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 make
What’s actually happening when views and sales drop
Why tweaking your products isn’t solving the real problem
Three visibility leaks to check this week
What to do instead of launching something new in December
No 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/coaching
Your Next Steps:
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 time
How to put momentum to work before the rush hits
What you can start doing today so your shop is ready when buyers are showing up
Why building your snowball now pays off in holiday sales, trust, and visibility
If 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 traffic
How to do intentional keyword research so you’re not just guessing tags or copying what someone else is doing
How to plan your product releases strategically so your shop isn’t scrambling for every seasonal moment
Resources mentioned:
🎉 Free webinar: “Daily Sales on Etsy Without Going Viral”👉 Register here: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 traffic
What actually causes traffic problems on Etsy
Why social media and Pinterest won’t save a visibility issue
What to fix first if you want more views and sales without guessing
Resources mentioned:🎉 Free Masterclass: Daily Sales on Etsy Without Going Viral. Sign up here: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 sales
What Etsy’s algorithm actually needs from your listings to rank
Why the solution isn’t more effort, it’s more focus
And 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/freeclass
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 shop
The difference between copying bestsellers vs. creating what sells for you
What “reverse engineering” your niche looks like (and how to stop)
The real risk of chasing trends you don’t care about
What 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/freeclass
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 listings
The difference between a niche aesthetic and a sellable niche strategy
Why variety isn’t the problem but lack of product depth is
How 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/freeclass
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 progress
The shift from reacting to leading with intention
How Etsy’s algorithm sees scattered shops and why that hurts visibility
The difference between emotional tweaking vs. strategic decision-making
A simple, data-driven approach to get your momentum back
Resources mentioned: 🎉 Sign up for my free webinar: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 relevant
How new sellers are gaining traction in crowded categories
What Etsy actually rewards in search
Why “too saturated” is just a myth holding you back
How to make sure your shop is findable, even in a competitive niche
Resources mentioned:Join the EVA waitlist: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/eva
Your Next Steps:
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 flops
Why good products sit invisible in search
3 questions to ask before starting over
Easy listing tweaks that could completely change your sales
How to know if the issue is visibility, keywords, or conversion
The smarter way to fix a listing without creating something new
Resources mentioned:👉 EVA Waitlist: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/eva
Your Next Steps:
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 helps
How Etsy’s inherent search-based model already supports sustainability
The power of “compound interest” in visibility, not chaotic hustle
How to make slow, meaningful growth possible with better decisions—and better pricing
And 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 momentum
What the Etsy algorithm really looks for in a shop
And how to turn your ideas into a focused product line Etsy actually wants to rank
Mentioned 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 favor
The difference between chasing attention and showing up where buyers already are
How 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 focus
If 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 following
What the algorithm does reward (and how to use that to your advantage)
How sellers are scaling without an audience or a single reel
And what kind of visibility actually grows your shop without burning you out
Mentioned in the episode:
Save your seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass (August 8): https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Listening 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/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow 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 answer
The small listing tweaks that can majorly boost conversions
How to re-activate old bestsellers and get back into Etsy’s good graces
And how to sharpen your visibility strategy for sustainable, scalable growth
Mentioned in the episode:
Save your seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass (August 8): https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Your Next Steps:
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner
You crushed it during the holidays, right? Your Etsy shop was busy, your orders were flowing, and it finally felt like everything was clicking…
And then January hit.
Crickets.
If you’re tired of riding the seasonal rollercoaster, this episode is for you.
I’m walking you through how to use that Q4 traction to actually grow your shop year-round, not just survive the slow season. We’re covering:
Why Etsy momentum doesn’t have to reset every January
How to repurpose your holiday success for spring, summer, and beyond
What to fix now so you’re not scrambling in October
How to stay visible between seasons without launching new products every month
This is how you stop waiting for Q4 to “save” your shop and start building sustainable growth.
Mentioned in the episode:
Save your seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass (August 8): https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Your Next Steps:
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner
You’ve done all the “right” things.
Great products? Check.Keyword-optimized listings? Check.You’re showing up in search…at least you think you are…
And yet? Crickets.
Today’s episode is for the seller who feels like their shop is invisible. Because if your listings are getting seen but not converting, something deeper is going on and I want to help you fix it.
We’re diving into:
The real reason shops stay invisible (it’s not what you think)
Why decent SEO alone isn’t enough to drive traffic or sales
How Etsy actually works as a search engine—and what that means for your strategy
Three reasons your shop might be buried in search
How to create clarity and focus that makes your listings easier to find and buy
Mentioned in the episode:
Save your seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass (August 8): https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Your Next Steps:
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner
Let’s talk to the in-between seller.
You’re showing up… kind of. Tweak a listing here. Swap a photo there. Check your stats once in a while.
But deep down? You’re not sure this whole Etsy thing is actually working.
If you’ve been in start-stop mode with your shop, today’s episode is for you.
We’re talking about why your shop isn’t broken and how you might just be stuck in a cycle that’s keeping you invisible.
Inside, I’ll walk you through:
Why getting halfway in keeps your shop stuck
How Etsy’s algorithm sees inconsistency (and what to do about it)
What simple, small consistency actually looks like
And how to stop starting over and start building traction that sticks
Mentioned in the episode:
Save your free seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “What does Etsy even want from me?” this episode is your cheat sheet.
Because Etsy’s algorithm isn’t some secret code you have to crack. It’s not about chasing trends or going viral. And it’s definitely not only rewarding giant shops with huge followings.
So what is it looking for?
Today, I’m walking you through the three things Etsy’s algorithm actually wants from your shop and how to give it what it’s asking for without burning out or starting from scratch.
You’ll learn:
Why you don’t need to niche all the way down but you do need to focus
What kind of engagement matters most for your ranking
How consistent action (not hustle) builds long-term visibility
And why your next move should be about clarity not chaos
Mentioned in the episode:
Save your free seat for the Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral masterclass: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner
Feeling lost on Etsy? Start here.
Starting your Etsy shop can feel like diving into a Pinterest board of pressure. You’re trying to do all the things and you’re staring at other shops thinking, “How the heck am I supposed to catch up?”
If that’s you, this episode is your calm in the chaos.
Whether you’re brand new or stuck in that “sort of launched but still kind of confused” stage, I’m giving you three mindset shifts that will help you move forward without spinning your wheels or trying to build the perfect shop overnight.
What you’ll learn:
Why starting simple is the smartest way to build visibility
The truth about keyword research (and what matters more)
How confidence actually happens in Etsy selling
What to focus on if your shop is new, messy, or barely moving
Mentioned in the episode:
Sign up for the free masterclass “Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral”: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclasspodcast
Your Next Steps:
Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-accelerator
Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative
Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggoner
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner