Sell Handmade Goods on Etsy or Instagram

If you love creating things with your hands—whether it’s jewellery, candles, art, or custom t-shirts—you can turn that passion into a money-making business by selling your handmade goods online. Platforms like Etsy and Instagram make it easier than ever to set up shop and get your products in front of customers. The best part? You don’t need your own website to do it.

Selling handmade goods is one of the most fulfilling ways to make money online because you’re offering something unique, something you’ve crafted with care.

And there’s a growing demand for handmade items, especially as people seek out one-of-a-kind products over mass-produced goods. If you’ve got a creative hobby or craft, you could be sitting on a goldmine!

Let’s dive into how you can start selling your handmade goods on Etsy or Instagram and turn your creative hobby into a thriving side hustle (or even a full-time business).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Start Selling Handmade Goods Without a Website

1. Decide What Handmade Products to Sell

The first step is to figure out what handmade products you want to sell. This is where your creativity comes in! Think about what you enjoy making and what people are likely to buy. Here are some popular handmade product categories that sell well online:

• Jewellery: Handmade earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are always in demand. You can create pieces with gemstones, metals, or even personalised designs.
• Candles: Scented candles with unique fragrances or beautiful packaging can make great gifts and home decor items.
• Art and Prints: If you’re an artist, you can sell original artwork or create prints of your designs. You can even offer custom commissions.
• Home Decor: Items like handmade pillows, wall art, ceramics, and woven baskets are popular with people looking to add a personal touch to their homes.
• Clothing and Accessories: Custom t-shirts, scarves, hats, or tote bags with your own designs are great options for selling online.

Choose something you love creating and that you feel people would be excited to buy. If you already give your creations as gifts or people compliment your work, that’s a good sign that there’s a market for your handmade goods.

2. Set Up a Shop on Etsy or Use Instagram for Sales

Now that you know what you want to sell, it’s time to set up your storefront. You have two great options here: Etsy or Instagram. You can even use both to maximise your reach!

• Etsy: Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for selling handmade goods. It’s a marketplace where people specifically come to find unique, handmade, or vintage items. Setting up an Etsy shop is easy:

  • Sign up for an Etsy account and click on “Sell on Etsy.”
  • Choose a shop name that reflects your brand and style.
  • Add product listings with high-quality photos, clear descriptions, and prices. Be sure to include any customisation options if you’re offering personalised products.
  • Set up payment options and shipping details so you’re ready to accept orders.

• Instagram: Instagram is a fantastic platform for building a brand and selling handmade goods directly to your followers. With Instagram, you can create a visual storefront and engage with your audience in a more personal way. Here’s how to get started:

  • Create an Instagram Business account, which gives you access to tools like Instagram Shopping and analytics.
  • Post high-quality photos of your products, along with behind-the-scenes shots of your creative process to build connection and engagement.
  • Use Instagram Shopping to tag your products in posts and stories, making it easy for followers to shop directly from your profile.
  • In your bio, include a link to your Etsy shop or set up a Linktree to share multiple links, like to custom order forms or your email.

Etsy is great for getting in front of an audience actively looking to buy handmade products, while Instagram is ideal for building a community and sharing the story behind your brand. Use both to cover all your bases!

3. Take Great Photos and Write Clear Descriptions

Photos and descriptions are everything when it comes to selling handmade goods online. Since customers can’t see or touch the product in person, your pictures and descriptions need to do all the talking.

Here’s how to make your products shine:

• Take High-Quality Photos: Use natural light and shoot from multiple angles so customers can see all the details. Make sure to show close-ups, especially if your products have unique textures or details. You don’t need a fancy camera—your smartphone works just fine as long as the images are clear.
• Use Lifestyle Shots: Instead of just showing your product on a plain background, add lifestyle photos that show the product in use. For example, if you’re selling handmade mugs, show them on a cosy coffee table setup. This helps customers imagine how your product will fit into their lives.
• Write Detailed Descriptions: Be clear about the size, materials, and any custom options available. Include anything that makes your product unique. The more information you give, the better.

People love to know the story behind handmade goods, so feel free to talk about your process or inspiration. This makes your products more relatable and helps customers feel connected to your work.

4. Price Your Products

Pricing your handmade goods can be tricky because you need to find a balance between covering your costs, paying yourself for your time, and offering a price that customers are willing to pay. Here’s how to think about pricing:

• Calculate Your Costs: Include the cost of materials, packaging, and shipping supplies. Don’t forget to account for Etsy’s listing fees (which are small) and any payment processing fees.
• Pay Yourself for Your Time: You should be compensated for the time and effort you put into making your products. Estimate how many hours you spend on each item and include that in the price.
• Look at Competitors: Check out other shops selling similar items and see how they price their products. This gives you an idea of what the market is willing to pay.

It’s tempting to price your products low to attract buyers, but remember—you’re offering something handmade and unique, so don’t undervalue your work!

5. Promote Your Shop and Engage with Customers

Once your shop is set up and your products are listed, it’s time to start promoting and engaging with potential customers. Here are a few ways to get the word out:

• Use Social Media: Share your products on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. Behind-the-scenes content is great for showing your process and building a personal connection with your followers.
• Run Instagram Ads: If you want to boost your reach, consider running Instagram ads targeting people interested in handmade goods. You can set a small budget and experiment with different ad formats.
• Offer Discounts or Promotions: Run limited-time promotions or offer discounts to first-time buyers to encourage people to make a purchase.
• Engage with Your Customers: Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show appreciation for your customers by thanking them in your posts or sending a handwritten note with each order.

The more engaged and responsive you are, the more likely customers will share your shop with others and come back for repeat purchases.