Crickets to Cha-Chings

If you missed our Live Q&A, here is the replay on YouTube. Julie broke down 4 business ideas and how they would work off Etsy 1) subscription book box, 2) beauty professional templates 3) seasonal printables for kids monthly subscription and 4) a blog for dog lovers. She also screenshared what Beyond looks like and the prizes you get with purchase. Special pricing ends April 30th at 11:59PM ET. Resources: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/

In this episode, Julie and Sasha of Gold City Ventures and Kennedy of Our Friendly World discuss growing a business off of Etsy. They talk about competitor analysis and the importance of understanding your customers and competitors. They specifically discuss what to do when your competitor is a bigger brand than you and was on Shark Tank!   They also discuss the potential for collaborations and sponsorships, as well as the role of video content in driving traffic and engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of repurposing content and experimenting with different platforms to reach your target audience.   Links:  Kennedy's Business Our Friendly World: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ourfriendlyworld Gold City Ventures Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TU_L6OaA5UQ   In this conversation, Julie and Sasha also discuss various strategies for driving traffic and generating leads for a handmade crochet kit business. They emphasize the importance of understanding the customer journey and tailoring content to different stages of the sales funnel. They also discuss the potential of affiliate marketing, building an email list, and outsourcing tasks to save time. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of collaboration and networking within the crafting community.   Takeaways Understanding your customers and competitors through competitor analysis is crucial for growing your business off of Etsy. Collaborations and sponsorships can be effective ways to expand your reach and attract new customers. Video content is a powerful tool for driving traffic and engagement, and it can be repurposed across different platforms. Experimenting with different platforms and strategies is important to find what works best for your business. Understand the customer journey and tailor content to different stages of the sales funnel Consider affiliate marketing as a way to leverage the networks of others to promote your products Build an email list to capture leads and nurture relationships with potential customers Outsource tasks to save time and focus on high-value activities Collaborate and network within the crafting community to expand your reach and opportunities     Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 Competitor Analysis and Insights 04:06 Understanding the Woobles and Differentiating Your Products 09:06 Taking Advantage of Competitors and Building the Market 12:24 Repurposing Content and Driving Traffic with Video 15:18 Exploring Collaborations and Sponsorships 22:16 The Role of Video Content in Attracting Customers 25:49 Experimenting with Different Platforms and Strategies 28:03 Understanding the Customer Journey and Tailoring Content 35:24 The Potential of Affiliate Marketing and Building an Email List 45:32 Outsourcing Tasks to Save Time and Focus on High-Value Activities 52:07 Creating Efficient Workflows and Maximizing ROI 58:22 Collaborating and Networking within the Crafting Community

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures interview Jenny, an Etsy seller who sells printables. They discuss Jenny's journey from selling physical products to focusing on printables, specifically in the golf niche. They explore the potential for Jenny to expand her business beyond Etsy by creating a lifestyle brand and leveraging social media. They also discuss the importance of custom and personalized products and the potential for affiliate marketing. The conversation provides valuable insights and ideas for Jenny to grow her business. In this conversation, Julie and Sasha discuss different strategies for monetizing an Etsy shop that sells golf-themed products. They explore options such as affiliate marketing, creating video content, and targeting specific niches within the golf community. They also discuss the importance of understanding the target audience and their preferences. The conversation ends with rapid-fire ideas for expanding the product offerings and leveraging affiliate marketing. This is another coaching call-style podcast and there will be two more following in the series! They discuss: The customer journey of people searching for niche printables Why picking a niche once you start selling off Etsy is the way to go Where Etsy sellers posting on social are messing up What to post on social media to attract your ideal customer Ways to monetize with YouTube and affiliate marketing by performing product reviews How the Gold City Ventures team can improve their new offering Beyond & more! Stay tuned to learn more about Beyond which launches mid-month to the Gold City Ventures community! Resources: Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3VCSKIx5bUM 🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com 🌟

Amber sells metaphysical and celestial-inspired jewelry on Etsy. She wants to grow her business so she can leave her full-time job. This episode is a casual live coaching call for the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast with Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures. They discuss what they each outsource both in their business and their home, how to create social media content if you don't have the time, keywords that are hot in the metaphysical space, building your personal brand, growing your email list if you sell in person, and more. Resources: Gilded Butterfly Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Gildedbutterflyshop E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2IYLYb-NEG4 ^^ The E-Printables Course is open for enrollment until Monday 4/1 at Midnight! 🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com 🌟

Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures chats with Kennedy of Our Friendly World Etsy shop. Kennedy sells crochet kits, crochet patterns, and finished crochet products. This episode is in a casual live coaching call style for the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast. They discuss how to interpret keyword research from tools such as eRank, ideas for monetizing a blog with display advertising, Etsy ads, & more! Resources: Our Friendly World: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ourfriendlyworld Our Friendly World Website: https://ourfriendlyworldcrochet.com/ E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/ Gold City Ventures YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/qIc90wmEgLQ 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Etsy Gift Mode presents a huge opportunity for Etsy sellers. Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures explains this new shopping experience and how to change your shop sections, pictures, and tags to take advantage of it. She also covers the Etsy email marketing policy change and TikTok shop. Topics covered in this episode: 1 - Etsy Gift Mode 2 - Etsy Email Marketing policy change 3 - Tik Tok Shop Resources: Gift mode article: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1232461378911?ref=handbook Gold City Ventures YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/goldcityventures 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

