Summary

👉 Join The Gift Lab for the lowest price ever: https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast

Want to turn your Etsy shop into a thriving gift-product business? In this episode, Emily shares how she launched The Gift Lab from her own Etsy experience and reveals the secrets behind creating products buyers can't resist. Learn how SEO, photography, and market research can transform your listings, why positioning items as gifts skyrockets appeal, and how print-on-demand can give your shop flexibility. Discover actionable strategies to understand your audience, build a unique brand, and continuously adapt for long-term online selling success.

👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables and print-on-demand success.



Takeaways

 * The Gift Lab was born from selling on Etsy.
 * It teaches how to start an Etsy shop from scratch.
 * Researching buyer preferences is crucial.
 * SEO and photography are key components.
 * Positioning products as gifts enhances appeal.
 * Understanding the target audience is essential.
 * Gift products can cater to various relationships.
 * Print-on-demand offers flexibility in product offerings.
 * Creating a unique brand identity is important.
 * Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary.

Chapters

00:00 – Emily's POD Success Story 02:00 – Q4 Sales, Momentum & Starting Strong 03:55 – Why Gifts Sell Better Than Apparel 06:55 – What Are "Giftable Products"? 08:55 – Why Candles, Journals & Ornaments Explode in Sales 09:47 – How AI Changed POD Workflow 11:40 – Evergreen vs. Trend-Based Designs 13:52 – The Two Things That Grew Emily's Revenue 40% 15:57 – The Events Niche Deep Dive 17:26 – Automating Personalization With AnywherePOD 19:03 – Breaking Seasonality With Event-Based Products 21:19 – What Is The Gift Lab? 22:50 – Bonuses Inside The Gift Lab 25:31 – AI Lab Assistants (Custom GPTs for Students) 28:01 – Bonus Workshops & Advanced Tutorials 29:43 – Student Wins & Success Stories 33:14 – Emily's Advice for Beginners 35:10 – Bite-Sized Lessons for Busy Schedules 36:56 – The Black Friday Challenge 38:26 – Final Thoughts + Black Friday Offer

Resources

https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD

https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online

https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Emily's Free POD Webinar

https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast - The Gift Lab Course

👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/msgpszdjLvY



--------------------

Follow Emily on:

Instagram: @ecommemily [https://www.instagram.com/ecommemily/]

YouTube: @ecommemily [https://www.youtube.com/@ecommemily]



Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures:

Instagram: @goldcityventures [https://instagram.com/goldcityventures]

Facebook: @goldcityventures [https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures]

210. Steal This Etsy POD Strategy from a $725K Seller

Summary Struggling to stand out on Etsy? Discover how Nancy Badillo, a digital marketing expert with over 15 years of experience, turned her setbacks into a thriving Etsy business. In this episode, Nancy breaks down the exact market research and keyword strategies that help sellers find profitable niches, boost visibility, and increase their average order value. Learn how to create irresistible digital products, enhance user experience, and use personalization and bundles to drive more sales. If you want to master Etsy trends and grow your shop with proven techniques, this episode is your roadmap to success.

👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, digital products, and passive income strategies!

Takeaways

 * Nancy Badillo has over 15 years of experience in the Etsy space.
 * Market research is crucial for identifying trends and opportunities.
 * Niche down to create specific product variations that attract buyers.
 * Avoid vague keywords and focus on long-tail keywords for better visibility.
 * User experience is key; provide clear instructions and support for customers.
 * Boost average order value by offering bundles and upsells.
 * Personalization can increase customer satisfaction and sales.
 * Design mistakes often include overcrowded images and poor formatting.
 * Utilize keyword research tools to find high-demand, low-competition keywords.
 * Engage customers with valuable freebies to build trust and encourage repeat purchases.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nancy Badillo and Her Journey 03:00 Understanding Market Trends and Keywords 05:52 Effective Keyword Research Strategies 09:05 Niche Down: Creating Variations of Products 12:09 Common Keyword Mistakes to Avoid 14:57 Design Mistakes and User Experience 17:57 Boosting Average Order Value and Customer Retention 21:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Nancy Badillo



