If I had to start an Etsy shop all over again, no products, no followers, no sales history, I wouldn’t waste time on half the things I see new sellers stressing about.

Why? Because most of those things don’t move the needle. And in 2025, the Etsy landscape is more competitive than ever, which means you need to get your foundations right from day one.

Here’s exactly what I’d do if I was launching a brand-new Etsy shop right now.

Step 1: Nail My Niche

I wouldn’t try to sell everything to everyone. I’d choose a clear niche so buyers instantly know what my shop is about.

• Look for the overlap between what you can make, what you enjoy making, and what people are actively buying.

• Use tools like eRank to check search volumes and competition before committing.

• Think long-term, choose a niche you can expand within without starting from scratch.

Step 2: Research Keywords Before Creating Products

Instead of making something and then hoping it sells, I’d research what buyers are actually searching for and create products to match.

This is one of the fastest ways to start getting found in Etsy search from day one. If you’re not sure how to choose the right search terms, my ETSY QUIZ LINK will help you pinpoint them.

Step 3: Get My Photos Right from the Start

Good photos aren’t optional, they’re the thing that makes people click your listing over someone else’s.

• Bright, clear, and well-composed images only.

• A mix of plain background, lifestyle, and detail shots.

• Seasonal props used sparingly to keep photos evergreen.

If you need ideas, my ETSY PHOTO BLOG  blog is packed with simple fixes.

Step 4: Build a Small but Mighty Product Range

I’d start with 8–12 high-quality listings rather than 50 rushed ones.

Why? Because fewer listings done well will convert better and give Etsy stronger signals than a shop full of filler products.

Step 5: Start Marketing Before Launch

Most sellers open their shop and then wonder why no one shows up. I’d start building an audience before the launch:

• Tease products on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

• Create a waitlist email sign-up so I can tell people the second I open.

• Use behind-the-scenes content to build interest and connection.

I walk through this whole pre-launch strategy in BLUEPRINT LINK PLEASE.

Step 6: Focus on Activity Signals in the First 90 Days

Etsy wants to see you’re engaged. I’d:

• Add new listings regularly (even variations count).

• Update titles/tags on underperforming products.

• Respond to messages and reviews quickly.

Step 7: Track, Tweak, Repeat

From day one, I’d be checking my stats weekly:

• Which listings get the most views?

• Which ones actually convert to sales?

• Which marketing channels bring in the most traffic?

Then I’d double down on what works and drop what doesn’t.

Why This Works

By focusing on niche, keywords, photos, and consistent activity from the start, you give Etsy’s algorithm exactly what it wants and you don’t waste months guessing why your shop isn’t growing.

If you’re starting (or restarting) your Etsy shop in 2025, make your first moves count. Take my ETSY QUIZ to find your strongest keywords, then grab my ETSY PROFIT BLUEPRINT to get the full launch-to-sales strategy that will set you up for consistent success.