This is the Etsy SEO help you need in 2024! Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures reviewed articles in the Etsy seller handbook and YouTube videos from the team at Etsy for hours to determine exactly how to improve your Etsy SEO search algorithm ranking in 2024.  Learn more at: https://goldcityventures.com/ Resources in the video: https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/search-advertisement-ranking-disclosures/899478564529 https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015745428-How-Etsy-Search-Works?segment=selling  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAvxU7fEkO4  https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015663987-Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-for-Shop-and-Listing-Pages?segment=selling   🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Gold City Ventures puts together an annual Black Friday deals roundup for Etsy sellers. Find it here: https://goldcityventures.com/etsy-seller-resources/ These deals apply for handmade, POD, or digital product sellers. Some require using the special Gold City Ventures links or coupon code. 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com Black Friday Deals -- https://goldcityventures.com/etsy-seller-resources/

What titles, tags, and keywords should you add to your Etsy listings this year for the holidays?  Can you package your existing listings in a different way to capitalize on what holiday shoppers want? Julie Berninger of Gold City Ventures presents her best ideas for Etsy sellers this holiday season based on the following Resources: Etsy Holiday Merchanding Guide Etsy Marketplace Insights: Holiday Trends Our Link for eRank: https://go.goldcityventures.com/erank Share & Save Program Gold City Ventures E-Printables Course is closing for enrollment November 6th at Midnight ET. Sign up for E-Printables here 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Julie and her business partner Cody from Gold City Ventures discuss what's been going on with some POD sellers and the future of mockups. They also cover the current Etsy listing image requirements and other best practices and how they think the POD manufacturers will respond. For those outside of the POD space, they also talk about interesting opportunities for handmade sellers to expand their revenue sources (including a cool story with the woman who runs Happy Rugs). And of course, what all this means for digital product sellers too. Cody shares his beginnings in the digital product space and the strategy that made him successful. 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com

Julie and Cody of Gold City Ventures are continuing on with the podcast. I am happy since I know so many of you were disappointed that all of the old episodes would disappear. That issue is solved - and we have a better plan. The ​team at Gold City Ventures​ will be producing new episodes for you going forward. We recorded one final episode for you today as my truly final goodbye. I'll be stepping away from the business and letting Cody & Julie run the podcast from here on out. The episode today is a little different - Julie and I chatted casually about some of the hot topics in the Etsy space right now. We cover shop suspensions, optimizing for google, listing image changes, video and more. We also cover trends we’ve seen from the unique position of seeing thousands of shops created on Etsy through our courses ..including what niches seem to be doing well right now and seller qualities that seem to lead to success. 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com  

My plan was to shut down the business and move on. But after I sent the last goodbye email, my friend Julie from Gold City Ventures reached out to me. She proposed an interesting opportunity. It allows me to keep the podcast and all prior episodes live for you ..and for Julie and her business partner, Cody, to take over the responsibilities that I need to offload. I'm excited to announce that their business, Gold City Ventures, will continue on with my podcast, Crickets to Cha-Chings. Today we released one of two final episodes with me as the host and then Gold City Ventures will take over from here on out. I've known Julie for years and I am so excited to see what new energy and insight she brings to the podcast. Cody and Julie have individual Etsy shops with thousands of sales as well as an Etsy coaching business, ​Gold City Ventures.​ They both have experience as podcast hosts with their respective personal finance podcasts too. Check out my announcement and learn more about Julie's personal story in this podcast episode today. 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com  

It’s great to be back and talk about all things Etsy and e-commerce with you (and thanks for so many DMs about last week's episode!) This week is all about what we would do differently if we could go back in time and start our Etsy businesses all over again -- and there's a laundry list of things that I would do differently. When I first started on Etsy back in 2012, the internet was a vastly different landscape. I was completely lost and trying to figure everything out all on my own. I didn't have a clear vision of building an e-commerce brand or anything like that, I was simply trying to keep up with the daily grind. If I knew then what I know now, I would have definitely taken a step back and taken a more strategic, long-term approach. Speaking of which, I’m excited to share some insights with you on how to think beyond the immediate and plan for the future in regards to your e-commerce brand. It’s essential to consider what matters to you and your vision for your business beyond the day-to-day tasks. Don't feel pressured to follow someone else's version of success or strive for massive financial gains. It’s all about making intentional decisions that align with your goals and values. In this episode, we've got some fantastic tips and advice to help you grow your small e-commerce business into something amazing, by taking a thoughtful and long-term approach. By the end of this episode, my hope is that it inspires you to look beyond putting out the everyday fires in your business, and instead take an approach that sets you up for succcess a month from now, a year from now, and 10 years from now.  So, grab your cup of coffee or tea, sit back and get ready to become an e-commerce entrepreneur extraordinaire! 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger Join the waitlist for the upcoming application only small group experience -- http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/apply

