Crickets to Cha-Chings
Crickets to Cha-chings is a podcast for handmade and digital entrepreneurs wanting to uplevel their Etsy shops and grow their business. Join us as we talk marketing for your business, strategy to drive traffic to your shop, how to stand out on Etsy, and running an online business while maintaining flexibility for your family.
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203. 5 Etsy Trends to Jump On in 2025: Unlocking Hidden Gems with Profit Tree
08/15/2025
203. 5 Etsy Trends to Jump On in 2025: Unlocking Hidden Gems with Profit Tree
Summary In this episode of the Crickets to Cha-ching's podcast, Julie Berninger and Hannah Gardner of ProfitTree discuss five emerging trends in the Etsy marketplace. They explore the new features of ProfitTree, a tool designed to help Etsy sellers track profits and optimize their listings. Takeaways ProfitTree helps sellers track profits and optimize ads. Personalized baby books are a growing niche in the market. Embroidered products can be sourced locally for customization. Cruise shirts are popular for group sales and bulk orders. Personalized dog shirts are trending and can be customized easily. Digital patterns are a low-cost entry point for sellers. AI can assist in creating digital products and patterns. Etsy favors listings that encourage bulk purchases. Understanding minimum order quantities can reduce startup costs. Networking with local artisans can enhance product offerings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Etsy Trends 02:46 Exploring the First Trend: Personalized Baby Books 08:00 Second Trend: Embroidered Blankets 11:16 Third Trend: Cruise Shirts 14:48 Fourth Trend: Personalized Dog Shirts 17:00 Fifth Trend: Digital Patterns Resources - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online - Gold City Ventures Website Watch this episode on YouTube: About ProfitTree 1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: LifeTime ProfitTree Offer:
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202. From $50 to Full-Time: Jay’s Print-on-Demand Pivot to Creative Freedom
08/14/2025
202. From $50 to Full-Time: Jay’s Print-on-Demand Pivot to Creative Freedom
Summary In this episode, Julie Berninger interviews Jay De Souza, who shares his journey from a stressful corporate job to becoming a successful print-on-demand entrepreneur. Jay discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, the significance of niche marketing, and the emotional aspect of selling products. He emphasizes the use of technology and tools to enhance business efficiency and the necessity of maintaining a positive mindset for long-term success. The conversation also covers emerging trends in the apparel market and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways Jay is about to cross 125,000 shirts sold on Amazon. Stress can manifest physically and is a silent killer. Designing for the customer is crucial for success. Niche marketing is essential for effective selling. Utilizing technology tools can streamline the design process. Selling emotions is key to connecting with customers. Competition in the market validates demand for products. A year of commitment is necessary for business success. Implementing what you learn is as important as learning itself. Quality design is essential; ugly designs won't sell. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Milestones 01:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Print on Demand 07:34 Understanding Customer Needs 10:23 Niche Marketing Strategies 15:35 The Importance of Emotion in Design 24:34 Tech Stack and Tools for Success 31:05 Navigating the Algorithm: Understanding Customer Confusion 31:54 Targeting Big Niches: The Balance of Competition 33:13 Defining Your Ideal Customer: Niche Down for Success 35:07 The Importance of Keywords: Broad vs. Long Tail 36:50 Shopping Mindset: Understanding the Buyer’s Perspective 39:00 Creative Chaos: Organizing Your Design Process 41:11 Emerging Trends: Summerween and Beyond 45:57 Nutrition Label Parodies: A Unique Design Opportunity 48:53 Researching Trends: Finding Your Target Demographic 52:59 Mindset Matters: Resilience in Business 57:44 Setting Realistic Expectations: The Long Game in Business Watch this episode on YouTube: Resources Free POD Workshop: Free Digital Product Workshop: Gold City Ventures Website: Follow Jay on YouTube: Check out Jay's Membership:
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201. These 5 Print-on-Demand Products Make Sales Every Day (Even in Off-Season)
08/03/2025
201. These 5 Print-on-Demand Products Make Sales Every Day (Even in Off-Season)
Summary Emily's Free POD webinar: In this episode, Julie Berninger and Emily discuss the latest trends in print-on-demand products, focusing on five unique items that are currently performing well on Etsy. Emily shares her insights on wedding vow journals, funny career candles, teacher tote bags, personalized ornaments, and hidden message mugs, providing practical advice for beginners looking to enter the print-on-demand space. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the potential for unique, giftable products in the e-commerce market. Takeaways Emily crossed $600,000 in revenue from her POD shop. Wedding vow journals are a surprising bestseller on Etsy. Funny career candles connect with specific audiences. Teacher tote bags offer a unique gift option. Ornaments can sell year-round, not just during holidays. Hidden message mugs are a trendy gift idea. Etsy is a go-to platform for unique gifts. Understanding customer needs is crucial for product success. Simple designs can lead to significant sales. Print on demand allows for easy entry into e-commerce. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Print on Demand Success 05:36 Exploring Wedding Vow Journals 10:51 The Rise of Funny Career Candles 13:43 Innovative Teacher Tote Bags 18:06 Year-Round Sales of Ornaments 22:53 Hidden Message Mugs: A New Trend Resources - Emily's Free POD Webinar - The Gift Lab Course - Gold City Ventures Website Follow Emily on: - Emily's Instagram - Emily's YouTube
