The Big & Little Things You Can Do To Make Your Shop Stand Out From Others
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference on Etsy: How to Make Your Shop Stand Out
When selling on Etsy, success isn’t just about having great products—it’s about doing the little things that build trust, delight customers, and make your shop memorable. With thousands of shops selling similar items, it’s often these small touches that give you the edge.
Here are the little things you can do to make your Etsy shop stand out—and keep customers coming back for more:
1. Custom Order Confirmation Messages
Once someone places an order, don’t leave them in the dark. Send a friendly message confirming their order has been received and giving them a heads-up on your dispatch schedule. For example:
“Hi Sarah! Just a quick thank you for your order of the A3 Amalfi Coast print. I’ll be dispatching it within 1 working day, and I’ll upload tracking as soon as it’s on the way. Let me know if you have any questions in the meantime!”
It reassures the customer and shows that you’re attentive and professional—two qualities that are crucial in online retail. Whether you want to customise this for every order is up to you, but it can be a nice touch.
2. Optimised Mockups That Feel Real
People want to imagine your posters hanging on their wall. That’s why you should avoid flat, lifeless mockups and instead use lifestyle mockups that show your prints in context:
- Show your art framed above a couch, on a bedside table, or in a gallery-style wall layout.
- Use tools like Canva, Placeit, or buy mockup bundles on Etsy or Creative Market.
- Include close-ups to show texture, and mix horizontal and vertical images.
Having a variety of mockups for each listing also helps fill out the available photo slots, which increases buyer confidence.
3. Fill Out Every Corner of Your Shop
A fully completed Etsy shop profile signals legitimacy and professionalism. That means:
- A branded banner (even a simple one made in Canva)
- A shop logo (not just the default initials)
- A compelling shop bio that shares your story and passion
- Thorough FAQs that answer common questions (e.g. “Do prints come framed?”)
- Full shop policies covering shipping times, returns, etc.
These details help set expectations and reduce buyer hesitation. People buy from people. Sell yourself and build trust with buyers!
4. Use Your Announcement Bar Strategically
Your shop announcement (at the top of your homepage) is prime real estate. Don’t waste it with generic greetings. Instead, try something like:
- “📦 Fast dispatch! All orders ship same or next working day | 🚚 Free UK Shipping”
- “🔥 New Collection: Vintage Travel Posters Now Live! Browse the latest drops below 👇”
5. Offer Free Shipping (Where Possible)
Free shipping isn’t just customer-friendly—it’s algorithm-friendly too. Etsy favours listings with free shipping, especially in the US. If you’re worried about losing money, adjust your product pricing slightly to include the shipping cost.
PrintShrimp makes this easy by offering lower-than-average production costs and built-in shipping rates. This enables you to price your listings competitively and still offer free delivery—helping you win more conversions without sacrificing profit.
You can also set different pricing for different regions. For example, on Etsy you can use Global Pricing to increase prices slightly in the US and EU to cover higher print and shipping costs there.
6. Follow Up with Buyers After Delivery
Reaching out a few days after delivery is a subtle but powerful move. A message like:
“Hi James! I saw your print was delivered earlier this week—just checking in to see if everything arrived okay and if you’re happy with it 😊 If there’s anything I can do, just let me know!”
This kind of follow-up reduces returns, increases reviews, and builds your reputation for customer care.
7. Respond to Messages Quickly
Customers often message before purchasing, especially for customisation or size questions. Fast responses help you close sales. Etsy’s app makes this easier, and you can also set auto-replies like:
“Thanks for your message! I’ll be back in touch within a few hours. In the meantime, check out our FAQs for quick answers.”
We also recommend setting your weekend availability to “off” so Etsy doesn’t count slow responses against you in case you are ever busy on the weekend.
8. Keep a Consistent Brand Voice
Whether you’re chatty, witty, elegant, or minimalist, try to keep your tone consistent across your:
- Listing descriptions
- Order messages
- Packaging
- Social media posts
It builds trust and helps customers feel like they know your brand. Example: If you’re running a vintage-inspired shop, keep the tone classy and timeless. If your brand is cheeky and fun, don’t be afraid to joke around a little.
9. Ask for Reviews in a Thoughtful Way
Rather than pressuring buyers, you can ask for a review in a kind, helpful way. For example:
“I’d love to hear what you think once your order arrives! Reviews really help small shops like mine grow, and I appreciate every one 🧡”
You can include this message in your dispatch confirmation, in a follow-up, or even on your thank-you card.
Final Thoughts
It’s the little things that add up to a big difference on Etsy. From the first click to the final unboxing moment, each small gesture shows that you care. While your competitors may rely on volume or automation, you can win customers over with thoughtfulness, personality, and consistency.
Start small—maybe it’s updating your mockups or setting up an auto-reply message. Then keep refining. The more human and memorable your shop feels, the more you’ll build long-term loyalty and sustainable sales.