue to work with her

3) The good, bad, and ugly of times that it has worked fabulously and times that it has...not.

If you're thinking of creating a brand rep program for your shop, or you offer seasonal items and are looking for a new way to get involvement in your community and get your name out there, you don't want to miss this episode!

Join the Facebook group and continue the conversation - laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

Download the SEO Checklist for help getting your name in front of your ideal customer -- Laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

Amber sells metaphysical and celestial-inspired jewelry on Etsy. She wants to grow her business so she can leave her full-time job. This episode is a casual live coaching call for the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast with Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures.

They discuss what they each outsource both in their business and their home, how to create social media content if you don't have the time, keywords that are hot in the metaphysical space, building your personal brand, growing your email list if you sell in person, and more.

Resources:

Gilded Butterfly Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Gildedbutterflyshop

E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2IYLYb-NEG4

^^ The E-Printables Course is open for enrollment until Monday 4/1 at Midnight!

🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com 🌟

In this weeks episode we discuss strategies that you can employ and things you should keep in mind when starting an Etsy business os that it can work for you. Not everyone is in the same season of life, and the wonderful aspect of Etsy is that it offers endless flexibility. So how can you harness that flexibility to set and achieve your business goals? Take a listen!

LINKS

laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

When you started thinking about building a business online, what was your expectation for success for that business?

A month? 6 months? A year?

Well I'm here to tell you: whatever that timeline was, it will probably take you longer than that. In the age of internet smoke and mirrors where everyone is telling you that you can grow a six figure business in 2.5 seconds flat, I'm going to be the outlier and call BS. 

And don't worry, it doesn't have anything to do with your products. It has do with unrealistic expectations of what it looks like to build a successful business. 

In this episode I'm breaking down the timeline to e-commerce business success, and busting through the myth that you'll be rollin in the dough in the next 30 days.

------------

Ready to take your business up a notch and get step by step training and help? 

Check out the shop at http://www.cricketstochachings.com for *all* of our templates, workshops, and trainings.

In this week's guest episode, learn how Emily took a personal interest and passion and turned it into a profitable business! Emily put her seamstress and knitting skills to work to launch Blue Corduroy, specializing in hats of all shapes, textures, and sizes! Learn some tips and tricks from someone who took a passion and turned it into a profit in this week's episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings. 

Connect with Emily: 

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueCorduroy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_bluecorduroy/

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

For the first time ever, I have a repeat guest on the podcast! Kristyn Burney is back again to talk Instagram in 2021 for Etsy shop owners.

We'll talk through:
- What the heck you should be posting (hint: it's not just product photos!)
- How to set boundaries between your shop and your personal life in your IG account
- Why MY Instagram following is a train wreck, and where I went wayyy off course in building a following
- How to make sure your Instagram is actually profitable, and not just a pretty place with people who don't want to buy your products

Etsy Roadmap FB group - laurenkeplinger.com/facebook
Follow Kristyn at http://kristynburney.com/

In this week's guest episode, Lauren interviews Erin Alexander of Product Powerhouse. Lauren and Erin when is the right time for a Shopify site. They talk about the differences between Etsy and Shopify and some of the strategies that you can employ on both platforms to make your business the most lucrative. All of these tips and more in this week's episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings 

Magic Spoon: 

Offer: magicspoon.com/crickets

Promo Code: Crickets for $5 off!

Connect with Erin:

Website: productpowerhouse.co

Instagram: www.instagram.com/product.powerhouse/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/productpowerhouse

In this week's guest episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Lauren chats with Katie Hunt of Proof to Product. Katie talks about how a self-designed wedding invitation turned into a lucrative business assisting product-based business owners in placing their products on shelves. Katie and Lauren discuss the shift in eCommerce as a whole since the onset of COVID and the difference its had on consumer behavior. Listen to this and more in this week's episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings. 

Connect with Katie:

Website: https://www.prooftoproduct.com/

Podcast: https://www.prooftoproduct.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prooftoproduct/

Your Etsy conversion rate is something that is going to be critical to your success as a seller. If you are only converting .5% of the people who come into your shop, the work you have to do to have significant sales is so much harder!