Resources

https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD

https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online

👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y6V8rG1v8NY



--------------------

Follow Nancy Badillo on:

Instagram: @nancybadillo13 [https://www.instagram.com/nancybadillo13/]

YouTube: @NancyBadillo [https://www.youtube.com/@NancyBadillo]

Official Website: nancybadillo.com [https://nancybadillo.com/]



Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures:

Instagram: @goldcityventures [https://instagram.com/goldcityventures]

Facebook: @goldcityventures [https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures]

209. Why Your Etsy Listings Aren't Selling (And How to Fix Them)

Summary Discover how Passive Income Angel hit a $10K month on Etsy by mastering trends, timing, and creative strategy. In this episode, Cody Berman dives into Angel's journey from early struggles to thriving in the print-on-demand world. She reveals how to spot seasonal product trends, time listings 8–12 weeks before holidays, and use micro niches to boost visibility and sales. Learn how AI tools, personalization, and bundling can set your shop apart — and why understanding keyword research and aesthetics across holidays can unlock year-round sales.

👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, passive income, and digital product success.

Takeaways

 * Angel achieved a 10K month in her first year on Etsy.
 * Understanding trends is crucial for seasonal product success.
 * Timing your listings is key; aim for 8-12 weeks before holidays.
 * Digital products can be listed closer to the holiday.
 * Micro niches can significantly increase conversion rates.
 * Personalization helps products stand out in a crowded market.
 * Bundling products can enhance average order value.
 * AI can be a powerful tool for creating unique designs.
 * Identifying gift trends can drive traffic to your shop.
 * Combining aesthetics from different holidays can create unique offerings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Passive Income on Etsy 02:44 Angel's Journey to Etsy Success 05:58 Understanding Trends and Seasonality 10:14 Timing Your Listings for Maximum Impact 15:01 Utilizing Tools for Product Research 18:14 Identifying Top Gift Recipients for Christmas 22:06 Trending Christmas Products and Aesthetics 25:27 Niche Marketing Strategies for Christmas 27:23 Milestones and Memory-Making Gifts 29:24 Leveraging Seasonal Trends 29:50 Cross-Holiday Trend Integration 33:04 Identifying Low Competition Keywords 35:00 Exploring Trends on Etsy 39:09 Creative Product Ideas and Trends

ResourcesEmail marketing and digital sales tools that bring your brand to life [https://fragrant-fire-138.myflodesk.com/2025holidays] - Free Etsy Christmas Trends cheat Sheet!

https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD

https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online

👉 Watch on YouTube: 

-------------------- 

Follow Angel on: 

Instagram: @passiveincomeangel [https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomeangel]

Youtube: @passiveincomeangel [https://www.youtube.com/@passiveincomeangel]

Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures:

Instagram: @goldcityventures [https://instagram.com/goldcityventures]

Facebook: @goldcityventures [https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures]  

208. The $100K Trend Strategy on Etsy (Steal This!)

Summary

Want to create digital products faster and sell smarter on Etsy? In this episode of Crickets to Cha-Chings, Cody Berman sits down with Canva expert Jen Michele to reveal the exact tools and strategies that save time and boost sales. Jen shares how market research prevents wasted effort, why niching down improves visibility, and the Canva features every seller should know—like the brand kit for consistency, magic resize for instant product variations, bulk create for guided journals, and the all-new Canva Sheets for spreadsheets. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your online shop, you’ll learn practical design tips to work more efficiently and turn ideas into products customers actually want.

👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, Canva design hacks, and digital product success.

