In the article titled “How to Make and Sell Resume Templates on Etsy as a Side Hustle,” the content focuses on the process of creating and selling resume templates on Etsy. It highlights the success of a shop called “Get Landed” that has made over $850k selling resume templates. The article explains the steps involved in designing a resume template, including finding design inspiration, using AI tools for generating ideas, and utilizing Google Docs for creating the template. Formatting options, adding different sections, and the importance of clear instructions for selling on Etsy are also discussed. The article emphasizes the potential for profit and offers tips for maximizing earnings. A free guide is available for download to assist in the process.
The video accompanying the article, created by Alek, showcases the success of several lucrative Etsy shops that sell resume templates. It shares the impressive revenue figures, highlighting how passive income can be generated through this side hustle. The video offers a comprehensive overview of the entire process, from design inspiration to crafting and styling sections. It emphasizes the importance of creating simple and ATS-friendly templates and provides tips for improving and refining designs. With the inclusion of AI tools like Mid Journey AI and Chatgpt, generating design ideas and filler content becomes easier. The video culminates in a success plan and encourages the creation of multiple templates to increase profitability.
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Choosing the Right Design for Resume Templates
When it comes to creating and selling resume templates on Etsy, choosing the right design is crucial. A well-designed resume template can attract more customers and increase sales. In this section, we will discuss the importance of researching best-selling resume templates, using elements as inspiration rather than copying directly, and utilizing AI tools for generating design ideas.
Researching Best-Selling Resume Templates
Before designing your own resume template, it’s essential to do some research on the current market trends and what sells well on Etsy. One way to do this is by analyzing the best-selling resume templates on the platform. By looking at what is popular and in demand, you can gain insights into the design elements that resonate with customers.
By examining the top-selling templates, you can observe the different approaches that successful sellers take. Look for recurring design patterns, color schemes, layouts, and formatting styles. This research will help you understand what customers are looking for and what elements you can incorporate into your own designs.
Using Elements as Inspiration, Not Copying Directly
While researching best-selling resume templates is crucial, it’s important to note that simply copying someone else’s design is not the way to go. Directly copying someone’s work is not only unethical but also counterproductive in the long run. It’s essential to use other designs as inspiration and create something unique that reflects your own style.
Instead of replicating a design, focus on analyzing the specific elements that make it successful. For example, you might like the header style, the way sections are divided, or the choice of fonts. By identifying these elements, you can incorporate them into your own designs while maintaining originality.
Using AI Tools for Generating Design Ideas
If you find yourself struggling with creative blocks or need some help generating design ideas, utilizing AI tools can be a game-changer. AI tools like Mid Journey AI and Chatgpt can help you brainstorm and generate design ideas and filler content for your resume templates.
Mid Journey AI allows you to generate formatting ideas by simply typing a command. By using keywords like “imagine” followed by the type of resume you want, the tool will generate new format ideas. This can be a great resource for coming up with innovative and unique designs that stand out in the market.
Similarly, Chatgpt can assist in generating filler content for different resume sections. By providing it with prompts based on specific professions, you can generate sample content that can serve as a starting point for your own resume templates. These AI tools can significantly streamline the design process and save you time and effort.
Designing a Resume Template with Google Docs
Google Docs is a powerful and user-friendly tool that can be used to design resume templates. In this section, we will provide an overview of Google Docs and discuss how to utilize its formatting options, add contact information, set paragraph styles, utilize border and shading options, and format different sections.
Overview of Google Docs
Google Docs is a free online word processing tool that offers numerous features and functionalities for creating professional documents, including resume templates. It is accessible through a web browser, meaning you can work on your templates from anywhere without the need for specific software installations.
The collaborative nature of Google Docs allows you to work simultaneously with team members or clients, making it easier to gather feedback and make revisions. Additionally, it provides automatic saving and version history, ensuring that your work is always secure and easily accessible.
Utilizing Formatting Options
Formatting plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing and easy-to-read resume templates. Google Docs offers a wide range of formatting options that can help you achieve a polished and professional look. These options include changing font styles and sizes, adjusting paragraph spacing, and utilizing different text alignment options.
By experimenting with different font styles and sizes, you can create a visually pleasing hierarchy within your resume template. It’s important to choose fonts that are easy to read and professional-looking. Additionally, utilizing paragraph spacing options can help in creating a well-structured and organized resume.
Adding Contact Information
Contact information is a vital component of a resume. It allows potential employers or clients to easily reach out to you. In Google Docs, you can add your contact information at the top of your resume template. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and any relevant social media or portfolio links.
Ensure that the formatting of your contact information is consistent with the overall design of your resume template. You can experiment with different font styles, sizes, and colors to make this section stand out while remaining professional and easy to read.
Setting Paragraph Styles
Using consistent paragraph styles throughout your resume template is essential for maintaining a cohesive and professional look. Google Docs offers a feature called “Paragraph Styles” that allows you to define and apply a predefined set of formatting options to your text. This feature makes it easy to achieve a consistent and unified design.
By defining paragraph styles for different sections of your resume, such as the summary, education, skills, and experience sections, you can quickly apply a consistent formatting style throughout your template. This not only saves time but also ensures that your resume looks polished and well-designed.
Utilizing Border and Shading Options
Using borders and shading can help to visually separate different sections of your resume and make it easier to navigate. Google Docs provides border and shading options that allow you to customize the appearance of your resume template.
Consider adding a thin border around the edge of your resume to give it a clean and professional look. Additionally, you can use shading options to highlight specific sections or create visual elements that make your resume stand out. However, it’s important to use borders and shading sparingly to avoid overwhelming the overall design.
Formatting Different Sections
A well-designed resume template should have clearly defined sections that highlight different aspects of your skills, experience, and education. Google Docs provides various formatting options that can be utilized to structure and format these sections effectively.
Each section should have a clear heading that stands out from the rest of the text. You can experiment with font styles, sizes, and colors to create visually appealing headings. Additionally, you can use formatting options such as bold, italic, or underline to emphasize certain details within each section.
Make use of bullet points or numbered lists to present information in a concise and easy-to-read format. This helps to break up the text and make it more scannable for potential employers or clients.
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Adding Key Sections to the Resume Template
To create a comprehensive resume template, it’s important to include key sections that provide an overview of your skills, education, and experience. In this section, we will discuss how to create a summary section, an education section, a skills section, and an experience section.
Creating a Summary Section
The summary section of a resume provides a brief overview of your qualifications, skills, and career goals. It serves as an introduction to potential employers or clients and should capture their attention and interest.
In the summary section, focus on highlighting your key achievements, strengths, and experiences. Keep it concise and use clear and impactful language. Avoid vague statements and instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities.
Including an Education Section
The education section of a resume showcases your academic background, including degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework. This section is especially important for recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience.
When including your education section, list your most recent degree or certification first, followed by previous ones in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, the dates of attendance, and any notable achievements.
Highlighting Skills Section
The skills section of a resume allows you to showcase your relevant skills and competencies. This section should highlight the specific abilities that make you suitable for the desired job or industry.
When listing your skills, include a mix of hard skills, such as technical or software proficiency, and soft skills, such as communication or leadership abilities. Be specific and provide examples of how you have utilized these skills in previous roles or projects.
Showcasing Experience Section
The experience section is a crucial part of a resume, as it demonstrates your relevant work history and accomplishments. This section should highlight your previous roles, responsibilities, achievements, and the impact you made in each position.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current position. Include the name of the company, your job title, the dates of employment, and a concise description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible by using numbers or percentages. This helps to provide concrete evidence of your contributions and abilities.
Formatting and Instructions for Selling
Once you have designed your resume template, it’s important to consider how it will be presented and sold on Etsy. In this section, we will discuss the importance of formatting in resume templates, providing clear instructions to customers, offering customization options, and tips for maximizing profit potential.