In this episode, we'll talk through:

1) How to know if your issue is traffic volume or conversion rate
2) What a decent conversion rate looks like, and what kind of numbers you should be aiming for
3) Ways that you discourage buyers from buying (and things you may not even know you're doing!)
4) Inspiring buyer confidence in your shop to encourage more people to take the leap and purchase

If you need more help with mistakes you may not know you're making, check out my free masterclass 3 Sneaky Mistakes that Will Sink Your Etsy Shop (And how to avoid them for Etsy Success) at laurenkeplinger.com/masterclass

Liz joined SEO Superstars (now inside of Scale Your Sales) back in September because she wanted to make sure her shop was totally optimized to get passive traffic from the Etsy search.

She celebrated 1000 sales and counting in her shop, while also being a full time stay at home mom and building a business that works around HER life, not the other way around.

Liz tells us her story of setting priorities, chasing after goals, and building a business in the margins of time in her life while also being present for her family like she wants.

JOIN SCALE YOUR SALES - scaleyouretsysales.com

Wanting to get started on Etsy but you're not sure where to start? This episode is for you. We'll talk about how to narrow down your products, how to figure out what will sell best in your shop, and how to appeal to your target customer.

In this week's episode Lauren Interviews Nicole Stevenson from Dear Handmade Life. Learn all about Nicole's journey from starving artist to multi six-figure entrepreneur! Explore all that the Dear Handmade Life community has to offer, and enjoy the conversation about the importance of grit in this week's Crickets to Cha-Chings! 

Dear Handmade Life

Instagram: dearhandmadelife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dearhandmadelife

In this week’s solo episode I talk about some tips that I have for sellers considering expanding into the international market. There are some larger things to keep in mind such as cost to yourself, how to protect yourself, and the best practices when it comes to interacting with your international customer. We address those aspects of international shipping and more, so give us a listen and if you like what you hear, join the conversation in our Facebook group. Links below!

LINKS - 

laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

Today on the podcast, Samantha Booth is talking all about marketing her shop - from having a roller coaster and not many sales (even with national magazine features) to having steady, consistent, and growing sales through optimizing her SEO and gaining passive traffic from Etsy.

Listen in to hear all her advice about niching down, scaling your sales, and how you can finally let go of the stress of trying to drive traffic on your own.

In this week's episode, we speak with Emily from ScrubHatsbyEmily! Emily's work as an operating room Nurse inspired her store and after Covid hit, her shop boomed. Learn how she leaned into the trend and grew her business in a time of uncertainty.

Check out her shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrubhatsbyEmily

My plan was to shut down the business and move on.

But after I sent the last goodbye email, my friend Julie from Gold City Ventures reached out to me.

She proposed an interesting opportunity.

It allows me to keep the podcast and all prior episodes live for you

..and for Julie and her business partner, Cody, to take over the responsibilities that I need to offload.

I'm excited to announce that their business, Gold City Ventures, will continue on with my podcast, Crickets to Cha-Chings.

Today we released one of two final episodes with me as the host and then Gold City Ventures will take over from here on out.

I've known Julie for years and I am so excited to see what new energy and insight she brings to the podcast.

Cody and Julie have individual Etsy shops with thousands of sales as well as an Etsy coaching business, ​Gold City Ventures.​

They both have experience as podcast hosts with their respective personal finance podcasts too.

Check out my announcement and learn more about Julie's personal story in this podcast episode today.

🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟

Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures

Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Back by popular demand - an update and behind the scenes look at my business. Here's what worked and didn't work (hello COVID!) so far in 2020, the tangible numbers of my Etsy shop, and some moving forward goals for the end of 2020.

Join the community and share your goals for the end of the year -- laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

In this week's episode, Lauren talks about some tips for the upcoming holidays! It might seem early to be thinking about Christmas, but the early bird gets the worm! 

Check out Lauren's tips for the holidays and how to best prepare/strategically take advantage of the uptick in traffic. 

To watch Lauren as she ventures into the world of vlogging, check out her Youtube Channel! LaurenKeplinger.com/youtube

Looking through my Black Friday Bonanza page and not sure which one to choose? Listen in to hear me talk all about the different offerings, including some BRAND NEW programs, opportunities for one on one coaching, and more.

Head to http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/bf to see the offer of the day that is available!

