Achieve $5,000/Month in Sales: Top 4 Strategies for Selling Résumé Templates on Etsy

Did you know you can start a side hustle leveraging your career experience? 

You might think it's impossible, but it’s not.

This guide will explore how you can transform your career-coaching expertise into a résumé template business on Etsy.

Whether you're already a career coach or aspiring to become one, this business idea can be incredibly beneficial. 

I got this idea from a friend who recognized that professionals at all levels often need help with their job searches. 

He suggested using HR skills to create and sell résumé templates on Etsy. 

My friend earned $80,000 in revenue on Etsy, excluding expenses, which primarily included Etsy ads and a 6.5% transaction fee.

Now, let’s dive into our guide.

If financial security is a priority for you, don’t quit your HR job until your Etsy shop consistently earns around $2,000 per month.

So, how do you get started?

1. Open an Etsy shop

The first step is to open an Etsy shop and familiarize yourself with its operations and the requirements for running your business. 

Avoid uploading a resume until you have completed your profile and provided all necessary details for setting up your shop.

Creating an Etsy shop allows potential clients to view your skills through your products, which can lead to more project opportunities both on and off the platform. 

For detailed guidance on starting your Etsy shop, refer to the Etsy Seller Handbook.

2. Start Creating Resume Templates

After setting up your Etsy shop, dedicate 40-60 minutes daily to creating a new resume template.

Before uploading, ensure each template is relevant and tailored to meet customer needs. Include tips that guide buyers through the resume writing process. 

This approach will leverage your HR experience as a unique selling point, helping you stand out on Etsy.

One of the keys to Ana Colak-Fustin's success was the emphasis on creating high-quality résumé templates that are both visually appealing and easy to customize.

Customers often look for templates that stand out and can be personalized to fit their needs.

Consider offering templates in various formats (Word, PDF, etc.) and styles (modern, professional, creative) to cater to different preferences.

3. Uploading Your Resumes to Etsy and Beyond

Once your resumes are ready, it's time to upload them to your Etsy shop. 

However, don't rely solely on Etsy and its algorithm. 

Diversify your strategy by incorporating Pinterest into your marketing mix. 

This can be a game changer, expanding your reach and driving more traffic to your Etsy shop, which in turn can boost your sales. 

Additionally, prioritize SEO to ensure your Etsy shop is optimized with the right keywords, making it easier for buyers to find your products online.

Optimization is crucial for visibility and conversion on Etsy.

Follow these steps:

Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags. Think about what terms potential customers might use when searching for résumé templates.

Professional Presentation: Invest time in creating compelling product descriptions and attractive preview images. Include examples of how the résumé templates can be customized to showcase their versatility.

4. Build Your Brand and Customer Base

Building a strong brand presence and loyal customer base can significantly boost your sales:

Customer Reviews and Feedback: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Positive feedback builds trust and encourages new buyers to make a purchase.

Engage with Your Audience: Use social media platforms and email newsletters to engage with potential customers. Share tips on résumé writing and updates on new template designs to keep your audience interested.

Selling résumé templates on Etsy, as Ana Colak-Fustin has shown, can be a profitable side hustle if approached strategically.

By focusing on product quality, effective marketing, and customer engagement, you can build a successful business generating $5,000 or more in monthly sales.

Wrapping Up

That's it for building successful resume templates on Etsy. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this venture will be seeing the positive impact your products have on your buyers. 

Try this business idea and let me know how it goes.