Now it's time to roll up your sleeves and get things set up just right. Trust me, as a new store without any sales or reviews, if you want those sales to start pouring in, you've got to set up your shop well first.

Most stores do not convert well and it is because they haven't taken the necessary steps to make sure their store looks professional. They make the mistake of rushing to list their products and neglect the shop setup.

*Just a heads up: When you initially open your shop, Etsy will ask you to create your first listing. If you already have a product ready, you can list it right away. Otherwise, you can simply fill in the information, temporarily delist it, and return to modify it later. Please note that there is a small listing fee associated with this process. More about listing products in the next section.

Here are five essential steps to create a professional and appealing shop that stands out.

1. Set Up Your Brand

Your brand should be consistent across all mediums and convey the same tone. This includes choosing a banner, logo, specific color scheme, fonts and mockups that reflect your store’s identity.

When it comes to branding your Etsy shop, consistency is key. You want to make sure everything looks and feels like it belongs together. I've seen some shops that use different fonts or have logos that just don't match their banners, and it can confuse customers and make them click away. Be consistent in your branding. Below is a great example of a consistent branding - you'll notice how everything comes together in this shop.

1. Use a consistent thumbnail image.

When customers visit your shop, they'll see all your products. To create a consistent and branded look, choose 1-3 thumbnails with the same setting or style. This way, your shop will have a cohesive look and make a stronger impression on visitors.

1. Fill in all your information.

Write your bio and the intro of your shop. What do you sell? For whom? What do you like about the products you sell and why do you sell them? Customers want to know what makes you unique, so feel free to include that in your bio.

1. Fill in the guidelines/Policy.

Do you offer refunds? Cancellation? What type of payment do you accept? When will they receive their files?