If the thought to sell your art on Etsy has crossed your mind recently, then this is it! Here, we pursue that thought and make it a reality!
Etsy is one of the best places to showcase your creativity and earn money while doing it.
With millions of buyers seeking unique handcrafted pieces, Etsy provides amazing opportunities for artists like you.
This guide will help you with everything from setting up your shop, to pricing your art, to getting more exposure and eventually transforming your passion into a full blown business.
It does not matter if you are starting from scratch, or just looking to up the ante on your Etsy selling, there are many valuable insights here to sell your art successfully.
Ready to make your mark? Let’s get started!
Setting Up Your Etsy Shop
You can monetize your passion by selling whatever form of art you do; be it drawing, sculpting, painting, or even digital art.
However, before you can start making sales, on the other hand, setting up your shop is a prerequisite.
Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it step by step in a simple, no-fuss way.
Step 1: Creating Your Etsy Account
The first step on actually being able to sell art on Etsy is creating an account. Follow my steps and you can set it up in just a matter of minutes.
1. Go to Etsy.com – Click on “Sell on Etsy” at the footer section. This will divert you to the page where you can set up your shop.
2. Sign Up or Log In – If you have an existing Etsy account, simply log in.
If you do not have an account, click on “Get Started” or “Open Your Etsy Shop” and you can sign in using your email, Google, Facebook or Apple account.
3. Verify Your Email – Etsy will send you a confirmation email as soon as you create an account. Click the link sent to you to activate the account and you are good to go!
And just like that, you are ready for the next step.
Step 2: Picking the Perfect Shop Name
Your shop name is like your artist signature—it should represent you and be easy for people to remember. Here is how you can come up with a good shop name:
1. Show Your Style: Always select a name that describes your art. Something like “Vivid Visions Studio” could work well for colorful abstract painting artists.
2. Keep It Short and Memorable: Imagine a name that a person can easily recall and spell for the purpose of buying products from your shop. Long and complex names could make life challenging.
3. Think About Searchability: Try and focus on keywords that may be used by people in your niche. If you sell watercolor prints, a name like “Watercolor Wonders” helps people find you.
4. Check If It’s Available: Your shop name has to be unique, so if your first choice is taken, try small variations.
Also, it is required to be between 4-20 characters without any spaces or special characters.
Tip: In case you want a website later, make sure to look if the name is available as a domain (like yourshopname.com).
Step 3: Setting Up Stock, Payments and Shop Policies
Alright, when describing your stock/art, you better make it shine. But also don’t sweat, you can always edit it later.
Now, let’s talk about getting paid (because, let’s be honest, that’s the goal)!
1. Choose Your Payment Method
For your convenience, Etsy conveniently permits businesses to receive payments via Etsy Payments. Customers can pay through:
Credit and Debit Cards
PayPal
Apple Pay
Etsy Gift Cards
All you need to do is connect your bank account, and let Etsy do the rest!
2. Set Up Shipping Policies
If you’re selling physical art, be clear about:
Shipping costs (flat rate or free shipping)
Estimated delivery times
Where you ship to (local, international, etc.)
Offering free shipping can make your shop more attractive to buyers!
3. Return and Refund Policies
Will you allow customers to return or exchange products?
If yes, how long do you give the buyer to return the product?
Will you be the one to pay for return shipping?
These policies helps to build trust with customers.
Step 4: Enhancing the Aesthetic of Your Shop
Consider your Etsy store as a gallery. It needs to look presentable and inviting. Here’s what you can do to ensure it shines:
Add A Logo And A Banner
Your shop’s logo and banner enhance branding. No need to hire a professional designer. Just ensure that what you are creating is in line with your art style.
Write A Friendly Bio
Tell them who you are, and try to tell them a little about what you create. Buyers love dealing with real artists. Think about the following questions:
How did you start creating art?
What are your sources of inspiration?
What are the unique factors of your work?
Show Behind the Scenes Content
In the About section, add pictures or videos of:
Your creative process
Your workspace
Yourself working on your art
This aids in personalizing your brand, allowing your customers to feel more connected to your work.
Step 5: Additional Edits and Expert Advice
Set Your Language, Country And Currency – Designating these factors will assist Etsy in targeting the correct clients for your shop.
Protect Your Shop – secure your shop with two-step verification for added safety.
Download the ‘Etsy App’ – Get Sold on Etsy to run your shop from anywhere at any time.
Congratulations! You have officially opened an Etsy shop!
Now, let me walk you through the most thrilling aspect—putting up the first piece of artwork for sale!