Takeaways

 * Market research is crucial before creating products.
 * Utilize Etsy's search bar for keyword research.
 * Niche down your product ideas for better visibility.
 * Canva's brand kit streamlines the design process.
 * Magic Resize allows for quick adjustments to product sizes.
 * Bulk Create can save time when generating multiple designs.
 * Canva Sheets simplifies spreadsheet creation for digital products.
 * Using Canva tools can significantly enhance productivity.
 * Understanding market demand can prevent wasted effort.
 * Canva continues to innovate and expand its features.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Digital Products and Design 03:02 The Importance of Market Research 06:04 Quick Editing Tips in Canva 08:57 Utilizing the Brand Kit in Canva 11:49 Magic Resize: Creating Multiple Formats 14:41 Bulk Create for Guided Journals 19:21 Exploring Canva Sheets 24:17 Conclusion and Resources

 

Resources

https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD

https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online

👉 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgkJFsOtPLs

 

-------------------- 

Follow Jen Michele on: 

Instagram: @imjenmichele  [https://www.instagram.com/imjenmichele/]

Jen's Canva Course: https://go.goldcityventures.com/jen-michele-canva-course

Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures:

Instagram: @goldcityventures [https://instagram.com/goldcityventures]

Facebook: @goldcityventures [https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures]  

207. 5 Hidden Canva Tools for Creating Digital Products

In this episode, Julie Berninger chats with Bailey Vann, who went from handmade crafts to thriving in sublimation and digital products. Bailey reveals why bundling designs boosts sales, how unexpected themes like ghosts, chickens, and raccoons are trending, and why collage aesthetics are taking over Etsy. She also shares customer insights that help small businesses stand out, plus the design tools she relies on—including Kittle—for creating products buyers love. Whether you’re exploring print on demand or scaling your Etsy shop, this episode is packed with strategies to spot trends early and turn them into revenue.

Time Stamps

00:00 Bailey's Etsy Journey 02:10 Hidden Gems in Digital Design 09:36 Understanding the Customer Base 12:44 Staying Ahead of Trends 15:31 AI Tools for Design

Resources

Bailey's AI & Design Club: https://go.goldcityventures.com/bailey-vann-ai

https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD

https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online

https://goldcityventures.com/pdcst - Gold City Ventures Website

Kittl: https://go.goldcityventures.com/kittl

👉 Watch on YouTube: 

https://youtu.be/BEfR3C_EPms

-------------------- 

Follow Bailey on: 

https://www.youtube.com/@digitalbailey

Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures:

Instagram: @goldcityventures [https://instagram.com/goldcityventures]

Facebook: @goldcityventures [https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures]  

206. Ghosts, Chickens & Stamps?! Surprising Etsy Trends 2025

Summary

Host Julie Berninger interviews Chelsea Shelton, a successful Etsy seller and coach, about the concept of evergreen printables.

Sign up for the September 23rd Live Training with Chelsea here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/25/w26nwaoo?utm_source=podcast

Chelsea shares her journey from being an elementary school teacher to excelling in the printable space on Etsy. The conversation explores various evergreen product ideas, including games, scavenger hunts, gift tags, signature drink signs, and brain dump templates, emphasizing their potential for consistent sales throughout the year. Chelsea also discusses the importance of using existing templates creatively and the role of keywords in product visibility.

Takeaways

 * Evergreen printables can sell month over month, year over year.
 * Bingo is a trending printable that can be customized.
 * Scavenger hunts are versatile and can be themed for any occasion.
 * Gift tags can be repurposed for various events beyond holidays.
 * Signature drink signs are popular for weddings and parties.
 * Brain dump templates help organize thoughts and are gaining popularity.
 * Using AI can assist in generating creative ideas for printables.
 * Repurposing existing templates saves time and effort.
 * Evergreen products help maintain consistent sales throughout the year.
 * Keywords are crucial for improving product visibility on Etsy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Evergreen Printables 02:46 Exploring Evergreen Product Ideas 05:42 Diving into Scavenger Hunts 08:47 The Importance of Year-Round Sales 11:20 Creative Gift Tag Concepts 14:26 Innovative Brain Dump Templates

Resources

Live Webinar Sept 23rd: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/25/w26nwaoo?utm_source=youtube

E-Printables Course: https://goldcityventures.com/e-printables-course/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5ovUEbeVZks

205. 5 Etsy Evergreen Printable Ideas That Will Sell All Year in 2025

Julie sits down with Dori, an Etsy business veteran who’s been selling since 2007, to uncover the strategies behind long-term success. Dori reveals how persistence, smart SEO, and quality print-on-demand designs can turn simple ideas into consistent revenue. You’ll also hear surprising trends—like leopard print and puff embossed apparel—that are shaping Etsy right now. 

