Crickets to Cha-Chings

Crickets to Cha-chings is a podcast for handmade and digital entrepreneurs wanting to uplevel their Etsy shops and grow their business. Join us as we talk marketing for your business, strategy to drive traffic to your shop, how to stand out on Etsy, and running an online business while maintaining flexibility for your family.

193. Will Emily Hit $500k in 2 Years on Etsy? Her Holiday POD Tips

Julie Berninger welcomes back Emily, a successful Etsy seller who has generated nearly $450,000 in revenue in her first two years. They discuss the dynamics of holiday sales, particularly during Q4, and share valuable tips for print on demand sellers. Emily emphasizes the importance of personalization, customer service, and the need to prepare throughout the year for the holiday rush. They also announce an upcoming print on demand course aimed at helping aspiring Etsy sellers optimize their shops and succeed in the competitive market.   Takeaways Emily generated nearly $450,000 in her first two years on Etsy. Q4 is crucial for print on demand sellers, with sales often doubling. You don't need to sell holiday-specific items to succeed. Personalization can significantly boost sales and customer satisfaction. Customer service is vital during the busy holiday season. Investing in your shop year-round is key to success. Ornaments and gift-friendly items can be great alternatives to apparel. Setting clear shop announcements can help manage customer expectations. Sales peak around Black Friday and remain high until early December. Planning for post-holiday sales is essential for continued success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emily's Success Story 02:51 Understanding Q4 and Holiday Sales Dynamics 05:51 Tips for Print on Demand Sellers 09:01 The Importance of Personalization 11:54 Customer Service Strategies for Q4 14:53 Preparing for Q4 Throughout the Year 17:58 Exciting New Course Announcement 21:03 Final Thoughts and Holiday Shopping Inspiration   Resources: Gold City Ventures https://goldcityventures.com/  

11-18
23:40

192. Earn More $ on Black Friday With These Uncommon Etsy Tips

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison discuss effective strategies for Etsy sellers to prepare for Black Friday and the holiday season. They cover the importance of creating gift guides, utilizing Etsy promotions, collaborating with other sellers, and engaging audiences through social media. The conversation also touches on adapting listings for seasonal trends and exploring business growth opportunities beyond Etsy.   Takeaways: Creating gift guides can significantly boost sales during the holiday season. Etsy sellers can benefit from participating in promotional sales without feeling pressured. Collaborating with other sellers can expand your audience and increase visibility. Engaging your audience early about upcoming sales can create excitement and anticipation. Rethinking sales strategies beyond just Black Friday can lead to greater success. Adapting product listings to seasonal trends can attract more customers. Utilizing social media effectively can enhance marketing efforts for Etsy shops. Building relationships with other sellers can lead to fruitful collaborations. Understanding Etsy's promotional strategies can help sellers make informed decisions. Exploring additional revenue streams can help grow an Etsy business beyond the platform. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Black Friday Strategies for Etsy Sellers 06:08 Utilizing Etsy Promotions and Sales 12:04 Engaging Your Audience for Black Friday 17:46 Adapting Listings for Seasonal Trends   Resources Mentioned: Etsy Holiday Trend Guide Share & Save Program Awin Signup   Other Resources: Watch on YouTube Gold City Ventures Beyond Program

11-11
36:24

191. When Etsy Sales Double in Q4.. Use Everbee This Way with Founder Cody McGuffie

In this episode, Julie Berninger interviews Cody McGuffie founder and CEO of Everbee, an e-commerce platform that assists Etsy sellers in product research and marketing. Try Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Cody shares insights on seasonal trends, particularly the significant sales spikes during Q4, and dispels myths about summer sales being slow. He also reveals upcoming features for Everbee that will enhance data accuracy and trend tracking for sellers. The conversation emphasizes the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital product space. Q4 is a critical time for sales, often doubling revenue for sellers. Here is what you can do to prepare. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:36 Trends in Etsy Selling and Personalization 07:53 Niche Markets and Successful Selling Strategies 10:48 The Role of Social Media in Etsy Sales 13:44 Holiday Sales Trends and Insights 17:44 Summer Sales and Market Activity 19:47 Upcoming Features in Everbee 24:07 Data Accuracy and Sources 30:48 Final Thoughts and Advice Resources:  Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zE4LiP4jIEk

