How do we turn views into sales?

[Former_Member]

Hi my name is Scott me and my wife Jennifer have a store here on ETSY called jeniesjewelrybox. We are new members of this team, but we created our store back in January.

We have almost 2000 views of our items so far and 42 items favored but we have only one sale which was to our daughter. We are trying to figure out what else we need to do. To start seeing the views turn into sales. I have been doing the promotions ads and have done a Showcase and date scheduled for some of our items to be advertised as well.

We had made a post in the main forum about a week or two ago and made a lot of changes that were told to us we needed to do at that time, but we still have not sold anything to anyone that has been viewing our store. We know it takes time for sales but if this was a physical store in a shopping center and I had 2000 people walk in and not buy anything in 5 months time I would have to close the store. So what is going on?

I have spent $50+ dollars in doing promotions and nothing has happened except me spending money and a few people viewing the shop and favoring a couple items, so I ask what else do we need to do? Also every time I have listed or re-list an item I have it post to Facebook. We have even had someone we don't even know put up links of our items to their Twitter and Facebook pages and other have told is how gorgeous and beautiful our jewelry is, but with even offering free shipping on all our items and offering a warranty that is a limited lifetime warranty still no one has bought.
Again what else can we do to turn this around?


Thanks for taking the time to read my frustrations and question, Scott & Jenie

[Former_Member]

That's a good question. I think your prices are reasonable and your descriptions are ten-times better than mine are.

I would try tweaking some of your tags. I noticed one piece had "wedding brides maids" as one of the tags, but there wasn't a tag for the colors of the piece. When people do a search for a pink beaded necklace, your product might not come up.

It could help, right? Whenever I do a search for a necklace, I usually include the color I'm looking for, too.

[WildwoodBeadworks]

I just asked this same question to another seller and her advice was to get out there. Join teams and participate. Create Treasuries. Participate in BNS Sales which stands for buy and sell sales. Not sure yet how to create one, but the concept is buy something from the treasury and you will be next in line for someone to buy something from you. I hope I got that right. I am also new to Etsy and have made only one sale But I think her advice to participate in the community was sound. She tries to post something on the forums etc everyday. Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

So you guys have been working on this for a while, any new suggestions on how to improve things. I know my descriptions and photo's are awful and we just started so we are figuring that out. Trying to figure out what to do next to improve the store. I know that what I look for in jewelry as a creator is different than what someone who doesn't create it looks for.. so how do we know what's a better way to describe an item?

[Former_Member]

Hi All,
I too am working to build awareness of my shop. It hasn't been long since I opened my shop, just last month. I am networking and building understanding of all the techno stuff neccesary to do business successfully online, i.e. twitter, facebook, blogs, forums, etc. Its a lot to learn at once. I read from a successful seller that he did not get his first sale till five months after he opened up his shop. That helps me to be patient and to keep doing the footwork. Someone also suggested I advertise locally with flyers. Good idea, I'll try that. I have been doing craft shows the past two months and taking note of the big art centered shows I want to get involved in next year that I will need to jury for. Again, lots to learn. I have faith that if I do the work and I am presenting well that eventually my perserverance will pay off. I am in it for the long haul (little pep talk for me). Good luck to you!

[Former_Member]

We've sold six items in three months, so as a new shop we are not doing horrible, we've at least broke even on the listing fees, and such. I was hoping to sell maybe 5 more times in time for Christmas but despite the increase in traffic it's not translating to sales. I have improved descriptions, and taken some new photo's with the proper lighting.. still have a lot to learn about all of this. We don't have the access to the craft shows yet, nor do we really have the inventory. We are talking about it for maybe 2014.. There are at least two a year in our area, but we don't know what the requirements are to enter them yet, except that applications are accepted and finalized more than 9 to 12 months in advance..

[Former_Member]

Here is a BNS treasury to have look at

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ4OTUxNTh8MjcyMTMxMTgzNQ/uk-buy-and-sell-treasury-founding

[Former_Member]

I think you are all in a VERY difficult market. Your work is gorgeous....and who are the people who REALLY appreciate it and see it for what it is? Other beaders. So..............patience and more patience (craft fairs because this is the kind of product someone needs to FEEL. How can I really appreciate something like theseand say, "Oh, I must have that!" without feeling it?)and excellent photos is a MUST. For me, I've just put on some bad photos and it has really slowed my shop down. Guess what I'm doing today? Yep, photos!

[SomeKindOfPretty]

I agree with the other posts. I noticed that having consistent photos also helps. Try getting your pieces on solid backgrounds and much brighter pictures. This will make your pieces pop and people take notice.
I also highly recommend craft shows. I try to go to one a month. This way if it is a slow time for online sales, then the money from the craft show can help support the store.

Another point to consider is an updated and consistent branding. This is something that I am currently working on. Try to have packaging, logos, banners, and booth decor all match to the brand of your store. If it is too haphazard looking, people can feel overwhelmed and not feel comfortable to shop there.

I hope this helps out and your pieces look great!!

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125498698/online-marketing-5-cl-etsy-ads-5-pins-5

[Former_Member]

I can understand your frustration. I think picking the right tags are important. I to have had tons of views but only one sell on Etsy since I opened up shop in Dec. 2012. There is a lot of competition, so finding a way to make your shop stand out above the rest, very important.

[Former_Member]

Hello,
I love your work and agree with the comment about getting involved in the community. I spent more than 150 $ on promotions and no results. I would also add that stating the width of your bracelets is very important. If you can photograph them on someone's arm , that also helps to give a sense of scale...