One of the most important things you can do as a seller is reach out to your customers and make them part of your life via a blog that you write in at least 3-4 times a weekly, daily if you can. I know it can be hard to get done, but it's so important.
Mine is here:
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/I also have a newsletter that you can sign up for at my regular website, bsueboutiques, and I write it every Sunday night. It's been a lot of work but people tell me they really look forward to it. I use Constant Contact and it's easy to learn. So far I have about 3400 people on my email list through my website, but truth be told, people have been signing up for a long time. And not every one reads it every week....but about 1/3 do, according to the stats.
That doesn't always translate to immediate sales, but! the thing is people get to know you, you build trust, you build your brand.
That's important whether you are just selling at Etsy or have a stand alone, too.
That's why Facebook is so good, and building quality contacts there.
Yes, it's a lot of work. Takes time. But in this economy, you have to really give to get. People work very hard for their money. If they are going to spend it with you, you need to be willing to give them more than product.
You have to give of yourself....and a little lagniappe, too. A little something extra. They deserve it. ;-)
