Podcast Episode 214: How to Start an Etsy Shop in 2026 (The Right Way)

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/8rYcdUqKXlc 

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

 In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I’m thrilled to kick off the new year with you and share my excitement about the potential of Etsy in 2026. As a work-at-home mom with a passion for entrepreneurship, I aim to help you connect with your calling and provide the tools you need to overcome roadblocks in your journey to success.

We dive deep into the current landscape of Etsy, discussing the importance of focusing on this platform despite the allure of diversifying into other areas like TikTok shop. I share my personal experiences and the success stories of my students, reinforcing that Etsy remains a powerful avenue for growth and income.

This episode is packed with valuable insights on how to start an Etsy shop the right way. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your existing shop, I guide you through essential steps, starting with understanding your "why." Knowing your goals—whether it's generating side income, paying off debt, or building a full-time business—will shape your approach and expectations.

Next, I introduce the concept of choosing the right product type for your shop. I highlight the three main options: digital products, print-on-demand, and handmade items, discussing the pros and cons of each. I also provide a free tool, my custom GPT called the "product picker," to help you identify the best fit for your skills and interests.

Understanding how Etsy works is crucial, and I explain the platform's search engine nature, emphasizing the importance of SEO and emotional connection in your listings. I stress the need to let demand guide your product creation, rather than guessing what might sell.

As we move through the episode, I encourage you to choose a starting niche and let data inform your decisions. I share practical tips on how to study demand, utilize tools like Profit Tree, and recognize trends to ensure your products resonate with potential customers.

Finally, I remind you that starting an Etsy shop is a journey filled with learning and growth. It's okay to feel nervous or uncertain; what's important is to take action and embrace the process. With the right mindset and strategies, you can achieve your goals and create a thriving Etsy business in 2026.

Join me as we embark on this exciting journey together, and let's make this year the best one yet for your Etsy shop!

EPISODE DETAILS 

Brand new to Etsy or thinking about starting a shop in 2026? I’m walking you through exactly how to get started today—from choosing the right product type and understanding how Etsy really works, to building momentum without overcomplicating things. This episode is equal parts practical and encouraging, designed to help you start smart, stay focused, and actually follow through.

**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com 

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

The Free Training “How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop” and information on my Scaling Society for serious Etsy sellers are releasing in just a few days! Let me know if you’d like more info on either of them below, and you’ll be the first to know when doors open!

⭐Interested in Scaling Society?: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-a-scaling-society

⭐Interested in the free training “How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop”?: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-blow-up-shop

➡️ Profittree: The In Demand badge is BACK!!! Plus tags for every listing.

Check out ProfitTree’s new product research tool ETSY RADAR: https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=lizzie87

Get the best profit tracking tool to help you know your numbers AND a product research tool for a one time fee of $67. (completely insane)

Profittree Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7Ra18ZPTw&t=1s

➡️My favorite (high converting) mockups: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/request-mockups-resource

➡️The Secret Hack to Filter by Best Seller on Etsy: https://youtu.be/IES_sR5WZ2E

FAN FAVORITE RESOURCES:

🎙️Apply to be on the Podcast: https://sprw.io/stt-xfsV5fhDxxT3NJGVBghmWp

✅ 2,000 Digital Product Prompts (only $17): https://lizziesmiley.samcart.com/products/2000-digital-product-prompts

 🎉 Lizzie’s Coaching Group (one time fee = life time access): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/lizzie-smiley-s-coaching-group

➡️ Beginner Course: Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets  

Use code SAVE50 to save $50

➡️Trendspotting Membership: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw  

Use code KEEP20 to save $20 on your first month

Get weekly emails with a trend report, over 200 high demand listing suggestions (POD/Digital), and a monthly group coaching call!

➡️ Lizzie’s AI Workshops: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-workshops  

Save $50 with code SAVE50

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FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

Apply to be on the Podcast: https://shorturl.at/skDBs

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/214 

💛 A quick heads up — this episode includes a paid sponsor mention.

*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure