TEAM CHALLENGE: LESSON 1

[#1]

Team Challenges are designed to help ALL of our members increase exposure to their shops and increase sales. Our team have new members enrolling everyday, so I have to design the team challenges in series of lessons. That way, the new members will not feel like they are falling behind. They can follow and catch up to the rest of the team by simply following these lessons in order. This is the 1st lesson so we all have a fresh start. Ok, here we go....

Starting a business is a difficult challenge and it is also an art. As business owners, we have to wear many hats and have to be a jack of all trades. I know how overwhelming it can be to start a new business venture. Even if you are not a new business, you can still benefit from our team challenge business series of lessons. The market is always changing so you have to make sure that you are adapting to the changes each season. Plus, there are always something new out there to learn. Now, since there are so many topics and lessons to cover, and each of our members are on different growth level of their business; I have to make sure that we are ALL on the same page so that we can move along together.

Now, keep in mind that we all have different business needs. So if the lesson does not pertain to you then you have no homework for the week. Treat these lessons like your weekly homework. Each week, you will be assigned new homework assignments. Your reward at the end of the semester (lesson series) is to see growth in your business and sales.

First off, like I have mentioned earlier, to move forward together as a team, we cannot be doing random things here and there online or in forums. This is extremely non-productive. So to move our team along, I have to make sure that we are ALL on the same page and we will be starting off our Team Challenges on a level playing field. That way, we will ALL be able to grow together. Even if you think that the lesson pertains to you, please don't discount the lesson entirely. Before you decide that the lesson is not advanced enough for you, please give it a try. There is ALWAYS something that you can improve on because the market is always changing.

LESSON ONE: Store Makeover
1. Make sure that you have a cohesive theme and look throughout your store.
1a. Make sure you have a banner with your store name and logo
1b. Make sure you have an eye catching avatar
Your Avatar should be something interesting. It should be eye catching. It should make you want to click on it if you see it in a forum, chatroom, or facebook.
It could be your best selling item. Something that screams You. I see some people putting their picture up as their avatar, but let me ask you this question: If you see someone's picture in a chatroom or forum, would you click on it? Does it catches your eye? Does it stand out among the thousands of other images online? Does it tell others what you are selling? Does it represent/fit in with the theme of your shop? Now do you see my point. It is up to you if you want to use your own picture as your avatar, but I do not think that it is a good idea.
1c. Make sure you have set your store policies: including Returns and exchanges. Many people do not have a return policy in place and then when something goes wrong, then it's just a big mess because you did not state your terms ahead of time. Your store policy is a place where you can state your store terms and what your customer should expect from you and your shop (especially if something were to go wrong). And it is where you can lessen your liabilities. You should state a clear return and exchange policy. Also include shipping and insurance info here too. Just in case, if something were to go wrong, you would be covered if you state it beforehand in your store policy.

2. Take Great Photos
Good photos are not enough...it must be GREAT!
Online shoppers do not have the luxury of feeling and touching your products in person. So your job is to be able to do that for them. You should create an experience for your shoppers by the way you portray your products. Suggest how it is used, but don't just say it, show it with pictures.
2a. Lots of lighting (use natural light, no flash).
2b. Use light color background
2c. Do not use distracting props
2d. Ask yourself if you were in your shoppers' shoes, would you buy your own goods by just looking at the pictures? If you wouldn't buy it, then chances are your customers won't either.
2e. You do not need an overly expensive camera to take great photos. This is a secret, but some of the pictures in my shop were taken with my cell phone camera...can you tell which ones...exactly my point! A good source of natural lighting is the secret to taking great photographs.
2f. You do not need to be a professional photographers to take great photos. Just practice practice practice. Also, another tip is taking as many photos of 1 item will give you a better chance of getting a great photo out of the bunch. A professional photographer once told me that his secret to taking amazing pictures is to take as many of them as you can...you might be able to use only 40 photos out of hundreds. But 40 amazing photos is better than hundreds of so so photos. Do you see my point.

3. Lastly, make sure that all items in your shop follow the same theme and color scheme. When you open an Avon catalog or some other store catalog, all of the items look like they belong to 1 collection. There is no single item that screams, "I don't belong here." Now, make sure your shop is the same way. Your store is like an upscale catalog...now it is your job to stage your product and use the right color schemes (use a light color background for your photos)

4. Write a good description of your products. Paint a story. Suggest some uses for your products. Many shoppers might admire your products but they are only lookers and won't buy because they don't know what they will use it for. It is your job to consult them on what they should should it for. Lastly, answer this question for each of your products (in your customers' point of view): Do I have to have this item and why?

Alright...you are done! See that is not so bad!
Once you have completed this assignment, post your store here and we will critique your shop (optional). By posting your store below you are agreeing to have our members visit and critique your shop. Doing so is extremely helpful for our members who feel that they need a non bias opinion. Please remember not to take our critique personally...remember it is just business! Ok, now let's all have fun and help each other out!

[Former_Member]

@SimplyNaturalDesigns

Nice products. I prefer the ones that are modeled not on the person, because I'm the kind of person who doesn't like trying on hats at the mall, etc. Maybe include a disclaimer on the head pieces that the one they will receive has never been worn, etc.

Also I noticed that on the pink ear warmer, it does seem more red than pink, as you stated in the description. Do you have some sort of photo editing program? If not, it might be worth it to invest in one. I find that just tweaking your brightness or exposure or playing around with levels can really enhance the photo and ensure the buyer that they will be receiving the exact product that is shown. I use photoshop the most, but I also use iPhoto, which came with my mac, when I need to do a quick edit. I also know there are numerous programs you can get for much cheaper/free online.

[Former_Member]

I've already tried to do many of the things in Lesson 1. Of course, there is always room for improvement. If you could give some criticism it would be appreciated.
www.hayleyspaperlove.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

Hi HayleysPaperLove

I think your photos are really well done! Shows exactly the product you are selling with fantastic lighting and I would not have to hesitate making a purchase. I really like that you reuse items to create your product, and I think that makes you unique. You should move this aspect of your description to the top line of your shop announcement, because if the buyer is like me, I rarely click to read the entire description.

Also, if there's room, instead of just "Scrapbooks and Memory Art" maybe add something along the lines of "unique" and "recycled" or "upcycled" or "reclaimed" to your shop title.

The only other thing I would work on is the banner. It looks stretched, and hard to read. Make sure that when it is created it measures only 100 pixels tall by 760 pixels wide to prevent the stretching from happening.

Hope that helps :)

[ifanhour]

Here goes.....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ifanhour?ref=hdr

I know I have to add more items, I am working on the visuals and writing...criticize away! Thank you.

[Former_Member]

I would really appreciate some critique, i'm new to this and would love to have as much input as possible.
Please check out my shop and give it to me straight!
thank you!!!

[missycowan]

I have completed my shop makeover and would love a shop critique and suggestions for increasing exposure and sales. For example, would I increase sales if I listed my paintings as "unframed" instead of "framed"? Not sure what most shoppers would prefer. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Missy

[Former_Member]

here's my shop. for what its worth!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BagsByEthicals
Hope I've got all the tasks right
x Diana

[Former_Member]

@ifanhour - I think your products are beautiful. The first thing I see that could use improvement is your shop banner. I think the text is too small to read, maybe just increase size, and use a bolder setting with a darker color.

@herGhostSTORE - I think you've done a great job utilizing all 5 of the photo spaces! (Something I am still working on).. I especially like seeing it in a domestic space/setting. Like the little owl plaques on the wall with the lamp and side table. I'm conflicted about having your own original art and vintage pieces in the same shop, I have seen people separate the two. But I don't know what works best in that case.

[Former_Member]

@missycowan - I don't know if unframed or framed sells better, but if you are selling it framed, I think you definitely should photograph each painting in the frame. Maybe also on a wall, and in a setting. It will give the buyer some sort of context as to how it could fit into their own space. I know when I look at prints or paintings, I feel more comfortable purchasing them when I can see it exactly as it will come. When it is just one photo that is cropped to the edges, it might not be enough.

Also, perhaps you could list how you will ship each since prints and paintings are very delicate to ship.

[Former_Member]

@sweetandlush: thank you for the advice, never even thought about separating the two. although i don't think i could handle two shops!

[Former_Member]

i'm ready for more critique!

[ShopTaylourMade]

thank you I am going to change my avatar I had a picture of me, but very sound advice. Still new and learning.
Take Care All =D

[Former_Member]

I know what you mean! My husband wants to start selling vintage items via Etsy, but I'm already overwhelmed with opening this first shop! It is hard to gauge, but I guess time will tell. I do know they recently featured a seller, and when going to her shop I found that has a vintage shop separate from her handmade shop.

[Former_Member]

New member here! I've done the challenge, though I'm struggling with my descriptions and pricing. I recently increased my prices after an article that I read, thought I would test it for a week and then just lower it back if it doesn't work out.

Would love some feedback!!!

[Former_Member]

@SimplyNaturalDesigns I agree with Sweet & Lush about the disclaimer on the head pieces, mention the ones you ship out have never been worn, it'll put client's minds at ease.

Be careful on close up pictures. The Three Cables Electric Pink Ear Warmer close up picture is a little blurry. In Design School it is the #1 thing teachers will doc you for, and it isn't professional.

[Former_Member]

please check out my store, and don't be shy :) The critique it greatly appreciated. Thank you
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bjsdesign

[Former_Member]

herGhostSTORE - I love the items in your shop! Very cool! The only thing I notice right off is that your photos of your owls could be a little sunnier/brighter. Hope that helps!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the great lesson!
Here is my shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jasminespirit

[Former_Member]

bjsdesign - your jewelry is so cool! Right off I'm noticing that some of the pictures are more gray and some are more yellow. Might look more cohesive if the pictures were all gray. I seriously love your jewelry, so modern!

[Former_Member]

Herghoststore- I love your shop! maybe change your avatar to one of your owls, the avatar you currently have is kind of blurry compared to the listing in your shop.

[Former_Member]

@PookaDesigns Love your clothing. The only thing I noticed is your banner is hard to read, especially the white text on the leafy background. Also the way the text Pooka Designs is stretched makes it hard to read. Maybe try your text right or left justified and shrinking it, it really doesn't have to be that big. You don't even need to have 'Upcycled Earthconcious Clothing' on the banner, you can put it under your store name on the left side of your page.

[Former_Member]

Thank you, SweetandLush, for your advice!

I've never thought of that since I tend to click on items with people in the photos, it seems more personal; everyone is different! :^)

I don't have a photoshop program on my current computer, but I have used online ones, which are slow and time consuming, but it sounds like it will most likely be worth my time. [since funds do not allow to invest in that right now]

Thank you again! I'm so glad to get feed back!!

-Kerry

[Anyone else have thoughts on improvements to my shop?]

www.simplynaturaldesigns.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

FarraDesings,

Thank you very much! Do you have any tips for making clearer close-ups? [besides a better camera; even though a new camera is #1 on my to-get-list]

Thanks again!
-Kerry

[Former_Member]

@picturestoprotraits I just feel that a purple flower doesn't represent me, but it does represent my work. It is kind of awkward I guess. My previous picture was of myself taking a picture. I'll just have to get used to it.


What does everyone think about avatars, should they be changed often to keep things interesting or should they be left for longer periods so people will identify you with that image?


I'm up for more critque if anyone feels up to it, any words of advice would help. I know I still have to list more items, I am currently working on that.
www.etsy.com/shop/subliminalbeauty

[Former_Member]

@SimplyNaturalDesigns

It's all about the camera, try tweaking the settings, back up or try different angles, and take lots of photos! You may take 50+ photos for just one that that works