So I run a small online store. I started it in Etsy, branched out to eBay, tried Amazon, and now I have my own site. The issue is actually getting more traffic and sales. I am averaging maybe 20 sales a month which I know is great considering the size of the shop but I was making more sales on Etsy at one time. When it started to drop is when I opened my own shop.

Anyways, I am wondering what I could do to improve sales, traffic, etc. and grow my small business. My goal is to earn enough to do this full time.

I heard of people losing sales on Etsy when they introduced paid ad spaces. Did you try that before moving away from them?

Yes, 20 sales is good but depending on what you actually sell and the price of those products, it could always be much better. I would include cards with every purchase. Get some business cards printed with your logo and a website URL as well as a QR code. Send them with every purchase.

On 7/30/2026 at 9:39 AM, Rege92 said:

I heard of people losing sales on Etsy when they introduced paid ad spaces. Did you try that before moving away from them?

Yes, 20 sales is good but depending on what you actually sell and the price of those products, it could always be much better. I would include cards with every purchase. Get some business cards printed with your logo and a website URL as well as a QR code. Send them with every purchase.

Yup! I did give it a try and it did help a little bit but the cost ended up not being worth it because I was still making the same or less after. I am trying to venture into other passive income options so I can help supplement this while I figure things out. I will look into the business card thing though for sure!

Do promo codes for it on social media. Find relevant posts and make posts about the things you sell with a special code to get a discount. Just make sure to put a time limit on them when you do this. I have heard of this helping a decent bit.

If you can afford it, you can try reaching out to YouTubers and Streamers for promotions. I don't know what they typically charge but smaller creators likely don't charge too much. This can help if you can find a good niche and collection of creators to target with promotional pitches.

On 8/6/2026 at 9:33 AM, TJW1984 said:

If you can afford it, you can try reaching out to YouTubers and Streamers for promotions. I don't know what they typically charge but smaller creators likely don't charge too much. This can help if you can find a good niche and collection of creators to target with promotional pitches.

I just mentioned this in another thread. I am seeing this happen more and more, and you know what? It works. I have actually spent money because things were recommended to me by YouTubers I enjoy watching.

On 8/5/2026 at 9:28 AM, justdave said:

Do promo codes for it on social media.

This works surprisingly well around the holiday season which is coming up. I was talking to someone I used to work with who is now a full time entrepreneur and he said this is his one secret to boosting holiday sales!

On 8/6/2026 at 9:33 AM, TJW1984 said:

If you can afford it, you can try reaching out to YouTubers and Streamers for promotions.

How much does something like this tend to cost? I was under the impression that it was not cheap and that is why I never bothered trying this level of advertisement.

On 8/19/2026 at 10:03 AM, dougchimes said:

How much does something like this tend to cost? I was under the impression that it was not cheap and that is why I never bothered trying this level of advertisement.

Everyone charges different. Smaller creators will charge less. It really depends. You can reach out to a few and ask. Most of them have contact emails for sponsorship deals.

I know it is a given but make sure your SEO is up yo date and you have all your images properly labeled, links functioning and not broken, etc.

If you want more people to shop, focus on building word of mouth marketing. A friend of mine used to run a small etsy shop and she never marketed it.

She just made it so her items were giftable and always included cards with her orders. This build a client base of people coming back for multiple occasions and holidays as well as increased new customers month after month.

23 hours ago, JoanZims said:

and always included cards with her orders.

I'd imagine you mean business cards? I noticed the few times I shopped on Etsy, other people were doing this. I intended on doing it as well but never looked into the cost. I am going to have to, thanks for reminding me.

On 9/7/2026 at 10:34 AM, dougchimes said:

I'd imagine you mean business cards? I noticed the few times I shopped on Etsy, other people were doing this. I intended on doing it as well but never looked into the cost. I am going to have to, thanks for reminding me.

Yes, or just a standard card with a website link, brand, and maybe a discount code. You can do all sorts of things. Even on a budget, you can just print out information on paper instead of using cards.

23 hours ago, JoanZims said:

Yes, or just a standard card with a website link, brand, and maybe a discount code. You can do all sorts of things. Even on a budget, you can just print out information on paper instead of using cards.

Oh right, okay. I didn't think of just using paper instead. I think some printers will even print on card stock which makes it like a business card anyways, right?