Listing Your Art to Sell on Etsy
How to Take Gorgeous Photos of Your Art (No Fancy Equipment Needed!)
If you intend to sell your artwork online, you will need to invest in good photographs because great photos make what you are selling look different.
Since the potential buyers skim through your work, your images must be able to illustrate everything.
But don’t be stressed; getting stunning images isn’t limited to a professional camera.
1. Find Good Natural Light – Take your photos near a window where there’s plenty of soft daylight. If the sun is too harsh, hang up a white curtain or a bedsheet to soften it. This helps avoid weird shadows or overly bright spots.
2. Your Phone Camera is Enough – If you have a smartphone with a decent camera (12 megapixels or more), that’s all you need! Just make sure your hands are steady or use a cheap mini tripod for crisp shots.
3. Show Off Your Art from Different Angles – Take a few straight-on shots, some close-ups to highlight textures, and a couple from the side to give buyers a full view. Imagine you’re the buyer—what would you want to see?
4. Keep the Background Simple – A clean white background is always a safe choice, but if it fits your brand, try a cozy setup—maybe your art on a desk or hanging on a wall. Just make sure it doesn’t distract from your piece!
5. A Little Editing Goes a Long Way – Use free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom to tweak brightness and colors so your art looks as close to real life as possible. But keep it real—no one likes surprises when their order arrives!
How to Write Product Descriptions That Make Buyers Hit “Add to Cart”
Your description isn’t just a place to throw in some details—it’s your chance to tell a story and make buyers fall in love with your art.
Here’s how to make your words work for you:
Use Keywords Naturally – Think about what someone might type into Etsy when looking for your art.
For example, instead of just “painting,” go for something like “minimalist watercolor painting” or “handmade abstract acrylic artwork.”
Make It Easy to Read – Long, chunky paragraphs? Nope! Use bullet points or short sentences to highlight size, materials, colors, and any special details.
Help Buyers Imagine Your Art in Their Space – Instead of saying “Blue ocean painting,” try something like:
“Bring the calming energy of the ocean into your home with this deep blue watercolor painting. Perfect for a cozy reading nook or above a bed for a peaceful vibe.”
End with a Friendly Invitation – Give buyers a little nudge! Something like “Looking for a different size or color? Message me—I love creating custom pieces!” makes your shop feel more welcoming.
Pricing Your Art
Pricing is one of the trickiest parts of selling art.
You don’t want to price too low and feel like your hard work isn’t valued, but you also don’t want to price so high that buyers scroll past.
Here’s how to find that perfect spot:
Cover Your Costs – Think about the cost of materials, how long it takes to create each piece, packaging, and Etsy’s fees (we’ll get to those in a sec!). You should always make a profit.
Check Out Similar Listings – Look at what other artists in your niche are charging. If your art is more detailed or unique, don’t be afraid to charge a little more!
Consider Perceived Value – Sometimes, higher prices make people see your art as more valuable. A $50 painting might seem “cheap” to some, while a $150 one feels more “special.”
Etsy Fees
Nobody likes surprise fees, so let’s break it down:
Listing Fee: Etsy charges $0.20 per item when you post it for sale. If your listing expires after four months and you want to renew it, you’ll pay another $0.20.
Transaction Fee: Etsy takes 6.5% of the total order price (including shipping).
Payment Processing Fee: If you use Etsy Payments (which most sellers do), there’s a fee of 3% + $0.25 per sale.
So, before setting a price, do a little math to make sure you’re still making a good profit!
Marketing Strategies to Sell Art on Etsy
So, you’ve got your Etsy shop ready to sell art. Now what? How do you actually get people to find your art and buy it?
Let’s get to that:
Step 1: Make Sure People Can Find Your Art (Etsy SEO Basics)
Imagine you’re a buyer looking for a hand-painted floral canvas for your home. You go to Etsy and type in “floral wall art”—but what makes some listings show up first while others are buried?
That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. Here’s how to help Etsy show your art to the right people:
1. Use Smart Keywords
Instead of just “painting,” try “colorful abstract painting” or “minimalist watercolor print.” Be specific!
2. Max Out Your Tags
Etsy gives you 13 tags per listing—use them all! These help Etsy match your art with different searches. (Example: If you sell digital downloads, tags like “printable wall art” or “instant download art” will help buyers find you.)
3. Write Engaging Descriptions
Your description isn’t just for SEO—it’s your chance to connect with buyers. Instead of just listing the size and materials, tell a story!
