How to Get Sales on Etsy with No Reviews: Proven Tips and Strategies

Getting your first sale on Etsy can be a daunting task, especially when you have no reviews to back up your shop’s credibility. However, it’s not impossible to gain traction and make sales even without any reviews. As someone who has been in this position before, I have learned a few tips and tricks that can help you get sales on Etsy with no reviews.

One of the first things you should do is ensure that your shop policies are in place and clearly stated. This includes your shipping, return, and exchange policies. Having these policies in place will help potential customers feel more confident in making a purchase from your shop. Additionally, make sure that your product photos are clear and show the item from different angles. This will help customers get a better idea of what they are purchasing and can increase the chances of making a sale.

Another important aspect to consider is your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Make sure that your product titles and descriptions include relevant keywords that potential customers may search for. This can help your products show up higher in Etsy’s search results, making it easier for customers to find your shop. By following these simple tips, you can increase your chances of getting sales on Etsy even without any reviews.

Understanding Etsy’s Algorithm

As a seller on Etsy, it’s important to understand how the platform’s algorithm works to increase your chances of making sales. Here are some key factors that Etsy’s algorithm takes into account:

Importance of Keywords

Keywords play a crucial role in getting your listings found on Etsy. When creating your listings, be sure to include relevant keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions. This will help your listings appear in search results when buyers search for those keywords.

One tip to keep in mind is to use long-tail keywords, which are more specific and targeted. For example, instead of using the keyword “necklace”, try using “handmade beaded necklace” or “boho statement necklace”. This will help your listing stand out and attract buyers who are specifically looking for what you’re selling.

A tool I use to help me find the best long-tail keywords is EtsyHunt. You can sign up for a free account to get started and they pay for more features as you grow.

Relevance of Listing Quality

The quality of your listings also plays a significant role in Etsy’s algorithm. Make sure your listings are high-quality, visually appealing, and accurately represent the product you’re selling. Use clear and detailed product photos, and provide as much information as possible about the product in the description.

Additionally, Etsy rewards sellers who regularly update and add new listings to their shop. This shows that you’re actively engaged in your shop and committed to providing a variety of products to buyers.

Etsy also now allows you to add videos to your listings. This is a great way to show customers your products. On one of my Etsy stores I sell t-shirts so I add videos of the t-shirts from different angles to give the customer confidence it is exactly what they want.

Role of Customer Experience

Finally, Etsy’s algorithm takes into account the customer experience. This includes factors such as shipping speed and cost, previous sales, and customer reviews. Make sure you’re providing excellent customer service, responding to inquiries and messages in a timely manner, and shipping products quickly and efficiently.

Encourage buyers to leave reviews by including a handwritten note with their purchase or sending a follow-up message after the product has been delivered. Positive reviews can help boost your shop’s visibility and increase your chances of making more sales.

By understanding and optimizing for these factors, you can improve your chances of getting sales on Etsy, even if you’re a new seller with no reviews.

Creating High-Quality Listings

When it comes to getting sales on Etsy, having high-quality listings is essential. Here are some tips to create listings that will attract customers and increase your chances of making sales.

Product Photography Tips

One of the most important aspects of your listing is the product photography. Especially the main listing image as this is what people will see when scrolling through the Etsy store. Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show the product from multiple angles. Consider investing in a good camera or hiring a professional photographer to take your product photos.

Additionally, make sure your photos accurately represent the product. Avoid using filters or editing the photos too heavily, as this can mislead customers and lead to negative reviews.

A little time invested in this part of the listing is probably the most important.

Writing Effective Descriptions

Your product descriptions should accurately describe the product and its features. Use clear and concise language, and provide as much information as possible. This will help customers make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of returns or negative reviews.

Consider including information about the materials used, dimensions, and any unique features of the product. Additionally, use keywords in your descriptions to improve your search rankings and increase visibility.

Pricing Strategy

Pricing can be a tricky aspect of selling on Etsy, especially when you have no reviews. Consider researching your competitors and pricing your products competitively. Additionally, consider offering sales or discounts to attract customers and encourage them to make a purchase.

Remember, pricing too high can deter customers, while pricing too low can make your products appear cheap or low-quality.

If you are really struggling to get your first orders, making the products really cheap can get you a few orders as you will catch the eye of the bargain hunters. Then If they leave a positive review you can then start increasing the price.

Promoting Your Etsy Shop

There are several ways to promote your Etsy shop and attract potential customers. In this section, I will discuss three effective strategies to promote your Etsy shop: utilizing social media, leveraging SEO, and using Etsy Ads.