Importance of Formatting in Resume Templates
Proper formatting is essential for creating a visually appealing and professional-looking resume template. Customers are more likely to purchase a template that is well-designed and easy to read.
Ensure that your resume template has a consistent and cohesive layout. Use appropriate font styles, sizes, and colors to create a hierarchy and guide the reader’s attention. Organize information in a logical manner and utilize formatting options such as bullet points, headings, and spacing to make the content scannable.
Providing Clear Instructions
When selling a resume template, it’s important to provide clear instructions to customers on how to personalize and customize the template. Not everyone may be familiar with editing tools or formatting requirements, so clear instructions can make the process smoother for them.
Include a detailed guide or tutorial that explains how to edit and customize the template using popular word processing tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Break down the instructions step-by-step and provide screenshots or examples to make it easier for customers to follow along.
Offering Customization Options
Offering customization options can greatly enhance the appeal of your resume templates. Customers may have specific preferences or unique requirements that they want to incorporate into their resumes. By offering customization services, you can cater to these individual needs and provide a more personalized experience.
Allow customers to request changes or additions to the template, such as adjusting colors, font styles, or the layout. This can be done through communication channels like emails or messages on the Etsy platform. By offering customization options, you can attract more customers and increase the value of your templates.
Tips for Maximizing Profit Potential
To maximize the profit potential of your resume templates, consider implementing the following tips:
- Offer multiple template options: Create a variety of resume templates with different designs and layouts. This allows customers to choose the style that best suits their preferences and needs.
- Create bundle options: Offer bundle options that include multiple templates or additional resources at a discounted price. This encourages customers to purchase more than one template and increases your overall sales.
- Regularly update and improve your templates: Stay up-to-date with design trends and continuously refine your templates. Make incremental improvements based on customer feedback and market demands.
- Consider offering a premium version: Create a premium version of your templates that includes additional features or customization options. This can be offered at a higher price point and can attract customers looking for more advanced options.
- Leverage customer reviews and testimonials: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews or testimonials on your Etsy page. Positive reviews can increase trust and credibility, leading to more sales.
By incorporating these tips into your selling strategy, you can increase the profitability of your resume template shop on Etsy.
Creating Different Styles of Resumes
To cater to a wider range of customers and target different job industries, it’s important to create resume templates in different styles. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of diversifying template styles, exploring different design choices, and tips for targeting specific job industries.
Diversifying Template Styles
Creating resume templates in different styles allows you to cater to customers with varying preferences and backgrounds. Not everyone has the same design aesthetic or suits the same type of template. By diversifying your template styles, you can increase the chances of appealing to a wider audience.
Consider creating templates in different design styles, such as minimalistic, modern, or creative. Each style has its own unique characteristics and target audience. By offering a diverse range of styles, you can provide options for customers with different career paths, industries, or personal preferences.
Exploring Different Design Choices
Exploring different design choices is essential for creating unique and innovative resume templates. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try new design elements, color schemes, or layouts. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for each template style.
Consider using visual elements like icons, lines, or shapes to add visual interest and structure to your templates. Play around with different fonts, font pairings, and typography effects to create a visually appealing hierarchy within your templates.
When exploring design choices, keep in mind the target audience and the industry they belong to. Different industries may have specific design preferences or requirements, so it’s important to adapt your templates accordingly.
Tips for Targeting Different Job Industries
To effectively target different job industries with your resume templates, consider the following tips:
- Research industry-specific requirements: Each industry may have specific resume formatting or content requirements. Research the expectations and preferences of different industries and tailor your templates accordingly.
- Highlight relevant skills and keywords: In each template, emphasize the skills and keywords that are relevant to specific industries. Help customers showcase their qualifications and abilities in a way that aligns with industry expectations.
- Include industry-specific sections: Some industries may require additional sections or information on a resume. Make sure to include these sections in your templates, providing customers with a comprehensive and industry-focused resume.
- Offer industry-specific variations: Consider creating variations of your templates that are specifically tailored to different industries. This allows customers to choose a template that aligns with their desired job industry, making it easier for them to customize and apply to specific roles.