10-29
32:20

190. These Cat Products Are Making $15,000 per Month on Etsy!

Etsy's Cat Craze: A Purrfect Opportunity for Sellers The cat niche on Etsy is booming! In this video, we dive into the surprising popularity of cat-related products and how you can capitalize on this trend. Key Takeaways: Cat vs. Dog: While dogs may have a slight edge in search volume, cats are still a major force on Etsy. Cat-ify Your Products: Consider adding cat-themed variations to your existing products. This could include cat-shaped crochet toys, cat-inspired wall art, or even cat-themed phone wallpapers. Digital Downloads: Cat-themed digital downloads like printable wall art and pet care information sheets are highly sought after. Physical Products: Cat-themed physical products, such as cat shelves, cat toys, and cat collars, are also big sellers. Niche Down: Explore unique cat-related niches like cat psychic readings or cat costumes. Leverage Current Trends: Ride the wave of current trends, such as Halloween-themed cat products or political cat-themed merchandise. Specific Product Ideas: Cat Toys: Crochet cat toys, catnip-filled toys, and interactive toys. Wall Art: Cat-themed wall art, digital downloads, and custom pet portraits. Home Decor: Cat-themed pillows, blankets, and furniture. Accessories: Cat collars, cat hats, and cat backpacks. Digital Products: Printable pet care information sheets, phone wallpapers, and custom pet icons. By understanding the current trends and tapping into the growing cat niche, you can significantly boost your Etsy sales. Remember, creativity is key! Think outside the box and find unique ways to incorporate cat-themed elements into your products. Watch on YouTube (this Episode): https://youtu.be/tJ1qCveLymg Watch on YouTube (Dog ideas): https://youtu.be/HfsCujPHzuc Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/

10-25
08:22

189. The Riches Are in the Niches: Medical Subspecialties

This episode delves into the potential of medical subspecialties as lucrative niches on Etsy for digital products. While popular niches like nurses and doctors are often saturated, exploring subspecialties can offer a more unique and less competitive market. Key Points: Subspecialty Examples include EMT, pharmacy techs, veterinary techs, radiology techs, lab techs, surgical techs. Use tools like eRank to estimate search volume for specific keywords.  Product ideas include digital study guides, notes, flashcards, printable gifts, badge reels, funny jokes, and more.  Resources: Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FOGhPLsQF1A    

10-10
06:57

188. Surprising Dog Products that are a Goldmine on Etsy

This episode dives deep into the lucrative potential of dog-related products on Etsy, highlighting highly searched but often overlooked niches. From practical items like dog stairs and ramps to personalized gifts and themed merchandise, the dog-centric market on Etsy is booming. Key Points: High-Demand Dog Products: Dog stairs, ramps, food scoops, crates, bowls, ornaments, apparel, and more. Personalized Products: Customize items with dog names, pictures, and breed-specific designs for increased appeal. Niche-Specific Ideas: Explore subcategories like dog weddings, Halloween costumes, and memorial items. Vintage-Inspired Trends: Capitalize on the popularity of vintage-themed dog products, as seen with 90s-style personalized shirts. Profit Potential: Discover examples of Etsy listings generating substantial revenue from dog-related items, including custom phone cases and personalized shirts. Resources: About Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee  

10-07
07:26

187. Is eRank Accurate? Where is the Data From?

Julie interviews eRank Founder, Anthony Wolf, to find out if eRank accurate and where is the data from? See below for an eRank free trial link. They discuss eRank's features, data sources, and how it aids Etsy sellers in optimizing their listings. They delve into buyer insights from an annual survey, emphasizing the importance of quality images, effective communication, and shipping strategies. Resources: If you want to try a premium eRank plan for 7 days sign up using the Gold City Ventures link below and then navigate to the second linked page to sign up for the free trial. Resources: eRank Account: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank eRank Free Trial: https://members.erank.com/a/goldcityventures Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5KaYX3fesSw  

