If you’re an Etsy seller, then you may already know that there is a lot of competition out there and lots of (often conflicting) advice about what you should and should not do to make your craft business succeed.
That’s why we’ve put together this Etsy reading list for you - it contains some of the best books on running an Etsy shop, marketing your products, believing in yourself and more!
☞ Ready to take your Etsy store to the next level?
Discover how Craftybase is the Etsy inventory software you've been missing out on: track raw materials and product stock, COGS, pricing and much more. It's your new production central.
Start your 14 day free trial“The Etsy Seller Handbook” by Etsy
This fantastic set of resources on how to run your Etsy business covers everything from photography, marketing, SEO and listing management. As it’s written by Etsy, you know you are getting the right and most up-to-date information about how best to sell via this platform.
It’s not a book, but the Etsy Seller Handbook has everything you need to know to get started…I love that it’s blog-styled and separated into clear categories so you can quickly find an article on whatever topic you’re thinking about. - parrotpartylindsey on Reddit
“The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Etsy” by Noelle Ihli and Jeanne Allen
This book, written by two sellers with a 6 figure Etsy business, offers plenty of practical advice on how to make your Etsy shop successful. From tips on taking better photographs to strategies for increasing traffic, this book is packed with actionable advice that can help you take your business to the next level.
“Etsy Empire: Proven Tactics for Your Etsy Business Success, Including Etsy SEO, Etsy Shop Building, Social Media for Etsy and Etsy Pricing Tips” by Eric Michael
Etsy Empire Strikes Back is a must-read for any serious Etsy seller. In this book, Eric shares his best tips and techniques for getting your items found by buyers, boosting your sales, and becoming a top seller on Etsy. He also covers topics like SEO and social media marketing, which are essential for any online business. If you’re looking to take your Etsy business to the next level, this is the book for you.
“Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business” by Joy Deangdeelert Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco.
This essential guide covers everything from developing a creative business plan to pricing your products and services competitively. In addition, the authors offer advice on handling the ups and downs of freelancing, including how to deal with rejection and criticism. Whether you’re just getting started on Etsy or you’ve been selling for years, “Creative, Inc.” is a book that every seller should have on their shelf.
“Map your business” by Tara Swiger
Most people think of marketing as a way to convince people to buy things they don’t need. But marketing can be so much more than that. It can be a way to connect with your customers and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. It can be a way to create something that is truly unique and appealing to your target audience. And it can be a lot of fun.
Swiger is a marketing expert who understands the challenges and opportunities that come with running a creative business. In her book, she provides practical advice on how to use inbound marketing techniques to attract more customers and grow your business. She also shares her own experiences as an Etsy seller, giving readers insights into what works (and what doesn’t). If you’re looking for a way to take your Etsy business to the next level, this is the book for you.
“Etsypreneurship: everything you need to know to turn your handmade hobby into a thriving business” by Jason Malinak.
As an Etsy seller himself, Malinak knows first hand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a creative business and gives you insightful and proven techniques to grow your business.
In his book, he provides readers with practical advice on everything from marketing and social media to product photography and pricing. Perhaps most importantly, he offers encouragement and inspiration, reminding readers that success is within reach if they are willing to work hard and be creative. For anyone serious about making their Etsy business a success, “Etsypreneurship” is a must-read.
“Make It Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take the Leap. Live On Purpose.” by Lara Casey.
As an Etsy seller, it’s important to have a clear purpose for your business. What are you hoping to achieve? What kind of impact do you want to make? Lara Casey’s book “Make It Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take the Leap. Live On Purpose.” can help you answer these questions and develop a plan to achieve your goals.
Casey tells her own story of overcoming fears and self-doubt to build a successful business, and she provides readers with practical advice and inspiration for making their dreams a reality. Whether you’re just getting started on Etsy or you’ve been selling for awhile, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to turn their passion into a thriving business.
“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert.
As an Etsy seller, it’s important to be creative and to stand out from the crowd. But it’s also important to be confident in your abilities and to not let fear get in the way of your success. That’s why “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert is a must-read for any Etsy seller. Gilbert explores the creative process and how to live a creative life without letting fear hold you back.
She also shares her own personal experiences with creatvity and offers practical advice on overcoming creative blocks. By reading “Big Magic,” you’ll gain the confidence you need to succeed as an Etsy seller and to create truly unique and beautiful products.
“You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero.
As an Etsy seller, it can be easy to doubt your own greatness and feel like you’re not doing enough. However, Jen Sincero’s book “You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who needs a reminder of their own awesomeness.
Sincero covers everything from overcoming self-doubt to manifesting your dreams, and her message is simple: you are capable of anything you set your mind to. If you’re looking for a boost of confidence and some practical advice on how to make your Etsy shop thrive, this book is a must-read. Who knows, after reading “You Are a Badass” you might just find yourself believing in your own greatness too.
“The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle” by Steven Pressfield.
For anyone who has ever struggled to get their creative business off the ground, “The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle” by Steven Pressfield is a must-read. The book details Pressfield’s own journey as a creative professional, and the many obstacles he faced along the way. However, the book is not just a memoir; it’s also a call to action for anyone who feels they are being held back by their own fears and self-doubt.
By sharing his own story, Pressfield shows that it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve success.
“The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are is a book by Brené Brown that encourages readers to accept themselves for who they are. The book argues that perfectionism is a major contributor to anxiety and depression, and that by accepting our imperfections, we can lead happier and more fulfilling lives.
Etsy sellers should definitely read this book! As creative entrepreneurs, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our work is never good enough. We compare ourselves to other creators and beat ourselves up for not being “perfect.” But as Brené Brown shows us, perfectionism is a destructive force that keeps us from living our best lives.
“How to Make Money Using Etsy” by Timothy Adam
If you’re an Etsy seller looking for ways to take your business to the next level, “How to Make Money on Etsy” is a must-read. This book provides readers with everything they need to know about building a successful Etsy business, from creating standout products to marketing their shop effectively.
In addition, Adam offers helpful advice on managing finances and scaling up production. Whether you’re just getting started on Etsy or you’ve been selling for years, this book is packed with strategies that will help you take your business to new heights.
“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondō.
As an Etsy seller, it’s important to be organized and efficient in order to run a successful business. That’s why “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondō is a must-read for anyone selling on Etsy. The book provides a detailed step-by-step guide to decluttering your home, and the KonMari Method has been proven to be an effective way to declutter your mind and improve your focus.
In addition, the book includes helpful tips on how to keep your workspace organized and free of clutter. By following the advice in this book, you’ll be able to streamline your operation and increase your efficiency - which can only mean good things for your business.
