Hey there, dreamers and doers! Ever wondered what it’s like to dive headfirst into the bustling world of mockups on Etsy? I did, and boy, what a rollercoaster it was! In the spirit of Flits & Giggles, I took the plunge, and this diary is my candid recount of every twist, turn, flit, and giggle along the way. If you haven’t read my initial post then please click here. That will tell you about the inspiration behind it (the person that sold 3000 in one day!). I also explain my reasons for racing towards the bottom for prices. Click here to read.
From the giddy excitement of Day 1 to the inevitable ups and downs of the marketplace, each entry is a snapshot of my journey. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for some real-time insights, a mockup enthusiast, or just a curious cat, there’s a nugget (or several) in here for you.
So, buckle up! Let’s flit through my 30-day mockups challenge and discover the magic, mayhem, and myriad lessons learned. Onwards to the adventure! 🚀
Day 1: Unexpected Setbacks
Day 1 was… an adventure. I eagerly set up my new shop, only to be banned during the process. The reasoning? Unclear, with a promise of an explanatory email that never arrived. A quick dive into the depths of Google revealed I wasn’t alone in this confusing suspension conundrum. Fellow sellers recommended appealing, and I did just that. The response was an underwhelming “wait for two weeks.”
Day 2: Finally I Can Start!
However, Day 2 came with a pleasant surprise — my suspension was lifted! Energized, I got back to setting up, this time adding a coupon code to match the micro-pricing model I was aiming for. But just as quickly, I was met with another ban!
Day 3: The Waiting Game
Day 3 has dawned, and the journey is still unfolding. I’m still banned and I’ve heard nothing back from customer service.
Day 4: A Glimmer of Hope in the Chaos
It’s funny how inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places. My Etsy saga continued today, and it felt like the universe was finally beginning to relent. Against all odds, the suspension was lifted. The ‘why’ and ‘how’ remain mysteries, but perhaps, it was the digital gods cutting me some slack. I swiftly took advantage of this reprieve, uploading my first listing whilst on a… let’s just call it a ‘throne of reflection’. Motherhood and business entrepreneurship – it’s all about seizing the fleeting moments of peace, no matter where they are.
With a surprising 70% discount applied (yes, you read that right), my hope is to start drawing eyes and curiosity to this budding venture. As eager as I was to jumpstart with ads, the universe gave a little reminder in patience – a 15-day waiting period. Well, alright then.
Will I be greeted with a cascade of orders by morning? It’s a shot in the dark. But every big venture starts with that one small step, or in my case, a listing. It’s out there in the wild now, and tomorrow is a brand new day! 🌟
Day 5: The Calm Before the Storm?
There’s a buzz of excitement each time I add a new listing to my shop. Today, I managed to put up 29 listings—a record by my standards. As I updated each one, there was an undercurrent of anticipation: This might be the one to break the ice! Yet, as hours turned into a full day, my dashboard remained static: zero views.
Etsy’s got its rules—no advertising for 15 days, they say. This feels like a frustrating, forced patience test. My flit currently has no clout on social media, making conventional advertising routes a no-go. I’ve roped in my trusty sidekick, Chatty (the ever-efficient ChatGPT), to refine my listings’ SEO. He’s been a game changer in so many other projects, so why not this one?
But as I sit here, munching on a bar of chocolate and reflecting, I’m reminded that all good things take time. Maybe this is just the quiet before the rush, the stillness before the storm. Tomorrow is another day, and who knows what it’ll bring?
Day 6: The Waiting Game
Today marked a tiny milestone: my first Etsy visit and a grand total of two views. No sales yet, but hey, at least someone’s eyes landed on my work, right? Interestingly, their route to my shop was a search for “Halloween mockup”. I’m keeping up with the one-day sale tactic, hoping that the “ends soon” urgency might nudge potential buyers into action. But there’s a catch: I have to constantly stay alert, ensuring the next sale is lined up, especially when one ends in the dead of the night.
Ads? Still a no-go on Etsy for over a week. So, the game plan for now: refine the SEO on my listings. But I’ll be honest, the lack of those dopamine hits from sales is taking a toll on the motivation meter. Feels like this flit’s spark might be dimming. So, in an attempt to make life a tad bit easier, the next couple of days will be all about creating drafts. This way, even on those super busy days, I can just pop in and publish a listing or two.
Day 7: The Silver Lining in Organic Growth
A glimmer of hope on the horizon! While the coveted ‘cha-ching’ notification from Etsy still eludes me, there are positive signs. With 12 visits, and a listing earmarked as a favourite, I feel like I’m making tiny ripples in a vast ocean.
It’s worth noting the intricacies of starting anew. Every venture, every shop, every dream has its initial hurdles. With advertising still a no-go zone on Etsy, I’m relying solely on organic visibility. It’s a slower game, but it’s validation that people are finding value in what I have on offer.
Today’s goal was simple: List, list, and list some more. But life, as it often does, threw a curveball, reeling me into the depths of tax returns. A task that, like a sneaky time thief, gobbled up hours I hadn’t allocated for it. The best-laid plans, as they say!
But there’s always tomorrow, the final working day before the weekend descends upon us. With boisterous little ones around, the home office door will likely remain shut. Yet, technology is a saviour. My trusty iPad will allow me to craft mockups while I’m snuggled next to my mini-gamer, absorbed in the pixelated world of Minecraft. It’s all about adapting and finding that work-life blend, especially during a flit.
Day 8: Adapt, Enhance, & Engage
Today was enlightening. For starters, the mere fact that a user found me through a search for a specific Christmas ornament I didn’t have speaks volumes. It’s not just about what I like or what I think might be in demand, but actively responding to what people are looking for. So, naturally, I created that ornament. (Click here to view) It’s these little moments of insight that can make a big difference in the marketplace.
I’m still on my advertising hiatus, courtesy of Etsy. In the interim, I’ve redirected my energy towards fine-tuning the SEO of my tags. There’s always room for improvement, right? Plus, presenting the products in the best possible light is paramount. In that spirit, I ditched the rather nondescript black placeholder for a vivid splash of colour, accompanied by the enticing “your design here” text. It’s visually appealing, and more importantly, it serves a dual purpose: it illustrates the potential of the mockup while also acting as a recognizable stamp of my brand.
Then, there was the highlight of my day: my first Etsy message. Alas, it was not a keen customer but a scam message. I wanted to engage, if only because Etsy is not too kind to sellers who leave messages unanswered. But, as fate would have it, the scammer had already been flagged and banned. Now, I’m left hoping that Etsy doesn’t penalise me for something out of my control.
On a productive note, I’ve prepared 9 listings and saved them as drafts. The weekend is looming, and while many might see it as a break, for me, it’s about ensuring that I can consistently roll out new offerings. After all, consistency is one of the keys to success, especially in the ever-evolving world of online sales
Day 9: Oops
And so it begins. I forget to write an entry. Before you know it this will be like the diary that I start every New Years Day. I last until early February, forget all about it and then do a new entry around April time.
Day 10: Square Peg in a Round Hole? No Thanks!
So here we are, double digits into the mockup journey, and boy, have I had an epiphany. I know, I know, I’ve been banging on about square images for mockups because, hey, that’s what the big shots on Etsy are doing. But, come on! I’ve been feeling like I’m trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. Literally.
Square just… doesn’t fit. Not for Etsy, and not for blog posts either. It’s like wearing high heels on a beach. Looks good, but impractical, right? I started wondering if squares were the go-to for platforms like Shopify, but then I had this lightbulb moment: Why am I fussing over what everyone else is doing when my gut’s screaming something else?
So, ta-da! Big decision of the day: I’m swapping to a 4:3 ratio. Because it feels right. Like jeans and a t-shirt kind of right.
Sure, the mockup world hasn’t rolled out the red carpet for me yet. Zero sales (sigh), and I’m still in Etsy’s advertising timeout corner for another four days. And yep, now I’ve got a little mountain of almost 50 listings to update. But you know what? Bring it on!
Because sometimes, you’ve just got to dance to your own beat. Even if it means redoing a ton of work, it’s all a part of the flit and giggle journey, right? Until next time, trust your gut and keep on flitting!
— EDITORS NOTE: Turns out Etsy have changed their display thumbnails in the search to be square. I didn’t know this had happened. Too late by the time I discovered.