09-30
47:33

186. Smart Teacher Product Ideas for More Etsy Sales

Teachers can sell products on Etsy like t-shirts, printables, and classroom decor. This episode explores what is bestselling in the teacher niche. Key Takeaways: Niche Down: Targeting specific teacher subniches like math teachers or third grade teachers can increase visibility. Bulk Sales: Offering teacher gifts in bulk can appeal to schools and individual teachers. Personalized Products: Customizing items with teacher names or grade levels can make them more appealing. Teacher-Related Accessories: Items like pens, tote bags, bracelets, and classroom decor are in demand. Seasonal Themes: Incorporating holiday-themed elements can boost sales throughout the year. Digital Products: Printable resources like worksheets, classroom decor, and hall passes are popular. By focusing on these areas and understanding the specific needs of teachers, sellers can effectively tap into this lucrative niche on Etsy. Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/7H_1t9gUa5k    

09-26
05:24

185. Nurse Niche Bestselling Etsy Digital Product Ideas

Nurse Niche Etsy Opportunities Lucrative Niche: The nurse niche is highly profitable on Etsy, with some shops having hundreds of thousands of sales. Popular Products: Nursing school notes, study guides, t-shirts, sweatshirts, badge reels, ornaments, and gifts are in demand.   Niche Down: Targeting specific subniches like oncology or NICU nurses can increase search visibility and sales. Customization: Holiday-themed and personalized products can stand out in a competitive market. Repurposing: Existing products can be relabeled to appeal to nurses, such as labeling a retirement gift for a nurse. By focusing on these areas and leveraging Etsy's search features, sellers can tap into the lucrative nurse niche and increase their sales. About Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ETkOL5DW8iY  

09-23
03:28

184. Market to Coffee Lovers With These 10 Ideas

Julie covers ideas for Etsy sellers in the coffee lover gifts niche. She discusses various trends and opportunities within this niche, such as combining food and non-food items, emotional support items, teacher gifts, Christmas tree decor, and mug wraps. The host also highlights the popularity of iced coffee candles and suggests that sellers in the homemade soy candle industry could tap into this trend. The conversation concludes with the importance of social media presence and the potential for viral marketing. Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nb9VHAg07sY  

09-11
08:52

183. Unique Gift Basket Ideas That Can Increase Your Sales on Etsy

Julie Berninger discusses unique gift basket ideas for Etsy sellers. She explains Etsy's new creativity standards for gift baskets and provides examples of traditional gift baskets for women and men. Julie then explores creatively assembled gift baskets that meet Etsy's standards, such as seasonal gift baskets, goth gift baskets, and gift baskets for teenagers and tweens. She also suggests ideas like book blind date gift sets, flower girl gift groups, DIY slime kits, and Play-Doh sensory kits. Julie emphasizes the potential for sellers to repurpose their existing products as gift baskets and highlights the importance of understanding trends and using social media to promote these unique gift baskets. Takeaways Etsy has new creativity standards for gift baskets, including having a clear theme and sourcing items from different companies. Traditional gift baskets for women and men are popular, but sellers can explore unique gift basket ideas to stand out. Creatively assembled gift baskets that meet Etsy's standards include seasonal gift baskets, goth gift baskets, and gift baskets for teenagers and tweens. Other unique gift basket ideas include book blind date gift sets, flower girl gift groups, DIY slime kits, and Play-Doh sensory kits. Sellers can repurpose their existing products as gift baskets and use social media to promote them.   Resources: Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Everbee: https://go.goldcityventures.com/everbee Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ITvaH0XGNI0    

09-04
12:30

182. How Emily Earned 6-Figures from her POD & Digital Shops since January 2023

Emily, a successful 6-figure Etsy seller, shares her journey of starting and growing her print on demand and digital product shops. She emphasizes the importance of research and finding niche markets to target. Emily also discusses her graphic design skills and the importance of practice and simplicity in creating professional-looking designs. She shares her productivity strategies, including using templates and setting goals, and how she balances creation and consumption of content.  Contact Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ecommemily/ Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AeBYEexJZeA

