Welcome back! If this is your first visit, you can catch up by meeting the guest bloggers in yesterday’s post.
Today we’re focusing on the graphic design side of selling online. I’m not a professional designer, though I’m fascinated by it. Lately I’ve been trying a DIY approach in Photoshop; it’s rewarding but can be slow. While we’re on the topic, a big thank you to Heather at Sewing Daisies for allowing me to use the delightful bird graphic featured in the button below. She’s based in Australia and her blog is full of handmade inspiration. Thanks, Heather.
Now, onto today’s question.
Day 2: Product Branding {Graphic Design and Online Store Banners}
Question: One of the first steps in setting up an Etsy shop is to add a storefront banner. Do you create your own graphics or hire someone? Beyond the Etsy banner, do you use other branding elements like tags, business cards, or thank-you notes?
Gina from Shabby Creek Cottage
At first I handled all my graphics using InDesign on my former work computer (with permission). Today I work with a fantastic graphic designer, Kristen at AhoyGraphics.com. I still develop the concepts and direction—I’m a bit of a control freak—but Kristen turns those ideas into polished, professional graphics: blog headers, shop banners, business cards, and more.
Jami from Freckled Laundry
I create most of my graphics myself using Adobe Photoshop Elements. The program is reasonably priced and, if you shop smart, you can find bundles—like a drawing tablet that sometimes includes Photoshop Elements as a package. If design isn’t your thing, Etsy itself hosts many designers who sell custom and premade banner templates, icons, and branding packages at various price points. Search for terms like “Etsy banner” or “Etsy template” to find options.
Branding 101: Consistency and professionalism matter. A cohesive look—matching logo, fonts, colors, and style across your blog, shop banner, and marketing materials—helps your shop stand out, especially when similar products appear across different sellers.
Along with my Etsy banner, I use custom business cards, product tags, hairpin cards, and customer appreciation coupons. I often handwrite short thank-you notes on the back of my business cards to add a personal touch.
Although my formal design training is dated, I started with simple tags and business cards and gradually reinvested shop earnings into professional services. I worked with Reni at Bliss & Tell for refreshed business cards and hairpin displays, while still printing some tags at home and cutting them with a craft die.
Lisa from The Pennington Point
I do my own graphics too. My son uses Photoshop for his animation work, so I installed it and learned from him. It took time, but with persistence and a lot of online searching for tutorials, I figured out the tools I needed. I also use stickers, thank-you notes, business cards, and tags to support my brand.
Aimee from My Pink Life
My graphics are homemade as well. I rely on simple tools—sometimes even Microsoft Word—to create banners and printed items. I’m always learning and refining my look, and I use tags and business cards across my shop items.
Thanks again to all the contributors. I love studying graphic design and experimenting with different looks, but it can be frustrating when you’re teaching yourself. If you want to save time and achieve a polished storefront quickly, Etsy designers offer many affordable, beautiful banner and template options. They can be a great shortcut while you develop your own skills.
See you tomorrow when we discuss where we create our products and run our shops.