👉 Register for the LIVE event September 23rd "Your First $50,000 Selling Printables" with Gold City Ventures: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/25/w26nwaoo?utm_source=podcast

 

Time Stamps

00:00 Dori's Etsy Journey and Multi-Passionate Business Ownership 05:00 Trends in Etsy: Hidden Gems for Success 09:03 The Power of Personalization in Products 19:02 Navigating the Digital Space: Planners and Baby Products

 

Resources

1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: https://go.goldcityventures.com/profittree-free-trial

👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jNrnv7vOxAw

 

-------------------- 

Follow Dori on: 

https://www.instagram.com/youretsybestie/

https://www.tiktok.com/@youretsybestie

 

Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures:

Instagram:   / goldcityventures   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazF2QmlzRExMSmtxQTdrdlV2dlpNZjNNbklNUXxBQ3Jtc0tsYXh4c0RsaG1vVzJKNEJqNHpNMzNpcHZBMDUycmhwNldwREUxRWZNR2szanlHek9hajlRUGg4TkFiQWtxbW9rcllCOEt1UlZ0bVpsQThfVDNUcmdnNUIyNzZmdkhlQlRvNE80cVZ5a1ZKSnRZbmNfQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgoldcityventures&v=V3yHdicbwXo]

Facebook:   / goldcityventures  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmlxNHJvYnFFNE1OMkJEZmxtWWl5NUJSdWF4UXxBQ3Jtc0ttY1V1X2FNSk1FRXJnZTNKajRSMDFwak9kenpwY1V1emNaZDBGclNBcm1xZVlzTVVoYkFQMUZieE1BZmZOVmhzR2lJX1RmcTRocV9iQXhFYTJ3TENoMG5FSkd5VTNJNnVBN3l2NktCRVo3WUV0NE9xbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgoldcityventures&v=V3yHdicbwXo]  

204. Sell These Now Says Dori of Your Etsy Bestie (Digital + POD)

Summary

In this episode of the Crickets to Cha-ching's podcast, Julie Berninger and Hannah Gardner of ProfitTree discuss five emerging trends in the Etsy marketplace. They explore the new features of ProfitTree, a tool designed to help Etsy sellers track profits and optimize their listings.

 

Takeaways

 * ProfitTree helps sellers track profits and optimize ads.
 * Personalized baby books are a growing niche in the market.
 * Embroidered products can be sourced locally for customization.
 * Cruise shirts are popular for group sales and bulk orders.
 * Personalized dog shirts are trending and can be customized easily.
 * Digital patterns are a low-cost entry point for sellers.
 * AI can assist in creating digital products and patterns.
 * Etsy favors listings that encourage bulk purchases.
 * Understanding minimum order quantities can reduce startup costs.
 * Networking with local artisans can enhance product offerings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Etsy Trends 02:46 Exploring the First Trend: Personalized Baby Books 08:00 Second Trend: Embroidered Blankets 11:16 Third Trend: Cruise Shirts 14:48 Fourth Trend: Personalized Dog Shirts 17:00 Fifth Trend: Digital Patterns

Resources

https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online

https://goldcityventures.com/pdcst - Gold City Ventures Website

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OzQZIpmi3mQ

About ProfitTree

1 Month Free Trial of ProfitTree: https://go.goldcityventures.com/profittree-free-trial

 LifeTime ProfitTree Offer: https://go.goldcityventures.com/lifetime-profittree

 