Step 2: Use Social Media to Attract More Buyers
Etsy is great, but don’t rely on it alone to bring in customers. Social media is a goldmine for connecting with potential buyers—here’s how to use it:
Instagram: Post photos of your art, behind-the-scenes shots, or packaging videos. Tag your Etsy shop so followers can easily buy.
Pinterest: Pinterest is like a search engine for pretty things—aka, perfect for artists! Pin your artwork with descriptions like “Cozy Cottagecore Wall Art” to attract people looking for home décor inspiration.
TikTok: People love watching artists create. Film your process, share a timelapse, or show the before-and-after of a piece. Short, engaging videos can get thousands of views!
Step 3: Should You Invest in Etsy Ads?
Ads can be a game changer if used wisely. Etsy offers two types:
1. Etsy Search Ads: These show your listings at the top when shoppers search for art like yours. Great for getting more visibility fast.
2. Off-Site Ads: Etsy automatically promotes your shop on Google, Facebook, and Instagram. You only pay if someone buys.
My Advice? Start Small. Try a $3-$5 daily budget and track your results. If an ad is bringing in sales, increase the budget! If not, tweak your keywords and images.
Step 4: Get Repeat Customers with an Email List
Want people to come back and buy from you again? Email is your best friend.
How to Get Subscribers:
Offer a small discount (like 10% off their next purchase).
Give them a freebie (like a digital wallpaper or printable art).
Include a QR code in your packaging that links to your email signup.
What to Send:
Announce new art drops before anyone else sees them.
Share special discounts or limited-time sales.
Show a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process.
Keeping in touch with buyers makes them more likely to come back!
Step 5: Collaborate and Network to Grow Faster
You don’t have to do this alone! Connecting with other artists and influencers can bring in new buyers.
Partner with Other Artists: Team up for a giveaway, cross-promote each other’s work, or even collaborate on a piece together.
Work with Influencers: Reach out to influencers who love art and ask if they’d be interested in featuring your work.
Join Artist Communities: Etsy forums, Facebook groups, or local art markets are great places to connect, learn, and get new opportunities.
Managing Sales and Customer Service
Packing and Shipping
Want happy customers when you sell art on Etsy? Make sure their orders arrive in perfect condition and on time! Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
1. Set Up a Packing Zone: Keep your boxes, tape, labels, and bubble wrap in one spot so you’re not scrambling every time an order comes in.
2. Ship in Batches: If you have multiple orders, process them in groups (like all local ones first, then international). It saves time!
3. Use Etsy’s Shipping Tools: Etsy lets you print shipping labels and track orders—it’s a game-changer for staying organized.
4. Pack with Care: No one likes damaged artwork! Use bubble wrap, cardboard protectors, or padded envelopes to keep your pieces safe.
5. Be Upfront About Shipping Times: Let customers know when to expect their order, and always provide tracking info so they can follow along.
Communication is Key!
Great customer service turns first-time buyers into loyal fans. Here’s how to keep things smooth:
1. Quick Responses Matter: Customers love fast replies! Use Etsy’s saved replies for common questions, but always personalize your messages.
2. Be Warm and Friendly: A simple “Thanks for your order! I can’t wait for you to receive it!” makes a big difference.
3. Keep Buyers in the Loop: Send a quick update when their order ships—it helps avoid “Where’s my package?” messages.
4. Encourage Happy Reviews: Customers often forget, so after they receive their order, a polite reminder can boost your ratings.
5. Handle Complaints Gracefully: Not every customer will be thrilled, and that’s okay! Stay calm, listen, and offer a fair solution. A polite response can turn a bad situation into a positive one.
Returns and Refunds
Returns happen—it’s part of selling online! Here’s how to make the process painless for both you and your customer when you sell your art on Etsy:
1. Have a Clear Return Policy: Decide on a fair return window (14-30 days) and make it easy for buyers to understand.
2. Work With the Customer: If they want to return something, guide them through the process and decide who covers shipping.
3. Stay Professional: Even if a return feels frustrating, handle it with kindness. A smooth return process can keep your reputation strong.
4. Issue Refunds Quickly: Once you get the item back, process the refund ASAP so the customer isn’t left waiting.
Conclusion
To sell art on Etsy takes effort.
But, with the right setup, smart pricing, and good marketing, you can turn your creativity into a successful business.
Keep learning, stay updated on Etsy’s features, and connect with other artists for support and inspiration.
Most importantly, enjoy the process—growth takes time, but with passion and persistence, you can build a thriving Etsy shop and share your art with the world!