The Handmade Shop

If you’re wrapping up the year and feeling unsure what actually worked (or didn’t) in your shop, this episode is for you.Today, we’re doing your Etsy Data Debrief. A simple, non-overwhelming look back at 2025 so you can walk into 2026 with strategy.This is one of my favorite December rituals, and it’s something most Etsy sellers skip. But when you take just 30 minutes to review your traffic, top listings, and low performers, you can stop guessing and start making decisions that actually move your shop forward.In this episode, I’ll guide you through:Where your traffic really came from in 2025 and what to do with that infoHow to identify the real best-sellers in your shop (not just the ones you like most)Why “almost” listings are your biggest source of low-hanging growthAnd how to pull 3 key takeaways to shape your 2026 product and visibility strategyIf you're not a numbers person, that’s ok! This is about making smarter decisions with the data your shop is already giving you.What you’ll learn:How to find patterns in your Etsy traffic that highlight what’s actually workingWhy your top listings often share subtle traits you can double down onHow to spot conversion problems hiding in plain sightWhat to do with listings that fell off (and how to prevent that in 2026)A simple framework for turning your 2025 stats into next year’s strategyMentioned in this episode:DM Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner1:1 Coaching Application: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coachingYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorFollow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggonerJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

We’re deep into December, and while you’re probably still shipping orders and checking your stats, this is actually the perfect time to look back at the listings that didn’t do well this year.I know it’s not the most glamorous part of running a shop. But reflecting on your low performers might be one of the smartest things you do before 2026 kicks off.Because those listings are handing you data, direction, and a chance to refine your product line so you’re not dragging dead weight into the new year.In this episode, I’ll walk you through a three-step process to review your underperformers with intention so you can decide what’s worth fixing, what might need a tweak, and what it’s finally time to let go of.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why low-performing listings aren’t failures (and what they are instead)What to look for in your Shop Stats before jumping to conclusionsHow to figure out if a listing still deserves a place in your shop3 clear options: refine, repurpose, or retireWhy retiring a listing might actually help your overall visibilityMentioned in this episode:1:1 Coaching: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coachingYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorFollow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggonerJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Planning your year on Etsy and not sure what to keep, cut, or create for your shop in 2026? Let’s fix that.We’re in that weird Etsy season right now because orders might still be rolling in, but your brain is already jumping ahead to next year. And one of the most common questions I get this time of year is how to know what to focus on and what to get rid of.In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact three-step framework I use with my coaching clients to plan out a profitable, aligned product line for the new year.We’ll talk about:What to keep (because it’s already doing the heavy lifting)What to tweak (because it’s close to converting)What to let go of (because it’s cluttering your shop)And how to map your product types across the year so you’re not launching in panic mode every seasonResources mentioned:1:1 Coaching Application: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coachingYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggonerSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggoner

If you’re listening during a big sales weekend (or gearing up for one), your shop might be buzzing…and maybe it’s exciting, or maybe it’s starting to feel a little chaotic. Either way, you can get through the rush without burning out.In this episode, I’m walking you through six simple strategies to help you manage an order rush calmly, confidently, and without losing your sanity. These systems are designed for immediate use, even in the middle of the rush.What you’ll learn:How to batch your orders so you’re not jumping from one task to the nextWhy prepping your messaging ahead of time saves your sanityHow to use processing times like your built‑in guardrailsThe mindset shifts that keep your experience positiveWhy scheduling a break isn’t a luxuryHow to set your shipping deadline early so you don’t crash into the finish lineYou’ve built a shop people want to buy from, now let’s keep it great for you too.Your Next Steps:Apply for 1:1 Coaching: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coaching/Work with Me in EVA: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorListen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggoner/podcastsJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Welcome back! If you missed last week’s episode in the series (“Fix It Before January”), go listen first! It sets the stage for today’s episode.Today we dig deeper into a subtle but powerful issue that sneaks up on many sellers: invisible keywords. You might have done everything “right” with great products, solid photos, and well‑written listings, but still see your traffic fading. That’s because your keywords are slowly losing relevance. This episode will help you spot it and fix it before January hits.What you’ll learn:Why keywords don’t always stay “good forever”How to identify listings that are silently losing visibilityThe three data signals you must check in your statsWhat to change, how little you need to change, and how to keep your momentum goingWhy this work matters now while you still have traffic coming inResources mentioned:Apply for 1:1 coaching: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coachingPart 1 of series: “Fix It Before January” episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bp5cHdOHCsxB4HZrl4728?si=AajLVTxaQg6Pc0vc0uU46gYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coachingJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

If your sales tank every January, I want you to hear this:✨ It’s not because people stop shopping.✨ It’s not the algorithm being mean.✨ It’s (probably) not your product.It’s your translation.In today’s episode, I’m kicking off a new series called Fix It Before January and we’re starting with a hard truth most Etsy sellers have never heard which that you’re not just a maker.You’re a translator.Your product doesn’t need to change, but your language might. Because if Etsy can’t understand what you’re selling, it’s not going to show your listings to the right buyers. Period.So instead of panicking when the Q4 rush slows down, let’s get ahead of it. I’ll show you what’s really going wrong with your visibility and how to fix it now, not when it’s too late.In this episode, we’ll break down:The three “translations” every Etsy seller needs to makeWhat’s actually happening when views and sales dropWhy tweaking your products isn’t solving the real problemThree visibility leaks to check this weekWhat to do instead of launching something new in DecemberNo trendy marketing tactics. No algorithm myths. Just smart, simple fixes that will keep your traffic steady into the new year.Mentioned on the Episode:1:1 Coaching with Sarah: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coachingYour Next Steps:Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Etsy isn’t impressed by last‑minute hustle. It’s moved by consistency. The little actions, the regular work, the shop showing up over time. That’s what builds momentum and momentum is Etsy’s love language.If you’ve ever thought you could wait until November or December to push hard, or that a big sale will solve everything, this episode is for you. Because by then, it’s often too late to build the visibility you need.In this episode we talk about:What Etsy’s algorithm actually rewards (and what it ignores)Why small, consistent actions beat big bursts every timeHow to put momentum to work before the rush hitsWhat you can start doing today so your shop is ready when buyers are showing upWhy building your snowball now pays off in holiday sales, trust, and visibilityIf you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to get serious about visibility, this is your wake‑up call.Mentioned:Etsy Visibility Accelerator (EVA) enrollment info: doors close October 29th - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/eva

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things on Etsy but still not seeing daily sales, this one’s for you.Today I break down the three foundational strategies that every successful Etsy seller is using. Even if they don’t always realize it.These are the building blocks of consistency. AKA what you need to show up in front of buyers regularly, turn clicks into sales, and stop the feast-or-famine cycle.What you’ll learn:Why “Etsy-first focus” might be all you need to build more consistent trafficHow to do intentional keyword research so you’re not just guessing tags or copying what someone else is doingHow to plan your product releases strategically so your shop isn’t scrambling for every seasonal momentResources mentioned:🎉 Free webinar: “Daily Sales on Etsy Without Going Viral”👉 Register here: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Let’s talk about something no one tells you when you’re not getting traffic on Etsy…none of the things you think will fix it actually will.If you’ve been rewriting your descriptions, updating mockups, rebranding your shop, posting on Instagram, pinning your heart out, or running sale after sale and you’re still not getting views? You might be stuck in one of the most common Etsy traffic traps.This episode breaks down 6 strategies that don’t work when your shop isn’t getting traffic and what you should focus on instead to finally fix the visibility problem.In this episode, I’ll share:Why new mockups, logos, and color palettes won’t bring trafficWhat actually causes traffic problems on EtsyWhy social media and Pinterest won’t save a visibility issueWhat to fix first if you want more views and sales without guessingResources mentioned:🎉 Free Masterclass: Daily Sales on Etsy Without Going Viral. Sign up here: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Let’s talk about something that keeps a lot of Etsy sellers stuck…reacting instead of refining.If you’ve ever found yourself rewriting your listings at midnight, opening a Pinterest account because you “heard it works,” or launching 5 new products after one slow weekend, you’re not alone. You might just be stuck in what I call strategy fatigue and shiny object syndrome.This episode is here to help you stop panicking and start making decisions that actually lead to consistent, daily sales.We’ll dig into:Why constant tweaking kills your momentum (and what to do instead)The questions you should be asking if you want more traffic and salesWhat Etsy’s algorithm actually needs from your listings to rankWhy the solution isn’t more effort, it’s more focusAnd if you’re ready to get off the hamster wheel of “doing all the things,” I’ll show you how to start working smarter with a free visibility masterclass that’s coming up soon.Resources mentioned:🎉 Free Masterclass: Daily Sales on Etsy Without Going Viral. Save your seat at: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

