The Handmade Shop

If you’ve ever thought getting featured in magazines, gift guides, or major publications was only for big brands then this episode is going to change your mind.Today I’m joined by PR expert Gloria Chou, and we’re talking about how Etsy sellers can land press features without paying thousands of dollars to a PR agency.Because journalists are constantly looking for products to feature. And increasingly, they want to feature small brands and independent makers.In this conversation, Gloria walks us through how AI tools and simple outreach strategies have made PR far more accessible than it used to be.If you’ve been feeling like getting media attention is out of reach, this episode will give you a completely different perspective.What You’ll Learn:Why PR isn’t just for big brands anymoreHow gift guides and product roundups actually workWhy journalists actively look for small business productsThe difference between influencer marketing and PRHow PR features boost long-term SEO and AI visibilityHow tools like Perplexity can help you pitch editors fasterResources Mentioned:Gloria Chou Free PR Masterclass: https://gloriachoupr.com/masterclassGloria Chou on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gloriachouprYour Next Steps for Visibility on Etsy:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorWatch 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

Running Etsy ads too early is one of the fastest ways to convince yourself your product doesn’t work.And most of the time that’s not actually the problem.If you’re a newer seller wondering whether Etsy ads are the shortcut to getting traction, this episode is going to save you time, money, and frustration.Because the real question isn’t just, “Are Etsy ads worth it?”It’s what are you expecting them to do?Today, we’re breaking down:Why new shops usually aren’t ready for amplificationWhen ads won’t be profitableThe one situation where ads can make sense early onAnd why ads do NOT help you rank organicallyIf you’re tempted to turn ads on just to “speed things up,” listen to this first.Mentioned in This Episode:🎓 Free Masterclass: Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclassYour Next Steps:Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggonerWork 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

Most Etsy sellers try to optimize their ads inside the ads dashboard. But that’s not where optimization actually happens.If you’re running Etsy ads and wondering why they aren’t profitable, this episode is going to shift how you think about the entire system.Because the real things that make ads work live inside your listings.Today we’re breaking down:Why conversion rate determines whether ads can be profitableThe math behind why weak listings make ads expensiveHow keywords affect what Etsy advertises you forAnd the two foundational areas you need to strengthen before increasing your ad budgetIf you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I just need to tweak my ad settings,” this episode is for you.Mentioned in This Episode:🎓 Free Masterclass: Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass💻 1:1 Coaching - 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/sarahjwaggoner

Do Etsy ads work?Yes. But not in the way most sellers think they do.If you’ve ever turned on Etsy ads hoping they’d magically fix slow sales, this episode is going to save you money.Because ads don’t create demand.They don’t fix bad photos.They don’t improve weak conversion rates.They amplify what’s already happening in your shop.In this episode, I’m breaking down:When Etsy ads are likely to waste your moneyWhen they can scale your sales beautifullyHow to know if your shop is readyAnd why ads should never be your starting pointIf you’re debating turning ads on, or wondering why they didn’t work for you before, this is a must-listen.Mentioned in This Episode🎓 Free Masterclass: Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral - 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’re getting traffic to your Etsy shop but people aren’t buying, your conversion rate is costing you sales every single day.And the frustrating part is that most sellers are making the same five completely fixable mistakes.In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact five things that tank your conversion rate and how to fix them.Because the goal isn’t to get more traffic. It’s to make it easier for buyers to say yes once they’re already there.Mentioned in This Episode:Apply for 1:1 Coaching Here - 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/sarahjwaggoner

Getting traffic but not making sales? Your conversion rate might be the problem.Today, we’re breaking down:What a conversion rate actually isWhat a “good” conversion rate looks like on EtsyWhy this number matters more than most sellers realizeHow to calculate it for individual listingsAnd what to fix if yours is lowBecause you can double your revenue without getting a single extra visitor……if you improve your conversion rate.And most Etsy sellers aren’t even looking at it.Mentioned in This Episode:💻 1:1 Coaching - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coaching📱 DM me on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggonerYour 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/sarahjwaggonerWatch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggoner

Freaking out over your Etsy stats? You might be overreacting! Let’s talk about the three Etsy stats that sellers constantly misinterpret and what you should do instead.Because they might not be telling you what you think they are.And if you’re making panicked changes every time you open your shop stats, you could be tanking your own momentum.In this episode, we’re talking about:Which stats actually matter and which ones don’tHow low-performing listings might still be helping your bestsellersWhy Etsy stats are noisy (and how to zoom out for more useful info)So if you’ve ever felt tempted to delete a listing, change your pricing, or overhaul your SEO because of one slow week, hit play on this one first.What you’ll learn:Why Etsy sellers often misread their traffic dataHow “favorites without sales” can still be a good thingWhat a slow day really means for your shop strategyWhen to adjust a listing and when to leave it aloneHow to use your stats without sabotaging your visibilityMentioned Resources:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/coaching/Your Next Steps:Follow 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

Wondering if you should delete those listings that haven’t sold in months? Here’s what to do instead.While it might feel like a good way to clean up your shop, deleting those listings could actually hurt your traffic more than help.In this episode, we’re breaking down:When it makes sense to let listings goWhen it’s smarter to keep them (even if they’re not converting yet)And how to make these decisions strategically instead of emotionallyBecause if those listings are part of a keyword family Etsy is starting to recognize your shop for, you don’t want to accidentally tank your visibility by pulling them too soon.You’ll also hear:Why quantity matters for Etsy SEO (yes, even if some products aren’t selling yet)What to do if a listing is getting traffic but no salesThe best way to let go of old products if you’re changing your shop directionPlus, I’ll share a related YouTube video that pairs perfectly with this episode - 👉 How Many Different Products Do You Actually Need to Sell on Etsy?🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/3cgpErjlJLgAnd don’t forget to grab my free masterclass - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass/Your 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

If your Etsy strategy feels chaotic, it’s because you’re doing too much, too fast, in too many directions.And when everything feels like a scramble, your visibility takes the hit.In this episode, we’re digging into why so many sellers feel stuck in Etsy strategy chaos and how to fix it with simplicity that actually gets you seen and gets you sales.We’ll talk about the real reason your strategy feels like a mess (spoiler: it’s not because you’re lazy), how Etsy’s algorithm actually works when it comes to relevance, and what a simple, high-impact strategy really looks like in your shop.If you’ve been bouncing between niches, keywords, and tactics and feel like nothing’s working, this one’s for you.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why Etsy can’t rank your listings if you keep changing strategiesHow chasing every new tip online kills your consistencyWhat Etsy actually needs from you to build relevanceWhat a simplified strategy looks like (even if you sell multiple products)How momentum and confidence come from staying in one direction🎯 Want the full visibility framework? Watch the free masterclass 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/sarahjwaggonerFollow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggoner

Want to set a 2026 goal that actually fits your life? Let’s do it today!It’s the end of the year, and if you’re feeling the pressure to pick a “big” Etsy goal but you’re also completely over it…you are not alone.In this episode, I’m walking you through how to set your 2026 Etsy goals in a way that’s clear, sustainable, and actually useful without the usual overthinking or hustle energy.We’re ditching the pressure and perfection, and getting laser focused on what will actually move your shop forward this year.This episode is especially for you if:You’re afraid to set a revenue goal because “what if I don’t hit it?”You’re in a new season of life and need your business to match that energyYou’re tired of setting vague goals that never turn into actionPlus, I’ll tell you exactly how I set goals in my own business (and what I help clients do too), so you can use a super simple process that actually works.And don’t forget to register for my free Daily Sales on Etsy Without Ads masterclass happening January 13th. I’ll show you how to use Etsy’s free search traffic to hit your 2026 sales goals with no ads and no burnout.Here’s what you’ll learn:How to set a revenue goal that supports your real lifeWhy vague goals lead to vague results (and how to fix it)A 3-step framework for breaking down your goal by quarterHow to match your Etsy strategy to your life—not just the calendarWhy “less” planning might actually move you forward fasterWhat we’re covering inside the January 13th masterclass (and why it’s the best first step into the new year)🎯 Register for the masterclass: 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’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