I Hit 20 Sales in Just Two Months on Etsy: Here’s How I Did It

Sabrina Barkdoll
Nov 17, 2024
3 min read

When I first opened Sabtastic Designs in 2023, it was more of a casual experiment than a focused effort. I had accumulated a ridiculous amount of canvases that were just sitting around, taking up space in my apartment.

That’s when it hit me: why not turn these into digital prints and sell them on Etsy?

The problem was, I wasn’t really trying. I posted the listings and left them alone, hoping for the best, but putting in no real effort to grow or market my shop. Unsurprisingly, nothing much came of it.

Fast forward to two months ago—I found myself with even more canvases and a renewed sense of purpose. This time, I decided to take it seriously and commit to the process. I was excited but also hesitant—was it realistic to believe I could turn this passion into something sustainable?

I’ve heard countless stories of people making thousands on Etsy and while I’m not at that level (yet!) that’s not what drives me. For me, it’s about the learning process, the joy of creating, and the satisfaction of seeing real, tangible results from my efforts.

Disclaimer: the revenue in the screenshot is inaccurate as it does not include fees

With this renewed sense of purpose, in just two months, I’ve achieved:

443 visits
12 orders (20 individual sales)
A conversion rate of 2.7%

Here’s how I did it:

1. Networking and Support from Family and Friends

When I started, I leaned heavily on my family and friends for encouragement, feedback, and those crucial first sales.

How this helped:

Early sales and reviews boosted my shop’s visibility in Etsy’s algorithm as well as trust from new customers.
Honest feedback helped me improve my listings and product presentation.

Key takeaway: Don’t hesitate to share your shop with the people who care about you. They want to see you succeed and can be your best advocates!

2. Research and Learning the Ropes

I’ve spent hours diving into resources to understand how to improve my shop. YouTube videos, blogs, and tools like eRank (which helps track trends and optimize Etsy listings) have been invaluable.

What I’ve learned so far:

Titles, tags, and descriptions matter! Keywords help customers find your products.
Experimentation is key—tweaking my approach over time has been part of the fun.

Quick note: I’m not sponsored by eRank (as cool as that would be); I just enjoy the challenge of learning and improving.

Key takeaway: The journey to success is about embracing the process of learning and

continuously refining your craft.

3. Competitor Analysis and Understanding Trends

I’ve also spent time studying other shops to see what works for them and identifying areas where I could stand out.

What I noticed:

Many shops follow quick trends or rely heavily on AI designs.
Customers crave authentic, meaningful and affordable creations—especially in today’s economy.

What I focused on:

Creating vibrant, personal designs that don’t feel mass-produced.
Pricing my products fairly so they’re accessible to a wide range of customers.

Key takeaway: Staying true to your values and understanding your audience’s needs will help you stand out.

4. Using Canva to Create Designs

My love for Canva is another factor of why I started to take Sabtastic Designs more seriously! It’s where my creativity comes alive, allowing me to design pieces that brighten up homes and events.

What makes Canva great:

It’s accessible and easy to use for beginners and pros alike.
It provides endless possibilities to experiment and express my ideas.

Key takeaway: When your passion drives your work, the process itself becomes rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Reaching 20 sales in two months might seem small, but for me, it’s a significant step toward building the shop I’ve always dreamed of. By leaning on my support network, committing to continuous learning, and staying true to my mission, I’ve been able to grow in ways I didn’t expect.

If you’re considering starting your own Etsy shop, here’s my advice: