Handmade & Beyond Podcast

LL Divens Etsy Entrepreneur Success Coach & Seller
Handmade & Beyond Podcast

I help other people start, build, and grow their handmade and Etsy businesses so that they can make extra money pursuing their passion. I am a real seller that makes their entire living off Etsy and my handmade business. I teach others how to do the same.

  1. 12/24/2024

    Should You Sell on Etsy, Goimagine or Shopify? Everything You NEED to Know

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsygamesfree/about In this video, I break down the key differences between Etsy, GoImagine, and Shopify to help you decide which platform is the best fit for your business. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, understanding these platforms’ traffic, fees, customization, and audience potential is critical for your success. Here’s what you’ll learn:  • Traffic Analysis: How the platforms compare in attracting buyers and what that means for your sales.  • Fees Breakdown: A detailed look at listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees for Etsy, GoImagine, and Shopify.  • Customization Options: From Etsy’s limited design features to Shopify’s full customization capabilities.  • Competition Levels: How many sellers you’ll face and how to stand out.  • Advertising Opportunities: Learn about each platform’s advertising options and where they shine (or fall short).  • Built-in Audience: Which platform has the most buyers waiting for you, and which requires you to build your audience from scratch.  • Pros and Cons Recap: A straightforward summary to help you make an informed decision.   Make the best choice for your business and learn how to strategically expand across platforms. Don’t forget to join the Etsy Games for free to get tips, motivation, and a supportive community of sellers just like you!

    19 min
  2. 12/10/2024

    How to Sell More Than 99% of Etsy Sellers

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsygamesfree/about   26 Strategies I Use to Help Etsy Sellers Succeed  In this podcast episode, I shared the key strategies that I’ve seen top 1% Etsy sellers use to grow their shops and dominate the platform. These aren’t about luck—they’re actionable steps that can help any seller move closer to their goals. I started by talking about how important mindset and passion are. Success on Etsy isn’t instant—it takes time, consistency, and a genuine love for what you do to push through challenges and keep going. I also emphasized the importance of treating your shop like a business. Showing up consistently, investing in tools like Alura and Canva, and building solid habits are essential to long-term success. Education plays a big role, too. I encourage sellers to continuously learn, whether through free resources like my Etsy Games platform or by investing in courses. Every action in your shop should have a strategy and purpose. I always tell people to focus on what they can control and not waste energy on things like algorithm changes. Consistency is another big factor. Regularly creating and improving listings not only helps you grow but also keeps you in tune with your niche and audience. And let’s not forget visuals—high-quality photos and videos can make or break a sale, so it’s worth investing in good lighting and staging. Understanding profit margins, running promotions, and offering stellar customer service are all part of the equation, too. Reviews build trust, so I shared tips on how to get more of them. I also talked about the importance of taking action—learning by doing is the fastest way to grow. Finally, I discussed the power of email marketing and standing out from the competition. Building a list and nurturing it with valuable content can drive repeat buyers, and finding ways to add value to your niche will set you apart. This episode was packed with actionable tips to help Etsy sellers succeed. If you’re ready to grow your shop, these 26 strategies are your blueprint to joining the top 1% of sellers.

    27 min
  3. 11/26/2024

    Etsy Success in 2025? Get A Head Start (5 Steps)