By targeting different job industries with your resume templates, you can broaden your customer base and increase the appeal of your offerings.
Iterating and Refining Template Designs
Creating resume templates is an iterative process that involves continuous improvement and refinement. In this section, we will discuss the importance of making incremental improvements, seeking feedback from customers, and refining designs for enhanced appeal.
Making Incremental Improvements
It’s important to view the creation of resume templates as an ongoing process of improvement and iteration. Rather than striving for perfection from the start, focus on making incremental improvements with each new template design.
Examine customer feedback, market trends, and your own insights to identify areas where your templates can be enhanced. Look for opportunities to refine the layout, typography, color choices, or design elements. Implement these improvements in new templates and update existing ones based on customer suggestions.
By consistently making small improvements, you can keep your templates fresh, relevant, and appealing to customers. This demonstrates your commitment to quality and ensures that your offerings stay competitive in the market.
Seeking Feedback from Customers
Feedback from customers is invaluable for understanding their preferences, needs, and pain points. Encourage customers to provide feedback on your resume templates after purchase or even before. This feedback can give you valuable insights into what works well and what can be improved.
Offer incentives for customers to leave feedback, such as a discount on their next purchase or access to exclusive resources. Actively engage with customers, respond to their feedback, and address any concerns or issues they may have. This helps build trust and loyalty among your customer base.
Consider conducting surveys or polls to gather feedback on specific aspects of your templates, such as design choices, customization options, or additional features. This feedback can guide your decision-making process and help you prioritize improvements.
Refining Designs for Enhanced Appeal
Based on customer feedback and your own observations, refine your template designs to enhance their overall appeal. Look for ways to make your templates more visually appealing, user-friendly, and versatile.
Refine the typography choices, color schemes, and layouts to create a cohesive and polished look. Pay attention to the hierarchy of information, ensuring that the most important details stand out. Consider adding new design elements or removing unnecessary ones based on customer preferences.
Continuously test and iterate different design variations to find the optimal balance between creativity and usability. By refining your designs, you can create templates that not only attract customers but also provide them with a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Promoting and Selling Resume Templates on Etsy
Once you have created your resume templates, it’s important to effectively promote and sell them on Etsy. In this section, we will discuss how to optimize listing titles and descriptions, utilize high-quality product images, showcase templates in a shop preview, implement effective pricing strategies, promote templates through social media, and offer excellent customer service.
Optimizing Listing Titles and Descriptions
Optimizing your listing titles and descriptions is crucial for visibility and attracting potential customers. Use clear and concise titles that include relevant keywords related to your resume templates. This helps improve your shop’s visibility in search results and increases the chances of your templates being found by interested buyers.
In your listing descriptions, provide detailed and accurate information about your templates. Highlight the key features, customization options, and any additional resources or services you offer. Use persuasive language to emphasize the benefits of your templates and how they can help customers stand out in their job applications.
Utilizing High-Quality Product Images
High-quality product images are essential for showcasing the design and features of your resume templates. Invest in professional photography or utilize high-resolution mockups to capture the essence of your templates.
Ensure that the product images accurately represent the actual appearance of your templates. Use multiple angles or close-ups to highlight specific design elements. Consider including image captions or annotations to showcase the unique features or customization options.
Showcasing Templates in a Shop Preview
A shop preview is an effective way to give potential customers a glimpse of what your resume templates have to offer. Use this opportunity to showcase your best-selling templates or highlight unique design elements that set your templates apart.
Create a visually appealing and cohesive shop preview that reflects the overall style and quality of your templates. Arrange the templates in a way that is easy to navigate and allows customers to get a comprehensive overview of your offerings.
Consider including customer testimonials or reviews in your shop preview to build trust and showcase the positive experiences of previous buyers. This can help potential customers feel more confident in their decision to purchase your templates.
