Etsy Tools and APPS for Sellers
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As you can imagine, I use A LOT of tools and apps to run my Etsy shops and make them successful. This page exists to share ALL the tools I use -- over 100 of them. These are all things I regularly access to start, grow, or maintain my shops on (and of) Etsy. I've organized tools by category to quickly find what you're looking for.
I'm always adding and removing things from this list, so it's constantly growing and changing. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to buy something using one of the links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale (which helps me fund the content here at Whutsy.) All opinions are entirely my own, and sometimes I am brutally honest, so read carefully!
Branding and Content Creation
I'm always looking for new, easy-to-use tools that help me make my Etsy shops, brands, and websites more professional and effective. Here are some of my favorites.
Having quick access to my brand's color palette, with its hex codes, is something I need almost daily. I use the Coolors app when I create content for social media, edit my website, build a product line, and the list goes on and on! This tool is invaluable when creating a mood board or finding color combinations for designs (you can even pull colors from a photo!) and save them later.
Canva is my go-to tool on a desktop computer to create graphics for social media or blog posts. (The mobile app I hate, by the way.) Canva has tons of free stuff, but the Pro membership is where you unlock all the powerful features (which are especially useful for content marketing and print-on-demand.) You can create almost anything: headers, logos, images, videos—you name it, while all are accessible in their online storage anytime or anywhere you need it.
CapCut has many features that simplify editing videos, like adding text boxes and transitions between clips, but it's not overwhelming. It's just simple enough that I can get the job done without getting frustrated by having to learn how to use a new program.
A marketplace where you can find premium graphic design assets like fonts, templates, and mockups at reasonable prices. I love the monthly subscription plan that includes credits and a monthly zip file full of free design goodies that keep me inspired.
A watered-down version of Canva, Adobe Express has a few useful tools that keep me going back. It has some video editing features useful for quick edits, but only in particular cases. Where Adobe Express really shines is in collaboration and syncing projects to the Adobe programs on my computer
Sometimes I cannot figure out an idea for a logo design! Looka's software is powered by AI to create a logo that matches your vision — no design skills are required. It allows you to generate endless options and tweak designs to get exactly what you want.
Etsy Shop Management
Running an Etsy shop is time-consuming and managing your inventory is a full-time job. I've tried a lot of different apps and tools to help work on my listings and orders. These are the ones that have worked best for me and use them often.
I use Vela to manage listings between an Etsy shop and a Shopify store. Vela is an excellent tool for sellers who have multiple storefronts. It allows you to keep all of your listings in one place and easily sync them between the different platforms. The only thing I don't like about this app is you can't sync your inventories. But, this improvement is a feature they are working on for the future.
Print on Demand
Ever want to open up your own Etsy shop, but you don't want to mess with all the logistics yourself? What about a brand you'd love to start, but you aren't sure if it is possible? To help solve some of these challenges, I decided to bring together some of my favorite print-on-demand services and design-making tools.
Social Media
I love social media, but it can be time-consuming to manage multiple accounts. I've tried a lot of different tools that help me connect with my followers and streamline the social listening and engagement processes. Below, I've compiled a list of all of the best social media tools, apps, and resources that I use to run my Etsy shops, brands, and websites.
Product Photography
I come from a photography career, yet product photography is sometimes still a struggle. I've used many types of cameras and lenses. I've also photographed everything from food to fashion to jewelry. Below is what I like to use to achieve beautiful photos by thinking of my tools as an investment and slowly building my toolkit over time.
I highly recommend learning the basics of photography before buying any photo gear. You must understand what you like, need, and how often you need it.
I suggest using SkillShare to learn photography using your existing photo gear. As you practice and grow, you will understand what you should buy or what you should rent for a particular purpose.
Renting all professional photography equipment before buying it is the smartest thing you can do. Set aside a weekend or a few days in a row to use your rental gear. Plan for still-life product photography and a lifestyle shoot with a model (this can just be a friend to help you out). Take video clips of everything you photograph as well. What did you use/need, and what didn't you use/need? Do you need to buy any of it? Or is renting twice a year enough?
Renting first is suitable for two reasons: it's cheaper than buying. And two, when you have the gear in your hands and you're actually using it, it's easier to figure out whether or not it is useful for the kind of work you do.