    5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Etsy Business for 2025 As we head into 2025, I want to share a simple yet powerful 5-step plan to help you jumpstart your Etsy business, overcome challenges, and move closer to your goals. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just looking for fresh inspiration, these steps will give you clarity, focus, and the momentum you need to thrive. Let’s dive in!   1. Embrace the Truth About Passion and Hard Work You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” While it sounds great, I have to call it out—it’s not true.Even when you’re passionate about your work, it still takes effort, consistency, and determination to make it successful.   The reality is that running an Etsy business can feel like hard work, even if you love what you do. And that’s okay! Passion is essential because it helps you push through tough times, but passion alone isn’t enough. Success comes from sticking with it, even when the grind feels overwhelming.   Remember, you’re not just selling products; you’re solving problems and bringing value to your audience. If you truly care about your customers, you’ll find the motivation to keep going, even when the work feels challenging.   2. Avoid Fly-By-Night Strategies Etsy success isn’t about chasing quick fixes or gaming the system. Many sellers fall into the trap of trying to hack their way to the top—whether it’s using outdated tricks to manipulate the algorithm or relying solely on fleeting trends.   For example, some sellers used to renew their listings daily, hoping for a temporary search boost. That tactic doesn’t work anymore, and even if it did, it’s not sustainable. Similarly, basing your shop entirely on trending products can lead to constant stress, as trends fade quickly.   Instead, focus on building a sustainable business model. Learn tried-and-true Etsy SEO strategies, understand your niche, and cater to a specific audience. This approach will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.   3. Build a Sustainable Business by Serving a Target Market If you want to thrive on Etsy, you need to focus on serving a specific audience or niche. This means understanding your customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points. Who are they? What problems can your products solve for them?   When you center your business around a target audience, you create a roadmap for success. Instead of chasing trends or throwing random products into your shop, you’ll have a clear direction.   Here’s the key: Stop thinking about “making money” and start thinking about how to serve your audience. Focus on their needs, their likes, and what will genuinely make their lives better. Over time, this approach will not only bring in sales but also build customer loyalty and trust.   4. Master the Do-Learn-Do Cycle If there’s one formula that leads to success, it’s this: Do, Learn, Do. Here’s how it works: • Do: Take action in your business. List new products, test new keywords, or try a new marketing strategy. • Learn: Analyze the results. Which listings are getting traffic? What’s selling? What’s not? • Do Again: Use what you’ve learned to refine your approach, then take action again.   This cycle is all about continuous improvement. Too many people get stuck because they’re afraid to start, or they take action but don’t learn from the results. The more you repeat this process, the better you’ll get at identifying what works and what doesn’t.   5. Stay Consistent Consistency is the secret sauce to Etsy success. It’s not about doing everything perfectly but about showing up regularly and putting in the work.   For example, adding new listings consistently is one of the best ways to improve your shop’s visibility and sales. Based on recent Etsy seller polls I conducted, most sellers who struggle aren’t adding listings frequently enough.   Here’s the truth: You can’t expect to see results if you’re not consistently working on your shop. Whether it’s creating new products, improving old listings, or researching keywords, small, consistent actions add up over time.   Final Thoughts: Your Roadmap for 2025 Running a successful Etsy business isn’t about shortcuts or quick wins—it’s about building a strong foundation and staying committed to your goals. • Focus on hard work and passion, knowing that it takes effort to succeed. • Avoid gimmicks and fly-by-night strategies, and instead build a business that lasts. • Serve a specific audience and meet their needs with amazing products. • Embrace the do-learn-do cycle for continuous growth. • Stay consistent, even when progress feels slow.   2025 can be your best year yet if you stay focused, take action, and refuse to give up. You’ve got this—I’m rooting for you every step of the way! Let me know in the comments what your biggest goal is for 2025, and let’s make it happen together.

    17 min
  4. 11/23/2024

    Big Tax Changes Coming! Everything You NEED To Know

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about Everything You Need to Know About Tax Changes for Etsy Sellers in 2024 As an Etsy seller, staying on top of tax changes is critical to running your business smoothly. In my recent podcast episode, I broke down the upcoming IRS reporting changes for the 2024 tax year, focusing on how they impact sellers using platforms like Etsy, eBay, and even payment apps like Venmo and PayPal. Here’s a summary of the key points from our conversation, designed to help you navigate these changes with confidence.   Will You Get a $1099 for Etsy Sales Over $600 in 2024? This is the big question on every seller’s mind. The short answer: not yet. For the past two years, the IRS has been delaying the move to the $600 threshold for 1099 reporting, which means the threshold remains higher for 2024. As of now, you’ll receive a 1099 form only if you earn more than $5,000 in untaxed income through third-party payment apps. The IRS is giving payment platforms additional time to prepare for the lower $600 reporting threshold, which is scheduled to take effect in the 2025 tax season. So, for 2024, the $5,000 threshold still applies—but this is the last year for that limit.   Understanding Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Transactions One of the trickiest parts of these changes is distinguishing between taxable and non-taxable income. Let me simplify it for you with a few examples:  • Non-Taxable Transactions: Money received as a gift (like birthday money from family), reimbursement for shared expenses (like splitting a dinner bill via Venmo), or selling personal items at a loss (like furniture on Facebook Marketplace).  • Taxable Transactions: Income from services or products sold, such as an Etsy order, a freelance project, or items sold for more than their purchase price (like collectible sneakers). The delayed rollout of the $600 threshold is giving platforms like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App more time to refine their systems for accurately reporting taxable income.   Why This Matters for Etsy Sellers If you’re selling on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, or other marketplaces, these changes matter because they impact how your income is reported. Even if you don’t receive a 1099, the IRS requires you to report all income earned—even if it’s just a dollar. While many sellers only report income when they get a 1099, it’s crucial to stay compliant and report everything to avoid issues down the road. For platforms like Etsy, this tax season will look similar to last year, with the $5,000 threshold in place. But if you’re also selling through apps like Venmo or Cash App, be prepared for stricter reporting starting in 2025.   Selling Personal Items? Here’s What You Should Know If you sell personal items, like furniture or clothing, for less than what you originally paid for them, you won’t owe taxes. For instance, if you bought a couch for $500 and sold it for $200, that sale is not taxable because you incurred a loss. However, if you’re selling items that appreciate in value—like rare collectibles—you’ll need to report any profits.   Preparing for 2024 and Beyond Here’s the bottom line: don’t panic, but do prepare. If you’re earning untaxed income, keep accurate records and understand what’s taxable and what’s not. By staying informed, you can avoid surprises during tax season. This year, you may receive a 1099 if your untaxed income exceeds $5,000. Next year, that threshold will drop to $600, so now is the time to make sure your records are in order. Whether you’re selling crafts on Etsy, items on Facebook Marketplace, or offering freelance services, staying ahead of these changes will help you run your business confidently.