Implementing Effective Pricing Strategies
Pricing your resume templates appropriately is essential for attracting customers and maximizing profitability. Consider the following strategies when determining the pricing for your templates:
- Market research: Research the prices of similar resume templates on Etsy and other platforms. This will give you an idea of the average price range and help you position your templates competitively.
- Value-based pricing: Consider the unique features, customization options, or additional resources that your templates offer. Price your templates based on the value they provide to customers.
- Tiered pricing: Offer different pricing tiers or packages to cater to a wider range of customers. This allows customers to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.
- Discounts and promotions: Periodically offer discounts or promotions to incentivize potential customers and encourage repeat purchases. This can be done during special occasions, holidays, or in collaboration with other sellers.
Regularly evaluate and adjust your pricing strategy based on customer feedback, market trends, and the profitability of your shop.
Promoting Templates through Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful marketing tools that can help you reach a wider audience and attract potential customers. Create social media accounts for your resume template shop and regularly share updates, announcements, or previews of new templates.
Identify the social media platforms that are popular among your target audience and focus your efforts on those platforms. Consider utilizing visual platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to showcase the visual appeal of your templates. Use relevant hashtags and engage with your audience by responding to comments or messages.
Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in the career or design industry to promote your resume templates. Offer them free or discounted templates in exchange for featuring your shop on their channels. This can help increase visibility and attract new customers.
Offering Excellent Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and building customer loyalty. Respond promptly to customer inquiries or concerns and address them in a professional and efficient manner.
Consider offering additional resources or assistance to customers who purchase your templates. This can include personalized consultations, template customization services, or access to exclusive content. Going the extra mile to assist customers can leave a lasting impression and result in repeat business or positive word-of-mouth.
Regularly ask for customer feedback and testimonials to further improve your customer service. By actively listening to your customers’ needs and preferences, you can continuously enhance the customer experience and build a loyal customer base.
Marketing Your Resume Template Shop
In addition to promoting your resume template shop within Etsy, it’s important to leverage various marketing strategies to increase visibility and attract potential customers. In this section, we will discuss creating a compelling shop name and branding, utilizing SEO techniques for better visibility, collaborating with influencers or bloggers, and utilizing email marketing and newsletters.
Creating Compelling Shop Name and Branding
When it comes to marketing your resume template shop, your shop name and branding play a crucial role. Choose a shop name that reflects your niche, is memorable, and aligns with your target audience. Consider incorporating relevant keywords into your shop name to improve search engine visibility.
Develop a cohesive branding strategy that reflects the style and quality of your resume templates. This includes designing a professional logo, choosing consistent colors and fonts, and creating a unified visual identity across all your marketing materials.
Utilize your shop banner, about section, and shop policies to communicate your brand’s values, uniqueness, and the benefits of your resume templates. This helps potential customers understand your offerings and what sets you apart from other sellers.
Utilizing SEO Techniques for Better Visibility
Implementing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques can greatly increase the visibility of your resume template shop in search engine results. Consider the following strategies to improve your shop’s SEO:
- Use relevant keywords: Research and incorporate relevant keywords into your shop titles, listing descriptions, and tags. This helps search engines understand the content of your shop and match it with relevant search queries.
- Optimize listing descriptions: Write detailed and informative listing descriptions that incorporate keywords naturally. Be sure to include relevant information about your templates, customization options, and unique features.
- Create compelling meta tags: Craft engaging and keyword-rich meta tags for your shop and listings. Meta tags include the title tag and meta description, which appear in search engine results and impact click-through rates.
- Build quality backlinks: Seek opportunities to guest post or collaborate with other websites or bloggers in the career or design industry. By earning backlinks from reputable sources, you can improve the authority and visibility of your shop in search engine rankings.
Regularly monitor your shop’s SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics or Etsy’s own analytics dashboard. Identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to your SEO strategy accordingly.
Collaborating with Influencers or Bloggers
Collaborating with influencers or bloggers can significantly increase the visibility of your resume template shop. Identify influencers or bloggers in the career or design industry who have a substantial following and target audience that aligns with your own.