Product and fashion lens
Close-up and jewelry lens
I have a diverse DSLR kit for my photography and video needs. This is because I do a lot! I need to photograph portraits, fashion, general products, still life, close-up/macro, etc. The only thing not included here is a longer lens I use very specifically for weddings.
If you already have a DSLR or want to invest in that route (and yes, it is an investment!) Buy only the tools you need at the time. I also recommend renting first to see if you even need it.
For a camera body, be sure it can capture high-quality video. Photos, yes, basically all cameras are good at that these days. The video is what sets them apart, so do your research on that.
For lenses, a great first lens is a high-quality 50mm with an F-stop of 2.8 or lower. A prime macro lens is a must-have if you photograph tiny products and jewelry. For portraits, fashion, and lifestyle–the 50mm will get you a long way, but a premium zoom lens (not a kit lens!) is well worth the investment.
Also, there's no need to buy "new" these days. Highly-rated used lenses from reputable camera shops will save you lots of money for the same thing.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body
I don't recommend any of the "kit" lenses
Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens
My product and fashion prime lens
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens
My product and fashion zoom lens
My close-up and jewelry lens
Tripods
GEEKOTO CT32X Gravity 85 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head
Tall, sturdy, and multi-purpose (I couldn’t find this tripod on Amazon)
Mini tripod sturdy enough to hold the weight of a DSLR camera. (No need to purchase a second tripod head if you have one already.)
Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip Smartphone Tripod Mount with Jelly Long Legs
Mini tripod and removable tripod head for your phone
Lighting tools
A majority of my lighting tools are not actually lights. I like to exhaust all possibilities of using the sun as my light source before I start fiddling about with artificial lights. This keeps my setup fast, simple, and affordable. Your best light source will be a window or a garage door–with your subject in the shade and the sun behind you while holding the camera. Then add modifiers and backdrops as needed. (The only exception is if I want a backlit look, which would just be the opposite.)
When this scenario is not achievable, then I introduce artificial lights. I've also included what I use when it's the only option.
Foam Board 20in. x 30in, White
As a backdrop or for bouncing light
Foam Board 20in. x 30in, Black
As a backdrop or for absorbing light
Rust-Oleum Brands Chalked Ultra Matte Paint
For painting your own backdrops
Velvet Fabric Solid Upholstery, Black
For the purest black backdrop. No glare, wrinkles or reflection.
For diffusing light
Constant light to replicate natural light
Reliable flash with radio transmitter and rechargeable battery
Savage Drop Stand, 7' Extending
Heavy duty and portable
Applications
Miscellaneous
Before you start photographing people with your products, you must fully understand model and print releases and how they work.
Throw away your camara strap and never look back!
Art and Crafting
Here you will find links to some of the art supplies and crafting tools I'm using lately. This collection has been practical in fulfilling orders and staying creative.
Get your free swatch pack and start designing custom fabrics.
Vast selection of artist supplies
Expand your handmade craft skills with lessons, tutorials, and classes.
Etsy SEO and Writing Tools
When it comes to SEO and Etsy keywords, there are a lot of factors to consider. I will share some of the tools I use for Etsy SEO, writing, researching keywords, and more. Whether you're an experienced Etsy seller or just getting started with a niche website – these tools will come in handy.
Websites and Email Marketing
I keep learning new tools and apps for my website, and it seems like new things are popping up all the time. I thought you'd want to know the sites, tools, and apps I use now.
Affiliate Marketing and Blogging
As an active blogger and online marketer, I'm constantly looking at different tools and apps to help me do more faster. Since I own several Etsy shops, brands, and websites, I need to create quality content that people want to read and do it quickly. That's why I love using tools that do a lot of this work for me.
Analytics Tools
As an analytics nerd, I use various analytics tools and apps to use my websites and Etsy shops' traffic data. Here are the tools I've tried and recommend:
Computer and Office
I'm going to share what computer and office equipment I use with you. I'll also show you the software I use to run multiple e-commerce sites, Etsy shops, and online brands. I hope you'll find this helpful if you look to upgrade or work more efficiently.
Business Tools
In this article, I share a list of business tools and applications that I consider to be just as important to my business as the physical supplies I use. Our tools are what help bring our ideas to life. They are what help us keep our businesses running smoothly.
That’s it for now!
Be sure to bookmark this page, share, and keep checking back for updates. -Kate