Are you afraid of being successful in your business? Are you letting that fear holding you back from moving forward, because you think that if you are successful it means giving up other very important things in your life? Let's talk through it today on this episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings

Join Scale Your Sales during this special bonus period - http://www.scaleyouretsysales.com

In today’s podcast, we are going to talk about the top 7 reasons why building an Etsy shop can really and truly be the job of your dreams.

1. It is flexible -It is so flexible depended on what you want from it. It can be part time, can be full time, can be side gig money and can be a supplemental income

2. It can ebb and flow with your season of life - You don’t have to stay in one place. You don't always have to be full time or always have to be part time or even always have to be open. And it's so amazing for us women, as mothers, to be able to have that flexibility and then it just picks right back up where you left off.

3. It can be done from home - It allows you to have so much more flexibility with what you're doing and it also allows you to have an opportunity to sometimes get stuff done

4. It can be the jumping off point for anything you want to do - It can take you in a bunch of different directions and you are never married to what you start out with

5. It has VERY low startup cost - Your risk is very low and your start up costs are very very low. Your investment in it from the get go is s so low with a listing fee of only 0.20 cents and it allows you to have such higher profits because you don't have so much overhead

6. It has very low technology knowledge to get started - You don’t have to be tech savvy to get started - platform makes it so easy. They do the marketing and the search engine, you don’t have to master backlinks and getting found in google and most importantly, everything is pretty self explanatory and easy and you can have a business up and open in a day.. 

7. You have the complete control over your shop - You can run your business however you want. You can close up shop for a month and don’t have to meet quotas. You have the total creative freedom but you also have the total responsibility for the success of your business.

If you are wanting some help and wanting a mentor, a business bestie to get you started and have that accountability, I would love to have you join my master class. It is located at cricketstochachings.com. There are time slots that you can sign up and that class is starting tomorrow. So don't delay in getting signed up for that cricketstochachings.com. I would love to see you there and I hope when you log on to that you will tell me that you came from the podcast because I do love to get that feedback and I love to hear people that are enjoying the podcast.

In this episode we talked about:

• The importance of talking to a local CPA about the accounting and the financials for your specific situation and your business
• How my local CPA helped me saved me thousands and thousands of dollars as my business has grown
• The value of  separating all of your expenses in your income out of your personal money
• How do you actually deal with the money that's coming in your business
• Few problems you’ll encounter if you are not taking any money out of the business
• Why working for free is not a good thing for you and your family
• Make paying yourself a paycheck a priority in your business
• Ideas on how you can pay yourself based on your business income
• Significance of real clear plan
• The frustrations of ‘never having enough money for the business to grow’
• Example of a bad system
• How my business allowed me more freedom, steady and reliable income
• Advantages of being organized and being balance with your finances
• Starting your business out of debt or loan

Check out the show notes at http://www.creativemomboss.com/episode020

Join the free FB group at http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook

Snag your Ultimate Etsy Starter Kit 8 page download FULL of helpful tips, SEO basics and a checklist, and myth busting at https://laurenkeplinger.com/starterkit

In this week's guest episode, Lauren interviews Lisa Joworski of AWE Struck Aspirations. Learn about Lisa's passionate career in therapeutic recreation working with the older population and how that fueled and inspired her digital download Etsy store. 

Connect with Lisa: 

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AwestruckAspirations

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWEStruckAspirations/

In this solo episode, Lauren discusses tangible steps and strategies that you can implement into your Etsy shop to help jumpstart its success. She also sheds light on circumstances that can influence the profitability of your shop and actions you can take to avoid common pitfalls. 

Are you ready to springboard your success through investing in your SEO? Mark your calendars for August 24 when the doors open for Lauren's revamped SEO course! Visit laurenkeplinger.com/traffic to reserve your spot!

Connect with Lauren: 

Website: https://www.laurenkeplinger.com/

Instagram: Lauren.Keplinger

Should you take on a custom order request with your Etsy shop? In this episode we'll talk all about if you should dive into the world of custom orders, how to best utilize your orders for your shop, what to watch out for an avoid, and how to make sure your custom orders are working for you and your business.

Key Links:

Etsy Roadmap FB group - http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook

I was recently inspired by a podcast episode I listened to about thinking like a scientist in online business, and all the ways that that can help to remove the emotion and build mental grit as you become an entrepreneur.

