How do I get feedback on my new Etsy shop and improve my first listings?

Hi! I can definitely help—but I can’t actually “review your shop” yet because I don’t have your shop link or screenshots. If you paste your shop name and the text of 1–3 listings (title + first photo screenshot(s) + description + price + shipping/processing settings), I’ll give you very specific, prioritized fixes. In the meantime, here’s the quickest “new shop” checklist that catches most missed opportunities before you scale.

The biggest wins for new Etsy listings (in order):

1. Photos (this is usually the #1 limiter)

• First photo: crystal-clear, well-lit, fills the frame, instantly shows what it is. Avoid busy backgrounds and tiny subject.
• Add one “scale” photo (in-hand, next to common object, or staged in a room).
• Add detail close-ups (texture, joinery, finish, edges, hardware, signature/mark, etc.).
• Add a specs image (simple graphic: dimensions, materials, finish, what’s included).
• If you’ll do made-to-order later, start training buyers now: include a photo that explains “made to order” and what can vary.

Quick self-test: if someone saw only your first photo for 1 second, would they know exactly what it is and why it’s premium?

1. Titles + tags (Etsy SEO without sounding spammy)

• Put the exact product name + primary use case first (what it is, who it’s for, where it goes).
• Add style/material/occasion after (minimalist, walnut, mid-century, industrial, etc.).
• Don’t waste prime title space on filler like “gift” unless it’s truly a gift-driven item.

Tag approach that works:

• Mix product type (what it is), intent (gift for…, housewarming, desk decor), style (modern, rustic), material (wood, metal, acrylic), and room (living room, office).
• Avoid repeating the same words across every tag if you’re not adding new meaning.

1. Description: clarity first, then story
   Most new shops write “about the design” but forget the buyer’s questions. A strong Etsy description answers, fast:

• What it is + what you get (quantity, what’s included)
• Size/dimensions (and any tolerances if handmade)
• Materials + finish + care
• How it’s made / lead time (especially if made-to-order)
• Customization options (what can/can’t change)
• Shipping + packaging (helps justify price and reduces anxiety)
• A short brand/story paragraph at the end is great—just don’t bury the important stuff.

1. Pricing + positioning
   Without seeing your work it’s hard to price, but here’s the common trap: new sellers price like “I’m new” and attract picky buyers who create the most problems. If your pieces are original and well-made:

• Price to cover materials + labor + overhead + packaging + Etsy fees + a buffer for mistakes
• Make sure your photos and listing presentation match the price (premium pricing needs premium visuals and clarity).
• For future larger items (tables/lamps), build in crating/packaging time, damage risk, and customer service time—those are real costs.

1. Policies, processing time, and shop trust signals
   Before you add more products, make sure you have:

• Realistic processing times you can hit consistently.
• Returns/exchanges policy that matches what you sell (especially important for custom/made-to-order).
• Clear wording around custom work: approval process, what counts as “custom,” and what happens if a buyer changes their mind.
• Shop “About” filled out + a few process photos if possible. It boosts trust for new shops.

1. Branding + consistency
   You don’t need fancy branding, but you do need consistency:

• Similar lighting/background/editing style across your listings.
• A tight set of style words you repeat naturally (e.g., “minimal, warm wood tones, clean lines”).
• Shop banner/icon that look intentional (not necessarily complex).

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If you want targeted feedback, send this (no private info needed)

1. Your shop name (or screenshots of the shop home + policies/about)
2. For 1–3 listings:

• Title
• Price
• Processing time + shipping settings (just describe them)
• Description text
• Screenshots of all listing photos (especially the first image)

1. Tell me your goals: volume/prints vs fewer high-end originals, and your rough target customer (budget, style).

Once I see that, I’ll reply with a short “fix this first” list (usually 5–10 concrete changes) plus optional “level-up” suggestions for when you expand into lamps/tables and made-to-order work.