If you’ve been asking yourself, “What should I sell on Etsy?” this episode flips that question on its head.We’re talking about a super common trap Etsy sellers fall into: trying to reverse engineer a shop that looks successful…instead of building one that actually feels aligned.And yes, we’re busting the “you need to niche down to be successful” myth while we’re at it.Because here’s the truth…you don’t need the perfect niche to grow on Etsy. But you do need to love what you sell. That excitement? That connection to your product? That’s your secret weapon.I’ll walk you through four big ways sellers accidentally sabotage themselves when they try to pick a niche based only on trends, data, or what’s already selling. And more importantly, I’ll help you shift your focus to the only question that actually matters:✨ What do you love making?Here’s what you’ll learn:Why keyword research alone won’t build a sustainable shopThe difference between copying bestsellers vs. creating what sells for youWhat “reverse engineering” your niche looks like (and how to stop)The real risk of chasing trends you don’t care aboutWhat to ask yourself instead when choosing what to sell🎧 Mentioned in the episode:Free Masterclass: Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral – Save your seat: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Let’s bust one of the biggest Etsy myths out there: the idea that you have to pick a niche to grow.If you’ve ever delayed committing to your shop because you “haven’t figured out your niche yet,” or felt pressure to make your whole shop match a vibe, this episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking it.Because Etsy doesn’t care about your niche the way Instagram does. It’s a search engine, not a social platform. And your buyers? They’re not judging your branding. They’re just searching for something specific and trying to find it fast.In this episode, we’ll unpack:Why you don’t need to curate your shop around one “ideal customer”What the Etsy algorithm actually looks at when ranking your listingsThe difference between a niche aesthetic and a sellable niche strategyWhy variety isn’t the problem but lack of product depth isHow to avoid turning your shop into a “garage sale” (and what to do instead)Plus, I’ll walk you through what really builds momentum in Etsy search, and how to create listings that rank even if you sell more than one thing.Resources mentioned:🎉 Free Webinar: Daily Sales on Etsy Without Going ViralSign up here: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

If it feels like you’ve tried everything and still aren’t seeing results in your Etsy shop, this one’s for you.You’ve tested new keywords, changed your photos, launched more products, adjusted your pricing and yet your traffic is still all over the place. Sales are inconsistent. And you’re stuck wondering what else you’re “supposed” to do.This is strategy fatigue. And it’s more common than you think.In this episode, I’m showing you how to recognize strategy fatigue, why it’s keeping you stuck, and what to do instead of trying to “fix” your shop with more and more changes.What you’ll learn:What strategy fatigue actually is (and how to know if you’re in it)Why doing more often leads to less progressThe shift from reacting to leading with intentionHow Etsy’s algorithm sees scattered shops and why that hurts visibilityThe difference between emotional tweaking vs. strategic decision-makingA simple, data-driven approach to get your momentum backResources mentioned: 🎉 Sign up for my free webinar: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Episode 209: Why Etsy Isn’t Too Saturated for You“Etsy is too saturated.”If you’ve said this (or thought it), you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common beliefs I hear from handmade sellers, especially when they’re struggling to get visibility or comparing their shop to others.But I want to challenge that belief today. Because while Etsy is competitive, that’s not the same as saturated. And once you understand how Etsy really works? You’ll see that there’s still room for you and your shop no matter what niche you’re in.If you’ve ever felt like your shop is getting buried, that your product won’t stand out, or that it’s too late to grow, this episode is for you.What you’ll learn:The difference between competition and saturation (and why it matters)Why Etsy doesn’t rank the “best” listings…it ranks the most relevantHow new sellers are gaining traction in crowded categoriesWhat Etsy actually rewards in searchWhy “too saturated” is just a myth holding you backHow to make sure your shop is findable, even in a competitive nicheResources mentioned:Join the EVA waitlist: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/evaYour Next Steps:Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

