I don't mind working hard, but I hate social media so much. I truly dislike how necessary it has become to succeed. Unfortunately, there is no other way.
I keep getting messages from so call experts promising to turn my sales around. I’m afraid it’s a scam. I’m going to use some of your advise, keep working hard, maybe people will appreciate and see my efforts and hopefully traffic will start flowing.
What he fails to mention is that once you venture out on your own, you have to deal with state compliance which involves a WHOLE lot of other things. It’s not so simple as he makes it seem to be. One is better off in a marketplace at times.
@@abbycat000even on a marketplace like Etsy you have to comply with State laws. Etsy may charge for state taxes but you will pay double that tax if you don’t acquire a state tax exemption certificate and then you still have to file that every year.
So many TH-cam videos about making money quickly and easily. ANY business worth it's while takes time, commitment and direction. I'm building mine strategically and in it for the long haul. Heck, it's what I am passionate about so why wouldn't I want to build something that will last? Great video and thank you for saying there is more to life than Etsy!
You just single handedly, in one rather short presentation, separated yourself from all of the endless rest of the lame attention getters that just post for views with click bait titles. Very good insight on your part. Respect! New Sub!
You must be the simplest person alive. This video was 100% useless trash. Get a brand and put it on social media lol Easily 100 billion people been doing that for 20 years already.
Wow! You really hit the nail on the head with this one. This is the first time I ever saw one of your videos and it just so happened to pop up in my video feeds. Very impressed and I will be following you from now on. Thanks for the honesty
Thanks, I've been stuck on how to proceed with my different ventures. I really hate social media because I don't want my face on stuff tbh, but now I think I know what to do to use social media better. Cause I'm not fond of it at all. Thanks so much.
I didn't have Facebook for 10 years. I hot back on for work purposes. It was hacked and I kept gettingv100s of weird friend requests. I know who is doing it. They are the reason I can't have social media.
This was a very helpful video, I started an art brand on my Instagram a few years back. I'm a watercolor artist and I made a few sales, but it was really difficult and overwhelming. I ended up deleting my Instagram to get off social media completely and take a step back and pivot. Now I'm working on digital art and making things beyond just wall art and I've realized that I can use social media like Pinterest/Tik Tok/TH-cam shorts to drive traffic. You can always start again
This is exactly what I thought too, I'm not a huge social media person - learnt website design in free time (serious budget restrictions), deep dive into SEO, etc, etc. It's a lot of work, but I'm there ... I'd love to hear how you navigate the social media aspect of this.
Thanks for this honest video Doug. I am a newbie to all this and I've been searching on the net for how to make/sell/create digital products and tried a few things to no avail. At least I learned some free tools I didn't even know existed. I struggling with the same questions of scalability, viewing amount, and creating/getting paid (or more like copying a TH-camr's product) for a product after show/sell. Then...you cleared the questions I had and at least gave some directions: Create your own content, solve someone's problem, personalize it, and still be flexible on your own social media platform...Ok, back to square 1. Thank you 🙂
Great video! Day 1 of the 5 day challenge is confirmation of the motivational books I have been listening to over the past month. can't wait to listen to the other 4 video's. will keep you updated.
This is great and all, but what in babas names do I post as content for printable wall art? 17 of the same art work stills as reels? Photos aren't being boosted in the algoritm so it comes down on reels.. I genuinly gave this a lot of thought. But I can not figure out what reels for printable wall art should look like.
yes yes I think this is a great solution, I've been thinking about it but was afraid to step in because I didn't find videoes that support social media to start selling thank you so much for this video, it was really beneficial
What you just said is called a Blue Ocean Strategy When you have a following loyal and strong enough You basically sell your fans anything at any price You sound like you were in marketing major I'm a majored in that subject too but I'm a rookie.
I actually didn't even learn the Blue Ocean Strategy in school haha, my marketing degree doesn't really help at all here to be honest - which is a good thing! Anyone can do it. And yes, you want to create your own category of one so you are the king in that category!
word. If you have a facebook page, for example, they will throttle your reach unless you pay for ads xD same with google and other sites. Google is especially bad these days, I can never find anything anymore because they only list 1-2 pages of ads and that's it.
So many crafter's are disheartened with Etsy with the way they treat small business. I had a website and shop which had digital downloads. Sadly, I got badly hacked. I've not traded for 13 years. I hope to have a shop again on my website and an angel to look out for me so I can raise money for my daughter's Art and Music education. 😊
Maybe I missed this but did you say where to sell instead? That is why I started watching the video. The title says not to sell on Etsy and to do this instead - so are you saying start your own website - where do you suggest we direct people when we use social media ? Sorry if I missed this part.
I thought this was going to give alternatives to Selling on Esy. But its just about posting on social media and I already do and it still doesn't help. But i do now list all my stuff on my own website and not much on Etsy anymore. I was really hoping this would help me to get away from Etsy so the title of this video is a bit misleading
I think my story demonstrates exactly what you are telling us. Every day I live in fear I’ll be shut down! I figured out a niche in digital that is original and people love and doesn’t go against Etsy’s rules MANY OTHER SHOPS DO!! but people are so competitive and jealous And now AI People are posting hundreds of the 1 item you create and for the same price or lower Now what?
Keep at it and think of the solution your product provides. People relying on AI for original content will be stuck eventually. There are 4 ways you can grow. 1. You can focus on creating combined items or create something new, 2. take your product to a new (out of the pocket) market that could find use for it, 3. Collaborate with a vendor that compliments what you do and 4. offer something custom and personalized for the customer - new product or new way to deliver it. Make your service or product customizable eliminates the mass producing competition.
Social media is ALSO a marketplace though to a degree. You are still at the mercy of that platform and changes they can make. Or having your account suspended, hacked, deleted, etc. What's really needed is a private list.
This is a good point, anytime you rely on anyone or anything else there’s a risk. The thing about a private email list though is you need to build that list somehow. The best way to do that in my opinion is on social.
A great video. Thank you. I have subscribed because of sound, actionable advice that isn't high-level fluff that is prevalent that tricks people into thinking they are going to learn about business.
all of them. etsy has the most customers, but they will keep banning you for no reason at all, and the others have small earnings, but in summary at least you still have something after being banned.
Hi can someone please tell me. What laptop I would need to start getting into the ai art designs to then send to printyfy to then put these images onto items such as t-shirts and mugs and canvases I love this idea I just don't no what kind of laptop I'd need I don't have thousands of pounds so it would have to be a lower class laptop or a refurbished one can someone please help
I came here for advice and I am already doing every single one of these things. 😂I also recently abandoned my Etsy where I was trying to establish my brand with my face on my cover photo. lol Anyway, this has been a HUGE confirmation that I'm on the right track, thank you so much!! ✨
Really wanting to get a brand built up through SM whether it's Insta or TT, but with digital products no matter how many vids I watch on what to post for digital products I'm always still at a loss because my digital products are for other small businesses and not the actual end users etc. Still working on brainstorming tho lol
We tried it though making a brand and create lots of social media contents and sadly it's not working. but you were right about having more control with the input effect of the output vs the marketplace algorithm. Hmm.. back to thinking chair.
I have a question. How would one "solve a problem" while selling photos? I'm still brainstorming, but I don't really know WHY someone would buy my product if I end up selling it. I decided on the genre of photography that I will be providing and that I was going to sell them as prints-- possibly even as other merchandise. Although, I do not know how I would implement the type of social media marketing with it as it's not a physical thing. It is gonna be drop shipped or sent directly to the buyer as a file.
write out why YOU would buy YOUR photos...do u buy photos online? what attracted u to the photo u bought?! think of yourself as a customer....then try to copy that and make it your own.
What is the photo used for? That's the problem you're solving. Do they need a photo for decor? You're filling a need for style or beauty or aesthetician in their life. For real estate? Helping them make money. For a book cover? Helping them make money
If you would be selling prints, then you ARE selling a physical thing. It doesn't matter if the prints are made by you, and shipped out from home, or if you use a print company and have them drop-shipped to your customer. It's still a physical product. You can also offer your photographs as a digital download that the customer can print out on their home/office printer, or take/send the file you give them to a place like Staples or CVS, Walmart, a print shop, etc. Some people might want to do it themselves, so they will order the digital product, while others don't want to or don't have a printer, so they will gladly buy the print.
It’s still possible, especially if you’ve been on for a long time. One of our students is a top 0.1% Etsy seller (and she still came to us to do courses and coaching because Etsy alone isn’t perfect) so we know it’s possible, but most of the time there’s a heavy reliance on ads, hoping someone doesn’t copy your product, putting up a ton of listings, staying on top of trends, etc all the stuff I mention in the video - it’s just a lot harder to do today without social due to the sheer competition.
Social media (except maybe TikTok) is dead in organic reach. You end up having to pay for expensive ads to get any views on your social media post, and only a tiny tiny % of those followers will even convert, if any.
Hey! What makes you think it's dead? We don't run ads, our students don't run ads, a vast majority of people on social don't run ads. And because only a small percentage of people will convert, depending on your following and how much like you, we always recommend selling as high of a cost item as possible. If only 2 people buy but you sell a course for $500 that's $1,000 a month. Genuinely curious as to why you think it's dead in organic reach, hopefully we can help you through that roadblock!. - Doug
@@hayleypaigejohnson people are sick of courses. They don’t want to see it anymore. Most of the ads I see are for course and 99% of them are cons. I’ve taken many and they’re all garbage. I have a business and bought ads and they rarely brought anyone to my page. Organic reach is impossible unless you do lives.
Sadly, you don’t explain anything about how to do this. All you do is talk about reaching people on social media with your brand or item. How about show some specifics on what you’re selling, how to set it up, all the stuff that you literally don’t mention.
I liked your post....I live in Jamaica and there are limitations to selling online...can you share how I can go about making my first sale online. Thanks 😊
So are you making your money from these coaching type of videos or from your digital downloads.I am not sure what you are saying,what platforms do you use to generate customers? seems like everyone has moved from making products to telling people how to make products. where can i buy one of these courses. even on social media you have to promote and or have a following. It is still all about SEO etc.. I have 0 following on mine.
