The Modern Etsy Seller Podcast

How much does your Etsy shop name actually matter? In this episode of What You’re Wondering, I’m breaking down what to consider when choosing a name, the checks you should make before committing to one, and why finding the “perfect” name probably deserves a lot less of your time than you think. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Some days you’re excited to work on your Etsy shop, and other days not so much. And if you’re relying on motivation to keep you consistent, those days can make it really hard to keep moving forward. In this episode, I’m sharing the Motivation Reset I use on the days when I just don’t feel like doing the work. We’ll talk about four different places you can look to help get yourself moving again, what to do when none of them work, and how to decide when it’s time to push yourself and when it’s time to give yourself a break. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Does your Etsy About section really matter—and is it worth spending time on if most buyers probably won’t read it? In this quick episode, I’m sharing why I still think you should fill it out and how much time I think you should actually spend on it. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Getting more eyes on your Etsy shop doesn’t have to mean constantly posting on social media or spending more on ads. In this episode, I’m joined by PR expert Gloria Chou to talk about how small business owners and Etsy sellers can build visibility beyond the Etsy platform through PR, media mentions, and the changing world of AI search. Gloria breaks down what PR actually looks like for a small business, why you don’t need a huge brand or a publicist to get featured. We also talk about how media coverage can do more than send you traffic today, it can help build the kind of authority and online presence that may matter even more as people increasingly use tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms to discover businesses, products, and experts. If you’ve been wondering how to get your Etsy business in front of more people without relying entirely on Etsy search, social media, or paid ads, this conversation will give you a whole new way to think about visibility. How to reach Gloria Chou: Free masterclass: gloriachou.com/masterclass Instagram: @gloriachoupr Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Do you have to accept returns or exchanges when you sell print-on-demand products on Etsy? In this episode, I’m talking through what to consider when deciding on your own policy, including what happens to returned products, personalization, return shipping, and how much flexibility you want to give yourself. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Feeling stuck in your Etsy shop can make it really hard to know what to focus on next. In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple process for getting out of that uncertainty and making a more informed decision about where your attention should go. We’ll talk about how to look at where you actually are, what your shop is telling you, what deserves your attention most, and how to decide on your next move without reacting to frustration or changing everything at once. Getting unstuck doesn’t mean having every answer. It means having enough clarity to know what to do next. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Have you been wondering if you should have different mockups for each of your listing? In this episode of What You’re Wondering, I’m sharing why I actually recommend reusing the same mockup system, how it can make listing faster and easier, and when it might make sense to test something different. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Think 15 minutes isn’t enough time to make real progress in your Etsy shop? In this episode, I’m sharing five more ways to use those small pockets of time intentionally so you can keep learning, creating, testing, and moving your shop forward—even when your schedule is packed. These aren’t huge projects or things that require an entire afternoon. They’re practical tasks you can fit into the margins of your day and come back to again and again as your shop grows. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

How often should you really be adding new listings to your Etsy shop? In this quick episode, I’m sharing what I’ve noticed in my own shops, why consistency matters more than hitting a perfect number, and how adding new listings can help you uncover what buyers actually want. If you’ve been wondering whether you need to list every day—or how much is enough—this episode will help you find a pace that actually works for your life. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing tasks you can do in 15 minutes or less so that you can keep your Etsy shop growing even when you don’t have a big block of time to work. These aren’t random busy-work tasks meant to make you feel productive. They’re things that can actually move your shop forward and help you make the most of those little pockets of time that pop up throughout your day. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today’s episode I’m answering the question, “Do I need to order samples before selling a print-on-demand product?” You’ll hear a lot of strong opinions about this one, especially when you’re just getting started. I’m sharing what I did when I opened my own print-on-demand shop, what I would do differently today, and the one thing I don’t want ordering samples to become for a new seller. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing what would I do if I were starting an Etsy print-on-demand shop completely from scratch today. If opening an Etsy shop has started to feel like one giant project with a million moving pieces, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down the order I would follow now to make the process feel simpler, more manageable, and much faster. I’m also sharing the approach I’d use to keep building once those first products are live, without feeling like I had to come up with a brand-new idea every single time. Mentioned in the Episode Save hours and have your shop 100% Ready to List in an Afternoon! The Complete Etsy Shop Setup Kit $17 EP 3. How to Choose Your Print on Demand Product for Your Etsy Shop | Don't Waste Weeks on the Wrong One EP Free resource: Grab the 5-Question Product Validation Guide Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

n today’s episode, I’m answering the question, “Can I use AI-generated mockups on Etsy?” I’m talking about when mockups are allowed for print-on-demand products, why the finished image still needs to accurately represent what the buyer will receive, and what to know if your AI-generated mockup includes a realistic person. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

I use AI in my Etsy business pretty regularly these days, and I know a lot of sellers are still figuring out where it actually fits. In this episode I walk through four specific ways I use AI to help save time. I also share the prompts I type in, plus why I've been leaning more toward Claude lately. AI isn't going to run your shop for you, but if you give it enough detail, it can help you move a lot faster. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

Wondering when to list your Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas products on Etsy? In this What You're Wondering episode, I'm sharing my rule of thumb for timing seasonal listings so shoppers can find them before the rush. Learn the exact windows for fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas prep — plus what to do if you're already inside that window. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing five reasons giftable products can be a smart addition to your Etsy shop. We’ll talk about why they appeal to Etsy shoppers, how they can help your products stand out, and the opportunities they can create for reviews, repeat customers, and larger orders. Plus, I’ll share a few beginner-friendly giftable product ideas to help you get started. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today’s episode, I’m answering the question, “Why was my Star Seller badge removed, and will losing it hurt my shop?” I’ll explain the most common reason sellers lose the badge, what it actually means for your shop, and whether it is something you need to worry about. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing eight ways you may be making your Etsy business harder than it needs to be. From the way you choose products to the way you create listings, use trends, consume advice, and manage your time, some of the things that feel productive may actually be creating more work. If your Etsy shop feels heavier, more confusing, or more time-consuming than you expected, this episode will help you identify what may be getting in the way—and what to do differently. Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today's episode I'm answering the question, "Can I build a successful Etsy print-on-demand shop if I only have two or three hours a week?" If you're balancing a full-time job, raising a family, or simply trying to fit your business into the small pockets of time your life allows, this episode is for you. I'm sharing three insights that can help you make meaningful progress—even when time is your biggest challenge. Limited time doesn't have to stop you from building a profitable Etsy business. You just need to be intentional with the time you have. Apply for my Founding Student Cohort Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.

In today's episode I'm breaking down updates from Etsy's latest seller announcements, from a small fix that protects your listing thumbnails to a deep dive into where Etsy's AI tools are headed for sellers. I'm giving you my honest take on each one, including where I'm optimistic and where I'm staying cautious. Plus, I'm opening applications for my Founding Student Cohort, a one month do-it-with-me experience to help you build (or finally grow) your Etsy print on demand shop before the biggest selling season of the year. Apply for the Founding Student Cohort Here Full Etsy Seller Updates Article Follow the show: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts 🎙️ Spotify Get my newsletter: melissacarroll.co/newsletter Have a question for What You're Wondering? Submit it to melissacarroll.co/question Find me online: Website: melissacarroll.co Instagram: @TheModernEtsySeller Enjoying the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps other sellers find the show and means the world to me.