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.

210. Steal This Etsy POD Strategy from a $725K Seller 11/26/2025

210. Steal This Etsy POD Strategy from a $725K Seller Summary 👉 Join The Gift Lab for the lowest price ever: Want to turn your Etsy shop into a thriving gift-product business? In this episode, Emily shares how she launched The Gift Lab from her own Etsy experience and reveals the secrets behind creating products buyers can’t resist. Learn how SEO, photography, and market research can transform your listings, why positioning items as gifts skyrockets appeal, and how print-on-demand can give your shop flexibility. Discover actionable strategies to understand your audience, build a unique brand, and continuously adapt for long-term online selling success. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables and print-on-demand success. Takeaways The Gift Lab was born from selling on Etsy. It teaches how to start an Etsy shop from scratch. Researching buyer preferences is crucial. SEO and photography are key components. Positioning products as gifts enhances appeal. Understanding the target audience is essential. Gift products can cater to various relationships. Print-on-demand offers flexibility in product offerings. Creating a unique brand identity is important. Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary. Chapters 00:00 – Emily’s POD Success Story 02:00 – Q4 Sales, Momentum & Starting Strong 03:55 – Why Gifts Sell Better Than Apparel 06:55 – What Are “Giftable Products”? 08:55 – Why Candles, Journals & Ornaments Explode in Sales 09:47 – How AI Changed POD Workflow 11:40 – Evergreen vs. Trend-Based Designs 13:52 – The Two Things That Grew Emily’s Revenue 40% 15:57 – The Events Niche Deep Dive 17:26 – Automating Personalization With AnywherePOD 19:03 – Breaking Seasonality With Event-Based Products 21:19 – What Is The Gift Lab? 22:50 – Bonuses Inside The Gift Lab 25:31 – AI Lab Assistants (Custom GPTs for Students) 28:01 – Bonus Workshops & Advanced Tutorials 29:43 – Student Wins & Success Stories 33:14 – Emily’s Advice for Beginners 35:10 – Bite-Sized Lessons for Busy Schedules 36:56 – The Black Friday Challenge 38:26 – Final Thoughts + Black Friday Offer Resources - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online - Emily's Free POD Webinar - The Gift Lab Course 👉 Watch on YouTube: -------------------- Follow Emily on: Instagram: YouTube: Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/cricketstochachings/id/39112725

209. Why Your Etsy Listings Aren’t Selling (And How to Fix Them) 11/12/2025

209. Why Your Etsy Listings Aren’t Selling (And How to Fix Them) Summary Struggling to stand out on Etsy? Discover how Nancy Badillo, a digital marketing expert with over 15 years of experience, turned her setbacks into a thriving Etsy business. In this episode, Nancy breaks down the exact market research and keyword strategies that help sellers find profitable niches, boost visibility, and increase their average order value. Learn how to create irresistible digital products, enhance user experience, and use personalization and bundles to drive more sales. If you want to master Etsy trends and grow your shop with proven techniques, this episode is your roadmap to success. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, digital products, and passive income strategies! Takeaways Nancy Badillo has over 15 years of experience in the Etsy space. Market research is crucial for identifying trends and opportunities. Niche down to create specific product variations that attract buyers. Avoid vague keywords and focus on long-tail keywords for better visibility. User experience is key; provide clear instructions and support for customers. Boost average order value by offering bundles and upsells. Personalization can increase customer satisfaction and sales. Design mistakes often include overcrowded images and poor formatting. Utilize keyword research tools to find high-demand, low-competition keywords. Engage customers with valuable freebies to build trust and encourage repeat purchases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nancy Badillo and Her Journey 03:00 Understanding Market Trends and Keywords 05:52 Effective Keyword Research Strategies 09:05 Niche Down: Creating Variations of Products 12:09 Common Keyword Mistakes to Avoid 14:57 Design Mistakes and User Experience 17:57 Boosting Average Order Value and Customer Retention 21:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Nancy Badillo Resources - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online 👉 Watch on YouTube: -------------------- Follow Nancy Badillo on: Instagram: YouTube: Official Website: Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/cricketstochachings/id/38508805