Thanks for the helpful video. But I wonder if there isn't some way for people who have a family, a full-time job, and trying to run a business to find the time/way to make those 500 social media posts a day? I think 1 a day is about all I could hope to muster. That's on top of email, content creation, etc. Its also disheartening when you spend time creating a post, writing content and then you are lucky to get 12 likes. It's made even worse when you see someone post a selfy and get 10x the likes that you spent hours on.
I like the video but your missing a few things that are important such as which social platform to spend time on and how to market and why lowering price is in fact important to drive sales
Exactly most of these people that do this. Don’t really give you any information on exactly what to do. Nowhere in this video is an explain how to do what he’s talking about doing. Literally, let’s say I have a product. What am I gonna do? just make a Facebook page For whatever brand I come up with and then just start posting and expect Facebook or Instagram to start sending people to my site. Yeah that’s not gonna happen. You can build the website out there, but no one‘s gonna come to it if they can’t see it or don’t know about it.
how would you make 500 things to post a day though? That is my only issue is ... are there not packages out there that people can buy to start and post listings ? WHILE I keep working at creating my own art and listings and products? It takes me forever.... plus Canva changed the quality option on premium or intro at least - so I have to go to cloud convert EACH TIME to ensure 300 DPI for digital prints
I deliberately came off social media for work in military/defense, just gives a clean break. But now it gives me the jitters just thinking about starting up an account again. Yuk!
We prefer TH-cam and Instagram, but being on the right platform means being where your customers are. If you sell a product that's more fit for Gen Z, it could be Tiktok/Instagram. Something higher cost and meant for business? TH-cam/IG. It all depends but a vast majority of people are on social media somewhere.
Thanks for this valuable eye-opening points you made here! But what is personal branding, how can I build personal branding for something that is not produced by myself? Also what people's problems have these major brands solved to get them to where they are now?
time plays a HUGE part. you will NOT make 1mil in 3 days, 6 months or 1 year. give yourself time. its the yt thumbnail that is annoying...folks need to understand that it takes years to make that kind on money on a regular, consistent basis. And..it is possible to achieve. ❤
Hi Doug . Thank you for making your audience see ahead this reality. Your sincerity & thoughtfulness is highly appreciated. Great content. Every minute is useful info. God bless you & your family
Guys dont be naive, you will not earn thousands of dollars on Etsy and any other marketplaces. You can work on seo have millions of views and you will not sell to pay your bills. Problem is not in art but in people. People do not buy art anymore. Also all this who promote that they earn selling art they actually earn from promoting that.
you spoke about branding... OMG....I have a brand idea and I can do what you suggestive about marketing through social media and how to make myself known....do I secure my brand name first. I would love to talk with you
SEO doesn't work for New sellers who were starting their E commerce platform. As i started selling physical Products on ETSY i got only 5 Sales of one phone case And literally i had Not mentioned any keywords neither the description, but All other have SEO, Keywords, Description, title, image Keywords but i got only few views Not a single sale. Even got nothing with etsy adds except views And favourites.
Hello Man, do u know any website that offers printing as well as the frames for printables. I want to give a website address where they are able to select the paper/sheet quality and the wall frame type???? if their are seperate websites specially for US and UK citizens so that shipping days gets reduced theat would be a added advantage......waiting for your reply...thanks
Don’t rely on Etsy alone, having a personal brand on social media helps with selling digital products. It let’s you price higher, not have to run ads, not rely on the Etsy algorithm to make you successful.
Excellent info. Good ideas. Some people are making millions on Etsy though so it works for them. But I agree, social media can really up the game ... ugh. just not a fan of updating.
This has me worried. I've avoided the get-rich-quick hype and listened to some good, honest people talk about all the work it takes to make POD an actual source of income and not just a pipe dream. In our household, we need to find that source very soon. I am willing to work hard, even though I'm old. But then, at the end of all the advice about niche, design, etc, etc they always say it's not going to fly without ads or social media. Ads will take revenue, no matter where. And - after all the research I've put in, seems ads on social media will be an entirely new field to research, learn and fund. Almost a business unto itself. Gotta think about if that is realistic if I'm not young and energetic.
100% a valid way to go until your socials or personal brand drive enough revenue to cut etsy off, or you can always run both. We just don't want to only rely on it alone.
What are your thoughts on hashtags? With X & Instagram I see some posts with them, some without. I'm assuming when there are no hashtags is because they have a decent following. I use them but never know if I've chosen effective ones or not. Great video!
Organic social media is free? Please elaborate on what you just told him if you have a smart phone that’s all you need. You didn’t tell him or any of us anything about be very specific can go through the steps of exactly how to do what you just said none of you guys do that.
It still isn't so 'easy' if you're selling pictures. Anyone can easily do a screenshot or even right click and save. I know right click and save can be disabled on the page if the pictures being sold are on your own website. At least one way around this is to apply sold pictures to canvas and maybe frame it. By getting a little more creative anyone can easily still sell on such websites as Etsy.
@@CozyCloudASMR What I was going to say, you just put a watermark on the photos, and only when paid you get the real photo, also there is laws, if you make something, unike enoough to be considered yours, someone can't just take it and use it at least online or for their bussnies. You can file a law suit, this is the same with everything, there are different licenses for different things like art, software, a brand, don't remember all of them. But you can read on it. Don't remember the word in english maybe copyrigjt? No thats not it, fuck i have it on my tung studied a few courses ago^^.
This is my biggest problem for more than 10 years selling digital goods. Theft. You spend hours on a digital product only to have some jerk burger buy your stuff for $4 and resell it. You cannot escape it. I’ve had people trace my work and resell it on Etsy and luckily I've had a large enough fan base they have reported it to me...but good luck getting ETSY to do anything about it.
@@luger42 It's tongue, not tung. It's business, not bussnies. Yes, it's copyright. Yes, it's a law. Obviously you're foreign, thus the reason you don't know the meaning of what I said in my initial comment. I know about watermarks too. A watermark would do nothing. Watermarks would be placed on the real picture so watermark or no watermark it's still the real picture.
I've found your channel out by typing how to create digital art to sell on Esty. i have a new perspective on what to do and how to work around some of the hair pulling tedious aspects of creating a digital market for myself. there are a few things and questions in mind to ask as far as taking the first step into the digital realm, but that will take multiple sessions. in other words I'm glad to have found this and it helps out. thanks.
Thank you so much for the info and help Doug, I really appreciate it! Amazing what you and Hayley have done and accomplished! Subscribed to your channel. I also signed up for your Free 5 day challenge as well. I received the email and it asks me to "Confirm subscription" - is it just an email subscription I need to confirm? Is there a charge of any kind for the challenge? Thank you.
Hi sir, I have certain questions. What content can I put on social media sites to sell a hoodie or tshirt? I mean what is problem solving in it? Also many a times, Instagram bans many pages or accounts. Isn't that a risk? Please explain more on it.
Hi, do your hoodies have sayings on them? If you design hoodies let’s say with inspirational quotes or images for example, you are providing customers wanting to literally feel inspired and reminded of inspiration when they wear the hoodies. Then your social media content would show images around that inspiration, you could share what inspires you and why you made the hoodie, show images of people feeling happy wearing hoodies - talk about the material you use and how comfortable they will be. Same idea if you have messages on your hoodies, your content should be around that message along with the actual message. Add some quotes relating to that message. Add your thoughts on that message. This applies to anyone selling anything. It’s the same content strategy. Hope this helps.
I don't mind working hard, but I hate social media so much. I truly dislike how necessary it has become to succeed. Unfortunately, there is no other way.
@ShermanBMason: I feel the same way. I hate social media and hate having to give these places ssn and bank info too.
@@dmmchugh3714how else are you supposed to get paid?
Social media has great uses, the problem is using it too much. But if you have self control, social media can be used greatly to your advantage.
Right? I wish I had never had to get on social media again, but I desperately need to work for myself.
I keep getting messages from so call experts promising to turn my sales around. I’m afraid it’s a scam. I’m going to use some of your advise, keep working hard, maybe people will appreciate and see my efforts and hopefully traffic will start flowing.
#1: 7:02 start social media brand/basically start your own platform
#2: 8:12 create your constant/basically put yourself out there/show your products
Thanks for the time stamps 👍🏻
What he fails to mention is that once you venture out on your own, you have to deal with state compliance which involves a WHOLE lot of other things. It’s not so simple as he makes it seem to be. One is better off in a marketplace at times.
this shit is another vague video with a clickbait thumbnail without any clear actionables. Waste of time
@@abbycat000even on a marketplace like Etsy you have to comply with State laws. Etsy may charge for state taxes but you will pay double that tax if you don’t acquire a state tax exemption certificate and then you still have to file that every year.
Finally, someone who says Etsy is not the b all and end all to having POD products. Thank you!
So many TH-cam videos about making money quickly and easily. ANY business worth it's while takes time, commitment and direction. I'm building mine strategically and in it for the long haul. Heck, it's what I am passionate about so why wouldn't I want to build something that will last? Great video and thank you for saying there is more to life than Etsy!
You just single handedly, in one rather short presentation, separated yourself from all of the endless rest of the lame attention getters that just post for views with click bait titles. Very good insight on your part. Respect! New Sub!
Tony that means a lot to us, thank you so much! Hope you continue to get value out of our content and let us know if you have any questions! - Doug
You must be the simplest person alive. This video was 100% useless trash. Get a brand and put it on social media lol
Easily 100 billion people been doing that for 20 years already.
💯
Wow! You really hit the nail on the head with this one. This is the first time I ever saw one of your videos and it just so happened to pop up in my video feeds. Very impressed and I will be following you from now on. Thanks for the honesty
This is one of the most real videos I've seen. Thank you! I subscribed!
Thanks God I bump into this. Thank you for sharing. I plan to start digital business right away.
Thanks, I've been stuck on how to proceed with my different ventures. I really hate social media because I don't want my face on stuff tbh, but now I think I know what to do to use social media better. Cause I'm not fond of it at all. Thanks so much.
I am having the same issues like you.
I didn't have Facebook for 10 years. I hot back on for work purposes. It was hacked and I kept gettingv100s of weird friend requests. I know who is doing it. They are the reason I can't have social media.
This was a very helpful video, I started an art brand on my Instagram a few years back. I'm a watercolor artist and I made a few sales, but it was really difficult and overwhelming. I ended up deleting my Instagram to get off social media completely and take a step back and pivot.
Now I'm working on digital art and making things beyond just wall art and I've realized that I can use social media like Pinterest/Tik Tok/TH-cam shorts to drive traffic. You can always start again
Can we see your art?
Let us see
Did you start a shopify instead?
This is exactly what I thought too, I'm not a huge social media person - learnt website design in free time (serious budget restrictions), deep dive into SEO, etc, etc. It's a lot of work, but I'm there ... I'd love to hear how you navigate the social media aspect of this.
Hey! What would you like to know about the social media aspect? Like what platforms we recommend or specific strategies?
@@hayleypaigejohnson Specific strategies
Thanks for this honest video Doug. I am a newbie to all this and I've been searching on the net for how to make/sell/create digital products and tried a few things to no avail. At least I learned some free tools I didn't even know existed. I struggling with the same questions of scalability, viewing amount, and creating/getting paid (or more like copying a TH-camr's product) for a product after show/sell.
Then...you cleared the questions I had and at least gave some directions: Create your own content, solve someone's problem, personalize it, and still be flexible on your own social media platform...Ok, back to square 1. Thank you 🙂
Get it Sherwin! You can totally do it! If you have specific questions let us know
What if we don’t know what products to sell?
Great video! Day 1 of the 5 day challenge is confirmation of the motivational books I have been listening to over the past month. can't wait to listen to the other 4 video's. will keep you updated.
This is great and all, but what in babas names do I post as content for printable wall art? 17 of the same art work stills as reels? Photos aren't being boosted in the algoritm so it comes down on reels.. I genuinly gave this a lot of thought. But I can not figure out what reels for printable wall art should look like.
Learned more in this video than I did watching 5+ 10 min. videos on youtube about making money with digital art, etsi, etc.
Simply explained and straight to the point, I love those type of videos. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words!!
This was the most refreshing, thought provoking & authentic videos I’ve EVER seen regarding online sales. Thank you!!!
Thank you for watching!!
I'm 7 mins in, does he ever get to the 'Do THIS Instead' part?
He starts that at 8:18.
@@schoolingdiana9086 Thanks, but I've moved on.
Thank you for making this video. I have tried to make etsy work and it's difficult. Off to watch more of your videos.
yes yes I think this is a great solution, I've been thinking about it but was afraid to step in because I didn't find videoes that support social media to start selling
thank you so much for this video, it was really beneficial
What you just said is called a Blue Ocean Strategy When you have a following loyal and strong enough You basically sell your fans anything at any price
You sound like you were in marketing major I'm a majored in that subject too but I'm a rookie.
I actually didn't even learn the Blue Ocean Strategy in school haha, my marketing degree doesn't really help at all here to be honest - which is a good thing! Anyone can do it. And yes, you want to create your own category of one so you are the king in that category!
Whatever platform you're on, that platform controls your content, whether it's Etsy or social media.
word. If you have a facebook page, for example, they will throttle your reach unless you pay for ads xD same with google and other sites. Google is especially bad these days, I can never find anything anymore because they only list 1-2 pages of ads and that's it.
Your services are unspeakable and inspiring so far , my stores flourish’s on a daily basis . Thanks for your financial support
So many crafter's are disheartened with Etsy with the way they treat small business. I had a website and shop which had digital downloads. Sadly, I got badly hacked. I've not traded for 13 years. I hope to have a shop again on my website and an angel to look out for me so I can raise money for my daughter's Art and Music education. 😊
The world is changing and everyone needs a brand and to be on social media. Thanks for your video
Maybe I missed this but did you say where to sell instead? That is why I started watching the video. The title says not to sell on Etsy and to do this instead - so are you saying start your own website - where do you suggest we direct people when we use social media ? Sorry if I missed this part.
I thought this was going to give alternatives to Selling on Esy. But its just about posting on social media and I already do and it still doesn't help. But i do now list all my stuff on my own website and not much on Etsy anymore. I was really hoping this would help me to get away from Etsy so the title of this video is a bit misleading
I think my story demonstrates exactly what you are telling us.
Every day I live in fear I’ll be shut down! I figured out a niche in digital that is original and people love and doesn’t go against Etsy’s rules
MANY OTHER SHOPS DO!! but people are so competitive and jealous
And now AI
People are posting hundreds of the 1 item you create and for the same price or lower
Now what?
Keep at it and think of the solution your product provides. People relying on AI for original content will be stuck eventually. There are 4 ways you can grow. 1. You can focus on creating combined items or create something new, 2. take your product to a new (out of the pocket) market that could find use for it, 3. Collaborate with a vendor that compliments what you do and 4. offer something custom and personalized for the customer - new product or new way to deliver it.
Make your service or product customizable eliminates the mass producing competition.
Social media is ALSO a marketplace though to a degree. You are still at the mercy of that platform and changes they can make. Or having your account suspended, hacked, deleted, etc. What's really needed is a private list.
This is a good point, anytime you rely on anyone or anything else there’s a risk. The thing about a private email list though is you need to build that list somehow. The best way to do that in my opinion is on social.
Is it best to have your own website or membership website to sell digital products
Are you going to show us how you do it in another video?
Brilliant. Love the honest advice, and there's no way around social media marketing. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you!! It's just so hard to ignore social media, especially today!
A great video. Thank you. I have subscribed because of sound, actionable advice that isn't high-level fluff that is prevalent that tricks people into thinking they are going to learn about business.
It is nice to meet you and attend a LIVE session with you. I am now a subscriber.
Best vid I've watched since I searched for starting online products sales..
I love this, but what sales platforms do you recommend for digital products?
all of them. etsy has the most customers, but they will keep banning you for no reason at all, and the others have small earnings, but in summary at least you still have something after being banned.
Hi can someone please tell me. What laptop I would need to start getting into the ai art designs to then send to printyfy to then put these images onto items such as t-shirts and mugs and canvases I love this idea I just don't no what kind of laptop I'd need I don't have thousands of pounds so it would have to be a lower class laptop or a refurbished one can someone please help
Hey! Really appreciate the value on this video. The reality spewed on this is spicy but much needed. Thank you!
I came here for advice and I am already doing every single one of these things. 😂I also recently abandoned my Etsy where I was trying to establish my brand with my face on my cover photo. lol
Anyway, this has been a HUGE confirmation that I'm on the right track, thank you so much!! ✨
Really wanting to get a brand built up through SM whether it's Insta or TT, but with digital products no matter how many vids I watch on what to post for digital products I'm always still at a loss because my digital products are for other small businesses and not the actual end users etc. Still working on brainstorming tho lol
I totally appreciate your points. I can get behind the points you made.
Best advice on the subject. 10/10.
We tried it though making a brand and create lots of social media contents and sadly it's not working.
but you were right about having more control with the input effect of the output vs the marketplace algorithm.
Hmm.. back to thinking chair.
Best marketing advice by far!
I have a question. How would one "solve a problem" while selling photos? I'm still brainstorming, but I don't really know WHY someone would buy my product if I end up selling it. I decided on the genre of photography that I will be providing and that I was going to sell them as prints-- possibly even as other merchandise. Although, I do not know how I would implement the type of social media marketing with it as it's not a physical thing. It is gonna be drop shipped or sent directly to the buyer as a file.
write out why YOU would buy YOUR photos...do u buy photos online? what attracted u to the photo u bought?! think of yourself as a customer....then try to copy that and make it your own.
What is the photo used for? That's the problem you're solving. Do they need a photo for decor? You're filling a need for style or beauty or aesthetician in their life. For real estate? Helping them make money. For a book cover? Helping them make money
If you would be selling prints, then you ARE selling a physical thing.
It doesn't matter if the prints are made by you, and shipped out from home, or if you use a print company and have them drop-shipped to your customer. It's still a physical product.
You can also offer your photographs as a digital download that the customer can print out on their home/office printer, or take/send the file you give them to a place like Staples or CVS, Walmart, a print shop, etc.
Some people might want to do it themselves, so they will order the digital product, while others don't want to or don't have a printer, so they will gladly buy the print.
Some people don't have social media and they make 7 figures on Etsy. How do they do it?
It’s still possible, especially if you’ve been on for a long time. One of our students is a top 0.1% Etsy seller (and she still came to us to do courses and coaching because Etsy alone isn’t perfect) so we know it’s possible, but most of the time there’s a heavy reliance on ads, hoping someone doesn’t copy your product, putting up a ton of listings, staying on top of trends, etc all the stuff I mention in the video - it’s just a lot harder to do today without social due to the sheer competition.
What are the top 5 best digital products?
This guy spoke so much. He didn’t say anything to help me.
Social media (except maybe TikTok) is dead in organic reach. You end up having to pay for expensive ads to get any views on your social media post, and only a tiny tiny % of those followers will even convert, if any.
Exactly this. I never get on Instagram anymore. Sometimes on Fb.
Hey! What makes you think it's dead? We don't run ads, our students don't run ads, a vast majority of people on social don't run ads. And because only a small percentage of people will convert, depending on your following and how much like you, we always recommend selling as high of a cost item as possible. If only 2 people buy but you sell a course for $500 that's $1,000 a month. Genuinely curious as to why you think it's dead in organic reach, hopefully we can help you through that roadblock!. - Doug
@@hayleypaigejohnson people are sick of courses. They don’t want to see it anymore. Most of the ads I see are for course and 99% of them are cons. I’ve taken many and they’re all garbage. I have a business and bought ads and they rarely brought anyone to my page. Organic reach is impossible unless you do lives.
Sadly, you don’t explain anything about how to do this. All you do is talk about reaching people on social media with your brand or item. How about show some specifics on what you’re selling, how to set it up, all the stuff that you literally don’t mention.
I liked your post....I live in Jamaica and there are limitations to selling online...can you share how I can go about making my first sale online. Thanks 😊
Ur so right. It is very competitive, I might open my own store and try it out. Thank u
Thanks! This both confirmed somethings and helped me to understand other things that I needed for social media marketing.
Thanks for the video, your idea sounds good, but how do I sell printify products on my facebook page, or instagram page, don't I need a store?
So are you making your money from these coaching type of videos or from your digital downloads.I am not sure what you are saying,what platforms do you use to generate customers? seems like everyone has moved from making products to telling people how to make products. where can i buy one of these courses. even on social media you have to promote and or have a following. It is still all about SEO etc.. I have 0 following on mine.
Ok you got my attention so what is a social media brand do you have a video explaining this and how to in detail?
All that greatness in 12 mins 👏
All that greatness in your comment, thank you for watching!
Thanks for the helpful video. But I wonder if there isn't some way for people who have a family, a full-time job, and trying to run a business to find the time/way to make those 500 social media posts a day? I think 1 a day is about all I could hope to muster. That's on top of email, content creation, etc. Its also disheartening when you spend time creating a post, writing content and then you are lucky to get 12 likes. It's made even worse when you see someone post a selfy and get 10x the likes that you spent hours on.
I didn't catch what we should do instead...
I like the video but your missing a few things that are important such as which social platform to spend time on and how to market and why lowering price is in fact important to drive sales
Exactly most of these people that do this. Don’t really give you any information on exactly what to do. Nowhere in this video is an explain how to do what he’s talking about doing. Literally, let’s say I have a product. What am I gonna do? just make a Facebook page For whatever brand I come up with and then just start posting and expect Facebook or Instagram to start sending people to my site. Yeah that’s not gonna happen. You can build the website out there, but no one‘s gonna come to it if they can’t see it or don’t know about it.
how would you make 500 things to post a day though? That is my only issue is ... are there not packages out there that people can buy to start and post listings ? WHILE I keep working at creating my own art and listings and products? It takes me forever.... plus Canva changed the quality option on premium or intro at least - so I have to go to cloud convert EACH TIME to ensure 300 DPI for digital prints
Very informative and straight to the point! Thanks for sharing
I am new to this I am navigating all everything I get the social media advertising but where do you have your store ?
Great video with real points!
Thank you!
No I love social media and selling a product that is what I want I’m just not sure how and when to start
I deliberately came off social media for work in military/defense, just gives a clean break. But now it gives me the jitters just thinking about starting up an account again. Yuk!
Love this content and I really love the 80s music in the background!
Excellent video. Thank you for dropping this knowledge.
Thx for the video, can you elaborate on social media aspect? like which platform do you recommend?...
We prefer TH-cam and Instagram, but being on the right platform means being where your customers are. If you sell a product that's more fit for Gen Z, it could be Tiktok/Instagram. Something higher cost and meant for business? TH-cam/IG. It all depends but a vast majority of people are on social media somewhere.
Thanks for this valuable eye-opening points you made here! But what is personal branding, how can I build personal branding for something that is not produced by myself?
Also what people's problems have these major brands solved to get them to where they are now?
time plays a HUGE part. you will NOT make 1mil in 3 days, 6 months or 1 year. give yourself time. its the yt thumbnail that is annoying...folks need to understand that it takes years to make that kind on money on a regular, consistent basis. And..it is possible to achieve. ❤
Where should we sell then? shopify?
Hi Doug . Thank you for making your audience see ahead this reality. Your sincerity & thoughtfulness is highly appreciated. Great content. Every minute is useful info. God bless you & your family
Thank you so much!
I am from Pakistan and I want to create etsy account, can I create etsy account with my us llc? Kindly reply me if you see my comment
what if there is no bank account? where can you sell please?
Your method seems like it would work for physical products too. Thanks!
Well explained! Great vid.
What platform would you recommend as a viable alternative then?
Social media and using Kajabi to host your course!
@@hayleypaigejohnson thanks so much. I will look into it.
Guys dont be naive, you will not earn thousands of dollars on Etsy and any other marketplaces. You can work on seo have millions of views and you will not sell to pay your bills. Problem is not in art but in people. People do not buy art anymore. Also all this who promote that they earn selling art they actually earn from promoting that.
hello sir do you have an online class where we can sign up?
you spoke about branding... OMG....I have a brand idea and I can do what you suggestive about marketing through social media and how to make myself known....do I secure my brand name first. I would love to talk with you
clear and concise. thanks
Glad it was helpful!
SEO doesn't work for New sellers who were starting their E commerce platform.
As i started selling physical Products on ETSY i got only 5 Sales of one phone case And literally i had Not mentioned any keywords neither the description, but All other have SEO, Keywords, Description, title, image Keywords but i got only few views Not a single sale. Even got nothing with etsy adds except views And favourites.
Hello Man, do u know any website that offers printing as well as the frames for printables. I want to give a website address where they are able to select the paper/sheet quality and the wall frame type???? if their are seperate websites specially for US and UK citizens so that shipping days gets reduced theat would be a added advantage......waiting for your reply...thanks
What the summary, if anyone conclude it in a shorter version would be thankful.
1 Liner?
Don’t rely on Etsy alone, having a personal brand on social media helps with selling digital products. It let’s you price higher, not have to run ads, not rely on the Etsy algorithm to make you successful.
Excellent info. Good ideas. Some people are making millions on Etsy though so it works for them. But I agree, social media can really up the game ... ugh. just not a fan of updating.
Really good video definitely enjoyed watching
This has me worried. I've avoided the get-rich-quick hype and listened to some good, honest people talk about all the work it takes to make POD an actual source of income and not just a pipe dream. In our household, we need to find that source very soon. I am willing to work hard, even though I'm old. But then, at the end of all the advice about niche, design, etc, etc they always say it's not going to fly without ads or social media. Ads will take revenue, no matter where. And - after all the research I've put in, seems ads on social media will be an entirely new field to research, learn and fund. Almost a business unto itself. Gotta think about if that is realistic if I'm not young and energetic.
How about having my own site integrated with gumroad or wordpress, AND being on etsy as well?
100% a valid way to go until your socials or personal brand drive enough revenue to cut etsy off, or you can always run both. We just don't want to only rely on it alone.
Hey! I'm glad I came across this eye opening video.
What are your thoughts on hashtags? With X & Instagram I see some posts with them, some without. I'm assuming when there are no hashtags is because they have a decent following. I use them but never know if I've chosen effective ones or not. Great video!
Isn't only for digital products physical as well
Thank you for being authentic straight forward insights.
THat was so informative…but even after making a brand we still need to market the brand which in itself it pretty expensive.how do we tackle that
Organic social media is free. If you already have a smart phone, that's all you need. No need for ads!
Organic social media is free? Please elaborate on what you just told him if you have a smart phone that’s all you need. You didn’t tell him or any of us anything about be very specific can go through the steps of exactly how to do what you just said none of you guys do that.
It still isn't so 'easy' if you're selling pictures. Anyone can easily do a screenshot or even right click and save. I know right click and save can be disabled on the page if the pictures being sold are on your own website. At least one way around this is to apply sold pictures to canvas and maybe frame it. By getting a little more creative anyone can easily still sell on such websites as Etsy.
Have you considered watermarking the photos?
@@CozyCloudASMR What I was going to say, you just put a watermark on the photos, and only when paid you get the real photo, also there is laws, if you make something, unike enoough to be considered yours, someone can't just take it and use it at least online or for their bussnies. You can file a law suit, this is the same with everything, there are different licenses for different things like art, software, a brand, don't remember all of them. But you can read on it. Don't remember the word in english maybe copyrigjt? No thats not it, fuck i have it on my tung studied a few courses ago^^.
This is my biggest problem for more than 10 years selling digital goods. Theft. You spend hours on a digital product only to have some jerk burger buy your stuff for $4 and resell it. You cannot escape it. I’ve had people trace my work and resell it on Etsy and luckily I've had a large enough fan base they have reported it to me...but good luck getting ETSY to do anything about it.
@@luger42
It's tongue, not tung.
It's business, not bussnies.
Yes, it's copyright. Yes, it's a law.
Obviously you're foreign, thus the reason you don't know the meaning of what I said in my initial comment.
I know about watermarks too. A watermark would do nothing. Watermarks would be placed on the real picture so watermark or no watermark it's still the real picture.
It's easy : put a watermark on your pictures.
Valuable insights and thank you ❤
So where to sell ?
I've found your channel out by typing how to create digital art to sell on Esty. i have a new perspective on what to do and how to work around some of the hair pulling tedious aspects of creating a digital market for myself. there are a few things and questions in mind to ask as far as taking the first step into the digital realm, but that will take multiple sessions. in other words I'm glad to have found this and it helps out. thanks.
Cool editing to be succinct - thanks!
Some of us just don’t want a god damn thing to do with social media
Thank you so much for the info and help Doug, I really appreciate it! Amazing what you and Hayley have done and accomplished! Subscribed to your channel. I also signed up for your Free 5 day challenge as well. I received the email and it asks me to "Confirm subscription" - is it just an email subscription I need to confirm? Is there a charge of any kind for the challenge? Thank you.
So, what was the answer?
Hi sir,
I have certain questions.
What content can I put on social media sites to sell a hoodie or tshirt? I mean what is problem solving in it?
Also many a times, Instagram bans many pages or accounts. Isn't that a risk? Please explain more on it.
Hi, do your hoodies have sayings on them? If you design hoodies let’s say with inspirational quotes or images for example, you are providing customers wanting to literally feel inspired and reminded of inspiration when they wear the hoodies. Then your social media content would show images around that inspiration, you could share what inspires you and why you made the hoodie, show images of people feeling happy wearing hoodies - talk about the material you use and how comfortable they will be.
Same idea if you have messages on your hoodies, your content should be around that message along with the actual message. Add some quotes relating to that message. Add your thoughts on that message. This applies to anyone selling anything. It’s the same content strategy. Hope this helps.