Feeling overwhelmed by the crowded marketplace on Etsy?
As a new Low Hanging System seller, it might seem like finding the next big trend is as difficult as searching for a needle in a haystack.
But here’s the exciting part: You can always rise above the competition and uncover trends that others haven’t even imagined.
My name is Kimberly, Rachel’s assistant and in this post, we’ll explore seven proven strategies that will help you discover those hidden gems and transform them into bestsellers.
Let’s dive in.
1. Study the Competition, But Never Copy
One of the smartest moves you can make when trying to create the next bestseller is to study your competition.
But here’s the catch—while it’s crucial to understand what’s working for others, the goal is never to replicate their success by copying.
Instead, you want to draw inspiration and then take it a step further.
How to Stand Out: Browse through your competitors’ bestsellers.
What makes them popular? Now, think about how you can add your unique twist.
Maybe it’s offering a personalized option, using a different material, or even bundling products together.
Pro Tip: Differentiation is key. Find that one unique element that will make your product stand out in a crowded market.
Want to find best sellers like these? Rachel loves using Everbee lately :)
2. Refresh Evergreen Phrases But With A New Angle
Evergreen themes are popular for a reason—they resonate with people year-round, regardless of trends.
But just because a theme is evergreen doesn’t mean it has to stay the same forever.
By refreshing these timeless ideas with a new angle, you can breathe new life into them and create something that feels both familiar and fresh.
If funny motivational quotes are your focus, consider how you can update classic phrases with a touch of humor or relevance to current events. For instance, instead of the typical “Dream Big,” you might go with “Dream Big, Nap Harder” to tap into the current trend of self-care and balance.
Pro Tip: The key is to combine an evergreen theme with a current trend in language or popular culture to create something that feels fresh and relevant. For instance, a timeless phrase like “Best Mom Ever” could be reimagined by incorporating a popular phrase or twist, such as “Best Mom Ever: No Cap” or “Best Mom Ever, Period.”
By blending timeless appeal with a modern perspective, you can create a phrase that stands out in a crowded market while still tapping into the deep emotional connection that evergreen themes provide.
3. Create More From What’s Already Working
Did you know that what’s trending with one product also can inspire you to create that for another?
By looking beyond your typical product range, you can uncover fresh phrases or concepts that fit your style and appeal to a broader audience.
Why This Works: Trends don’t stay in one place—they spread. A popular phrase in home decor might also catch on with buyers looking for mugs or t-shirts.
By exploring related categories, you can spot emerging trends that haven’t hit your niche yet, giving you the chance to be the first to bring them over.
How to Do It: Start by browsing Etsy’s bestsellers in categories related to your products. If you love creating simple black text phrases for mugs, check out what’s trending in wall art quotes or stickers.Look for popular quotes or themes that could easily translate to your product.For instance, if “Good Vibes Only” is trending in wall art, think about how it could work on a mug, t-shirt, or tote bag.
Pro Tip: Don’t just copy—adapt. Take what’s working elsewhere and make it fit your niche.
If “Home Sweet Home” is a hit with wall art then maybe tweak it on a coffee mug with something like “Home Brew Sweet Brew.”
By giving a fresh twist to existing trends, you can create products that feel familiar yet new, helping you stand out in a crowded market.
4. Ride the Wave of Seasonal Trends – Well 10% of the Time
When you’re just starting out, it’s smart to focus most of your energy—about 80%—on creating evergreen products.
These are the simple black text phrases that sell year-round, like “Coffee First” or “Best Dad Ever.”
But here’s a little secret: dedicating around 20% of your efforts to seasonal trends can give your shop a nice boost when those special times of the year roll around.
Save Seasons As Your 10% Secret Weapons: Seasonal trends are like clockwork—they happen every year, and people go crazy for products that match the mood of the moment. Think about it: everyone loves buying gifts for the holidays, or snagging something special for Halloween or Valentine’s Day. So why not be ready to ride that wave?
What to Focus On: Start by planning your 10% of products around upcoming seasons. For example, in the fall, people are all about cozy vibes, so phrases like “Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice” could be a hit on mugs or shirts. When the holidays come around, personalized phrases like “Santa’s Favorite Teacher” can be a great way to stand out.
Pro Tip: Timing is key! Start planning your seasonal items at least three months in advance. This way, you’ll have everything ready to go when people start searching for those holiday or seasonal gifts.
And remember, while seasonal trends are fun and can bring in extra sales, keep your focus on those evergreen products that will keep selling all year long.
5. Stumped? Use Etsy’s Home Page as Inspiration
When you’re just getting started, Etsy can be your best friend. It has built-in tools that help you see what’s hot right now.
Two of the easiest ones to use are the “Trending Now” section and the search bar’s autocomplete feature.
How to Use Them: Start by visiting Etsy’s homepage and scrolling to the “Trending Now” section. This area shows you what’s currently popular among shoppers.
It’s a quick way to get a feel for what people are excited about right now. Next, try typing a word or phrase into Etsy’s search bar. As you type, you’ll notice suggestions popping up—these are what people are actively searching for. Pay attention to these suggestions because they can give you a good idea of where demand is heading.
Pro Tip: Make it a habit to regularly check these tools. Trends can change quickly, so staying updated will help you keep your product offerings fresh and in line with what buyers want. By adjusting your listings based on what’s trending, you’ll have a better chance of creating products that sell.
6. Always Remember Keep It Simple and Start Small The Low Hanging Way:
Remember, you don’t need to create complex designs or offer a huge variety of products to start. Begin with simple, eye-catching designs that can be easily applied to various items like mugs, shirts, and tote bags.
What to Do: Start with a small selection of designs and products. This allows you to test the market without overwhelming yourself. As you see what works, you can expand your offerings.
Pro Tip: Quality over quantity. A few well-designed, targeted products can outperform a large, unfocused inventory.
7. Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, You Just Know
Your Instincts Are Powerful: While all the strategies above are important, never underestimate the power of your gut feeling. If you have an idea that excites you, there’s a good chance it will excite others too.
How to Follow Through: If you come across an idea that feels right, test it out! Start small with a limited batch or a few listings. Monitor how it performs, and if it takes off, scale up.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Some of the most successful products come from following a hunch.
So what’s next?
Creating the next bestseller on Etsy doesn’t have to be a mystery.
With these 7 proven strategies, you can set yourself apart, even in the most crowded markets. It’s all about smart planning, understanding your audience, and making products that truly connect.
Ready to take your Etsy shop to the next level?
Start applying these strategies today and watch your products rise to the top. If you’re looking to join a community of Print on Demand sellers who are doing just that, sign up at www.LowHangingSystem.com.
