We know that many marketplaces are improving their systems to compete with each other. Etsy released their growth plan during the Etsy Q1 Investor’s Report, where CEO Josh Silverman provided some clues on how Etsy search results will be changed from now on. This may sound challenging for new joiners on Etsy, but no worries! We have listed the important things you need to know before creating listing photos for your Etsy shop. If you’re considering opening a shop on Etsy, you can find information on what items can be sold on Etsy here.
What’s changed on Etsy Listing Policy?
Since the beginning, Etsy has aimed to be a place for handmade and unique items, not just for finding the cheapest goods like some other websites. To improve customers’ experience, Etsy will use new ways to decide which items appear in search results, based on things like reviews, pictures, descriptions, shipping on time, and organic clicks. Here are the reasons they are making changes on listing policy.
1. Reduce sellers cluster
Etsy’s decision to charge new sellers a $15 USD fee upon signup aims to cut down on overcrowding. This step helps Etsy ensure that new shops are serious about their presence on the platform and are committed to offering quality products. It’s part of Etsy’s efforts to maintain a marketplace where both buyers and sellers have a better experience. Read more about Etsy Seller Policy.
2. Improve search result page
They will remove similar listing images or product descriptions. When buyers see the search result of what they are looking for they will only see the product they need from identifying shops with good reviews. This may increase chances for sellers who put effort on making listing photos by themself rather than stealing or copying from other sellers or marketplace.
3. Make amount of sellers and buyers match
Etsy’s marketplace is expanding, and they’re watching out for when there’s more stuff to sell than people wanting to buy. Making it tougher for new sellers to join, from opening a shop to listing products, is a way to ensure that only sellers serious about selling on Etsy stick around. This helps buyers have the best experience, knowing they’re getting quality goods on Etsy.
4. Remain Etsy identity as high quality handmade items
Many customers see Etsy as a place to find, personalize, or customize items that sellers craft themselves. To maintain Etsy’s unique position in the marketplace, they need to remove products that are not made by sellers. Unlike other players in the market like Temu or Aliexpress, whose products come mostly from factories rather than being handmade and offer the cheapest deals available. Any listing image that looks similar to search results from Temu and Aliexpress will be automatically removed from Etsy.
Quality of image
There are various methods to make your listing photos grab customers’ attention. This includes how you showcase your planner templates, how you coordinate colors on each page with the background color, and demonstrating the usage of planners in different scenarios.
Listing Image details:
- Size: Should be a minimum of 1000 pixels wide; recommended size is 3000 x 3000 pixels
- File type: Accepted formats include JPG, GIF, or PNG
- Color mode: Ensure the color mode is set to RGB
- Resolution: Maintain a resolution of 72PPI
- File size: Keep it under 1 MB to facilitate faster uploading
- *Requires at least 1 video
Here’s another helpful tip: consider adding your logo or a watermark to your listing images. This not only helps customers recognize your brand but also helps Etsy’s system recognize that your image is unique.
Are you a planner seller feeling overwhelmed by these requirements taking up your time? Let Planify Pro take care of it in just a few clicks. Check out our Listing Image Feature here!
Do Not Use Copyrighted Designs
Lots of sellers make mistakes by using famous characters like Disney, Marvel, or Harry Potter without permission. We advise against using anything with those copyrighted designs, even if you draw them yourself as fanart.
You can’t sell things on Etsy that copy someone else’s brand. This includes names, logos, or phrases that belong to a certain brand or company. Before using any of these in your listings, make sure you have permission or a license.
If your partner helps make an item, the photos in the listing should show the finished product or a picture provided by the helper that shows what the buyer will get. Sellers need to make sure these images really show what their finished items look like. Read more about Etsy Listing Image Requirements.
Avoid aggressive contents
You can’t use any words or symbols related to Nazis, religion, or racism in your Etsy photos or listings. This helps keep Etsy a safe and friendly place for everyone. Sellers need to follow these rules to avoid any problems. Make sure you check all your photos and product name details before submitting to ensure they comply with Etsy’s Prohibited Policy.
How to appeal if your etsy account got deactivated?
If your account gets deactivated from listing photos, we suggest you contact Etsy and submit an appeal form. When you’re explaining your situation, provide as much proof as you can. This might mean showing screenshots, receipts, or other papers that prove you’re following Etsy’s rules. This might take a while, and you might need to check on the case now and then. Find more information about Why Was My Listing Removed by Etsy.
Etsy’s new listing policy changes are important for planner sellers to understand. To avoid problems, make sure you follow the rules, like using the right images and avoiding copyrighted stuff. Keep your Etsy shop running smoothly by staying updated with Planify Pro and checking out our blog for helpful tips
Want more tips and inspiration for building your own custom planner or launching a personalized planner brand? Check out our blog for a helpful beginner’s guide: “What You Need to Start a Planner Shop” and Courses to help you get started. Planify Pro has more DIY tips to help you personalize your planner, whether you’re designing a gift, building a product line, or just creating a layout that works for you.
Check out these easy tutorials and bring your custom planner ideas to life Click Here! Don’t forget to visit our Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest for more inspiration—and to explore our wide selection of premade planner templates, design stickers, and fonts for making your own personalized planner. Let Planify Pro help you on your journey to planner success!