You’ve poured your heart into a product. The photos are solid. The price is fair. The listing feels ready. And still…no sales.Before you scrap it, I want to walk you through something I see all the time with handmade sellers: Your product isn’t the problem. It’s your visibility.In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reason good listings underperform and what to do before you start over (again).This one’s for the creative seller who’s tired of guessing, second-guessing, and making new things just to hear crickets.What you’ll learn:The biggest mistake sellers make when a product flopsWhy good products sit invisible in search3 questions to ask before starting overEasy listing tweaks that could completely change your salesHow to know if the issue is visibility, keywords, or conversionThe smarter way to fix a listing without creating something newResources mentioned:👉 EVA Waitlist: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/evaYour Next Steps:Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Yet another side-eye glance at your endless to-do list, wondering if this Etsy hustle is worth your energy? You’re not alone and today, we’re talking about something that weighs on so many creative sellers: Can handmade truly be sustainable?Spoiler: Yes, it can…if you stop trying to grow it unsustainably.In this episode, we’re unpacking how you can build a sustainable handmade business around your life, not your anxiety. We’ll cover:Why chasing constant growth hurts more than it helpsHow Etsy’s inherent search-based model already supports sustainabilityThe power of “compound interest” in visibility, not chaotic hustleHow to make slow, meaningful growth possible with better decisions—and better pricingAnd if you’re ready to grow a handmade business that lasts (without burning yourself out), I’ll share how to get hands-on support inside Etsy Visibility Accelerator. Open now through Thursday, August 22nd.Join me here - http://www.sarahjwaggoner.com/eva

Ever feel like your Etsy shop is a little all over the place? You’ve got some mugs, a printable or two, a sticker pack, a t-shirt, maybe a wedding sign from last spring and one random Halloween file that’s been sitting there since last fall.You’re creative. You’re experimenting. You’re uploading what you’ve made. And it feels like you’re doing the right thing by keeping the shop active.But Etsy doesn’t reward activity, my friend. It needs to think you’re an authority for what you make.If your shop looks more like a digital garage sale than a cohesive brand, Etsy doesn’t know who to send your way. That’s why your traffic stalls, your visibility plateaus, and you keep feeling like your listings are just floating out there.In today’s episode, I’m showing you:Why scattered listings kill your momentumWhat the Etsy algorithm really looks for in a shopAnd how to turn your ideas into a focused product line Etsy actually wants to rankMentioned in this episode:👉 Join the Etsy Visibility Accelerator (doors open through August 22nd):https://sarahjwaggoner.com/eva

If you’ve been pulled in a hundred different directions with your marketing and you’re not seeing the growth you want, this episode is your permission slip to simplify.Because Etsy deserves to be your number one priority. Not Instagram. Not email. Not whatever new platform just launched.In this episode, I’ll walk you through:Why Etsy is more than a marketplace and how it actually works in your favorThe difference between chasing attention and showing up where buyers already areHow Etsy’s algorithm rewards focused, consistent effort (aka the Etsy snowball)And why you might not be seeing results yet, not because Etsy isn’t working, but because it hasn’t been your focusIf your energy has been stretched thin and you're ready to finally build the kind of visibility that grows over time (without burnout), I want to invite you to join me inside my signature program, Etsy Visibility Accelerator (EVA).EVA is open for enrollment through Thursday, August 22nd, and it’s where I’ll help you build a visibility strategy that actually sticks.Join EVA here: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/eva

In today’s episode, I’m busting the myth that social media is the secret to Etsy success. And I’m showing you what actually matters, especially if you’d rather focus on your products than chase likes.We’ll cover:Why Etsy doesn’t care about your social media followingWhat the algorithm does reward (and how to use that to your advantage)How sellers are scaling without an audience or a single reelAnd what kind of visibility actually grows your shop without burning you outMentioned in the episode:Save your seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass (August 8): https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcastListening after August 8? You can join the waitlist or get the replay at the same link above!Your Next Steps:Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

You’re making sales and showing up and your Etsy shop is doing fine…But you’re not seeing that next level of consistent growth.If you’ve hit a plateau in your traffic or sales, and you're stuck in that “some sales, but not daily” phase, this episode is for you.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through three smart, strategic tweaks that can help you scale what’s already working so your shop doesn’t just survive…it grows.We’ll cover:Why “more listings” isn’t always the answerThe small listing tweaks that can majorly boost conversionsHow to re-activate old bestsellers and get back into Etsy’s good gracesAnd how to sharpen your visibility strategy for sustainable, scalable growthMentioned in the episode:Save your seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass (August 8): https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcastYour Next Steps:Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner