How To Create Your Etsy Website Banner
Your etsy shop banner is the first thing that a potential buyer will see. It’s also one of the first parts of your site you’ll have to set up. But making a banner is not always easy. Unlike other photos you'll post to etsy, which resize automatically, your banner has to be created in an exact size (760 pixels wide by 100 pixels high) and an exact resolution (72 dots per inch). Therefore, to make a great banner, you have a couple of options. Most people will either create their own with graphic editing software, or you can purchase a pre-made or customized banner from another etsy seller.
Getting a Banner from an Etsy Seller
There's a lot of talented graphic designers on etsy, and one fun way to get a banner is to purchase one from another esty seller. If you search for "banner" in "items: tags, titles," it should bring up several hundred options, anywhere from a free PIF (pay it forward), to several hundred dollars for a complete graphic design portfolio with cards and a website. On average, most nice banners will run you $5 - $20, and often can be customized with your own photographs. You can also post to the forums asking for banner referrals.
Graphic Design Software Reviews
To make your banner the right size and add any text, you will need to use some graphic editing software. Check out my review of several free software options.
Now What? How Do I Put My Banner Up?
To upload your banner, log into your site. Click on Appearance under Shop Set Up (on the left hand side). Browse for your saved file and double-click to upload. In a moment, you'll see a half-sized preview.
For step-by-step instructions, etsy seller ZenithJade has created a handy-dandy free tutorial called "An Idiots Guide to banners and avatars."