Etsy Seller Interview with Ester of Cosmoplanner

How Cosmoplanner got started

Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?

My Etsy journey began in the summer of 2019, when I embarked on a mission to create a moon planner that would not only keep me organised but also in alignment with the cosmos. By early 2020, I had a prototype that I shared with friends for feedback. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic cost me my job as a photographer, shaking my confidence to its core. Despite the setbacks, I was determined to turn my dream into reality. In June 2020, I decided to release a digital version of my Moon planner as a gift to help others during those challenging times. Etsy seemed like the perfect platform to share it, even though it couldn't be listed for free. I priced it at less than £1 and donated the earnings to charity. The response was overwhelming, and it ignited the spark of confidence I needed to continue working on the 2021 edition. After a successful crowdfunding campaign to cover printing costs, I launched pre-orders for the first edition of Cosmoplanner on Etsy in October 2020. A few months later, I introduced the digital version. The pandemic deeply impacted my personal life, causing a year-long hiatus before releasing another product. Thankfully, the success of Cosmoplanner provided the motivation to keep creating products that allow others to align with the cosmos and infuse magic into their lives.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

My absolute favourite product in my shop is the physical edition of Cosmoplanner. As a dedicated fan of paper planners, there's something incredibly special about writing, plotting, and planning on paper. This year, I also developed an app to complement the physical planner, and now I can't imagine my life without it. Both products have been selling exceptionally well, with the physical edition gaining particular popularity. There's a unique connection that forms when you hold a beautifully crafted physical product in your hands that digital items just can't replicate.

Getting sales on Etsy

How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?

It didn't take long for me to secure my first sale. I shared the link to my Etsy shop on my social media platforms as soon as my first product was listed, and within the first hour, I received over 20 orders. Looking back, this early momentum played a crucial role in Etsy's algorithm recognising my shop. Currently, I attract customers primarily through my social media presence and email list. While I do have a website, I actively promote my Etsy shop, as many of my customers already have Etsy accounts, making it convenient for them to make purchases.

Managing Cosmoplanner

How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?

Managing my Etsy store is a one-person operation, and I handle everything related to Cosmoplanner as well. I may not be well-versed in all the tools available, but I do use eRank to gain insights into my shop's performance. Shipping and fulfilment are managed with the assistance of my partner and stepson.

The future of Cosmoplanner

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

In the near future, my primary goal is to successfully launch the 2024 edition of Cosmoplanner. I aim to maintain my Star Seller status and increase my shop's visibility. I haven't fully explored Etsy's Explore feature, and I'd like to tap into its potential to reach a wider audience. Streamlining my workflow and identifying tools that can enhance the efficiency of running my store are also on my to-do list.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

For new sellers venturing into the world of Etsy, my advice is to draw inspiration but avoid copying. Find your unique approach while keeping an eye on what works and what doesn't in the marketplace. When launching your Etsy store, make it a momentous occasion. Set up your shop, learn its intricacies, and then make a splash on social media, involving friends, family, and followers. Offering a discount or incentive can encourage early purchases and boost traffic, which in turn benefits your Etsy search visibility. Additionally, prioritise the customer experience. Craft thoughtful and engaging messages for buyers when they make a purchase, when items are shipped, and throughout their journey. Etsy provides various features that can help you shine; make the most of them to create a memorable shopping experience.

Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: Fluctuates a lot!

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: At peak times about 5%.