The critique game

[Former_Member]

1. Go to the last post
2. Go to the posters shop
3. Check it out, look at their profile, etc.
4. Come back and post a few helpful points that you think would help them improve.
5. Please NO rude comments!!
6. Come back and play again for more ideas on how to improv your etsy shop.

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatGirlKnitz?ref=si_shop

Always looking to improve!!

[Former_Member]

For Shop:

www.etsy.com/shop/ThatGirlKnitz?ref=si_shop

Great shop you can tell you put a lot of work into your items! They look Nicee (with two e's).

My suggestions:

Put all your pictures that are the same together (maybe rearrange your shop so that all your hats are pictured, then all your scarfs, or if the model is looking at the camera, put all of those together in a rearrangement).

In your return policy, I would at least state that I would be willing to work with a customer should there be an issue with their purchase. For me, if no return policy is stated, or there is not one, I usually don't buy and look for a similar item elsewhere.... but that's just me.

List a couple of men and children's items since you say you offer them to give people an idea.

[Geminivintagestore]

The shop :
https://www.etsy.com/shop/weebittrendy

Cute items! I wouldn't stage photos on a same color backdrop, it doesn't show the item colors well. If you could photograph them against a white background (making sure your white balance on the camera is adjusted correctly) that would showcase the detail in your items a lot better. And take advantage of tags! I would add baby shower gifts, newborn, nursery, any team tags and variations of your shop name if you use them (ie; blog name)

I like that you have your shop linked up with Twitter and Facebook.

[Former_Member]

Cute shop.

My only suggestion might be to not list like items right next to each other. So, instead of row of similar hats you might want to try listing items by type one after the other.

As in a hat, followed by a scarf, cuff, skirt, necklace, etc... I think it would help to spread everything out more evenly :+)

Your banner's cute and easy to read.

[Former_Member]

Awesome Shop!

Seems like you're doing a great job, I'm fairly new so It's hard for me to find anything that needs improvement in your shop! Your policies are all easy to understand and thorough. And I like that you put the items on a white background, they really stand out that way.
My tips would be for example in this listing...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/101666559/vintage-fedora-hat-50s-taupe-brown-black?ref=shop_home_active
I wouldn't put the main picture with the green vase because it looks as if it comes with the vase by the way it is displayed with it. Also I have read that you should try and fit as many words in your tags as possible, and try to avoid using only one word per tag. Not sure if that helps or not!

Love your items!!! : ]

[Former_Member]

The shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaneLoveDesign

Your shop is nice. We like your photos. We think if you add more photos it would be even better ( at least one full page of them ). It would be great to see more colorful photos of your invitations, etc. Bright colors would liven it up. It would help draw the buyer's eye and keep them looking at your items.
We like your Happy Birthday banner. How about a baby shower banner ?

We are new on Etsy and we are working on adding more items too.

[AngelineKayDesigns]

The shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewBeautifulbyDC

First of all, I am sew (haha, get it?!) of your sewing/embroidery abilities. Kudos to you!

Your goods look very nice - there is always a great market for personalized gift items.

My suggestions are minimal - I would select 4 items to "feature" at the top of your page - having the large images right at the top of your shop really grab attention. Also, take advantage of tags! I would suggest - personalized baby gift, personalization, personalized baptism gift, etc.

Good luck and happy sales!

[GirlpowerKnits]

SarZjo,

your shop looks cohesive.

A couple of your photos would do well to be pulled back, like the vase/cross, so that it is not cut off.

Offering international shipping is a great way to expand too!

And, if you wish, you can lengthen your titles, and get a little more description up there, but that is your call. Some people feel this makes their titles messy, but I can got searches from that I wouldn't have otherwise....

[theELEPHANTpink]

Emily, you have a very nice shop, clean and organized. It was a pleasure browsing!
Your pictures are good. Some may be a little out of focus but still ok.
My biggest suggestion would be and I'm no expert at this, but I feel like your titles are way too long. It's overwhelming. I would shorten them and get straight to the point. Focus on your key word and repeat them in the tags exactly. Also you may need some punctuation between your key words, so they can be read correctly by google, etc.
Your items are really cute! Good Luck!