Day 11: Pivoting with Persistence
Today was all about adaptation and expanding my horizons. I’ve dedicated a good chunk of my time readjusting the ratio of my mockups. Though the elusive sale remains just out of reach, it’s heartening to see my daily views holding steady. And, in a small yet promising win, I’ve received a couple of favourites. It’s a tiny spark, but sometimes, that’s all that’s needed to ignite a larger flame.
Taking a trip down memory lane, I recalled the days when I used to hunt for mockups on CreativeFabrica before embarking on creating my own. This led me to a strategic shift in my approach: diversifying my platforms. With a gut feeling that CreativeFabrica might offer a better-suited audience for mockups, I took the plunge. I’ve uploaded a select trio of my mockups there. In a bid to get my work noticed and gain a foothold, I’ve marked one of them as free. It’s an experiment, a gesture to make my mark and gauge response.
My to-do list for tomorrow? Continue refining the dimensions of the mockups and adding more to CreativeFabrica. I’m hopeful that branching out to a platform that initially inspired my mockup journey will bring about a favourable change. With every day, I’m realizing that in business, it’s as much about instinct as it is about strategy. Onwards and upwards!
Day 12: Adapting and Expanding Horizons
Time sure has a way of moving faster when you’re deep in a project. Just like that, we’re approaching the midpoint of this journey. Anticipation is in the air as the moment to venture into Etsy advertising draws nearer. The exact countdown? Well, I’ll admit, I’ve lost track amidst the whirlwind of tasks and flits.
The Etsy image resizing? It’s been a meticulous task, and I’m proud to say I’ve tackled over half of it. The finish line is on the horizon, and I’m setting my sights on wrapping it up by tomorrow. It’s funny how some tasks, no matter how mundane, can offer a sense of accomplishment once you see the progress.
But here’s the exciting bit: I’ve also ventured into the realms of CreativeFabrica. It’s familiar territory, yet the process of listing there required a bit of rethinking. Why? Because every platform has its own nuances, and in this case, it’s the listing image size that differs from Etsy’s. But hey, I love a good challenge! Not only have I made the adjustments, but I’ve also begun seeing the fruits of my labour. Favourites are trickling in, and there’s a noticeable uptick in my earnings – a pleasant surprise that goes beyond the steady pace I’d been experiencing. What’s more, with zero advertising fees on CreativeFabrica, it’s a win-win!
As this week winds down, it’s essential to pause and reflect. To realise how much ground we’ve covered, and to understand that every little step, every flit, every decision, counts. Here’s to the journey so far, and the exciting path that lies ahead!
Day 13: CreativeFabrica Surprises and Etsy Updates
Alright, folks, today was intense. I dived deeper into CreativeFabrica, and guess what? I made a couple of my mockups free. Why, you ask? Because I wanted to give everyone a taste of the quality I’m offering. And the response? Absolutely delightful! I noticed several favourites coming in today, especially on the mockups that are a tad off the beaten path. Now, I’ve been wondering: are these genuine interests, or maybe inspired competitors taking note of my unconventional subjects? Hmm, food for thought.
Now, over at Etsy, I did make some progress. I changed the ratio for another 20 listings. Can you believe I have over 60 listings up now? Just 20+ more to adjust. I genuinely thought today would be the day to wrap that up, but hey, CreativeFabrica kept calling my name. As for Etsy traffic, it’s been a tad slow. BUT! This afternoon brought a glimmer of hope: I got the green light to advertise! I’ve earmarked a budget of $1 a day. Last I checked, no clicks, but fingers crossed.
At the rate things are going, I have a sneaky feeling CreativeFabrica might just be my golden goose! 🌟
Day 14: The First Sale Feels! 🎉
Hello, Day 14 of the mock-up diary, and pop the confetti because… I made my first sale on Etsy! (Yes, you read that right!)
Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me get this straight: I switched on Etsy ads and voila, within a few magical hours, the notification bell dinged with a sale! Now, for the economics enthusiasts out there, you might wonder, with my ad budget at $1 a day, did I make a profit? Technically, nope. After ad expenses and the selling fees, I ended up in the red.
But then, why is this gal over the moon for a sale that didn’t turn a profit? Here’s the catch: the plan for the upcoming week is to operate on the age-old ‘loss leader’ strategy. My aim? Selling them at a bargain, not just for the thrill of sales but more so to build a trustworthy rapport. Think of it as my version of an opening act – letting folks know that they can expect some show-stopping mock-ups ahead.
Currently, every mock-up is shining under the limelight with ads. Though, seeing how the clicks on high-search items burn a little hole in my pocket, I’m beginning to wonder… should I spotlight just a select few? There’s a world of Etsy ad dynamics I’m yet to discover. It’s all a balancing act, after all.
So, stay tuned! As I tread through this adventurous journey, who knows what tomorrow will bring? Here’s hoping for more cha-ching and lesser cha-chings! 😅🛍️
Day 15: Starry Skies and Surprise Sales!
I’ve had some affirming moments on Etsy today, but hitting that 80-listings mark and receiving my first reviews are the cherries on top! Not just reviews – but shining, glittering five-star reviews! The reviewers adored my out-of-the-ordinary mockups, with mentions of how ‘cute’ they are. It’s like a little digital hug; it truly warms the cockles of my heart! Of course, being the swift responder that I am, I quickly sealed those stars by replying, ensuring they’re set in the annals of Etsy history.
So, I’ve been rolling with this strategy of setting my listings as loss leaders – a whopping 70% off, EVERY DAY. Sounds wild, I know. But my logic? Boost engagement, up my numbers, and gently nudge Etsy’s algorithm to bump me up in those search results. It’s like feeding a pet – keep giving it treats, and it’ll come running every time you call!
But here’s the plot twist: I had a little memory hiccup and forgot to set the daily sale. Guess what? Sale number 5 swaggered in at full price! Now I’m caught in this enthralling dilemma – to sale or not to sale? It’s like a soap opera cliffhanger, but for Etsy!
Till the next diary entry, keep mockin’ on! And if any seasoned Etsians have thoughts on the sale-price conundrum, drop a note! I’m all ears (and stars!). 🌟👂🛍️
Day 16: Lights, Camera, Mockup!
In the digital realm, clarity is king! So, I took to the digital stage today, rolling out a video to guide folks on making their graphics blend seamlessly with my mockups. Why, you ask? Well, not everyone is a Photoshop pro, and I’ve sensed a little hesitation when folks see my mockups as jpgs. And now, I’ve embarked on the grand task of adding this video across all my listings. The word of the day, kids, is ‘tedious’. But, hey, it’s for the greater good!
If there’s one thing trickier than wrangling a cat into a bathtub, it’s Etsy SEO. I was feeling a tad out of depth, so I reached out to an Etsy Facebook group. Cue the cavalry! Fellow Etsians shared golden nuggets like using commas between title keywords. And of course, I had a little brainstorming sesh with Chatty, getting the titles to sparkle just right.
Talk about an unexpected windfall! My post in that Facebook group didn’t just get me advice – it raked in sales! Turns out, sellers love themselves some unique mockups. And guess who provides that with a cherry on top? Yours truly! “Mockups with a difference” – might get that printed on a tee.
The sales counter hit 11! Woo-hoo! Plus, some heartwarming, tailor-made feedback – not your run-of-the-mill ‘nice product’ comments, but genuine appreciation. And in the Etsy-verse, I’ve gained a couple of admirers. It’s almost like having secret fans!
Yes, I’ve turned the sale switch back on. Could’ve earned a bit more today, but remember my strategy – the art of the loss leader. Eyes on the prize – engagement, numbers, and algorithm magic.
We’re sailing past the halfway mark of the 30-day challenge, folks! The waters ahead look promising. Onward and upward! 🚀🌌🎉
Day 17: From 0 to 24 Sales – The Numbers Don’t Lie!
Today was another exciting step in my Etsy journey! My shop has clocked in a total of 24 sales. And guess what? Out of those, two are from customers who’ve come back for more – that’s got to mean something, right?
Remember when I mentioned wanting to increase my listing count? Boom! 111 listings up and running! There’s a popular saying in the Etsy world: it’s a numbers game. And I’m all in, listing and advertising with gusto. With my daily advertising budget set to $2 and the ever-enticing sale still on, I’ve got my fingers crossed for more action.
