Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping events of the year. But for Etsy sellers, they’re golden opportunities to skyrocket sales. Yet, many Etsy shop owners miss out because they don’t prepare early or optimize their product listings for the rush.
In this blog, we’ll share 12 proven tips for Etsy sellers to make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sellers can use these strategies to attract buyers, increase revenue, and grow their Etsy shop this Black Friday.
Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday Are Crucial for Etsy Sellers
Every year, the Etsy marketplace sees a surge in buyers looking for handmade, personalized, and gift-worthy items. Many successful Etsy sellers report up to a 50% increase in traffic and sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
If sellers plan, optimize their listings, and promote effectively, then their Etsy store can reach more potential customers and maximize profits. Now, let’s move to the best tips for Etsy sellers.
1. Plan Etsy Black Friday Promotions in Advance
Shoppers expect great deals during BFCM, so plan promotions early! Decide whether you’ll offer discounts, bundle deals, or limited-time offers to entice buyers. Etsy’s built-in sales tools make it easy to schedule promotions in advance, running the shop smoothly without last-minute stress.
Etsy Sellers can also reward repeat customers with exclusive offers like a VIP discount code to encourage loyalty and boost sales.
2. Optimize Product’s Listings for Search & Visibility
Make sure that the products are easy to find! Update their titles, descriptions, and tags with seasonal keywords like “Black Friday sale” or “holiday gifts.” High-quality photos and videos help grab attention and increase conversions, so refresh any outdated visuals.
Adding urgency-driven phrases like “Limited stock available!” or “Only a few left!” can also create a sense of scarcity and encourage faster purchases.
3. Offer Free or Discounted Shipping to Boost Sales
Shipping costs can make or break a sale. Many shoppers expect free shipping, so consider factoring it into the product pricing. Etsy’s free shipping guarantee can also help boost visibility in search results.
Be sure to clearly communicate shipping deadlines so customers know when to order for on-time delivery—this can help avoid last-minute cancellations or complaints.
4. Prepare for Increased Customer Inquiries During BFCM
With more sales comes more questions! Set up automated responses for common FAQs, like shipping times and return policies, to save time. Quick responses build trust and can help turn potential buyers into actual customers.
Be transparent about return and refund policies so there are no surprises after the sale. Etsy’s seller handbook offers resources to help manage customer inquiries effectively.
5. Check Inventory and Supplies Before Etsy’s Black Friday Rush
Running out of stock mid-sale is frustrating, so ensure to plan before! Review past sales trends to estimate demand and ensure you have enough materials and packaging supplies. Order extra shipping boxes, labels, and thank-you notes early to avoid delays.
Having a backup plan (such as an alternate supplier) can also prevent unexpected shortages from affecting your sales. Maintaining inventory, without any margin of error, is crucial for a successful Etsy business.
6. Promote Engaging Sales Offers on Social Media & Email
Don’t just rely on Etsy traffic, but get the word out! Etsy shoppers place significant importance on product photos and quality. Promote BFCM deals on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest with eye-catching posts and countdowns.
Use Etsy’s email marketing tools or platforms like Mailchimp to remind past customers about your sale. Creating urgency with limited-time offers and countdown posts can encourage shoppers to buy before it’s too late.
7. Leverage Ads for Extra Visibility of Etsy Business
BFCM is competitive, so boosting visibility with Etsy Ads can help your Etsy business stand out. Set a budget to promote bestselling and high-margin items. Monitor your ad performance and adjust bids as needed to maximize your return.
Running short-term ad boosts during peak shopping hours can also drive more traffic to the store. Learning from successful Etsy sellers can also help optimize ad strategies.
8. Streamline Order Processing & Shipping
Efficiency is key when handling a surge in orders. Here’s how to stay organized and save time:
- Print shipping labels in bulk to streamline the process and keep orders organized.
- Set up a dedicated packing station with all materials like boxes, tape, labels, and thank-you notes ready to go.
- Offer local pickup options when possible to save on shipping costs and provide added convenience for nearby customers.
Additionally, understanding when and how to pay account fees is crucial to maintaining good standing and managing budget effectively.
9. Encourage Reviews & Repeat Etsy Shoppers
A great shopping experience can turn one-time buyers into loyal customers! Send a friendly follow-up message thanking them for their purchase and kindly ask for a review. Consider offering a small discount or coupon for future orders to encourage repeat business.
Highlighting positive reviews on social media or the store page can also help build trust with new buyers. Insights from most veteran Etsy sellers indicate that quality and customer service are key to repeat business.
10. Stay Calm & Have a Backup Plan to Entice Customers
Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay! Be prepared for technical issues, stock shortages, or a sudden rush of orders. Have a strategy in place for handling customer concerns quickly and professionally.
Most importantly, celebrate wins, whether it’s your first BFCM sale or a record-breaking weekend! Every step forward is a success. Additionally, connecting with other sellers for advice and support can be invaluable in navigating challenges and growing your business.
11. Optimize Etsy Store Profile for Holiday Sales
Optimizing an Etsy shop profile is essential for attracting customers and boosting sales. A complete and professional profile strengthens brand credibility and visibility.
- Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase products and build trust.
- Write a clear, compelling bio that highlights the brand story and unique value.
- Choose an effective shop name and tagline that reflect the brand and are easy to remember.
- Include relevant keywords in descriptions to improve Etsy search visibility.
- Keep the profile updated to maintain consistency with current offerings and branding.
A well-optimized shop profile enhances trust, improves visibility, and drives higher sales.
12. Understand Etsy Fees and Payment Processing
To make a real profit during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Etsy sellers must understand Etsy’s fees. Many new sellers skip this step. As a result, their earnings often end up lower than expected.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the main fees:
- Listing Fee: $0.20 per item, valid for four months or until sold.
- Transaction Fee: 3.5% of the total sale price, including shipping.
- Payment Processing Fee: When sellers use Etsy Payments, Etsy deducts a small fee for processing payments.
Always include these fees when setting up product prices to make sure you’re earning a fair profit.
Common Mistakes Etsy Sellers Make During Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Even experienced Etsy sellers can make a few costly mistakes during the holiday rush. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help sellers stay ahead of the competition and make the most of this busy shopping season.
- Waiting too long to list or promote products
- Over-discounting and cutting into profits
- Neglecting customer communication and after-sales follow-up
- Forgetting to optimize listings for mobile shoppers
By avoiding these mistakes, Etsy Sellers will not only boost their sales but also create a smooth shopping experience.
Final Words
This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, success on Etsy comes down to preparation, creativity, and smart marketing. Apply these tips for Etsy sellers to make your Etsy store stand out, attract eager potential buyers, and run a profitable business.
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