Crickets to Cha-Chings

Hosted by Gold City Ventures

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218

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Crickets to Cha-chings is a podcast for handmade and digital entrepreneurs wanting to uplevel their Etsy shops and grow their business. Join us as we talk marketing for your business, strategy to drive traffic to your shop, how to stand out on Etsy, and running an online business while maintaining flexibility for your family.

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June 16, 202632 min

219. What a $3M Etsy Seller Knows That Most Shops Don't

Want to know what a $3M print on demand seller says is working right now? In this episode, Julie Berninger sits down with Christina to uncover the latest Etsy and Shopify trends driving sales in 2026. Learn how to spot trending designs, improve your listings with better mock-ups, and capitalize on growing demand for vintage graphics, personalized gifts, and popular color palettes. Christina also shares insights on scaling across multiple marketplaces, using tools for product research, navigating Facebook ad strategies, and adapting to the rise of AI-generated mock-ups. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your print-on-demand business, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can apply today. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables, side hustles, and print on demand growth. Chapters (00:00) - Introduction to Christina and her success in print on demand (02:12) - The explosion of trends, especially stripes and vintage styles (05:07) - Identifying best-selling products and how to spot emerging trends (09:56) - The importance of niche-specific trends like comfort colors (13:00) - Popular design themes: club shirts with retro/hand-drawn styles (17:28) - Mock-up best practices, including AI vs. real-model photos (20:13) - The impact of AI on mock-up imagery and legal considerations (24:24) - Optimizing product photos and videos for listings (27:24) - Comparing Etsy and Shopify profitability and workload (31:15) - Facebook ad strategies: interest vs. broad targeting (34:13) - Testing and refining designs for success (35:26) - Resources and where to find more tips on Shopify and Etsy growth Resources 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HCd0P2aGUNE -------------------- Follow Christina on: YouTube: @c.u.online Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures

June 9, 202627 min

218. Make 100 Listings With AI + July 4th Ideas

Print on demand seller Ryan Hogue breaks down exactly how he scales designs, automates listings, and spots winning trends before they peak. 👉 Check out MyDesigns (the Ai tool Ryan uses): https://go.goldcityventures.com/my-designs 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy, AI tools, and print-on-demand success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trends in Apparel 02:50 Leveraging AI for Design Creation 05:25 Exploring Print on Demand Strategies 08:16 The Importance of Product Quality 11:05 Maximizing Sales Across Platforms 13:22 The Role of AI in Business Efficiency 15:31 Cost-Benefit Analysis of AI Tools 18:22 Final Thoughts on Trends and Opportunities Resources 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kYsx8iga8tU -------------------- Follow Ryan on: YouTube: @ryanhoguepassiveincome Instagram: @ryanhogueofficial Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures

May 28, 202632 min

217. Your Etsy Printables Look Outdated (Try These 5 Trends)

Etsy trends change fast — and the sellers who spot them early are the ones getting the clicks and sales. In this episode, Lizzie Smiley breaks down how to use vintage aesthetics, nostalgia, boho styles, and trendy fonts to make your print-on-demand and digital products stand out in crowded Etsy search results. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy, print-on-demand, and digital product success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Lizzie's Entrepreneurial Journey 01:12 From Corporate to Etsy Success: Lizzie's Story 02:22 Scaling Etsy Handmade Signs to $12K Months 03:26 Transition to Teaching and Digital Products 03:56 Trend Report Focus: Q3 and Q4 Design Strategies 05:00 Vintage and Grand Millennial Aesthetics 06:20 Applying Vintage Trends to Printables and Gifts 09:25 Nostalgia Trends: 80s, 90s, and 70s Influences 11:13 Incorporating Nostalgic Elements into Designs 13:25 Doodle and Naive Core Trends in Design 15:40 Creating Trend-Driven Printables and Gifts 20:58 Wildflower and Boho Trends for Fall and Winter 23:35 Using Wildflowers and Earth Tones in Products 25:24 Trending Fonts: Retro, Varsity, and Hand-Drawn Styles 27:57 How to Improve Graphic Design Skills 28:37 Building Your Market Research Brain Cache 31:23 Lizzie's Trend Spotting Resources and Offerings 32:17 Closing Remarks and Final Tips Resources ✨ Trendspotting Membership: Learn how to spot winning Etsy trends before they get saturated. Get your first month for just $17 with code KEEP20. Etsy Trend Reports 🎨 20 AI Design Courses for $20: Learn how to create better digital products and print-on-demand designs faster with AI tools. 20 AI Design Courses for $20 | How to Sell Your Stuff 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zKej7mLSnLU -------------------- Follow Lizzie on: YouTube: @howtosellyourstuff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtosellyourstuff/ Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures

May 12, 202636 min

216. Build Long-Term Wealth with Digital Products - Cody Berman of Retire By 30

Want financial independence faster? Learn how digital products and smart investing can turn side hustles into long-term wealth with Cody Berman, author of Retire By 30. https://retireby30book.com In this episode, Cody Berman shares how he reached retirement by 30 using scalable digital products, resourceful strategies like house hacking, and consistent investing. Discover how small wins from passive income can grow through compound interest, and why retirement is less about age and more about your numbers and cash flow. You'll also see how simple mindset shifts—and even family communication—can accelerate your personal finance journey and help you build sustainable wealth over time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Independence 02:21 The Journey of Digital Products 04:56 Investing for the Future 08:11 Understanding Retirement as a Number 09:44 Maximizing Income and Minimizing Expenses 13:10 Resourcefulness in Financial Independence 15:21 The Power of Compound Interest 17:44 The Future of E-commerce and AI 19:26 Starting the Journey to Financial Independence 20:44 The Importance of Micro Goals 22:39 Building Momentum and Confidence 24:12 Investing Basics for Beginners 27:53 The Role of Family in Financial Goals 30:57 Creating a Family Financial Vision 34:00 Encouraging Young Entrepreneurs Resources 👉 Retire by 30 Book 👉Cody's Podcast: The Financial Independence Show 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h6XtKlVA_nc -------------------- Follow Cody on: Instagram: @codydberman Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures

April 27, 202621 min

215. I Found Etsy's Hidden Gem for Q2 2026 POD Sales

Want to win Q2 with Etsy print on demand? Discover how personalized seasonal gifts can drive real sales for Mother's Day and Father's Day. 👉 Join Emily LIVE on April 29 for an exclusive Print-on-Demand training where you'll learn how to turn ideas into income. https://event.webinarjam.com/kn3pk/register/8m43zunm?webinar_id=45&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=partypod&utm_content=chris 👉Get the Free 30-Day Trial of Anywhere POD when you use code GOLDCITY30: https://go.goldcityventures.com/anywherepod/ In this episode, Chris from Anywhere POD reveals a hidden product opportunity and shows how AI-powered personalization can transform simple items into high-converting listings. Learn how to use tools like Variant Wizard to offer more options, streamline your workflow, and stand out in a crowded e-commerce space. If you're looking to grow your Etsy shop with smarter product strategies, this is a must-watch. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anywhere POD and Seasonal Products 02:47 Exploring the Deco Plate: A Unique Product 05:57 Personalization and AI in Print on Demand 08:43 Leveraging AI for Unique Designs 12:00 Variant Wizard: Simplifying Product Listings 15:05 Engaging Kids in the Creative Process 18:01 Conclusion and Resources for Sellers Resources 👉 Sign up for the April 29 POD Training with Emily: https://event.webinarjam.com/kn3pk/register/8m43zunm?webinar_id=45&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=partypod&utm_content=chris https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast - The Gift Lab Course ($100 off through May 4th at Midnight Eastern) 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vPEnUBHHVmM -------------------- Follow Chris on: YouTube: @AnywherePOD Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures

April 21, 202617 min

214. She Sold 22,000 Etsy Candles..Here's How

Want to sell candles on Etsy using print on demand—even with zero design skills? In this episode, Emily Odio-Sutton reveals how simple candle labels and smart niche marketing helped her turn ideas into thousands of sales. 👉 Join Emily LIVE on April 29 for an exclusive Print-on-Demand training where you'll learn how to turn ideas into income. https://event.webinarjam.com/kn3pk/register/8m43zunm?webinar_id=45&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=partypod&utm_content=emily Learn how to create clean, high-converting designs, use templates to scale faster, and connect with your audience through words that resonate. You'll also see how product testing and understanding your customer can transform your small business and online selling strategy—without overcomplicating the process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Emily's Etsy Success 01:04 The Power of Simple Candle Designs 02:28 Using Templates for Consistent Branding 04:22 Color and Background Trends in Candle Labels 07:38 Understanding Your Customer and Niche Marketing 09:35 Testing Variations and Product Experimentation 11:34 Managing Variations and Product Testing Strategies 13:27 Upcoming Webinar on Etsy Niche Selling 14:49 Emily's Road to Nearly $900K in Etsy Sales 16:05 Community and Collaboration in Print on Demand Resources 👉 Sign up for the April 29 POD Training with Emily: https://event.webinarjam.com/kn3pk/register/8m43zunm?webinar_id=45&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=partypod&utm_content=emily https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast - The Gift Lab Course 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wd6qwqaOIyw -------------------- Follow Emily on: Instagram: @ecommemily YouTube: @ecommemily Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures

April 20, 202621 min

213. Etsy Printables: The Top 1% Etsy Seller "Strategy" That Beats Picking a Niche

Summary Join Julie Berninger and Etsy expert Courtney Buteau as they explore her journey from handmade ornaments to top 1% Etsy seller of digital printables. Discover strategies for niche selection, product creation, shop organization, and balancing business with family life. Signup for the POD Webinar with Courtney & Emily on 4/29: https://event.webinarjam.com/kn3pk/register/8m43zunm?webinar_id=45&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=partypod&utm_content=courtney Takeaways Etsy shop success strategies Product research and niche selection Balancing family life with entrepreneurship Chapters 00:25 Starting on Etsy: Handmade Beginnings 00:55 Transition to Digital Products and Success 06:01 Finding Profitable Printables: Keyword Research 09:52 Using Etsy Favoriting and Snooping for Insights 10:59 Understanding Shopper Behavior and Trends 15:21 Expanding into Print on Demand 17:12 From Handmade Ornaments to Digital Success 18:47 Editable vs. Non-Editable Printables 20:10 Customer Feedback and Product Pivoting 22:30 Current Trends in Kid and Party Products 24:03 Upcoming Webinar and Closing Remarks Resources ➤ Signup for the POD Webinar with Courtney & Emily on 4/29: https://event.webinarjam.com/kn3pk/register/8m43zunm?webinar_id=45&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=partypod&utm_content=courtney ➤ Free Digital Products Workshop: https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LA8y8w0m9nU -------------------- Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures

April 10, 202620 min

212. These $20+ Digital Products are Trending on Etsy Right Now

Summary Hannah Gardner from Profit Tree shares high-ticket digital product ideas for over $20 each. Discover how to identify trending products and use Profit Tree's features to boost your online business. Takeaways 3 High-ticket digital products on Etsy Profit Tree tool for market validation Trend analysis and product research Leveraging TikTok and social media for sales Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Product Trends 02:59 High Ticket Digital Downloads: Wedding Templates 06:00 Custom Digital Banners: A Low Competition Opportunity 09:02 Stained Glass Wedding Welcome Signs: High Demand 11:55 Exploring Profit Tree: Data-Driven Insights 18:02 Iterating for Success: The Importance of Experimentation Resources ➤ Free Digital Products Workshop: https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T9gIHFo4Kp8 About ProfitTree LifeTime ProfitTree Offer: https://go.goldcityventures.com/lifetime-profittree -------------------- Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures

March 23, 202615 min

211. The April 30-Day Etsy Challenge

The April 30-day Printables Challenge will help you list 4 new competitive products on Etsy. Join Gold City Ventures co-founder Julie Berninger and VIP E-Printables Coach, Sasha Hutchison, as they take you through the templates, ideas, and process of the super popular challenge. Watch the "From $0 to $4,000 Per Month Selling Digital Products" webinar with Cody of Gold City Ventures here to learn more: Watch Here ☆ CHAPTERS ☆ 00:00 Introduction to the 30-Day Etsy Challenge 01:01 Live Events and Resources for Success 03:44 Using the Challenge Tracker Effectively 06:13 Product Ideas for the Challenge 09:29 Templates and Mockups for Success 12:26 Community Engagement and Prizes ☆ RESOURCES ☆ ➤ "From $0 to $4,000 Per Month Selling Digital Products" webinar: Watch Here ➤ E-Printables Course: Sign Up Here. ^ Enrollment ends Monday 3/30 If you join E-Printables now, you'll get the pictured challenge templates, tracker, an Etsy listing audit, and daily support in our VIP group. -------------------- Follow Julie and Gold City Ventures: https://www.instagram.com/goldcityventures https://www.facebook.com/goldcityventures

November 26, 202538 min

210. Steal This Etsy POD Strategy from a $725K Seller

Summary 👉 Join The Gift Lab for the lowest price ever: https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast Want to turn your Etsy shop into a thriving gift-product business? In this episode, Emily shares how she launched The Gift Lab from her own Etsy experience and reveals the secrets behind creating products buyers can't resist. Learn how SEO, photography, and market research can transform your listings, why positioning items as gifts skyrockets appeal, and how print-on-demand can give your shop flexibility. Discover actionable strategies to understand your audience, build a unique brand, and continuously adapt for long-term online selling success. 👉 Subscribe for weekly tips on Etsy printables and print-on-demand success. Takeaways The Gift Lab was born from selling on Etsy. It teaches how to start an Etsy shop from scratch. Researching buyer preferences is crucial. SEO and photography are key components. Positioning products as gifts enhances appeal. Understanding the target audience is essential. Gift products can cater to various relationships. Print-on-demand offers flexibility in product offerings. Creating a unique brand identity is important. Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary. Chapters 00:00 – Emily's POD Success Story 02:00 – Q4 Sales, Momentum & Starting Strong 03:55 – Why Gifts Sell Better Than Apparel 06:55 – What Are "Giftable Products"? 08:55 – Why Candles, Journals & Ornaments Explode in Sales 09:47 – How AI Changed POD Workflow 11:40 – Evergreen vs. Trend-Based Designs 13:52 – The Two Things That Grew Emily's Revenue 40% 15:57 – The Events Niche Deep Dive 17:26 – Automating Personalization With AnywherePOD 19:03 – Breaking Seasonality With Event-Based Products 21:19 – What Is The Gift Lab? 22:50 – Bonuses Inside The Gift Lab 25:31 – AI Lab Assistants (Custom GPTs for Students) 28:01 – Bonus Workshops & Advanced Tutorials 29:43 – Student Wins & Success Stories 33:14 – Emily's Advice for Beginners 35:10 – Bite-Sized Lessons for Busy Schedules 36:56 – The Black Friday Challenge 38:26 – Final Thoughts + Black Friday Offer Resources https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Free Workshop to learn the basics of selling POD https://goldcityventures.com/workshop-pdcst - Free workshop to learn the basics of selling digital products online https://goldcityventures.com/gifting-gold-podcast - Emily's Free POD Webinar https://goldcityventures.com/gift-lab-podcast - The Gift Lab Course 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/msgpszdjLvY -------------------- Follow Emily on: Instagram: @ecommemily YouTube: @ecommemily Follow Cody and Gold City Ventures: Instagram: @goldcityventures Facebook: @goldcityventures