    6 min
  5. 11/19/2024

    How To Run Etsy Ads Without Going Broke!

    👋I teach people how to make 💰 on Etsy with training, support, community & fun! 🎉 Join here for FREE: https://www.skool.com/etsy-games-8622/about When it comes to running Etsy ads and offsite ads, one of the biggest questions I get is: Are they worth it, or are they just a waste of money? In my latest podcast episode, I tackled this topic head-on, sharing everything you need to know to run ads effectively without blowing your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key points we discussed.   What Are Etsy Ads?   Etsy ads are promoted listings that show up in Etsy’s search results. If you’ve ever searched for a product on Etsy, you’ve probably noticed rows of listings marked as “promoted.” These ads let sellers pay to boost their products in search results, giving them a chance to skip the line and get more visibility.   What I love about Etsy ads is the level of control you have. You can decide:  • Which listings to promote  • How much money to spend per day (starting at $5)  • Which keywords you want to target   That control makes them a great tool—if you know how to use them wisely.   Gradual Budget Changes Are Key   One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is drastically increasing their ad budget overnight. If you jump from spending $5 a day to $50, Etsy’s algorithm can’t keep up, and your money won’t be well spent. Instead, I recommend gradually increasing your budget in small steps, like going from $5 to $8, then to $12, and so on.   This slow-and-steady approach gives the algorithm time to adjust and ensures your ad spend is optimized for results.   Ads Won’t Fix Bad Listings   Here’s a hard truth: If your Etsy listings aren’t optimized, ads won’t save them. If you’re not already getting organic sales, running ads will only send traffic to listings that aren’t converting—and that can actually hurt your ranking.   Before investing in ads, make sure your listings are in top shape. That means great photos, compelling descriptions, competitive pricing, and SEO-friendly keywords. Ads should amplify success, not cover up weaknesses.   Offsite Ads: What You Need to Know   Offsite ads are a completely different ballgame. Etsy runs these ads for you on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Bing. The catch? You don’t have much control over them. Etsy decides which of your listings to promote and charges you a fee only when a sale is made.   Here’s how the fees work:  • If you make over $10,000 in a rolling 12-month period, you’re automatically opted in, and the fee is up to 12%.  • If you make less than $10,000, you can choose to opt-in, but the fee is up to 15%.   In my experience, offsite ads tend to perform better than Etsy ads because Etsy is highly selective about which listings it promotes. This can result in a better return on ad spend (ROAS).   Understanding ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)   ROAS is a key metric that tells you how much money you’re making for every dollar you spend on ads. For example, if you spend $25 on ads and earn $130 in revenue, your ROAS is 5.2 (or $5.20 earned for every $1 spent).   The average ROAS varies by niche, but a common benchmark is 3:1. However, depending on your profit margins, you may need a higher ROAS to stay profitable. That’s why it’s essential to calculate this metric and monitor your ad performance closely.   Tips for Running Successful Etsy Ads   If you’re ready to give Etsy ads a try, here are my top tips:  1. Test All Listings Initially: Start by advertising all your listings and then turn off ads for the ones that don’t perform well.  2. Avoid Frequent Changes: Don’t constantly tweak your budget or turn ads on and off—it confuses the algorithm.  3. Monitor Your ROAS: Use Etsy’s dashboard to track your return on ad spend and identify low-performing ads.  4. Focus on Profit Margins: Ensure your products have enough margin to absorb fees and still make a profit.   Final Thoughts   Ads can be a powerful tool for growing your Etsy shop, but only if you use them wisely. By understanding the differences between Etsy ads and offsite ads, gradually increasing your budget, and focusing on optimized listings, you can make your ad spend work harder for you.   If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I’ve created a free cheat sheet to help you manage your Etsy ads like a pro. Just leave a comment on the podcast episode, and I’ll send it your way!   Running ads doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right strategy, you can attract more customers, boost your sales, and grow your Etsy business sustainably. Let’s do this!

    14 min
4.6
out of 5
86 Ratings

About

I help other people start, build, and grow their handmade and Etsy businesses so that they can make extra money pursuing their passion. I am a real seller that makes their entire living off Etsy and my handmade business. I teach others how to do the same.

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