208. The $100K Trend Strategy on Etsy (Steal This!) 10/30/2025

208. The $100K Trend Strategy on Etsy (Steal This!) Summary Discover how Passive Income Angel hit a $10K month on Etsy by mastering trends, timing, and creative strategy. In this episode, Cody Berman dives into Angel’s journey from early struggles to thriving in the print-on-demand world. She reveals how to spot seasonal product trends, time listings 8–12 weeks before holidays, and use micro niches to boost visibility and sales. Learn how AI tools, personalization, and bundling can set your shop apart — and why understanding keyword research and aesthetics across holidays can unlock year-round sales. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, passive income, and digital product success. Takeaways Angel achieved a 10K month in her first year on Etsy. Understanding trends is crucial for seasonal product success. Timing your listings is key; aim for 8-12 weeks before holidays. Digital products can be listed closer to the holiday. Micro niches can significantly increase conversion rates. Personalization helps products stand out in a crowded market. Bundling products can enhance average order value. AI can be a powerful tool for creating unique designs. Identifying gift trends can drive traffic to your shop. Combining aesthetics from different holidays can create unique offerings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Passive Income on Etsy 02:44 Angel's Journey to Etsy Success 05:58 Understanding Trends and Seasonality 10:14 Timing Your Listings for Maximum Impact 15:01 Utilizing Tools for Product Research 18:14 Identifying Top Gift Recipients for Christmas 22:06 Trending Christmas Products and Aesthetics 25:27 Niche Marketing Strategies for Christmas 27:23 Milestones and Memory-Making Gifts 29:24 Leveraging Seasonal Trends 29:50 Cross-Holiday Trend Integration 33:04 Identifying Low Competition Keywords 35:00 Exploring Trends on Etsy 39:09 Creative Product Ideas and Trends Resources - Free Etsy Christmas Trends cheat Sheet! - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online 👉 Watch on YouTube: -------------------- Follow Angel on: Instagram: Youtube: Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/cricketstochachings/id/38470115

207. 5 Hidden Canva Tools for Creating Digital Products 10/06/2025

207. 5 Hidden Canva Tools for Creating Digital Products Summary Want to create digital products faster and sell smarter on Etsy? In this episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Cody Berman sits down with Canva expert Jen Michele to reveal the exact tools and strategies that save time and boost sales. Jen shares how market research prevents wasted effort, why niching down improves visibility, and the Canva features every seller should know—like the brand kit for consistency, magic resize for instant product variations, bulk create for guided journals, and the all-new Canva Sheets for spreadsheets. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your online shop, you’ll learn practical design tips to work more efficiently and turn ideas into products customers actually want. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, Canva design hacks, and digital product success. Takeaways Market research is crucial before creating products. Utilize Etsy's search bar for keyword research. Niche down your product ideas for better visibility. Canva's brand kit streamlines the design process. Magic Resize allows for quick adjustments to product sizes. Bulk Create can save time when generating multiple designs. Canva Sheets simplifies spreadsheet creation for digital products. Using Canva tools can significantly enhance productivity. Understanding market demand can prevent wasted effort. Canva continues to innovate and expand its features. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Products and Design 03:02 The Importance of Market Research 06:04 Quick Editing Tips in Canva 08:57 Utilizing the Brand Kit in Canva 11:49 Magic Resize: Creating Multiple Formats 14:41 Bulk Create for Guided Journals 19:21 Exploring Canva Sheets 24:17 Conclusion and Resources Resources - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online 👉 Watch on YouTube: -------------------- Follow Jen Michele on: Instagram: Jen's Canva Course: Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/cricketstochachings/id/38420250

206. Ghosts, Chickens & Stamps?! Surprising Etsy Trends 2025 09/30/2025

205. 5 Etsy Evergreen Printable Ideas That Will Sell All Year in 2025 09/18/2025

204. Sell These Now Says Dori of Your Etsy Bestie (Digital + POD) 09/15/2025

203. 5 Etsy Trends to Jump On in 2025: Unlocking Hidden Gems with Profit Tree 08/15/2025

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: /episode/index/show/cricketstochachings/id/37625190

201. These 5 Print-on-Demand Products Make Sales Every Day (Even in Off-Season) 08/03/2025

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: /episode/index/show/cricketstochachings/id/37500675