[Former_Member]

Hi Ralica, I love your items. You have lots of items, which is great for shoppers, I love all your options. My only suggestion when taking pictures of your tshirts and scarfs is to take pictures showing the whole body, at least one. When people shop, they want to see how items are styled and worn, what kind of pants/shorts/skirts you could wear with one of those tops or scarfs. Everything looks great! Good job! :)

[Former_Member]

MamaOwl

This is my favorite photo in your shop. The exposure is good, the background is simple and a little out of focus and the skin tones are natural.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/126934737/handmade-crochet-rose-flower-hair-clip?ref=shop_home_active

I would try to make more of the photos have these qualities. Simplify the backgrounds a little, lighten up the dark photos you have posted and adjust the color balance so the skin tones are natural and not too dark or gold/orange. Here is a photo I would lighten up, or even put the navy bow on someone with blond hair so that it stands out:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/122201335/handmade-chunky-crochet-hair-bow-royal?ref=shop_home_active

I like your descriptions of the items. I would not really make any changes there, and your categories are good. And a healthy number of sales for only being open for such a short time. Good job!

[picketfencecrafts]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126639492/tie-dye-dress-shirt-long-sleeves-size?ref=shop_home_active

Tie Die is back that's for sure!! Your shop looks great, and 5 sales since January is not bad AT ALL. At least in my opinion. It took me 18 months before I made sale #1.

I read in the Etsy Seller's Handbook that the shop announcement plays a key roll in google and etsy searches (SEO). I would place key works in your announcement, at least the first 160 characters.

Also, in your key word descriptions...try to make them specific. Instead of "clothing", you could maybe use "trendy clothing".

I think someone mentioned this in a post above and I agree. Sometimes people like to see people wearing the article of clothing. I like your "Martha Stewart" style of all your listings looking similar, however, for Etsy I think I would change it up a bit and give your shoppers a little more of a variety look.

Good Luck!!

[theELEPHANTpink]

Hi Christine,
your shop is really nice. You are on the right track with titles and tags, but as we know this is work in progress :) I use google ad words to look for my titles and tags and also Etsy search to see what's popular.
My biggest suggestion for you is to change your photo backgrounds. I feel like your background is too dark and the photo itself might need some more light. Try to take your photos without flash and with lots of natural light. I got cheap lights online and a tripod too. Set up the light so that they don't shine directly at the object (you can use a white screen and place it right a front of the light to defuse it) I use photoshop to touch them up after but you can find other softwares you like. The idea is to brighten up the colors after you've taken the picture and saturate them a little so you can get the desired effect.
I'm still learning a lot about product photography and I've been changing my pictures accordingly. I have to tell you I got more views and clicks after I did it. Good Luck! I really like your products!

[Former_Member]

I like your shop and lovely items. I really like that you are wearing and showcasing the necklaces. Just looking at the front page though it was a little difficult to know that you had other wonderful items. Try to rearrange your shop items to include a variety of the things you offer. Good luck!

[GirlpowerKnits]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120930222/hammered-and-carved-wood-fence-mirror?ref=shop_home_feat

Allison,

This is an awesome piece! I will choose it and critique off of it.....

Title, I would your most important wording first, and perhaps add a few more describing words....

Tags, use tag phrases, and copy what your title says in your tags

Shipping,
Try adding international shipping to some of your listings.

Backlinks, this one is kinda fun. : )
Add links to your shop sections or similar items in your description.

Your photos are nice, they are out of focus in general, but the item is "center", and you do really well with non-white backgrounds!

[reneeoriginals1]

Emily,
First of I think your opening about you page was very well worded, helping us as individuals get a sense of what knitting and the making of your particular items mean to you.

There where a couple photos where the items you were trying to sell had your hand in the picture : https://www.etsy.com/listing/84150276/knit-sheep-keychain-lambs-knitted-gray?ref=shop_home_feat For me personally I would suggest perhaps coming up with a way to add interest to your background without having your hand there.