08-26
41:49

181. Coaching Call at 300 Sales - Bundles, Flagship Products, and Blogging

In this episode, Julie interviews Meagan, an Etsy seller in the faith and family LDS niche who wants to expand her business beyond Etsy. Megan shares her journey of starting on Etsy and growing her shop to 300 sales. Julie suggests participating in a bundle and creating an email sales sequence to promote the flagship product. They also touch on the topic of social media and the potential benefits of creating videos.   Takeaways Having a flagship product to sell can help drive sales and establish your brand. Participating in bundles and creating email sales sequences can be effective strategies for promoting your products. Creating videos on social media can be a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AOFfA5lgWgM Connect with Meagan: https://printstouplift.com/ Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com Beyond: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond  

08-19
28:14

180. Coaching Call: A Membership for Catholic Moms

Mary, an Etsy seller in the Catholic niche, discusses her journey of selling machine embroidery products and transitioning to selling printables. She shares her desire to move off Etsy and reach her Catholic clientele. The conversation explores the idea of Mary becoming a Catholic influencer and the challenges she faces in feeling like a thought leader. They discuss the potential of creating lifestyle content, such as home decorating and holiday activities, to attract and engage her audience. The conversation also touches on the possibility of launching a membership and the importance of understanding her audience's needs and preferences. https://goldcityventures.com/beyond Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kMHEoaBG3Wg  

08-15
45:40

179. How to Find Your Target Buyer on Etsy: Coaching Call

Lisa, a seller in the Gold City Ventures community, shares her journey of starting an Etsy shop to help with daycare costs and her transition to digital products. She discusses her goals of growing her shop and making it a bigger business. The conversation explores the idea of finding a flagship product, with a focus on handprint art and trivia games. Lisa also talks about her experience with social media, specifically Pinterest, and her plans for building an email list and engaging with customers. The conversation focused on identifying the target audience for Lisa's printable products and determining the best approach to reach them.  Gold City Venture's Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ Contact Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/midwestprintableco/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pL74eiK5-Ww  

08-13
41:06

178. Halloween Etsy Product Ideas with LOW Competition

Halloween is approaching and it's a great time to discuss how to appeal to Halloween shoppers. Julie Berninger shares ideas for Halloween products with good search volume and low competition on Etsy sourced from eRank. The main themes include vintage and retro aesthetics, girlie Halloween, dog breeds, specific Halloween terms like 'momster', accessories like headbands and socks, home decor items like pillows and doormats, boo baskets, dioramas, Halloween slime, digital products like trivia and bingo, Twitch emotes, and wall art. eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9vSCfZRO3aY  

08-09
10:24

177. Coaching Call: A New Planner Business for Busy Moms

Julie talks with Etsy digital products seller, Stephanie, about her plans to create a larger digital products business for busy moms. Her niche is women pursuing businesses. Takeaways Starting an Etsy shop can be a great entry point into the online business world. It's important to be flexible and willing to pivot your business direction based on what sells and what your target audience wants. Understanding your target demographic and their needs is crucial for building a successful business. Consider exploring trends and niches within your niche to find new opportunities for growth. Building a Facebook group can be an effective way to connect with your target audience and create a community. Collaborating with other influencers in your niche can help you reach a wider audience and gain credibility. Pitching is essential for growing an online business, even if the response rate is low Collaborations and bundles can be effective in reaching a wider audience and generating sales Building a following and validating the demand for products is important before investing too much time and effort Contact Stephanie: https://thebusymamabee.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pXIDaur0Pw8 Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com Beyond: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond    

08-07
52:31

176. The Power of UGC Photography in Marketing with Lauren Hooper

In this episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Julie Berninger interviews Lauren Hooper, an artist and entrepreneur, about her expertise in user-generated content (UGC) photography. Lauren provides tips for creating UGC, including the importance of background, lighting, and showcasing the product in real-life scenarios. She also discusses the impact of UGC on Etsy sales and the value of testing different types of content to see what converts best. Contact Lauren: https://lauren-likes.com/ Gold City Ventures: https://goldcityventures.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vgcvBFvLeLc    