Listen today to be inspired, motivated, and take that scary leap forward in your business without fearing failure or feeling like you won't be able to do it.

Download the SEO Checklist at laurenkeplinger.com/checklist
Join the Etsy Roadmap Facebook group at laurenkeplinger.com/facebook

In this episode we talked about:

• Why I don’t love how people and businesses do marketing on social media
• About Amy Portefield podcast episode - Is this ONE EXCUSE Sneaking into Your Business and Slowing You Down?
• Taking imperfect action
• Difference between making excuses or playing small versus setting realistic goals
• Detrimental attitude that puts most women entrepreneur to an incredible amount of pressure
• Knowing and understanding your priorities
• Effects of allowing excuses, insecurities, discomfort and doing negative self talk
• Making decisions with your life and career
• Looking forward to the future - making sure that your building the right kind of business
• About ‘me’ taking law school - saying ‘no’ to a great opportunity
• What to consider when doing an online business or running an Etsy shop
• Giving up an opportunity that is a good opportunity
• Making crucial decisions
• And many more…

Check out the show notes at http://www.creativemomboss.com/episode021

Join the free FB group at http://www.creativemomboss.com/facebook

Snag your Ultimate Etsy Starter Kit 8 page download FULL of helpful tips, SEO basics and a checklist, and myth busting at https://laurenkeplinger.com/starterkit

Mary, an Etsy seller in the Catholic niche, discusses her journey of selling machine embroidery products and transitioning to selling printables. She shares her desire to move off Etsy and reach her Catholic clientele. The conversation explores the idea of Mary becoming a Catholic influencer and the challenges she faces in feeling like a thought leader. They discuss the potential of creating lifestyle content, such as home decorating and holiday activities, to attract and engage her audience. The conversation also touches on the possibility of launching a membership and the importance of understanding her audience's needs and preferences.

https://goldcityventures.com/beyond

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kMHEoaBG3Wg

Today on the podcast we get to hear from Pamela Lagoudakis, a student in my signature program.

Pamela started her Etsy shop, Wonderland Book Sleeves, but found that she was lacking clarity and direction in her business. She joined my program in January 2020, and through the course of last year she re-branded, hit 1000 sales in her shop, and 8x her income...and best of all, she was able to cut back on the hustle and marketing that she was doing, focusing on doing the things she LIKES to do, and increase her income beyond what she imagined at the beginning of the year.

Listen in today to hear Pamela's inspiring story of building a business that works for her without being overwhelmed or frustrated!

Check Pamela out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/wonderlandbooksleeve

Download the Etsy SEO Checklist at laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

In this week's episode, Lauren interviews Scale Your Sales student, Kellie Abernethy. Kellie's Rest of the Nest Etsy store is 18 months old with 3,800 sales! Learn about Kellie's belief that grit and perseverance are the key factors in the success of your Etsy store. Listen now! 

Sign up for the email list: https://www.laurenkeplinger.com/email

Rest of the Nest Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RestoftheNest 

Rest of the Nest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restofthenest/ 

Rest of the Nest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resttoyournest/ 

Are you tired of spending countless hours managing your handmade business and you're looking for some tools and tricks to streamline and improve your efficiency?

In this episode, we reveal the top productivity tools and apps to streamline your business and save you time -- making you able to get more out of the limited time you have available!

From email marketing automation to print-on-demand service, social media scheduling and analytics and more, these resources will revolutionize the way you run your business to make it more profitable, less overwhelming, and finally help you to get ahold of the time sucking things that take up your day.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to efficiently manage your online business and focus on what you love most - creating and selling your products. 

Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com 

Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com

Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

2020 has been a heck of a year, and in this podcast I go through what has worked for my shop, what hasn't worked, the hard and fast numbers for the end of the year, and where I hope to be headed in 2021!

Etsy Roadmap FB Group - laurenkeplinger.com/facebook
Etsy SEO Checklist - laurenkeplinger.com/checklist

What happens when you have a product that suddenly goes viral? How does it impact your business, and how do you keep that momentum going?

Mackenzie Twardus had this experience after a well known speaker tagged her product on Instagram, and her sales blew up. Listen in to hear about what the experience of going viral was like, where she went right and wrong in the process, and how she has kept up her sales momentum for future growth.