Crickets to Cha-Chings

Gold City Ventures

Crickets to Cha-chings is a podcast for handmade entrepreneurs wanting to uplevel their Etsy shops and take their side gig to a full time income. Join us as we talk marketing for your handmade business, strategy to drive traffic to your shop, how to stand out on Etsy, and running an online business while maintaining flexibility for your family. read less
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Episodes

171. Start a Niche Subscription Business for Printables: Live Coaching Call
Yesterday
171. Start a Niche Subscription Business for Printables: Live Coaching Call
In this live episode of the Crickets to Cha-Chings podcast, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison discuss strategies for growing an Etsy business off of the platform. They provide guidance to Naomi, an Etsy seller selling printables, on how to expand her business and reach a wider audience. The conversation covers topics such as building an email list, repurposing content for social media, and creating YouTube videos. They emphasize the importance of niching down and finding the right platforms to connect with the target audience. The hosts also highlight the need for traffic generation and suggest exploring Facebook groups as a potential avenue for growth. In this conversation, Julie and Sasha discuss the importance of trying new things and not being afraid to fail in business. They also explore the target audience for Naomi's products, including Sunday school teachers, camp directors, and homeschooling parents. They emphasize the need to understand the specific needs and interests of these target customers in order to create relevant and valuable products. The conversation also touches on the potential for affiliate marketing and the importance of staying focused on the core topic of the business. Gold City Ventures Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ Takeaways Building an email list is crucial for growing an Etsy business off of the platform.Repurposing content for social media can help save time and reach a wider audience.Creating YouTube videos can be an effective way to showcase products and attract customers.Niching down and finding the right platforms to connect with the target audience is essential for business growth.Generating traffic is a challenge for Etsy sellers, and exploring Facebook groups can be a potential solution. Don't be afraid to try new things in your business and allow yourself to fail.Understand the specific needs and interests of your target audience to create relevant and valuable products.Consider the potential for affiliate marketing to promote complementary products to your target audience.Stay focused on the core topic of your business to avoid confusing or losing your audience.
169. When Your Competitor is a Bigger Brand .. Do This!
15-04-2024
169. When Your Competitor is a Bigger Brand .. Do This!
In this episode, Julie and Sasha of Gold City Ventures and Kennedy of Our Friendly World discuss growing a business off of Etsy. They talk about competitor analysis and the importance of understanding your customers and competitors. They specifically discuss what to do when your competitor is a bigger brand than you and was on Shark Tank!   They also discuss the potential for collaborations and sponsorships, as well as the role of video content in driving traffic and engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of repurposing content and experimenting with different platforms to reach your target audience.   Links:  Kennedy's Business Our Friendly World: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ourfriendlyworld Gold City Ventures Beyond Program: https://goldcityventures.com/beyond/ This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TU_L6OaA5UQ   In this conversation, Julie and Sasha also discuss various strategies for driving traffic and generating leads for a handmade crochet kit business. They emphasize the importance of understanding the customer journey and tailoring content to different stages of the sales funnel. They also discuss the potential of affiliate marketing, building an email list, and outsourcing tasks to save time. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of collaboration and networking within the crafting community.   Takeaways Understanding your customers and competitors through competitor analysis is crucial for growing your business off of Etsy. Collaborations and sponsorships can be effective ways to expand your reach and attract new customers. Video content is a powerful tool for driving traffic and engagement, and it can be repurposed across different platforms. Experimenting with different platforms and strategies is important to find what works best for your business. Understand the customer journey and tailor content to different stages of the sales funnel Consider affiliate marketing as a way to leverage the networks of others to promote your products Build an email list to capture leads and nurture relationships with potential customers Outsource tasks to save time and focus on high-value activities Collaborate and network within the crafting community to expand your reach and opportunities     Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 Competitor Analysis and Insights 04:06 Understanding the Woobles and Differentiating Your Products 09:06 Taking Advantage of Competitors and Building the Market 12:24 Repurposing Content and Driving Traffic with Video 15:18 Exploring Collaborations and Sponsorships 22:16 The Role of Video Content in Attracting Customers 25:49 Experimenting with Different Platforms and Strategies 28:03 Understanding the Customer Journey and Tailoring Content 35:24 The Potential of Affiliate Marketing and Building an Email List 45:32 Outsourcing Tasks to Save Time and Focus on High-Value Activities 52:07 Creating Efficient Workflows and Maximizing ROI 58:22 Collaborating and Networking within the Crafting Community
168. How a Niche Printable Shop Grows Beyond Etsy
08-04-2024
168. How a Niche Printable Shop Grows Beyond Etsy
In this episode, Julie Berninger and Sasha Hutchison of Gold City Ventures interview Jenny, an Etsy seller who sells printables. They discuss Jenny's journey from selling physical products to focusing on printables, specifically in the golf niche. They explore the potential for Jenny to expand her business beyond Etsy by creating a lifestyle brand and leveraging social media. They also discuss the importance of custom and personalized products and the potential for affiliate marketing. The conversation provides valuable insights and ideas for Jenny to grow her business. In this conversation, Julie and Sasha discuss different strategies for monetizing an Etsy shop that sells golf-themed products. They explore options such as affiliate marketing, creating video content, and targeting specific niches within the golf community. They also discuss the importance of understanding the target audience and their preferences. The conversation ends with rapid-fire ideas for expanding the product offerings and leveraging affiliate marketing. This is another coaching call-style podcast and there will be two more following in the series! They discuss: The customer journey of people searching for niche printablesWhy picking a niche once you start selling off Etsy is the way to goWhere Etsy sellers posting on social are messing upWhat to post on social media to attract your ideal customerWays to monetize with YouTube and affiliate marketing by performing product reviewsHow the Gold City Ventures team can improve their new offering Beyond& more! Stay tuned to learn more about Beyond which launches mid-month to the Gold City Ventures community! Resources: Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3VCSKIx5bUM 🌟 Learn more about Gold City Ventures -- https://goldcityventures.com 🌟
158. Starting Over: 3 Game-Changing Things I wish I had done 11 years Ago
31-07-2023
158. Starting Over: 3 Game-Changing Things I wish I had done 11 years Ago
It’s great to be back and talk about all things Etsy and e-commerce with you (and thanks for so many DMs about last week's episode!) This week is all about what we would do differently if we could go back in time and start our Etsy businesses all over again -- and there's a laundry list of things that I would do differently. When I first started on Etsy back in 2012, the internet was a vastly different landscape. I was completely lost and trying to figure everything out all on my own. I didn't have a clear vision of building an e-commerce brand or anything like that, I was simply trying to keep up with the daily grind. If I knew then what I know now, I would have definitely taken a step back and taken a more strategic, long-term approach. Speaking of which, I’m excited to share some insights with you on how to think beyond the immediate and plan for the future in regards to your e-commerce brand. It’s essential to consider what matters to you and your vision for your business beyond the day-to-day tasks. Don't feel pressured to follow someone else's version of success or strive for massive financial gains. It’s all about making intentional decisions that align with your goals and values. In this episode, we've got some fantastic tips and advice to help you grow your small e-commerce business into something amazing, by taking a thoughtful and long-term approach. By the end of this episode, my hope is that it inspires you to look beyond putting out the everyday fires in your business, and instead take an approach that sets you up for succcess a month from now, a year from now, and 10 years from now.  So, grab your cup of coffee or tea, sit back and get ready to become an e-commerce entrepreneur extraordinaire! 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger Join the waitlist for the upcoming application only small group experience -- http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/apply
157. What's up with Etsy lately?
25-07-2023
157. What's up with Etsy lately?
This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights to help you grow and succeed in your Etsy shop (and, more importantly, in your e-commerce business as a whole.) Here's what you can expect: The state of Etsy sales: Discover the reasons behind the decrease in Etsy sales in 2023 and what it means for sellers.Where Etsy is growing and what it means for an individual seller's businessInsights into Etsy's revenue model and how it affects your bottom line as a seller (it's not as clear as you'd think!)Why Etsy is focusing on growing its seller base (in my opinion) and what it means for your competition on the platform.Tips to protect your business and not have these changes come as a surprise: Learn about practical strategies to adapt your business and protect your success amidst market changes.Where I think we're headed: my personal prediction for the future of what's happening on the platform, and how it might shape the way you want to run your business moving forward Join us for an energizing and informative conversation about Etsy and what's been going on over the last several months or more. We'll break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps and emphasize practical benefits to help you take actionable steps towards growing your Etsy shop. You don't want to miss this episode -- make sure you tune in today! ----------- 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger Join the waitlist for the upcoming application only small group experience -- http://www.laurenkeplinger.com/apply
156. Unleash the Power of Brand Values in Your E-commerce Biz
18-07-2023
156. Unleash the Power of Brand Values in Your E-commerce Biz
In today's world, buyers are more conscious about the impact their purchasing decisions can have on the businesses they support. They want to align themselves with brands that share their values. And you know what? This trend is especially true for small businesses, creatives, and artisans like us... Now, I know what you're thinking..."No way, I'm not going there..." But the thing is, brand values don't have to be controversial or political, my friend. They can be centered on authenticity and creating a connection with your customers. People crave that deeper connection with the brands they love. They want to feel a values-based bond that goes beyond just a transaction. And get this β€” they're even willing to pay a bit more for products or services from brands that align with their values. Talk about a win-win situation! The podcast episode also highlights the power of brand loyalty and trust. When your customers feel that connection with your brand values, they're more likely to stick around and support your business for the long-haul. It's like having your own tribe of loyal supporters cheering you on!  So, here's the big question: What are your brand values, my creative friend? What sets you apart in the handmade or small business e-commerce world? It's time to dig deep and tap into what makes your brand special. Maybe it's about quality products, personalization, sustainability, or empowering your customers through your creations. The possibilities are endless!   ----------- 🌟 For More Insider Tips & Strategies on E-Commerce Success! 🌟 Shop workshops and trainings: http://www.cricketstochachings.com  Read the blog and download the freebies: http://www.laurenkeplinger.com Follow along on IG for business insider savvy and connection -- http://www.instagram.com/lauren.keplinger