07-31
38:18

175. Gnomes for Every Occasion! Top Trends with Craft with Sarah

Sarah Edwards, a Cricut crafting expert, discusses the crafting community and the popularity of digital files and finished crafts.  We cover: Cricut machine, digital files, finished crafts, SVG files, trends in crafting, selling crafts, crafting, digital files, pricing, layered paper crafts, SVG, sublimation, AI, sublimation printer, Facebook groups, floral craft countdown   Takeaways The crafting community has grown, especially since the pandemic, with a predominantly female audience. Crafters use SVG files to create their projects, which can be customized and uploaded to the Cricut Design Space. Trends in crafting include gnomes, dog breeds, and personalized items. Selling digital files is more popular than selling finished crafts due to scalability and lower costs. The price of digital craft files can vary depending on the complexity and time investment required to create them. Layered paper crafts command a higher sale price due to the time investment and complexity involved. Sublimation crafting is growing in popularity, especially with the availability of affordable sublimation printers. AI is starting to impact the crafting industry, but there is still a demand for hand-drawn and unique designs. Joining crafting communities on Facebook can provide valuable support, inspiration, and learning opportunities. The floral craft countdown summit is a great way to learn new techniques and try out different crafts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:56 The Crafting Community and its Audience 03:56 The Popularity of the Cricut Machine 08:49 Trends in Crafting 20:31 The Pricing of Digital Craft Files 22:51 The Popularity of Layered Paper Crafts 26:10 The Growing Trend of Sublimation Crafting 32:54 Joining Crafting Communities on Facebook 39:24 The Floral Craft Countdown Summit   Resources:  Get your free ticket to the Floral Craft Coundown Summit from Craft with Sarah: https://go.goldcityventures.com/floral-countdown   Learn more about us: https://goldcityventures.com/   The Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/exXxqJNCOTg

07-08
41:43

174. The Get Legit Toolkit and Bookkeeping 101 with Janet of Paper and Spark

Julie Berninger and Janet LeBlanc of Paper and Spark discuss the steps to take when starting an Etsy shop from a CPA's perspective. They cover topics such as understanding the difference between a business and a hobby, obtaining a DBA permit, opening a business bank account, and the importance of bookkeeping. They also touch on the issue of Etsy shop suspensions and the need for proper tax ID information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of treating an Etsy shop as a business and making informed decisions based on accurate financial data.   This is not legal or tax advice. Please obtain your own professionals. Resources: Janet's Etsy Seller Spreadsheet Janet's Get Legit Toolkit Course training **we are affiliates for both products Takeaways: Before starting an Etsy shop, it's important to understand the difference between a business and a hobby, as well as the legal requirements for running a business. Obtaining a DBA permit (Doing Business As) is often necessary for running an Etsy shop under a name different from your own legal name. Opening a business bank account can make bookkeeping and tax filing easier, even if it's not legally required. Proper bookkeeping is crucial for tracking expenses, understanding profitability, and making informed business decisions. It's important to provide accurate tax ID information to Etsy, and to keep track of all business-related transactions for tax purposes. Etsy shop suspensions can occur for various reasons, and it's important to understand and comply with Etsy's policies to avoid suspension. Sellers should be aware of their tax responsibilities, including sales tax and income tax. Janet LeBlanc's GetLegit Toolkit is a valuable resource for product sellers to navigate their financial responsibilities. Learn more about Gold City Ventures and Crickets to Cha-Chings: https://goldcityventures.com/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0K-1qYQTpVo

07-01
49:27

Jerry Wagoner 🖖

great episode...in my resin casting lair getting ready for the holidays as I listen. 😀

10-04 Reply

Billy Baker

The intro audio on this episode is a little messed up, but it doesn't last long and the rest of the episode is great.

03-24 Reply

Carol Gilbert-Whitman

what about follow for follow with Etsy? There are some Facebook pages that have that. I've heard that those follow for follow messes with algorithm. Love your podcast!

09-17 Reply

chelsea tusch

you read my mind! I so needed this episode!

07-22 Reply

Keri Jordan

Thank you for your podcast. Your podcast is very focused, and your delivery style is engaging. I'm enjoying it immensely! I didn't think I could/should implement free shipping for my small items in my shop. However, I took your advice to split the difference on shipping for those items. I am very excited about the potential increase in purchases to my shop. Thank you so much! @kerispapercrafts

06-29 Reply

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