How to sell t-shirts on Etsy (step-by-step)
With your t-shirt samples ready, it's time to set up your Etsy shop. Create product listings with high-definition photos and detailed descriptions, including relevant keywords in titles. Mention important details, such as the t-shirt fabric, design specifics, and sustainability practices.
To promote the shop, use social media platforms and Etsy Ads as cost-effective marketing channels.Etsy SEO
For many Etsy sellers, achieving success with their shops largely depends on attracting a significant customer base through search traffic. Search algorithms can effectively give you visibility, especially when you're just starting to sell t-shirts. Strategically utilizing keywords in your listings' titles, descriptions, tags, categories, and attributes can boost Etsy SEO (search engine optimization) efforts. Understanding popular search queries is crucial to ensure your listings appear at the top of search results. Go through the Etsy search bar suggestions and the related items section to learn about searchers' preferences. You can also leverage keyword research tools for relevant insights.
In addition to optimizing product listings, try enhancing your visibility by obtaining incoming links from high-traffic websites. To do this, promote your listings on popular blogs and social media platforms.
Etsy offsite ads
Besides optimizing product listings to boost your visibility on Etsy, promoting your products beyond the platform to increase traffic to your Etsy shop can also be beneficial. Use paid offsite ads on Google, Facebook, and Instagram to extend your reach, engage new audiences, and expand your customer base. Offsite ads target users who are not part of the Etsy community but could be interested in your offerings.
Many sellers promoting their bestselling shirts have proven organic success on Etsy. This way, they can showcase shirts with high-quality scores and maximum views per ad. In terms of costs, you only pay advertising fees when there's a sale. Etsy charges 12-15% of the sale price from transactions resulting from ads. While all sellers pay a 15% ad fee, those who make over $10,000 pay only 12%.
Social media
When it comes to a brand's digital success, social media is a power to reckon with! Harnessing the extensive reach of social media platforms to promote your Etsy shop can be a game-changer as it can help boost your brand visibility and form a connection with your target audience to drive sales.
Popular platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are the creative outlets fashion entrepreneurs need to showcase their t-shirts and engage potential audiences with compelling posts. Striking product photos and short videos can help capture buyers' interest like a traditional website cannot. And because these platforms have features such as 'Like,' 'Share,' and 'Comment,' you can gauge how your offerings are being received – in real time.
Start selling shirts on Etsy with Gelato
Selling shirts on Etsy FAQs
FAQs
Selling shirts on Etsy can be profitable for small businesses as it offers a vast platform of engaged audiences, customizable shops, and a straightforward setup process. A print on demand (POD) production partner is an easy and risk-free way to turn your ideas into best-selling t-shirts.
How to have a successful Etsy shop in 2024? ›
To start an Etsy shop, start by researching market trends and planning a strategic business approach, followed by creating compelling product listings with professional photos and clear pricing. Next, customize the storefront and set up payment and billing.
Can I sell directly from Gelato? ›
Yes. To start selling art online all you need to do is add your work to the Gelato design maker, choose a product to print on, then use those designs to sell online.
Does Gelato automatically fulfill Etsy orders? ›
It's simple to sell on Etsy using dropshipping, we broke it down into 3 steps: Connect your Etsy store to Gelato When your customer places an order, it automatically gets sent to us for fulfillment We prepare to drop ship the item, and it gets shipped directly to your customer.
Do I need a license to sell shirts on Etsy? ›
Well, the good news is the marketplace doesn't require you to have one. However, before you dive headfirst into setting up your shop, it's crucial to do your research and make sure you're complying with local and state laws. Although Etsy doesn't require a business license, your local government might.
Do you have to have an LLC to sell shirts on Etsy? ›
If you're based in the US, you can either operate your Etsy shop as an unincorporated entity — a sole proprietorship or a general partnership — or you can incorporate and form a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC). Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the two simplest options.
How much does it cost to sell shirts on Etsy? ›
It costs $0.20 to publish a listing to the marketplace. A listing lasts for four months or until the item is sold. Once an item sells, there is a 6.5% transaction fee on the sale price (including the shipping price you set).
What are the new rules for Etsy in 2024? ›
First and likely most importantly, new Etsy shops will now be required to complete an enhanced identity verification process when first setting up their shop. This will include uploading a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport, as well as taking a real-time selfie.
How to sell from Gelato to Etsy? ›
You can now connect your store to Gelato and start selling! Go to your Gelato account, select Stores, and click on Connect button. You will need to grant access to the Gelato app and within seconds your Etsy store will be connected to Gelato!
Do you have to pay to sell on Gelato? ›
You only pay for what you order from Gelato. There are no additional fees or commission. Start selling with no startup costs. We accept all major credit and debit cards and online payment solutions such as PayPal.
The following types of items are prohibited or restricted on Etsy: Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Medical Drugs and Devices, and Items making Medical Claims. Animal Products and Human Remains. Dangerous Items: Hazardous Materials, Recalled Items, and Weapons.
How to add product from Gelato to Etsy? ›
If you don't have any existing listings on Etsy and want to add products directly from Gelato to your Etsy store, just go to Gelato Dashboard > Stores and select your Etsy store, then click on "Create product" and follow the steps. Explore the left-hand side menu and make all the adjustments you need!
Can you sell edible goods on Etsy? ›
Selling food or other edible items is generally allowed on Etsy, but there are a number of government regulations that dictate who can make, package, and sell food. Check out our Seller Handbook for more specific information about making, selling, and shipping food items.
Can you make money on Gelato? ›
Make money online quickly through print on demand
It's as easy as choosing your product, uploading your design, and letting Gelato handle the rest! No need to worry about shipping or inventory; Gelato fulfills and ships globally. Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan to start making money online.
How much does it cost to sell with Gelato? ›
Gelato is free
It's completely free to sign up and use Gelato! You'll only be charged for the product and shipping costs when you place an order. There are no setup costs, minimum order requirements, or monthly fees.