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200. 5 Expert Design Tips to Outsell AI Shirts on Etsy & Amazon w/ Kittl, Mystic POD & More
07/24/2025
200. 5 Expert Design Tips to Outsell AI Shirts on Etsy & Amazon w/ Kittl, Mystic POD & More
Summary In this episode, Julie Berninger interviews Juna from Detour Shirts about the world of print on demand, specifically focusing on selling apparel like t-shirts. Juna shares his extensive experience in the industry, discusses various AI tools for design, and provides valuable tips for creating standout designs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in design, the role of AI in enhancing creativity, and practical strategies for success in the print on demand space. Takeaways Juna has been in print on demand since 2005. AI tools can significantly speed up the design process. Quality of designs is more important than quantity. Using unique typography can make designs stand out. Good use of color is essential for eye-catching designs. Creating interesting layouts can differentiate your products. AI can help generate ideas for phrases and designs. It's important to fill space effectively in designs. Designs without text can still be successful. Experimenting with different tools can enhance creativity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Print on Demand Apparel 02:51 Exploring Technology in Print on Demand 05:34 The Role of AI in Design 08:27 Comparing AI Tools for Print on Demand 11:41 Maximizing Design Listings for Sales 14:31 Quality vs. Quantity in Design 17:28 Five Tips for Effective T-Shirt Design 20:56 Designing with Detail: The Importance of Elements 22:54 Creating Unique Designs: Standing Out in the Marketplace 26:10 Typography Matters: The Art of Text in Design 32:03 Color Choices: Using Color to Enhance Designs 38:31 Layout Creativity: Making Designs Visually Engaging Watch on YouTube: Resources: - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online - Gold City Ventures Website Kittl: Follow Juna on YouTube:
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199. Your First $1K Month on Etsy (+ Our New ‘Hidden Gems’ Segment)
06/24/2025
199. Your First $1K Month on Etsy (+ Our New ‘Hidden Gems’ Segment)
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 - ). 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 - Ebook to learn how to scale an Etsy shop to $1,000/month - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online - Gold City Ventures Website
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197. $70,000 in Mockup Sales with Cassiy Johnson
01/13/2025
197. $70,000 in Mockup Sales with Cassiy Johnson
Free Trail of Simply Listed mockup software: 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: Gold City Ventures: Watch on YouTube:
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196. Blowing Money on Etsy Ads? Here's How to Profit with Hannah Gardner of Profit Tree
12/02/2024
196. Blowing Money on Etsy Ads? Here's How to Profit with Hannah Gardner of Profit Tree
Julie Berninger and Hannah Gardner discuss using Profit Tree to run better Etsy Ad campaigns. Link for the 1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: 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: LifeTime ProfitTree Offer: Gold City Ventures: Hannah Gardner @ecommhannah on YouTube: Watch this episode on YouTube:
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195. REAL QUICK: Our Black Friday Sales
11/29/2024
195. REAL QUICK: Our Black Friday Sales
^ 50% off through Monday night at Midnight making it $147 ^ $397 package deal for annual membership plus The Gift Lab
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194. Steal This Genius Local Business Collab Idea for Etsy from Deanna Seymour
11/25/2024
194. Steal This Genius Local Business Collab Idea for Etsy from Deanna Seymour
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: Anti-Hustle Holiday Series: The Playhouse: Watch on YouTube:
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193. Will Emily Hit $500k in 2 Years on Etsy? Her Holiday POD Tips
11/18/2024
193. Will Emily Hit $500k in 2 Years on Etsy? Her Holiday POD Tips
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
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192. Earn More $ on Black Friday With These Uncommon Etsy Tips
11/11/2024
192. Earn More $ on Black Friday With These Uncommon Etsy Tips
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: Other Resources:
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191. When Etsy Sales Double in Q4.. Use Everbee This Way with Founder Cody McGuffie
10/29/2024
191. When Etsy Sales Double in Q4.. Use Everbee This Way with Founder Cody McGuffie
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: 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: Everbee: Watch on YouTube:
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190. These Cat Products Are Making $15,000 per Month on Etsy!
10/25/2024
190. These Cat Products Are Making $15,000 per Month on Etsy!
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): Everbee: Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/
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189. The Riches Are in the Niches: Medical Subspecialties
10/10/2024
189. The Riches Are in the Niches: Medical Subspecialties
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: eRank: Everbee: Watch on YouTube:
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188. Surprising Dog Products that are a Goldmine on Etsy
10/07/2024
188. Surprising Dog Products that are a Goldmine on Etsy
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: eRank: Everbee:
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187. Is eRank Accurate? Where is the Data From?
09/30/2024
187. Is eRank Accurate? Where is the Data From?
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: eRank Free Trial: Gold City Ventures: Watch on YouTube:
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186. Smart Teacher Product Ideas for More Etsy Sales
09/26/2024
186. Smart Teacher Product Ideas for More Etsy Sales
Teachers can sell products on Etsy like t-shirts, printables, and classroom decor. This episode explores what is bestselling in the teacher niche. Key Takeaways: Niche Down: Targeting specific teacher subniches like math teachers or third grade teachers can increase visibility. Bulk Sales: Offering teacher gifts in bulk can appeal to schools and individual teachers. Personalized Products: Customizing items with teacher names or grade levels can make them more appealing. Teacher-Related Accessories: Items like pens, tote bags, bracelets, and classroom decor are in demand. Seasonal Themes: Incorporating holiday-themed elements can boost sales throughout the year. Digital Products: Printable resources like worksheets, classroom decor, and hall passes are popular. By focusing on these areas and understanding the specific needs of teachers, sellers can effectively tap into this lucrative niche on Etsy. Gold City Ventures: eRank: Everbee: Watch on Youtube:
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185. Nurse Niche Bestselling Etsy Digital Product Ideas
09/23/2024
185. Nurse Niche Bestselling Etsy Digital Product Ideas
Nurse Niche Etsy Opportunities Lucrative Niche: The nurse niche is highly profitable on Etsy, with some shops having hundreds of thousands of sales. Popular Products: Nursing school notes, study guides, t-shirts, sweatshirts, badge reels, ornaments, and gifts are in demand. Niche Down: Targeting specific subniches like oncology or NICU nurses can increase search visibility and sales. Customization: Holiday-themed and personalized products can stand out in a competitive market. Repurposing: Existing products can be relabeled to appeal to nurses, such as labeling a retirement gift for a nurse. By focusing on these areas and leveraging Etsy's search features, sellers can tap into the lucrative nurse niche and increase their sales. About Gold City Ventures: Everbee: eRank: Watch on YouTube:
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184. Market to Coffee Lovers With These 10 Ideas
09/11/2024
184. Market to Coffee Lovers With These 10 Ideas
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: Everbee: Watch on YouTube:
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183. Unique Gift Basket Ideas That Can Increase Your Sales on Etsy
09/04/2024
183. Unique Gift Basket Ideas That Can Increase Your Sales on Etsy
Julie Berninger discusses unique gift basket ideas for Etsy sellers. She explains Etsy's new creativity standards for gift baskets and provides examples of traditional gift baskets for women and men. Julie then explores creatively assembled gift baskets that meet Etsy's standards, such as seasonal gift baskets, goth gift baskets, and gift baskets for teenagers and tweens. She also suggests ideas like book blind date gift sets, flower girl gift groups, DIY slime kits, and Play-Doh sensory kits. Julie emphasizes the potential for sellers to repurpose their existing products as gift baskets and highlights the importance of understanding trends and using social media to promote these unique gift baskets. Takeaways Etsy has new creativity standards for gift baskets, including having a clear theme and sourcing items from different companies. Traditional gift baskets for women and men are popular, but sellers can explore unique gift basket ideas to stand out. Creatively assembled gift baskets that meet Etsy's standards include seasonal gift baskets, goth gift baskets, and gift baskets for teenagers and tweens. Other unique gift basket ideas include book blind date gift sets, flower girl gift groups, DIY slime kits, and Play-Doh sensory kits. Sellers can repurpose their existing products as gift baskets and use social media to promote them. Resources: Gold City Ventures: Everbee: Watch on YouTube:
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182. How Emily Earned 6-Figures from her POD & Digital Shops since January 2023
08/26/2024
182. How Emily Earned 6-Figures from her POD & Digital Shops since January 2023
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: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AeBYEexJZeA
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181. Coaching Call at 300 Sales - Bundles, Flagship Products, and Blogging
08/19/2024
181. Coaching Call at 300 Sales - Bundles, Flagship Products, and Blogging
In this episode, Julie interviews Meagan, an Etsy seller in the faith and family LDS niche who wants to expand her business beyond Etsy. Megan shares her journey of starting on Etsy and growing her shop to 300 sales. Julie suggests participating in a bundle and creating an email sales sequence to promote the flagship product. They also touch on the topic of social media and the potential benefits of creating videos. Takeaways Having a flagship product to sell can help drive sales and establish your brand. Participating in bundles and creating email sales sequences can be effective strategies for promoting your products. Creating videos on social media can be a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AOFfA5lgWgM Connect with Meagan: https://printstouplift.com/ Gold City Ventures: Beyond:
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180. Coaching Call: A Membership for Catholic Moms
08/15/2024
180. Coaching Call: A Membership for Catholic Moms
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. Watch on YouTube:
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179. How to Find Your Target Buyer on Etsy: Coaching Call
08/13/2024
179. How to Find Your Target Buyer on Etsy: Coaching Call
Lisa, a seller in the Gold City Ventures community, shares her journey of starting an Etsy shop to help with daycare costs and her transition to digital products. She discusses her goals of growing her shop and making it a bigger business. The conversation explores the idea of finding a flagship product, with a focus on handprint art and trivia games. Lisa also talks about her experience with social media, specifically Pinterest, and her plans for building an email list and engaging with customers. The conversation focused on identifying the target audience for Lisa's printable products and determining the best approach to reach them. Gold City Venture's Beyond Program: Contact Lisa: Watch on YouTube:
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178. Halloween Etsy Product Ideas with LOW Competition
08/09/2024
178. Halloween Etsy Product Ideas with LOW Competition
Halloween is approaching and it's a great time to discuss how to appeal to Halloween shoppers. Julie Berninger shares ideas for Halloween products with good search volume and low competition on Etsy sourced from eRank. The main themes include vintage and retro aesthetics, girlie Halloween, dog breeds, specific Halloween terms like 'momster', accessories like headbands and socks, home decor items like pillows and doormats, boo baskets, dioramas, Halloween slime, digital products like trivia and bingo, Twitch emotes, and wall art. eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Gold City Ventures: Watch on YouTube:
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177. Coaching Call: A New Planner Business for Busy Moms
08/07/2024
177. Coaching Call: A New Planner Business for Busy Moms
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: Watch on YouTube: Gold City Ventures: Beyond:
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176. The Power of UGC Photography in Marketing with Lauren Hooper
07/31/2024
176. The Power of UGC Photography in Marketing with Lauren Hooper
In this episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Julie Berninger interviews Lauren Hooper, an artist and entrepreneur, about her expertise in user-generated content (UGC) photography. Lauren provides tips for creating UGC, including the importance of background, lighting, and showcasing the product in real-life scenarios. She also discusses the impact of UGC on Etsy sales and the value of testing different types of content to see what converts best. Contact Lauren: Gold City Ventures: Watch on YouTube:
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175. Gnomes for Every Occasion! Top Trends with Craft with Sarah
07/08/2024
175. Gnomes for Every Occasion! Top Trends with Craft with Sarah
Sarah Edwards, a Cricut crafting expert, discusses the crafting community and the popularity of digital files and finished crafts. We cover: Cricut machine, digital files, finished crafts, SVG files, trends in crafting, selling crafts, crafting, digital files, pricing, layered paper crafts, SVG, sublimation, AI, sublimation printer, Facebook groups, floral craft countdown Takeaways The crafting community has grown, especially since the pandemic, with a predominantly female audience. Crafters use SVG files to create their projects, which can be customized and uploaded to the Cricut Design Space. Trends in crafting include gnomes, dog breeds, and personalized items. Selling digital files is more popular than selling finished crafts due to scalability and lower costs. The price of digital craft files can vary depending on the complexity and time investment required to create them. Layered paper crafts command a higher sale price due to the time investment and complexity involved. Sublimation crafting is growing in popularity, especially with the availability of affordable sublimation printers. AI is starting to impact the crafting industry, but there is still a demand for hand-drawn and unique designs. Joining crafting communities on Facebook can provide valuable support, inspiration, and learning opportunities. The floral craft countdown summit is a great way to learn new techniques and try out different crafts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:56 The Crafting Community and its Audience 03:56 The Popularity of the Cricut Machine 08:49 Trends in Crafting 20:31 The Pricing of Digital Craft Files 22:51 The Popularity of Layered Paper Crafts 26:10 The Growing Trend of Sublimation Crafting 32:54 Joining Crafting Communities on Facebook 39:24 The Floral Craft Countdown Summit Resources: Get your free ticket to the Floral Craft Coundown Summit from Craft with Sarah: https://go.goldcityventures.com/floral-countdown Learn more about us: The Episode on YouTube:
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174. The Get Legit Toolkit and Bookkeeping 101 with Janet of Paper and Spark
07/01/2024
174. The Get Legit Toolkit and Bookkeeping 101 with Janet of Paper and Spark
Julie Berninger and Janet LeBlanc of Paper and Spark discuss the steps to take when starting an Etsy shop from a CPA's perspective. They cover topics such as understanding the difference between a business and a hobby, obtaining a DBA permit, opening a business bank account, and the importance of bookkeeping. They also touch on the issue of Etsy shop suspensions and the need for proper tax ID information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of treating an Etsy shop as a business and making informed decisions based on accurate financial data. This is not legal or tax advice. Please obtain your own professionals. Resources: Janet's Janet's **we are affiliates for both products Takeaways: Before starting an Etsy shop, it's important to understand the difference between a business and a hobby, as well as the legal requirements for running a business. Obtaining a DBA permit (Doing Business As) is often necessary for running an Etsy shop under a name different from your own legal name. Opening a business bank account can make bookkeeping and tax filing easier, even if it's not legally required. Proper bookkeeping is crucial for tracking expenses, understanding profitability, and making informed business decisions. It's important to provide accurate tax ID information to Etsy, and to keep track of all business-related transactions for tax purposes. Etsy shop suspensions can occur for various reasons, and it's important to understand and comply with Etsy's policies to avoid suspension. Sellers should be aware of their tax responsibilities, including sales tax and income tax. Janet LeBlanc's GetLegit Toolkit is a valuable resource for product sellers to navigate their financial responsibilities. Learn more about Gold City Ventures and Crickets to Cha-Chings: Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0K-1qYQTpVo
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173. Your Trademark and Copyright Questions Answered by an IP Lawyer
06/20/2024
173. Your Trademark and Copyright Questions Answered by an IP Lawyer
Laura Winston, Principal and Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Offit Kurman, answers your questions on common trademark and copyright issues Etsy sellers face. Note: This is not legal advice. Please review your own situation with professionals. Questions covered: How do I search on the USPTO web site and understand the results? Is the word FRIENDSGIVING trademarked? Can I use a song title on a t shirt or baby shower bundle of products? What about song lyrics? How about an illustration of a famous pop star? Is parody on a song title allowed? What about a t-shirt that says “In my Swiftie era”? Trivia games – can you use the names of songs? Artists? Candies? Can you use a picture of a candy to show how a printable works with that candy? Can you sell reproductions of vintage art? Let’s talk about Winnie the Pooh. Can I use this image in my product? Can I copyright my printable? What if something is trademarked in one country and I live in a different country? Someone copied my printable…but it doesn’t look like it exactly…what do I do? Should I be using legal templates that I can purchase on the internet? How can I be sure an artwork is in the public domain? If listeners need further advice on trademark and copyright issues, they can contact Laura at or connect on LinkedIn at Watch the Episode Learn more about
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