Here’s a cherry on top: I received an invite to a Facebook group specifically tailored for sellers like me, and they’ve given me the green light to promote my shop. Curious to see what kind of traction that will bring!
Just as I was thinking of what to do next, someone popped in with a suggestion: Greeting card and cake topper mockups. Challenge accepted! I dived right in, and voila, 20 new listings were born. And as I was wrapping up, the cash register rang, not once, not twice, but three times! And guess what one of those sales was? Yep, a cake topper mockup!
Now, for the lesson of the day: Conversion Rates. Currently, mine stands at 4.3%. While I’m pretty proud of that, I picked up a pro-tip from a fellow Etsy seller. When promoting on Facebook groups, instead of directly dropping your shop link (which can negatively impact your conversion rate if many click and don’t buy), it’s better to ask interested folks to PM you for the link. A clever strategy to maintain good standing with the Etsy algorithm.
Day 17 has been an enlightening one. I’ve got some momentum now, and I’m eager to see where the next days take me!
Day 18: The Etsy Enigma and CreativeFabrica Surprises
Well, isn’t this a mystery? Remember the gal who gave me some mockup suggestions? Yeah, she’s gone radio silent since I did the deed. Perhaps she missed my comment on Facebook, or maybe she’s off on another flitting adventure (I mean, who could blame her?).
Now, about my advertising conundrum. I’ve been scratching my head all day. I decided to go big and upped my budget to $10. But, surprise, surprise, Etsy seems to be in a frugal mood and spent less than $2! Say what?
I hopped over to the Etsy sellers Facebook group (because misery loves company, right?), and guess what? It’s not just me. Since Etsy announced their new share and save scheme, things have been…weird. I’m all for sharing and saving (who isn’t?), but how on earth does that affect advertising? Organic visits have taken a dip too, and that’s just plain puzzling.
In happier news, my plus-size mockup found a loving home on CreativeFabrica at full price! Woohoo! But, oh, the suspense of not knowing what members are downloading is unbearable. Seeing my daily earnings without knowing which products are the star performers is like watching a movie without the ending. But hey, those favourites give me a clue!
Starting to feel the initial rush of this venture dissipate. But every flit has its peaks and valleys, right? Onward!
Day 19-21: Oops!
Life got in the way again!
Day 22: When The Mockup Tide Rises
Has it been a few days already? My, how time flies when you’re lost in the deep end of digital markets. Dive in with me for today’s chapter of highs, lows, and everything in between.
The rollercoaster continues. My figures, once soaring like majestic eagles, have decided to imitate slugs instead. Despite increasing my ad budget, Etsy’s been tight-fisted, only splashing out $2. Strange, isn’t it?
Sales? Well, they seem to be playing hide and seek. Dropping my prices led to a brief flurry, but back at full price, they’ve become shy. So, let’s spice things up! I’ve just slapped on a 75% off sale. Fingers crossed!
Now, hold onto your socks for this one. Remember the term “mockup” on Etsy? Four days back, there were a whopping 496,820 listings under that. But today? A mind-blowing 505,089. That’s close to 8,000 new entries in mere days! If this keeps up, we could be staring at 525,000 by the end of this escapade. A number to remember!
But here’s the real kicker. Thanks to Midjourney and its ilk, the mockup market is bursting at the seams. Every Tom, Dick, and Harriet seems to have caught onto the mockup wave. Heck, I was riding it early on too. But with such a saturated market, can our dreams stay afloat?
Let’s toss some inspiration your way. There’s this titan on Etsy with nearly 2,000 mockup products, peddling them for pennies. And yet, in the span since I began this journey, they’ve pocketed a gobsmacking 15,000 sales. That’s right, fifteen thousand! If I can amp up my product range, could I swim in such golden waters?
Eight days to go. Maybe it’s time to throw caution to the wind and give this one last, mighty push! Let the games begin!
Day 30: Mockup Mayhem: The Grand Finale
Well, here we are. The grand culmination of 30 days of digital crafting, marketplace maneuvering, and a whole lot of flits & giggles (literally!). While I’ve been radio silent for a week, it hasn’t been due to a lack of action.
