baseline metrics
The average Etsy listing converts at 1–3%. Gumroad discovery page traffic converts at 0.5–1.5%. If your listing is getting views but no sales, you have a CRO problem, not a traffic problem.
the most impactful fixes (ranked)
- Cover image — replace abstract art with a product mockup or screenshot
- First sentence of description — start with the problem, not the product name
- Social proof — add even one review or testimonial above the fold
- Price clarity — remove ambiguity about what they're getting
- CTA language — "get instant access" outperforms "buy now" for digital products
fixing a high-view, low-conversion listing
If you're getting 100+ views per week with under 2% conversion: the problem is almost always the cover image or the description. Try replacing the cover image first — it's the single highest-leverage change. Give it 2 weeks and 50+ views before judging the result.
social proof signals
- Star rating from reviews (even 3 reviews with 5 stars is enough to move the needle)
- Total sales count ("50+ sold" displayed by Etsy after 50 sales)
- Specificity in your copy: "saves 3 hours per project" beats "saves time"