203. 5 Etsy Trends to Jump On in 2025: Unlocking Hidden Gems with Profit Tree

Summary

In this episode, Julie Berninger interviews Jay De Souza, who shares his journey from a stressful corporate job to becoming a successful print-on-demand entrepreneur. Jay discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, the significance of niche marketing, and the emotional aspect of selling products. He emphasizes the use of technology and tools to enhance business efficiency and the necessity of maintaining a positive mindset for long-term success. The conversation also covers emerging trends in the apparel market and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

 * Jay is about to cross 125,000 shirts sold on Amazon.
 * Stress can manifest physically and is a silent killer.
 * Designing for the customer is crucial for success.
 * Niche marketing is essential for effective selling.
 * Utilizing technology tools can streamline the design process.
 * Selling emotions is key to connecting with customers.
 * Competition in the market validates demand for products.
 * A year of commitment is necessary for business success.
 * Implementing what you learn is as important as learning itself.
 * Quality design is essential; ugly designs won't sell.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Milestones 01:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Print on Demand 07:34 Understanding Customer Needs 10:23 Niche Marketing Strategies 15:35 The Importance of Emotion in Design 24:34 Tech Stack and Tools for Success 31:05 Navigating the Algorithm: Understanding Customer Confusion 31:54 Targeting Big Niches: The Balance of Competition 33:13 Defining Your Ideal Customer: Niche Down for Success 35:07 The Importance of Keywords: Broad vs. Long Tail 36:50 Shopping Mindset: Understanding the Buyer’s Perspective 39:00 Creative Chaos: Organizing Your Design Process 41:11 Emerging Trends: Summerween and Beyond 45:57 Nutrition Label Parodies: A Unique Design Opportunity 48:53 Researching Trends: Finding Your Target Demographic 52:59 Mindset Matters: Resilience in Business 57:44 Setting Realistic Expectations: The Long Game in Business

 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V3yHdicbwXo

 

Resources

Free POD Workshop: https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast

Free Digital Product Workshop: https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst

Gold City Ventures Website: https://goldcityventures.com/pdcst

Follow Jay on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayswayworks

Check out Jay's Membership: https://go.goldcityventures.com/jays-way

202. From $50 to Full-Time: Jay’s Print-on-Demand Pivot to Creative Freedom

Summary

Emily's Free POD webinar: https://goldcityventures.com/august-2025-pod-workshop-podcast

In this episode, Julie Berninger and Emily discuss the latest trends in print-on-demand products, focusing on five unique items that are currently performing well on Etsy. Emily shares her insights on wedding vow journals, funny career candles, teacher tote bags, personalized ornaments, and hidden message mugs, providing practical advice for beginners looking to enter the print-on-demand space. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the potential for unique, giftable products in the e-commerce market.

Takeaways

 * Emily crossed $600,000 in revenue from her POD shop.
 * Wedding vow journals are a surprising bestseller on Etsy.
 * Funny career candles connect with specific audiences.
 * Teacher tote bags offer a unique gift option.
 * Ornaments can sell year-round, not just during holidays.
 * Hidden message mugs are a trendy gift idea.
 * Etsy is a go-to platform for unique gifts.
 * Understanding customer needs is crucial for product success.
 * Simple designs can lead to significant sales.
 * Print on demand allows for easy entry into e-commerce.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Print on Demand Success 05:36 Exploring Wedding Vow Journals 10:51 The Rise of Funny Career Candles 13:43 Innovative Teacher Tote Bags 18:06 Year-Round Sales of Ornaments 22:53 Hidden Message Mugs: A New Trend

Resources

https://goldcityventures.com/august-2025-pod-workshop-podcast - Emily's Free POD Webinar

https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast - The Gift Lab Course

https://goldcityventures.com/pdcst - Gold City Ventures Website

Follow Emily on:

https://www.instagram.com/ecommemily - Emily's Instagram https://www.youtube.com/@ecommemily - Emily's YouTube

201. These 5 Print-on-Demand Products Make Sales Every Day (Even in Off-Season)

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.