Reach out to them and propose collaborations, such as featuring your templates in their content or providing them with free templates in exchange for a mention or review. This exposure can introduce your shop to a wider audience and attract potential customers.
Consider offering discount codes or exclusive offers to the influencers’ or bloggers’ audience as an incentive for them to promote your shop. This can help drive traffic to your Etsy page and increase the chances of generating sales.
Utilizing Email Marketing and Newsletters
Building an email list and utilizing email marketing techniques can be a powerful tool to promote your resume template shop and cultivate a loyal customer base. Encourage website visitors and customers to subscribe to your newsletter by offering incentives such as free resources, exclusive discounts, or access to new template releases.
Once you have built an email list, regularly send out newsletters that provide valuable content related to resume writing, job search tips, or design trends. Include updates about new templates, customization options, or limited-time promotions to encourage engagement and conversions.
Segment your email list based on customer preferences, interests, or past purchases and tailor your content accordingly. This personalized approach can help establish a deeper connection with your subscribers and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases.
Providing Additional Resources and Services
To differentiate yourself from competitors and add value to your resume template offerings, consider providing additional resources and services to customers. In this section, we will discuss creating a free guide for download, offering customization services, providing resume writing tips, and upselling additional templates or bundles.
Creating a Free Guide for Download
Creating a free guide related to resume writing or job search can be a powerful promotional tool for your shop. Consider offering a downloadable PDF guide that provides valuable tips, best practices, and industry insights to potential customers.
The guide should be informative, well-structured, and visually appealing. Cover topics such as resume writing basics, optimizing your resume for specific industries, or interview preparation tips. Be sure to include references to your resume templates and how they can help customers implement the advice provided in the guide.
Requiring customers to provide their email addresses to access the free guide is an effective way to build your email list and nurture leads for future sales and promotions.
Offering Customization Services
Offering customization services can set you apart from other resume template sellers. Some customers may prefer a more personalized touch or may not have the time or skills to customize the templates themselves. By providing customization services, you can cater to these customers and offer a more tailored and convenient experience.
Develop a pricing structure or packages for customization services that suit different budgets and preferences. Offer options such as font changes, color customizations, or additional sections. Communicate clearly with customers about their requirements and provide timely and professional delivery of customized templates.
Providing Resume Writing Tips
In addition to selling resume templates, you can provide valuable tips and insights on resume writing. This can be done through blog posts, social media content, or as part of your shop’s resources.
Offer advice on writing effective resume summaries, showcasing transferable skills, or tailoring resumes to specific industries. Provide formatting tips, discuss common resume mistakes, and offer strategies for crafting compelling cover letters. By positioning yourself as an expert in resume writing, you can build trust and credibility among potential customers.
Including resume writing tips in your shop’s listing descriptions or newsletters can also serve as a value-add for customers and help them maximize the potential of your templates.
Upselling Additional Templates or Bundles
Upselling additional templates or offering template bundles can increase the value of each sale and provide customers with more options. Identify templates that complement each other or target different industries and offer them as a discounted bundle.
For example, you can create bundles for entry-level resumes, management positions, or creative industries. Highlight the benefits of purchasing a bundle, such as cost savings and a wider range of templates to choose from.
Additionally, consider upselling additional templates when a customer makes a purchase. Offer them related templates or suggest templates that are frequently bought together. By increasing the average order value, you can maximize your revenue and strengthen customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Creating and selling resume templates on Etsy can be a lucrative side hustle. By conducting thorough research, utilizing design elements as inspiration, and leveraging AI tools for generating ideas, you can create unique and marketable templates.
Designing templates with Google Docs provides a user-friendly and versatile platform. By utilizing formatting options, adding key sections, and providing clear instructions, you can create professional and customizable templates.
Additionally, by diversifying template styles, iterating and refining designs, and effectively marketing your shop, you can attract customers and increase sales. Providing additional resources, offering customization services, and employing upselling strategies further enhance the value of your templates.
With the right approach, marketing, and dedication, you can build and grow a successful resume template shop on Etsy.
