You're probably more successful than you think. Episode 295

You’re Doing Better Than You Think: The Real Story Behind Your Ecommerce Sales

Let’s clear something up.

Most store owners think they’re failing long before they actually are.

Not because they’re bad at business. But because they have no idea what normal looks like—and they’re constantly comparing their behind-the-scenes to someone else’s polished highlight reel.

This episode pulls back the curtain on what success actually looks like at different stages of business—and why you might be way ahead of where you think you are.

What Our Survey Revealed

When we asked Inner Circle members why they hadn’t booked a coaching call, the #1 answer—by a landslide—was:

“I don’t feel ready.”

Not “I can’t afford it.”
Not “I don’t have time.”
Just this creeping fear that they’re not far enough along to deserve support.

But here’s the thing: You don’t need to be “ready.” You just need to start.

Most people show up thinking they’ll be graded. In reality, they’re usually doing better than they think—and a coach can help them build on what’s already working.

How Much Are Most Stores Really Making?

We asked our members to share their annual sales. Here’s what came back:

• 50% make under $25K/year
  

• 27% make between $25K–$100K/year
  

• 23% make over $100K—including multi-million dollar stores
  
  

That first number might sound low—until you realize that the average Etsy shop made $1,299 in 2024.
The average Shopify store? About $60K/year.

If your store’s earning anything at all, you’re doing better than most.
If you’re learning, tracking your numbers, and improving? You’re ahead of the game.

What to Focus on at Each Stage

If you’re under $25K/year:

• Get clear on traffic, conversion rate, and AOV
  

• Use a conversion calculator to figure out what’s realistic
  

• Stop trying to fix everything at once—focus on one lever
  

• Understand that <1,000 monthly visitors = inconsistent sales (and that’s normal)
  
  

If you’re in the $25K–$100K range (the “messy middle”):

• You’ve got proof of concept—but growth still feels fragile
  
• Don’t outsource your data. Know what’s working
  

• Stop chasing new products or new strategies every month
  

• Fix your cash flow. You can’t scale if you’re constantly panicking
  

• Train help early. More sales = more fulfillment pressure
  
  

If you’re past $100K/year:

• Don’t assume high sales = financial stability
  

• Profit ≠ Revenue. Set profit goals, not just sales goals
  

• Every new product adds complexity. Focus on your winners
  

• Learn to manage by data—not just by gut
  

• Get serious about systems and team support
  
  

Bottom Line?

If you’re still showing up—even when sales are inconsistent—you’re doing better than you think.

You’re not behind. You’re building.
And if you’ve got a few sales under your belt, we can help you turn that into a business that pays you well.

RELATED LINKS:

The Most Powerful Marketing Activity

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/the-most-powerful-marketing-activity-episode-285/

Jen’s Framework for Hiring and Training the Right People

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/jens-framework-for-hiring-and-training-the-right-people-episode-275/

Sales Plateaued? Do this to grow profitably

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/sales-plateaued-do-this-to-grow-profitably-episode-284/

A Lesson on fixing your cash flow

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/a-lesson-on-fixing-your-cash-flow-episode-166/

How to Scale Without Borrowing (or Breaking Your Business)

https://thesocialsalesgirls.com/how-to-scale-without-borrowing-or-breaking-your-business-episode-279/