Day 8: Driving External Traffic – AI-Generated Marketing Copy for Social Media
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Why it’s important
Etsy search is powerful, but it shouldn’t be your only source of traffic. Successful sellers frequently bring in shoppers from outside Etsy – via Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, or other channels. With over half the world’s population on social media, cultivating at least one platform expands your reach significantly. Not only does external traffic lead to direct sales, there’s anecdotal evidence that Etsy’s algorithm may favor listings that generate off-Etsy visits (a sign of strong buyer interest). Today, you’ll create a plan to promote your products on a chosen social platform, leveraging ChatGPT to craft engaging marketing copy. Even if you have zero followers, consistent social posting can build an audience and funnel new customers to your Etsy shop over time.
How to use ChatGPT
Think of ChatGPT as your copywriter and content strategist for social media. You specify which platform (Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and the type of post (product feature, behind-the-scenes, testimonial, etc.). ChatGPT will propose a caption in a tone matching your brand voice—playful, inspirational, or professional—plus optional hashtags or keywords. Request multiple versions if you want variety. Then refine it: “Make it shorter,” “Use an elegant tone,” or “Add a call-to-action to check my Etsy bio link.” You’ll pair the AI-generated caption with a photo or video (e.g., a product shot from Day 7 or a quick smartphone clip). Once posted, observe likes, comments, and, more importantly, how many new visitors appear in your Etsy shop stats.
Prompt to use
Below is a structured “one-shot” prompt that clarifies your goals, context, constraints, and desired output. For best results, remember to use both search and reason mode so ChatGPT can search the internet and do the best reasoning. You can copy-paste (and customize the bracketed parts) to get maximum insight from the free ChatGPT plan.
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“Create social media marketing copy for my Etsy product that appeals to my target audience and drives them to my shop.” Context & details (replace bracketed text): Constraints & requirements:
Desired output:
If any part is unclear, list what extra info you’d need so I can refine the prompt or respond. Format the response in numbered or bulleted sections for clarity.
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Step-by-Step Action Plan for Day 8
1 Choose a platform to focus on
Decide on one social network—Instagram or Pinterest are popular for visual products. If you pick Instagram, ensure you have a business account and link to your Etsy in the bio. If it’s Pinterest, you’ll create boards and pin linking directly to your listing.
2 Plan a post
Decide the post type—maybe featuring a product of the day, a behind-the-scenes look, or a new testimonial. If you have a candle listing from earlier, do a quick product spotlight. Or share a mini tutorial or story. The key is to have a point to the post: driving interest and visits to your Etsy shop.
3 ChatGPT caption prompt
Use the single prompt above, specifying your platform and style.
4 Refine if necessary
Check the length, style, and hashtags. If you want fewer emojis or a certain vibe, ask ChatGPT to tweak it. Ensure the final version fits your brand voice. Review the suggested hashtags—maybe add a few relevant ones or remove generic ones.
5 Prepare visual content
Take or select a product photo or short clip. If you have behind-the-scenes footage, great. Otherwise, use a crisp product shot from Day 7. For Instagram Stories, you might add a filter or text overlay referencing “Link in bio.”
6 Post and engage
Publish the content. On Instagram, put your Etsy shop link in bio. On Pinterest, you’d link the pin directly. Then watch if any comments appear—reply promptly to build engagement. Also share to your story or other relevant groups.
7 Plan regular content
One post is good, but consistency grows an audience. Ask ChatGPT for more ideas: “Give me 5 upcoming post ideas for my candle shop, focusing on self-care tips.” Build a mini content calendar so you’re not scrambling. You can aim to post once or twice a week at first.
Metrics to Track
Check your Etsy Stats under “Traffic Sources.” See if you get visits from the chosen platform (Instagram, Pinterest, etc.). A handful of clicks is progress initially. Also track engagement (likes, comments, new followers). If you share a coupon code for social followers, note how often it’s used. Over time, watch if your external traffic grows from near zero to a steady trickle. Even a modest boost can complement Etsy’s internal search, diversifying your audience.
Outcome
By the end of Day 8, you’ll have used ChatGPT to craft at least one social media post that directs people to your Etsy listing. This step begins building an external audience—vital for consistent sales beyond Etsy’s internal traffic. Ongoing social presence can amplify your brand, bring in new customers, and potentially boost your standing in Etsy’s own search as well.