🎧 Listen to this blog post as a Podcast instead - 

#60 - Etsy’s Q1 Results + Q Score Update: What Handmade Sellers Need to Know

Etsy just dropped their Q1 2025 financial report… and there’s more to it than just numbers. In this episode, I’m breaking down what the latest earnings reveal about where Etsy is heading, how it’s affecting sellers like you, and the big changes to Etsy’s search algorithm - including the now-official Q Score.

If you’ve ever felt in the dark about how Etsy decides who gets seen (and who doesn’t), this episode is your spotlight. The Q Score isn’t brand new, but it’s now a named, structured part of Etsy’s AI tools and for the first time, they’re giving us actual tips on how to improve it.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What Etsy’s latest financials really mean for sellers
• Why your customer service and shop quality matter more than ever
• 5 simple ways to improve your Q Score and stay ahead of the algorithm

Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just getting started, this is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of Etsy’s changes... without the fluff or overwhelm.

Etsy’s Q1 Results + Q Score Update: What It Means for Your Etsy Shop in 2025

If you’ve ever felt like Etsy’s algorithm was a mysterious black box, you’re not alone. But Etsy’s Q1 2025 financial report just gave us a peek behind the curtain — and it came with a big update that could seriously impact your shop’s visibility: the Q Score.

So, what’s going on with Etsy right now? Is it still worth it for handmade sellers like you? And what exactly is this Q Score that everyone’s suddenly talking about?

Let’s break it down (without the fluff).

💰  1. Etsy’s Q1 Financials: The Real Takeaways

Etsy’s latest report shows that sales are steady, but growth is slower than previous years. They’re putting a huge focus on improving buyer experience and using AI to personalise what shoppers see.

For you, this means Etsy’s algorithm is shifting to prioritise trustworthy, high-quality sellers. And that’s where the Q Score comes in.

🧠 2. What Is the Q Score (And Why Should You Care)?

Etsy has technically used quality factors since 2015, but the Q Score is now an official part of how search results are ranked. It stands for “Quality Score” — and it’s designed to measure how trustworthy and reliable your shop is.

In short? It rewards sellers who play by the rules, offer great customer service, and go the extra mile.

✅ 3. 5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Etsy Q Score:

1. Review Your Listings 

   Are your photos, descriptions, and titles accurate? No nasty surprises = happy buyers = better reviews.

2. Check Your Dispatch Times 

   Make sure your processing time matches reality. Under-promising and over-delivering is better than the other way around.

3. Respond Quickly to Messages 

   Even a quick reply shows Etsy (and your customer) that you’re active and engaged.

4. Follow Up for Reviews 

   Send a friendly post-purchase message to thank your customer and encourage a review.

5. Avoid Late Dispatches or Cancellations 

   Do what you can to keep your order fulfilment consistent — Etsy notices!

⛔⛔⛔⛔

Psssst! I’m interrupting your blog post to bring you my best training…for FREE!

FREE 90 minute masterclass - How to make more sales in your handmade business in 7 days or less

 👇 Click the button below and save your seat! 👇

🛍️ 4. What This Means for You

If you’re a handmade seller who genuinely cares about your customers, packages orders with love, and wants to build a shop you’re proud of — this update is good news. Etsy is starting to reward the kind of effort and integrity that handmade sellers are known for.

And if your sales have dipped recently, now’s a good time to do a mini shop audit and tidy up those little things that affect your Q Score.

You’ve got this.

The algorithm might be evolving, but if you focus on building trust, delivering value, and showing up consistently — your handmade business will keep growing.

Because the world really does need those special creations only you can make 💛

Love Steph & Team HB xox

👋 Welcome everyone! My name is Steph, I've been running my handmade business full time on Etsy since 2016, and I'm here to help you! 

🧡 I'll help you to start an Etsy shop, Etsy ads, show you how to sell more on Etsy, get to grips with Etsy SEO, Etsy branding, Etsy product ideas, finding your target market, identifying your niche and many many more.

🛍️ If you have an Etsy shop or your own website selling handmade products, or want to start one, this is THE channel you need to be subscribed to!

💰 I help makers start, run and scale their handmade businesses. Turning them from an expensive hobby to profitable businesses making 4 and 5 figure months on Etsy and your own website.

✨ Join the HBSA waitlist

✨ Free resources: Want to make headway in your business but don't want to pay yet? You're in the right place! 

✨ Work with us for deeper transformative results

✨I go live most Mondays on YouTube and in my Facebook group for mini workshops to help you make more money from your handmade business! You can see our upcoming events here

That’s all for now! Be sure to subscribe and follow us on IG for announcements of new videos, workshops, content and more.