How else can I improve?

[happeemonkee]

Hi all,
Hope you're having a great Monday so far.

I really need some feedback on how else I can get more exposure to my store.
I've blogged, Twittered, Facebooked. I regularly list new items, and re-list them.

I study my Google Analytics and I'm active in the forums (which by the way, are amazing. I've learned so much from everyone and I'm very grateful to receive so much support).

I'm not thinking of giving up but I would like to know what else I can do to sell my photos.

Is it overpriced? Are my photos not well taken?

Do let me know. I'm here to learn :)

Cheers,
Mabs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/happeemonkee

[Former_Member]

I'm in the same boat as you. I am starting to think that selling Photography is just a hard market here on Etsy. I'm trying everything and it keeps sending me in circles. I don't have a lot of money to put into getting my work all printed, so I can in turn take photos to post on here of how it would look displayed.

Anyhow I don't think there is anything wrong with your work. I think it is all well priced and the work itself is gorgeous!

Keep it up and good luck to you!

[ZanyZebraDesigns]

Mabs,

First, I think you need a store header to highlight your gorgeous photographs.

Then, instead of "VISIT us on www.mabletan.com..." tell me a little about what you offer - start to sell me on your products.

Your photos are gorgeous, but to be honest, I don't know where I'd ever use a food photo. Maybe give some ideas of why I'd want one, and what to do with it. I love the tulip one and can see that one in my house but the food ones I don't get. Please don't take this as unkindness - I'm thinking if I don't get it maybe others don't either, know what I mean?

[Former_Member]

Mabs - you do need a banner! Your photos look so yummy it would be easy for a customer to think you're a baked goods shop. Your banner can introduce you.

Mabs and Subliminal - You guys have only been open two months! It takes time! But you do need more, more variety of subject matter, more sizes, more listings. The successful photography shops have hundreds of listings for people to choose from. Check out www.etsy.com/shop/AmeliaKayPhotography one of my favorite photo shops. Right now she has 455 listings. As photographers you guys have a big advantage, you don't have to buy and stock the same volume of supplies to make your product. Take that advantage and make lots and lots of photos!

[Former_Member]

Yes, a banner is a good start. It makes your shop look more finished. I am totally redoing my shop right now with a new banner and avatar. I hired a seller here on Etsy to do it and got the full shop package including business cards and hang tags to build my brand. When I got my first one, all I cared about was that it didn't cost too much. You need to use your shop announcement to tell everyone about you. Search engine keywords are very important!!!! I just googled diaper cake and I am fourth from the top, not bad considering I was about 10 pages back a couple of months ago. I did not start selling really until I was six months out from my start and the past month so far has been really dead compared to Feb. and Mar. maybe it will pick up when tax season is over here in the U.S. Patience is key although when I go days without selling, I am ready to tear my hair out.

[happeemonkee]

Thanks guys, all very valid and great advices.

@ZanyZebraDesigns: Don't worry, I was thinking the same thing too. I'll take more photos of different subjects. I really appreciate the honesty and feedback. I wouldn't be able to learn how to improve otherwise.

@TopiaryDesigns: Strange, I did have a banner. It disappeared and I didn't realize it until you said something. I'll get start working on another now! Thanks for your wonderful suggestions!

[happeemonkee]

@SubliminalBeauty: Thank you for your kind words. It's great to know that I'm not alone. It's good to know another newbie photographer on Etsy. We'll help one another on this journey.

@mylittleangelco: Thank you! I never paid much attention to stuff like keywords and tags until I started Etsy-ing. I'll definitely apply all your suggestions to my store now. :)

[happeemonkee]

Hello!
I've been working on some new listings as per your advices and have added some new subjects & variety to my shop. Please take some time to critique them and let me know what you think! :D

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71998870/japan-circus-floating-houses-8x10-print

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71999200/japan-circus-floating-houses-8x10-print

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72002072/paris-rooftop-romantic-eiffel-tower

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72002347/grand-majestic-french-gate-print-8x10

xoxo

[Former_Member]

Those new pics are fantastic! Keep up the good work! The Japan Circus Floating Houses don't crop well. Etsy will always crop your pic to 4x3. So maybe for images like this center it in a 4x3 window and fill in the sides with white. Then do the larger 8x10 image as a second pic. Just a thought because these are soooooo neat but you hardly see anything in the listing.

[Former_Member]

All photos are great. And the price is reasonable. I have one question for you. You travel around world? Do you want to BLOG about it? Or maybe you want join Etsy Sweden Team or EU team. You might learn a lot from them.

Best Regards,Tina

[happeemonkee]

@TopiaryDesigns: Thanks for the tip! What a great idea. I shall do that now!

@ProQuality: I do quite a bit of travel and I do blog about it on my current blog (www.mabletan.com). Thanks for the tip. I'll check out an Etsy Team for EU or Sweden but I'm really happy with the current team and Team Etsy Success.

I've sold one of the Paris prints already! Yay!