10 Mistakes You're Making with Your Etsy Mockups (and How to Fix Them)
Mockups can make or break your Etsy listing. You might have an amazing product, but if your mockup game is weak you may well be leaving sales on the table. Whether you're just starting out or running a 6-figure shop, these common mockup mistakes could be sabotaging your conversion rate.
❌ Mistake 1: Using Mockups That Look Like Mockups
If your mockup looks fake, customers won’t trust it.
Overly clean, flat, or generic mockups scream “stock photo.” Buyers want to see how your product might feel in real life. Go for natural lighting, realistic settings, and a bit of texture or depth where possible.
✅ Fix it: Use styled, lifelike mockups with shadows, creases, or realistic props that suit your niche.
BulkWorks mockup packs are all actual products photographed in our studio - no fake AI photos here. Take a browse through our selection and up your mockup game the easy way!
❌ Mistake 2: No Consistency Across Listings
Using different mockup styles for every product? That’s a branding nightmare.
✅ Fix it: Create a cohesive mockup bundle that gives your whole shop a recognisable vibe. Bonus: it makes batching your content way faster.
BulkWorks have several styles that run across all our mockup ranges so you can keep your brand cohesive and introduce new products quickly and easily.
❌ Mistake 3: Relying on Free Templates
We get it — you’re bootstrapping. But free mockups are often overused, outdated, and not optimised for Etsy.
✅ Fix it: Invest in affordable, high-converting mockup packs designed specifically for Etsy or your niche (shirts, mugs, signs, etc).
At Bulkworks we have several price points to chose from including guaranteed very limited edition packs to avoid that overused feeling.
❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting to Show Personalisation
Selling personalised products? Your mockup needs to show the name/date/message. It helps customers understand what they need to provide and what they will receive. It can reduce the burden of customer queries and also help conversion.
✅ Fix it: Use editable smart object mockups to insert a realistic preview. No one wants to guess where their customisation will go.
At Bulkworks, in addition to our bulk mockup generator, we have scripts to help speed up the process of exporting personalised examples. Take a look at our script page - these scripts are free to BulkWorks subscribers.
❌ Mistake 5: Cluttered Backgrounds
Your product is the hero. Don’t let it fight for attention.
✅ Fix it: Stick to minimal props or settings that enhance (not distract from) the design. Think wood backgrounds, lifestyle settings, or soft shadows.
❌ Mistake 6: Only One Mockup Image Per Listing
One photo = missed opportunity. Etsy allows up to 10 photos — use them.
✅ Fix it: Show multiple angles, uses, and settings. Use a close-up, a lifestyle shot, and one with a model/hand/context if possible.
❌ Mistake 7: Ignoring Your Target Audience
A soft pastel nursery background for a sarcastic mug? That’s a no.
✅ Fix it: Match your mockup setting to your actual audience — moody, rustic, bold, romantic, funny — whatever sells your vibe.
❌ Mistake 8: Not Optimised for Mobile
Over 60% of Etsy traffic is mobile. If your mockup has tiny, unreadable text, you’re in trouble.
✅ Fix it: Test your mockups on your phone. Keep text big, bold, and centred where possible.
❌ Mistake 9: Using the Same Mockup as Everyone Else
If your mockup shows up on 12 other listings, you're not standing out.
✅ Fix it: Choose lesser-known mockup creators or exclusive packs. Or subscribe to a generator that lets you create unique, bulk mockups at scale (👀 stay tuned!).
❌ Mistake 10: Skipping Mockups Entirely
Yes, some sellers still upload plain product shots with no mockup at all. It's 2025. Don’t be that shop.
✅ Fix it: Even a basic well-styled mockup adds polish, trust, and visual appeal to your listing.
🚀 TL;DR: Your Etsy Mockups Deserve Better
Mockups aren’t just for looks — they build trust, communicate value, and boost conversions. Nail them, and you’ll sell more with less effort.
Want to level up instantly? Check out our Limited Edition Mockup Packs or try our new Bulk Mockup Generator (coming soon!). Because high-converting visuals don't need to be hard work.