How do I get more Etsy sales when my shop has almost no traffic?

Hi! If your Etsy shop is getting almost no traffic a year in, the fastest path is usually (1) make sure Etsy search can clearly understand what you sell (titles/tags/categories/attributes), and (2) make the listing “convert” once someone clicks (photos, price, shipping, trust signals). Most shops with only friend sales are missing clarity (keyword-targeted listings) and/or confidence (photos, shipping, reviews, policies).

Here’s what I’d review first, in order of impact:

1) Etsy SEO basics (so you actually get found)

Your goal: each listing should target one specific search phrase a real buyer would type.

• Titles: Put the main keyword phrase at the front in plain language (what it is + who it’s for + key feature/material/occasion). Avoid titles that are only “cute” or vague.
  Example structure: “Personalized Leather Dog Collar for Small Dogs, Engraved Name Tag, Brown”
• Tags: Use all tags, and make them varied (synonyms, use-cases, recipient, style, material). Don’t waste tags repeating the same words in different orders—cover more search intent instead.
• Category + Attributes: These matter a lot because Etsy uses them like built-in tags. Pick the most exact category and fill every relevant attribute (material, color, size, occasion, etc.).
• Listing focus: One listing = one core product. If a listing tries to be “everything” (too many unrelated variations), Etsy has a harder time matching it to searches.

Quick self-check: if you look at your title + first photo + price, is it instantly obvious what it is, what size/quantity you get, and why it’s worth buying?

2) Photos that earn the click and the sale

Traffic often starts improving when your main photo looks like it belongs on page 1.

• Main image: Clean, bright, tightly framed, clearly shows the product (not too much background). Compare yours next to top competitors on the search results page—does yours look equally “professional” at thumbnail size?
• Add context: Include at least one “in-use” photo (scale and lifestyle) and one close-up showing quality/details.
• Remove uncertainty: Use a simple graphic photo if needed to show what’s included (size chart, “set of 2”, finish options), especially for items that buyers commonly misunderstand.
• Video: If you can, add a short video—great for proving texture/scale and reducing hesitation.

3) Pricing + offer clarity (so clicks turn into orders)

Even with good SEO, people won’t buy if the value isn’t obvious.

• Price vs. perceived value: If you’re higher than competitors, your photos, branding, and description have to justify it (materials, durability, process, personalization, packaging).
• Shipping cost presentation: Many shoppers compare “item price + shipping” mentally. If your shipping feels high, consider whether you can adjust product price and shipping strategy so the total feels normal for your category.
• Variations: Make sure the default option shown isn’t a weird edge-case (like the smallest size) that creates sticker shock when they select what they actually want—or the opposite (defaulting to the most expensive).

4) Shipping setup (a huge conversion lever)

• Processing time: Set a processing time you can consistently beat. Faster shipping expectations generally convert better, but don’t promise what you can’t hit.
• Shipping profiles: Double-check weights/dimensions and that every listing is assigned to the right shipping profile (this is a common “quiet” problem).
• International: Only offer it if you can handle it smoothly; confusion about duties/returns can hurt conversions.

5) Descriptions that answer objections (not just “features”)

Many descriptions don’t sell—they just describe.

Make sure your first 3–5 lines answer:

• What it is / what you get (quantity, size, materials)
• Who it’s for / best use
• How to order (especially for personalization)
• Shipping/processing expectations
• Care instructions / important notes

Tip: Write like you’re responding to a buyer message before they even ask.

6) Shop trust signals (especially if you have few reviews)

When you don’t have reviews yet, buyers look for “proof” elsewhere.

• Shop banner/logo: Simple is fine, but make it look intentional.
• About section: Add a few sentences and at least one behind-the-scenes photo. Buyers love knowing who made it.
• Policies: Fill them out clearly (returns/exchanges, custom orders, cancellations). Even if your policies are strict, clarity builds trust.
• FAQ: Add 5–8 questions you keep getting (or expect): sizing, materials, personalization, shipping times, returns, gift notes.

7) Listing count + focus (a reality check)

If you only have a handful of listings, Etsy has fewer chances to match you to searches. More listings isn’t magic, but more targeted listings helps. Try building out:

• Variations of the same product aimed at different keywords/use-cases
• A few price points (a “starter” product can help you get early reviews)

8) Ads and promotions (only after the foundation)

Etsy Ads can help you test, but if the listing doesn’t convert, ads just burn money. I’d only turn on Etsy Ads after you’ve tightened:

• Main photo
• Title/tags/attributes
• Price + shipping clarity

If you want, paste one listing title + the first 5 tags + a quick description of your product and I’ll tell you exactly what I’d change (and what keywords you’re currently missing).