September Sales Slump - Need Tag/Title Help!

[Former_Member]

Since the beginning of September, I have noticed that my sales, usually 4-5 per week, up to 10 or more during the holiday season, have dropped considerably to maybe 1 a week or less. I haven't changed the words, tags or titles, and upped my "impression dollars" from $5 to $10 per week. This does not make any difference, and I am being charged more. I don't know why this has happened and am confused and need help desperately. I have been on Etsy for over 6 years, and this is the first time since I began that sales have been this bad/nonexistent.

I recently did a search for my jewelry in several categories in the new format I know I have tags and titles and other search properties in, and could not find them. It's as if my shop disappeared off the face of Etsy, even though I still pay fees.

Thank you.

[Former_Member]

Heather,

Sorry you are experiencing a 'slump' but have you considered that part of the problem may be that you haven't been updating your titles and tags?

When I first go into your shop I see your announcement

♥ Welcome to the Holiday Season! ♥

I will be bringing new designs in the next month that I hope will meet and exceed your expectations! If you need a custom order for a gift, please feel free to contact me! :)

Basically that's telling me to check back next month for your new designs.

I'd much rather be greeted with something that tells me WHAT you are selling now.

As for Search ads, are you paying for relevant tags for them? I've never tried search ads on Etsy but rather rely on having excellent titles and tags on my items so that they can be found. Most of the keywords that I've seen available for purchase seem to be too generic.

You may want to consider reviewing some of your titles such as
""white wave . white pearl chalcedony . oxidized sterling silver""
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79494126/white-wave-white-pearl-chalcedony

From a buyer's standpoint its very pretty but don't know of too many people who will be buying 'white waves' or know what a 'white pearl chalcedony' is.

I'd suggest that you maybe call it 'wire wrapped necklace of white pearl chalcedony" or at least put the word 'necklace' in the title. That way you've a chance of being found if someone is looking for a necklace.

and use the tags
'wire wrapped necklace
white pearl
I've found that tag phrases work much better than single words.

If you have a pair of matching earrings for sale, please include the link in the description! I don't want to have to go digging through your shop to find them.

And since you are offering a choice of packaging, please include at least one photo.

I've found that by using the 'critique your own shop' blog post
etsymentors.blogspot.com/p/critique-your-own-shop.html
on a regular basis that I'm constantly finding things that I need to update. You may find it to be useful as well.

[Former_Member]

Heather,
I haven't been on ETSY as long as you have, but I had a big decrease in sales from this same time last year, also. I always look forward to Fall because between October and February are my best months. I am not sure if it is the economy, maybe some of the changes ETSY made this past summer, or what. I have seen a little pick up in the last week, so I am hopeful. I have also read where others on ETSY are having unusually low sales. We aren't alone in this. Hope things get better.