Free Shop Critique

[Former_Member]

Hey guys!

What sort of questions you have about your current shop "image"?

This can include, photos, banners, listings, policies, pricing, etc...bring on your questions and I will do my best to give you the most honest answers!

Looking forward to the good times :)
Blessings,
Jacy

[AnnieLorraine]

Hi all; I have been an Etsy seller for a couple of years now and I seem to be stuck in a rut. I don't know how to kick start my site into high gear. I seem to be retaking my photos all the time with different backgrounds but that doesn't seem to be doing any good. I spend so much time trying to redo my shop that I don't spend as much time designing my jewelry the way I want. What am I doing wrong here????

[Former_Member]

@ AnnieL2021, I hear ya!

It seems like we all get into the idea that there is a "right formula" to Etsy success. Though somethings are a given, somethings are totally by surprise.

I took a look at your shop and have a few suggestions...would you like my critique to be private in convo or public in the thread?

[jYOUlry]

Hi Jacy, I'd love to get your opinion on my banner. I am in the process of branding jYOUlry and I wanted a fabulous banner. I like what i have and of course it runs through on my cards and website etc.. but i don't think its fabulous... what do you think?

Also what is your opinion on avatars? I never used a photo until a few weeks ago. I preferred to "advertise" a piece from my shop and rotate periodically (but not too often as to confuse anyone). But a lot of people were commenting in the forums about feeling like they know someone etc when the shop owner uses a photo... so I am trying it. But i really don't know what i prefer...

you may post critiques publicly in the thread. i think it helps others to learn as well when they read them.

[Former_Member]

Hi Lisa,
I actually really like your banner! The design is actually very similar to mine lol
Maybe though it might be nice to have a clean, white banner with clear photos of your work & your logo. Not a collage-type...
I do like the background of your banner, but it is so strong and may clash with some of your listing photos that have other colors in them...

For example, I did this banner for a blog. The issue is Etsy's banner size is tiny compared to a blog, but here's an idea to throw around...
http://www.thenotsosecretlifeofapilotswife.blogspot.com/

As far as avatars, I do like yours but I also like the idea of rotating a piece to advertise. I'd say keep the same avatar layout and just change the photo to an item. I think your photo is lovely and I understand what people are saying...but I don't think that decision will make or break your shop. You have great items....show them off! :)

[jYOUlry]

i like the blog banner but its a little like my featured listings and I can rotate those, LOL. I agree the etsy banners are a bit tight/ narrow... given the length it'd be nice if they were a bit taller too. it looks nicer on my website (are we allowed to post it if i am not trying to sell you anything from it? etsy TOU are so dumb sometimes, anyway here it is, www.jYOUlry.com). I agree with the the avatar thing, that;s why i recently added the border so i can change the photos and keep the same overall image.

THANKS so much, it really helps to hear it from someone else, you know!

chat at you soon... Lis

[Former_Member]

Yup yup, totally understand what you mean about the featured listing look...lol yes, it's okay to post your url. I'm not sure why they have some rules, but it really isn't your intention and i know that...

I really love how it looks with your website.
What exactly don't you like about it? Have you had it for a long time and want something fresh?

[jYOUlry]

LOL, i've only had it about a year... i just can't ever leave well enough alone, that's all, LOL... i may just scale the flowers (on the sides) down a little so they aren't larger than the logo - more like on the website.

[jYOUlry]

what do you think now...? Better like this or how it was?

i cropped this from the top of my website

[Former_Member]

Oh yes, that is better!

Now that you mentioned it, the flowers were big. I like how this looks, most definitely.

[jYOUlry]

Cool! Thanks!!!

i like the damask background as well on this version

[Former_Member]

I do too!!

[Former_Member]

I just paid to have a new banner, avatar and reserved listing files. I would love to be critiqued. I try to take the best photos possible, but I am limited by the camers that I have. HELLLLLLLLLLLP!

:D

[Former_Member]

Please convo me privately!

[Former_Member]

Will do Hot Mama :)

I had meant to put this in the main thread intro, but if any member would like their shop critiqued, post what you are looking for or what you'd like me to check out and include if you's like my critique to be convo-ed privately or if it's okay to post publicly.
Thanks!
~Jacy

[2sistershandcrafted]

Hi again
I would love a critique. I've worked very hard for a cohesive look. I'm concerened about my product descriptions and tags. I'm doing LOTS of research and am getting conflicting info. Help please. You can post if it would help others. If it's brutal I can take it but maybe privately?! ;) Colleen

[Former_Member]

Colleen,
May I asked what is your main concern about them?

Descriptions and tags are tricky. And you will get conflicting feedback because this is a personal subject...meaning what might work for me, may not work for you :)

[Former_Member]

I've just opened my ETSY shop, after having been a long time browser and admirer. My focus is on gift cards, using a word play technique to create unique and thought provoking blurbs. It's a bit bare right now but I'm hoping to get a bit of feedback as I get things going.

My banner is an insight into my word play technique, as well as showcasing the wax seal that features on all cards. I'm hoping my info and tags are sufficient, and my costing is suitable to the product.

[JessicaAnneDesigns]

I would LOVE a shop critique!! I am new to etsy as well and having a hard time tagging and writing discriptions for my items(not the best with words). I am trying to make my shop successful so if you have any suggestions i would the advice :) If you could convo me i would appreciate it.
Thanks
Jessica Anne

[AnnieLorraine]

thiswayup1

You can make your critique public. Sometimes helpful advise may help others also.

Thanks

[Former_Member]

Okay, I think this may be one of the best teams around on Etsy, and this is definitely the best discussion thread I've ever come across! Thank you thank you thank you!

I would love a critique of my banner, first of all. It's the 3rd banner I've tried. When I made it I loved it, but I'm beginning to think other people might not like it as much as me and it's the other people who should love it, right? I now think it's way too dark. Any suggestions? I would still like to use a close up, cropped picture of one of my items, but I'm ready for a change.

As far as the rest of my shop pictures go, I know some of the photos are good and some not so much. I don't have the best camera or photography space, but I work with what I have. I really like the darker earthy tone my shop has taken on since I opened it back in January, I think it is a good look for an eco-friendly, upcycler's shop. But maybe not...

Any input at all would be awesome. You can answer here publicly, I would love it :)

[Former_Member]

Hi I have been here for 2 years now however my shop seemed to have less views and actually almost no sales at all. I would like to know if my prices are good and what i can do more to make more vies and traffic to my shop.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I would love to get some feedback on my shop from you. I have just moved accounts to a new site to revamp, but it feels a bit fragmented in terms of my photos. If you could critique it for me, I'd really appreciate it!
Claire

[Former_Member]

I would love a critique on my photos and if my shop looks cohesive. I've been really putting a lot of effort into changing and improving things in my shop for the past few weeks and I'd love to hear what you think about it!

Thanks! :D

[2sistershandcrafted]

Sorry I'm just getting back to you. Some people say that the first paragraph of descriptions should include as many tags as possible and so sound very technical. Others say the first paragraph should be all personal to grab the shoppers attention. Which will bring the most traffic and sales?