The only other thing would be to switch up your featured items to showcase some of your other Knit items. Great shop.

[Former_Member]

Rebekah and Sarah Jones,

You ladies are talented! Unique, quality made items at great prices too! Wonderful modeling, people love to see how items are worn and styled.

Suggestions:
On descriptions maybe add what type of clasp is used in your jewelry. Maybe make your shipping prices more consistent, some ship for $1 while others for $5 being the same type of item. I would also expand a bit on the titles, its great for search engine optimizing and getting you seen more. Also some photos are a bit out of focus in the crochet earrings, show off that awesome craftsmanship!

I hope this helps! :)

[Former_Member]

go for it plz. thx

[eshopping]

Lovely colorful shop. My favorite are the tee shirt scarfs.

This is regarding your "upper arm braclets listed. As far as I could tell it appears both are the same?? Are they not?

This is regarding the banner and title of your shop. I was looking for something pink??? I am not sure what the banner says and how relate to your shop.

Sending postive vibes.

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124847522/chicken-pincushion?ref=shop_home_active

Angela, love your creative eye in your items. I would suggest sticking to one category and perfecting it, making more of the same thing with color and pattern variety and different sized and things. For example, making different kinds of pincushions in different kind of animals with all sorts of pretty prints and patterns. This will make your shop more viewer/shopper friendly. I would also suggest lighter lighting, more bright photos in your shop as well to show off your great creativity and ideas.

I absolutely love the chicken pincushions, would love to see more of those, maybe dogs, cats, dinosaurs…..the possibilities are endless. :) LOVE THE SHOP, WELL DONE.

[reneeoriginals1]

The Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MAMAOWLSHOP?ref=pr_shop_more

Great shop with beautiful and unique items. My only suggestions would be in your about you profile on the front perhaps add a little more information about what has inspired you to get started and why you keep doing this although being busy as a mother. (people love to know Who their buying from)

Also your prices for another item shipped are all different I would suggest adding a constant price to avoid confusion.

Love your items.

[Former_Member]

Beautiful shop Rebekah and Sarah! My suggestions would be that you choose one background for the majority of your items and stick with it. It makes a shop look more cohesive (something I'm going back and fixing in my own shop!). Also, you could probably write more of a description in your listings. For instance, this listing: www.etsy.com/listing/103616648/quiero-green-hoop-earrings-with-semi?ref=shop_home_active
How long is it? Also, I think you could put more descriptive words in your title. I believe that the first three words are the most important, so 'earrings' or even 'jewelry' should be in those first three.

Overall a lovely shop!

[PaperBunnyPressCo]

Ewe,

Your shop is so nice. I love the needle felting work, it is very detailed. I cannot seem to find anything wrong with your shop. You offer a great amount of pictures and your descriptions are to the point. Maybe something you can do is put the felt work into a setting in which a customer might put the product once they get it. It is great so potential buyers can see where they can put your work since it is not something like a picture where you know it will either go on a wall or on a flat surface. I love how you have the setting for the pictures outside but showing where they might go in the home can be an idea.

I also think you should offer more tea cozies they are too cute!

Keep up the good work, your shop was fun to look at :)

[RobsRustics]

Sam,

Very nice looking shop! It looks like you are pretty new here on Etsy, but you are well on your way.. Your pictures look nice, and you've got your policy info filled out.

A couple suggestions that could be made to help you along your way.
Tags/Keywords: I would try to use more grouped phrases rather than single word tags. Think of how someone would search for that particular item, and use the most applicable search terms. Words like "Art" are wasted tags, because you will come up so far down in the search results that it is pointless to use that search term. (You can use the Google keyword tool to help find applicable keywords)

For your framed/mounted pieces, I would photograph them on a wall. It will help to provide a realistic display. You can add in props to help give them a certain mood, but showing them hanging, at least in one photo would be a good option.

Best of luck!!!