Utilizing Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool to promote your Etsy shop and reach a broader audience. By creating social media accounts for your shop, you can share your products, interact with potential customers, and build a community around your brand. Here are some tips to effectively utilize social media:

  • Choose the right platforms: Depending on your target audience, you may want to focus on specific social media platforms. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, Instagram and Pinterest might be the best platforms to showcase your products.
  • Share high-quality images: To grab people’s attention, you need to share high-quality images of your products. Use natural light and a simple background to showcase your products effectively.
  • Engage with your audience: Social media is all about building relationships. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and sharing behind-the-scenes content.

A great tool I use to manage my social media is Tailwind. It is a very powerful tool which is like having my own marketing team. With so many social media apps out there it’s good to get a little help in this department.

Leveraging SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your Etsy shop to rank higher in search engine results. By leveraging SEO, you can attract more organic traffic to your shop and increase your chances of making sales. Here are some tips to improve your Etsy shop’s SEO:

  • Use relevant keywords: Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags to make it easier for people to find your products.
  • Optimize your images: Use descriptive file names and alt tags for your product images to make them more discoverable in search results.
  • Fill out your shop policies: Etsy considers shop policies as part of your shop’s SEO. Make sure to fill out your policies thoroughly and accurately.

Again if you need help with this check out EtsyHunt.

Using Etsy Ads

Etsy Ads is a paid advertising platform that allows you to promote your products to a targeted audience. With Etsy Ads, you can create ads that appear in search results and on other Etsy pages. Here are some tips to effectively use Etsy Ads:

  • Set a budget: Determine your daily budget and bid amount for each ad campaign. Start with a small budget and adjust it as you see results.
  • Target the right audience: Choose the right keywords and demographics to target your ads to the right audience.
  • Monitor your results: Keep track of your ad performance and adjust your campaigns accordingly.

Monitoring results is very important when using Etsy Ads. I have had successful campaigns start to fail. They may run really well for a few weeks and then all of a sudden they just stop bringing in orders and start losing money. Checking the stats every few days will allow you to check on this.

By utilizing social media, leveraging SEO, and using Etsy Ads, you can effectively promote your Etsy shop and attract potential customers.

Providing Excellent Customer Service

As a new seller on Etsy, providing excellent customer service is essential to building a good reputation and getting sales. Here are some tips on how to provide great customer service, even if you have no reviews.

Quick and Effective Communication

One of the most important aspects of providing excellent customer service is to communicate quickly and effectively with your customers. This means responding to messages and inquiries promptly, and being clear and concise in your responses.

Make sure to check your messages frequently throughout the day, and respond to any inquiries as soon as possible. If you need more time to provide a detailed response, let the customer know when they can expect to hear back from you.

When communicating with customers, be professional and courteous. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or informal language. This will help to build trust and credibility with your customers.

Handling Disputes and Returns

Another important aspect of providing excellent customer service is to handle disputes and returns in a fair and timely manner. If a customer is unhappy with their purchase, it’s important to address their concerns and try to find a solution that works for both parties.

If a customer requests a return or refund, make sure to respond promptly and provide clear instructions on how to return the item. If there is a dispute over the condition of the item or the reason for the return, try to work with the customer to find a resolution.

When handling disputes and returns, it’s important to be professional and courteous at all times. Avoid getting defensive or confrontational, and try to find a solution that works for both parties.

In summary, providing excellent customer service is essential to building a good reputation and getting sales on Etsy. By communicating quickly and effectively with your customers, and handling disputes and returns in a fair and timely manner, you can build trust and credibility with your customers and set yourself up for success as a new seller on Etsy.

Find The Best Keywords

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting sales on Etsy with no reviews may seem like a daunting task, but it is not impossible. As someone who has gone through this process, I can attest that it takes time, effort, and patience. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can start generating sales and building your reputation on the platform.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Focus on building a strong brand and creating a professional-looking shop. This includes having high-quality product photos, well-written product descriptions, and a clear store policy.
  • Offer competitive pricing and free shipping if possible. This can help attract potential customers and encourage them to make a purchase.
  • Utilize social media and other marketing channels to promote your shop and products. This can help drive traffic to your Etsy store and increase your chances of making a sale.
  • Consider offering promotions or discounts to first-time buyers. This can help incentivize them to try out your products and leave a positive review.
  • Tools like EtsyHunt can really help and it starts free so try it out.
  • Finally, be patient and persistent. It may take some time to make your first sale and get your first review but don’t give up. Keep improving your shop and products, and eventually, the sales will come.

I have written another article on starting out on Etsy here.

Remember, getting sales on Etsy with no reviews is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can start building your reputation on the platform and grow your business over time. Good luck!

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