How I made $20,000 and 700 sales on etsy, and 10k instagram followers in less than 4 months

So you want to be a small business owner. You want to be a successful small business owner. It’s overwhelming, intimidating, exciting, and fun… Right? When I opened my small business on Etsy I dove right in. I didn’t ask questions or do research, and maybe I should have… But the way I did it worked for me. I learned so much along the way and I had no idea I was going to have so many sales, make so much money, or attain so many followers on Instagram. And although I ended up seeking out a different venture, I want to help YOU be successful in your small business journey. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Create a product that people want
My small shop consisted of glitter. People love glitter. A lot of people have messaged me asking how I got my shop so big… And I think my product was a huge reason for that. It seems like a no-brainer, but you need to create a product that people will want and be drawn to.

2. To make a full time income, you need to work full time
Makes sense, right? It’s a little harder than it sounds. Not having a set schedule throughout the day requires you to be great with time management and scheduling in order for you to get done what you need to get done, and still have time to live your real life. Running a successful small business requires you to work during the day, during the night, during the weekend, during the holidays… When you successfully work for yourself, you’re always working, so having skills in time management and organization will go a long way. Have I scared you yet?

3. Instagram is your best friend
There was a time during my business venture that I didn’t log into my personal instagram account for weeks. Why? Because I was way too busy promoting the crap out of my new business – posting photos, connecting with customers, hashtagging, seeking out people that may be interested in my product… Instagram is an AMAZING marketing tool, and some businesses solely rely on it for exposure. There’s a reason why. Most people who make an instagram get discouraged after they post a few photos and don’t receive much activity. No followers, not very many likes, just no activity. Trust me- When I first opened my instagram I had no idea what I was doing either. But I learned and I am SO happy to share what worked for me. First and foremost, you need to take good photos of your products. Clear, clean, crisp, and professional looking. I always recommend to take them in NATURAL LIGHT! Use a neutral background. I used a white rug from IKEA and just laid the product on that. I did this with my iPhone, so you don’t need a fancy camera. Use editing apps to enhance the photo if needed. (I love afterlight (available in the app store), and I brightened my photos, added contrast, and lessened the exposure just a tad… Worked perfect for me.) 🙂 After you post the photo, add a comment with as many hashtags as you can think of in relation to your product. I’ll give you an example:

CREDIT: http://fashion.qkiz.com/inspiration-ideas-for-mason-jars-decorating,443.html If you were to upload this to instagram don’t just leave it at that! I would add a comment with these hashtags #masonjartumbler #masonjar #chalkboard #chalkboardcup #wedding #happilyeverafter #mrandmrs #bride #bachelorette #heart #love #fruit #summertime #water #hydrate #cute #chalkboardheart #personalized #customized #etsy #etsyshop #shopsmall #etsyseller #brideandgroom #weddingday #fruitwater #sunshine
Seriously… Just hashtag anything and everything that may (or may not ;)) pertain to your photo. There’s people stalking hashtags like crazy (I dunno who but I want that kind of time!) and these hashtags will give you SO MUCH exposure. Each time you post a photo… Hashtag hashtag hashtag! If you need help with a specific photo, e-mail me and I can give you some hashtag examples.
Here’s some more instagram advice- Do giveaways. Have your followers repost a photo you create and give a product away. Sure, you’re losing out on money, but you’re gaining a bunch of potential customers!
Follow and friend other small shops- I can’t even tell you how many fellow small shops helped me reach my success. Handmade sticks together, so if you have a small shop instagram friend that shouts you out, you’ll gain followers. Try to get in on “loop giveaways” with bigger shops. These vary from shop credit to target giftcards. You’ll probably need a good thousand followers before other shops will have you in the loop, but like I said up there… Befriend your fellow small shop community. People are more willing to help than some think!
CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS! I have a 78% return customer rate, because I was sure to treat my customers as they are – the REASON for my business! Make sure your customers know how much you appreciate them and it will reward you in more ways than just one! Ask them questions, reply to their comments, give people random coupon codes. They’ll tell their friends about you and will always come back. Post daily and connect with them. The one thing I miss most about my old etsy business is my amazing customers.

4. Make your titles and tags on etsy broad
You want your title to be more than “Mason jar tumbler”. When I was creating my titles, I added things like “wedding, bachelorette, party cup, mothers day”, etc. Things that people would probably search for. And use your tags! They are there for a reason, people actually look through tags on etsy. Just like with instagram, use things that pertain to your photo. You don’t get as much freedom on etsy as they only allow I think 10, so keep it relevant.

5. DON’T BE SCARED!
Starting a small shop is intimidating, but so rewarding. It’s not as scary as it seems from the outside. Once your in and have the mindset to make it happen, you will! I dove in head first and learned as I went. Don’t limit yourself, jump out of your comfort zone, ask questions when you have them (HI! ;)), have fun with it! Small business world is such a rewarding place to be and there are SO many avenues to help you if you get stuck. Don’t give up!

If you have any more questions or need more specific advice, I’d be happy to answer them and help you, use the comment section below, or feel free to e-mail me!
XO
Kelsey