This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights to help you grow and succeed in your Etsy shop (and, more importantly, in your e-commerce business as a whole.) Here's what you can expect: The state of Etsy sales: Discover the reasons behind the decrease in Etsy sales in 2023 and what it means for sellers. Where Etsy is growing and what it means for an individual seller's business Insights into Etsy's revenue model and how it affects your bottom line as a seller (it's not as clear as you'd think!) Why Etsy is focusing on growing its seller base (in my opinion) and what it means for your competition on the platform. Tips to protect your business and not have these changes come as a surprise: Learn about practical strategies to adapt your business and protect your success amidst market changes. Where I think we're headed: my personal prediction for the future of what's happening on the platform, and how it might shape the way you want to run your business moving forward Join us for an energizing and informative conversation about Etsy and what's been going on over the last several months or more. We'll break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps and emphasize practical benefits to help you take actionable steps towards growing your Etsy shop. You don't want to miss this episode -- make sure you tune in today! ----------- 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger Join the waitlist for the upcoming application only small group experience -- http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/apply  

In today's world, buyers are more conscious about the impact their purchasing decisions can have on the businesses they support. They want to align themselves with brands that share their values. And you know what? This trend is especially true for small businesses, creatives, and artisans like us... Now, I know what you're thinking..."No way, I'm not going there..." But the thing is, brand values don't have to be controversial or political, my friend. They can be centered on authenticity and creating a connection with your customers. People crave that deeper connection with the brands they love. They want to feel a values-based bond that goes beyond just a transaction. And get this — they're even willing to pay a bit more for products or services from brands that align with their values. Talk about a win-win situation! The podcast episode also highlights the power of brand loyalty and trust. When your customers feel that connection with your brand values, they're more likely to stick around and support your business for the long-haul. It's like having your own tribe of loyal supporters cheering you on!  So, here's the big question: What are your brand values, my creative friend? What sets you apart in the handmade or small business e-commerce world? It's time to dig deep and tap into what makes your brand special. Maybe it's about quality products, personalization, sustainability, or empowering your customers through your creations. The possibilities are endless!   ----------- 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

Are you tired of spending countless hours managing your handmade business and you're looking for some tools and tricks to streamline and improve your efficiency? In this episode, we reveal the top productivity tools and apps to streamline your business and save you time -- making you able to get more out of the limited time you have available! From email marketing automation to print-on-demand service, social media scheduling and analytics and more, these resources will revolutionize the way you run your business to make it more profitable, less overwhelming, and finally help you to get ahold of the time sucking things that take up your day. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to efficiently manage your online business and focus on what you love most - creating and selling your products.  🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

Are you tired of spending countless hours managing your handmade business and you're looking for some tools and tricks to streamline and improve your efficiency? In this episode, we reveal the top productivity tools and apps to streamline your business and save you time -- making you able to get more out of the limited time you have available! From email marketing automation to print-on-demand service, social media scheduling and analytics and more, these resources will revolutionize the way you run your business to make it more profitable, less overwhelming, and finally help you to get ahold of the time sucking things that take up your day. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to efficiently manage your online business and focus on what you love most - creating and selling your products.  🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

Have you heard about Etsy's new affiliate program, which allows content creators and sellers to earn a commission for promoting Etsy products on their website or social media, including your own products? Let's talk about the good, the bad, and the reason that I think Etsy is rolling out this new program so you can get a full picture about whether or not this is beneficial to you as the business owner! 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

In the world of handmade eCommerce businesses, there's often a misconception that creativity alone is enough to guarantee success. In reality, finding the perfect balance between creativity, data that gives you information about next steps, and business strategy is crucial to truly thrive in the online marketplace. In this episode, we'll explore the importance of each piece of the e-commerce puzzle, and how they work together to create a flourishing handmade business. ------- 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger 

In this week's myth busting episode, we're tackling the common misconception that you can simply sell anything online without considering market demand and competition. We'll cover things like why having a defined target audience and offering unique products that cater to their needs and preferences is crucial, especially in today's world of e-commerce. These days, it's not so much about niching down your store but having a specific segment in mind who the product works for, and that differentiation helps you not to get lost in the sea of other generic, bland products that people slap up online. But it's not all business - we're also talking about the importance of balancing your personal interests with market demands. It's not as easy as "only make what you love" or "only make what sells" -- there's a real sweet spot that often gets overlooked.   Whether you're a seasoned Etsy seller or just starting your crafting journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of eCommerce. ------- Want more? Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for a peek behind the scenes (and all my favorite books and failures at gardening!) -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger