Etsy ranks as the 4th most popular shopping website in the US, not because of its size, but due to its unique focus on artisanal, one-of-a-kind, and vintage items. This distinct approach attracts a vibrant community of creators and shoppers who are passionate about quality and individuality. If you are looking to start selling on Etsy, need niche ideas, or wish to refine your current offerings to capture a dedicated audience, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we won’t just highlight trending Etsy niches. Instead, we’ll provide a comprehensive, step-by-step process for finding low-competition Etsy niches that can set your shop apart and attract loyal customers.By following these steps, you can identify unique market opportunities, tailor your products to meet specific demands and position your store for success in the competitive Etsy marketplace.
Start Selling on Etsy with Print on Demand
What’s an Etsy niche?
An Etsy niche is a distinct segment within the Etsy marketplace. Vendors focus on offering products tailored to specific interests, hobbies, or needs. These niches can vary widely, encompassing both broad categories. Such as custom t-shirts, and highly specialized items, like hand-painted fairy garden accessories. Sellers in these niches cater to a targeted audience by providing unique and often handcrafted items that appeal to specific tastes. This focus on specialized products allows sellers to stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract buyers who are specifically searching for those unique items.
The more specific the niche, the more targeted the audience, which can significantly benefit sellers. Targeting a well-defined market segment can lead to higher customer loyalty and increased sales, as niche markets often attract dedicated and passionate buyers. These customers are more likely to appreciate the uniqueness and craftsmanship of the products. Hence, leading to repeat purchases and word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, sellers in niche markets can often command higher prices for their specialized products. Customers are willing to pay a premium for items that cater to their specific interests and needs.
How to Find Low-Competition Etsy Niche
So now that we’ve established an Etsy niche definition, let’s go over how to find the most profitable one. Generally, you’ll have a better chance to become a top seller if you find a narrow, high-demand, low-competition niche.
The more specific your niche definition, the better. But first, let’s figure out your print-on-demand store’s place in the market.
Step 1: Decide on your store’s direction
Etsy’s market research data indicates that successful Etsy shops typically have a clear, well-defined niche. This is crucial for attracting a dedicated and loyal customer base. Choosing the right niche for your store is essential, as it directly influences your visibility, search rankings, and overall sales performance on the platform. A well-chosen niche helps your store stand out in the crowded marketplace and appeals to customers looking for specific, unique items.
Let’s explore three main types of high-demand niches you can consider for your Etsy shop:
Product-Based Etsy Niche
Product-based niches focus on a specific type of product, creating a store that becomes a go-to destination for those items. For instance, a shop specializing in handmade ceramic mugs can cater to coffee and tea enthusiasts looking for unique, high-quality drinkware. This type of niche is ideal for sellers who are passionate about a particular product and want to develop deep expertise and an extensive range within that category. By concentrating on one product type, sellers can refine their craft, offer a variety of designs, and build a reputation as specialists in that product area.
Design-Based Etsy Niche
Design-based niches revolve around a specific aesthetic or style, such as cottagecore, steampunk, or kawaii. Stores in this category sell a range of products unified by a common design theme. For example, a shop focusing on the cottagecore aesthetic might offer items like floral dresses, rustic home decor, and vintage-inspired accessories. This niche is best for creative sellers with a strong sense of design who want to offer a variety of products that share a cohesive look. It allows for flexibility in product offerings while maintaining a unique and recognizable brand identity, attracting customers who are drawn to that particular style.
Occasion-Based Etsy Niche
Occasion-based niches target products for specific events or celebrations. Stores in this niche focus on making special moments memorable with themed products. Popular themes include weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and christenings. For instance, a shop specializing in wedding decor might offer personalized cake toppers, custom invitations, and unique bridal party gifts. This niche is perfect for sellers who enjoy being part of life’s milestone moments and have a knack for themed creations. It requires an understanding of seasonal trends and the ability to anticipate what potential customers need for their celebrations, ensuring that your products are always relevant and in demand.
Once you’ve decided on the general direction you want to take, it’s time to delve into the specifics. You can find profitable niches by exploring search results, analyzing competitors, and conducting keyword research. Understanding what customers are searching for and what your competitors are offering can help you identify gaps in the market and opportunities for your store. By carefully selecting and refining your niche, you can increase your chances of success on Etsy. Hence, attracting a dedicated customer base and achieving sustained sales growth.
Start Selling on Etsy with Print on Demand
Step 2: Using SEO Tools to Find Etsy Niche
Once you know your general direction, the next step is to find out what products people want. One effective method is to check the search volume for relevant keywords. Besides, this process helps you discover popular search terms, generate product ideas, and identify your current competition. In addition, this can enable you to select a niche with lower competition. Erank is one of the most reliable tools for finding these keywords.
Erank is an Etsy SEO (search engine optimization) site offering various analytics tools and resources to help sellers improve their Etsy business. With Erank, you can then conduct keyword, market, and product research, track your competitors, and monitor marketplace trends. Erank is also affordable. Here’s the pricing structure: you can sign up for Erank for free, receiving a daily quota of 5 tokens for keyword research and other purposes, with the quota resetting at midnight.
Getting Started with Erank
To begin, create an Erank account by filling out the sign-up form and confirming your email. Once logged in, you can find high-search volume keywords from your dashboard in two ways. Firstly, click on the Keyword Tool below the search bar or on the left side of the dashboard menu. Let’s walk through the process of refining broad ideas into clearly defined niches on Etsy.
Example: Phone Cases as a Product-Based Niche
Suppose you decide to enter a product-based niche focusing on phone cases. Start by navigating to the Keyword Tool from your Erank dashboard. Select your target audience’s country and the platform you’ll be selling on, then type in a broad term like “phone case.” In the Keyword Statistics section, you can see how many people search for this product, how many click on a listing, and the competition level. In addition, these metrics indicate whether this product category is worth exploring. Ideally, the Average Searches, Average Clicks, and Average CTR (click-through rate) should be green, indicating sales potential.
Evaluating Competition and Exploring Keyword Ideas
High competition, indicated in red, doesn’t necessarily mean the product isn’t worth exploring. Instead, it means you’ll need to differentiate your offering. Scroll down to the Keyword Ideas section, focusing on Average Searches and Etsy Competition. For free users, only competition data is visible. Choosing products with Etsy Competition in green increases your chances of success.
For example, viable products might include:
- Simple phone case
- Snack phone case
- Dinosaur phone case
Click on a keyword for more details about search volume, seasonal popularity, and geographic interest. For instance, the term “dinosaur phone case” might show:
- An average of 22 searches per month
- An 82% CTR, indicating high interest in search results
- 853 competing stores
- Popularity peaks in August and January
- 60% of searches from the US and 40% from the UK
Despite a high CTR, low monthly search volume and high competition suggest limited sales potential for the “dinosaur phone case.” Instead, look for keywords with high search volumes and CTRs relative to the competition.
Refining Your Niche with Keyword Ideas and SERP Analysis
For more niche ideas, scroll to the Keyword Ideas and SERP Analysis tabs. For example, “simple pink phone case” is more defined than “simple phone cases.” These tabs offer insights into product prices, popular tags, average views, and more.
Creating and Analyzing Your Keyword Lists
Use the Keyword Lists section on the left side of the dashboard to gather Etsy keywords with sales potential, understand when keywords peak in popularity, and assess competition within a niche. This research will help you:
- Compile a list of promising Etsy keywords
- Determine the optimal time to list products
- Evaluate niche competition
Exploring Erank Alternatives
Other tools to consider include:
- Alura: Features a Chrome extension with an AI tool that analyzes listing reviews to reveal market gaps and opportunities.
- EtsyHunt: Budget-friendly, with the largest database of Etsy products on the market.
- Marmalead: Provides targeted feedback on titles, tags, descriptions, and focus keywords.
By leveraging these tools and conducting thorough research, you can identify a profitable niche, differentiate your products, and enhance your chances of success on Etsy.
Step 3: Etsy Competition Research
Once you’ve identified some promising keywords, go to Etsy and type each keyword into the search bar to see the search results. To refine your results and focus on the most successful products, tick the “Star Seller” box in the filter options. This filter highlights listings that have consistently received 5-star reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Analyzing Successful Stores
Go through the search results and note the most popular stores. Visit each store and analyze their product listings, pricing, descriptions, and customer reviews. Look for patterns that contribute to their success, such as high-quality images, compelling descriptions, and competitive pricing. Besides, you should identify any gaps or areas for improvement that you can capitalize on with your print-on-demand store. This analysis will help you understand what makes these stores successful and how you can differentiate your offerings.
Using EverBee for Competitive Analysis
Another useful tool for analyzing Etsy listings is EverBee, a free Chrome extension. After installing EverBee, type in a keyword like “simple phone case” in the Etsy search bar. EverBee provides valuable insights into competitor listings.
- Install EverBee: Add the extension to your Chrome browser.
- Search on Etsy: Type your chosen keyword (e.g., “simple phone case”) into the Etsy search bar.
- Analyze Listings: Click on a top-selling product and then click the “Analyze listing” button with the small bee icon.
Even with the free version of EverBee, you gain access to critical information about competitor listings, including:
- The date the product was listed
- The number of views the listing has received
- The keywords (tags) used in the listing
Detailed Competitor Analysis
When analyzing competitors, pay close attention to the following elements:
- Product Photos: High-quality images are crucial for attracting customers. Note the style, clarity, and presentation of the photos.
- Product Descriptions: Detailed and compelling descriptions can significantly impact sales. Look for elements that make the descriptions engaging and informative.
- Pricing Strategies: Compare the pricing of similar products to understand how top sellers position their products in the market.
- Shipping Policies: Evaluate their shipping options, costs, and delivery times to see if there are ways you can offer more competitive or appealing terms.
- Customer Service Practices: Review their customer feedback to see how they handle inquiries, complaints, and returns. Excellent customer service can be a key differentiator.
By thoroughly analyzing these aspects, you can improve your listings and offer competitive advantages that set your store apart.
Start Selling on Etsy with Print on Demand
Step 4: Decide on your USPs (unique selling points)
To identify your unique selling propositions (USPs), consider asking yourself the following questions:
- What unique features or qualities do my products offer that competitors’ products don’t?
- What materials, craftsmanship, or processes make my products stand out?
- What feedback have I received from customers that highlights the strengths of my products?
Communicating Your USPs
Effectively communicating your USPs can set your store apart from the competition. Here are some specific tips to help you do this:
- Emphasize Specific Features: Clearly detail what makes your products unique. For example, if you use sustainable materials, highlight the environmental benefits and the impact of choosing eco-friendly options.
- Showcase Quality: Use high-resolution photos to showcase the craftsmanship and intricate details of your items. Include close-up shots to display textures, finishes, and any distinctive features.
- Offer Personalization: Specify the types of customization available, such as name engravings, colour options, or personalized messages. Highlight how these options can make your products special and tailored to individual customers.
- Highlight Customer Service: Clearly outline your policies on shipping, returns, and response times. Provide examples of how you handle customer queries promptly and efficiently to build trust and demonstrate your commitment to excellent service.
- Encourage Reviews: Ask your initial buyers for feedback and reviews. Positive reviews help build credibility and reassure potential customers about the quality and reliability of your products.
Final Insights into Maximizing Your Etsy Success
- Mobile Optimization: Keep in mind that 68% of Etsy sales come from mobile devices. So, ensure your listings are mobile-friendly by using clear, concise descriptions and high-quality images that load quickly on mobile screens.
- Offer Unique Products: Etsy attracts shoppers looking for unique items they can’t find elsewhere. Focus on offering distinctive, one-of-a-kind products to capture this market.
- High-Quality Photos and Detailed Descriptions: These elements significantly increase your chances of making a sale. Use multiple images to show different angles and features of your products, and provide thorough descriptions that answer potential questions and highlight the benefits and uses of your items.
By thoroughly understanding your USPs and effectively communicating them through your listings, you can differentiate your products and attract more customers to your Etsy store.
Final Thoughts: How to Find Low-Competition Etsy Niche
Finding a low-competition niche on Etsy can be pivotal for establishing a successful and sustainable shop. Firstly, by thoroughly researching keywords, analyzing competitors, and understanding market trends, you can identify niches that are not only unique but also in demand. Additionally, leveraging tools like Erank and EverBee provides insights into keyword popularity and the competitive landscape. It’s crucial to pay attention to what distinguishes top sellers.
Furthermore, focusing on your unique selling propositions (USPs) is essential. Highlight the specific features, quality, and personalization options that differentiate your products. Given that a significant portion of Etsy sales originate from mobile devices, optimizing your listings for mobile users is imperative. High-quality photos and detailed descriptions play a pivotal role in demonstrating the value of your products and persuading potential buyers.
Ultimately, achieving success on Etsy hinges on strategic niche selection, exceptional product offerings, and effective communication of your store’s unique appeal. By investing time in finding and refining your niche, you can carve out a distinctive space in the marketplace that not only meets customer needs but also reflects your passion and creativity.