Branching out seemed the way forward. I dabbed into notebooks, festive cookie packet stickers, and ventured into the land of mug mockups – but not just any mugs – mugs with that signature ‘Flits and Giggles’ twist. Interestingly, CreativeFabrica seems to be my haven for these unconventional mockups. While Etsy may cater to the general public’s needs, CreativeFabrica appears to attract the creative innovators, the designers hunting for unique gems.
The Final Tally
- Listings: 145 active beauties
- Feedback: Sparkling with 7 feedbacks, all of them twinkling 5-stars.
- Orders & Sales: 21 orders leading to 38 sales.
However, the financial frontier is where things turned a tad grim. The race to the bottom in pricing took a toll. A revenue of £36.73 might sound decent at first glance, but the investment in advertising was a whopping £51.85. Only 5 of those items was sold at full price. If they had sold at the low price that the others went for then this whole thing would have been even worse!
You might wonder if it’s worth it when you delve into the costs. While the initial listing of 145 products was £29.29, even eliminating that startup cost doesn’t present a rosy picture.
It’s essential to understand that this challenge was more than just a pursuit of profit; it was about learning, adapting, and understanding the intricacies of the mockup world. Did I have fun? Absolutely! Were there lessons learned? Yes.
Lessons Learned From 30 Days in The Mockup Market Place
- Market Saturation: With an increase of over 40,000 “mockup” listings in just 8 days, the market is rapidly filling up. It’s essential to differentiate yourself in a crowded space.
- The Price Race: Competing on price might boost sales, but it also reduces profit margins. Finding a sweet spot where your offering stands out while still making economic sense is crucial.
- Know Your Audience: Etsy and CreativeFabrica cater to different types of customers. While Etsy attracts a more general crowd, CreativeFabrica seems to appeal more to designers looking for unique offerings.
- Advertising Spending: An effective advertising strategy requires fine-tuning. In some cases, even when the budget was increased, only a fraction was used. Keeping an eye on the return on advertising spend is vital.
- Feedback Matters: Positive reviews can boost your shop’s reputation and increase trust among potential buyers.
- Niche Appeal: Specialized mockups like mugs with a unique twist or those targeting specific occasions can find a more engaged audience. The key is to understand what the audience wants.
- Stay Engaged with Communities: Joining and being active in seller groups or forums can provide valuable insights, support, and sometimes even direct leads.
- Metrics & Conversion: While traffic is good, conversion rates are crucial. High traffic with low conversions can negatively impact your shop’s perceived performance on platforms like Etsy.
- Diversify Offerings: Experimenting with different types of mockups can open new revenue streams. However, it’s essential to ensure the quality remains consistent across all offerings.
- Consistency in Updates: Regularly adding new listings can help maintain visibility and engagement. But remember, the key is to ensure quality over quantity.
- Stay Updated with Platform Changes: External changes, like Etsy’s “share and save scheme”, can impact performance metrics. Staying updated helps in navigating these changes better.
- Staying Motivated: Like any venture, there will be highs and lows. It’s essential to keep the passion alive, seek feedback, adjust strategies, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Conclusion
So do I think it is worth selling mockups? Not on Etsy. Not unless you can do totally off the wall ones and be prepared to spend a fortune in advertising to get the momentum up. I think you also need to be prepared to join the race to the bottom with prices. I am doing much better selling them on creativefabrica. Although on there it is hard to tell what is selling, you can gauge it on favourites and the increase in sales when having a phase of uploading. I’ve moved on to the next flit already so can’t tell now.
Oh and in case you are wondering, that initial seller that started this all off is now on 46,717 sales. That is an increase of over 30,000 sales since I first spotted them….slightly over a month ago! The items these days are under 70p so this seller is also racing to the bottom. Also the search results for “mockup” now stands at 544,568 which is an increase of over 40,000 listings in 8 days!!!!!!!!
I believe in transparency so if you’d like to check out the shop then please click here. I shall no doubt be closing it if things don’t pick up now that I’ve switched off the advertising!
So, while this 30-day diary draws to a close, the adventure of Flits and Giggles continues, always evolving and always filled with new surprises. On to the next venture, and as always, keep flitting and giggling! 🌟🚀
