A Critique if you would please...

[thebuckeyelady]

I have taken some new pictures and would like some critiques on my shop. I have a craft show in a couple of weeks where I plan on passing out a lot of business cards so I want this shop too look great. I am ready for anything! Thanks, Betsy www.thebuckeyelady.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

Betsy You have some very cute things and obviously you have a targeted buyer (Ohio State Buckeyes). My initial impression is that the items should be photographed with a plain background instead of the football. But maybe because your buyer is unique, the football is good. I am sure that others will chime in to help you.

[miamimere]

Just wanted to say O-H :) I love your things, I think I bought some bracelets from you last year... do you do shows in the Dayton area?

I actually am not a big fan of the football background, sorry.... I think you should do a plain background. or maybe have your thumbnail (first picture) on plain background and keep football pictures for the second one? it's just hard to see in the thumbnail view.

[thebuckeyelady]

Ok good to know! I thought the football would bring something to the pictures. Guess I was wrong and that is ok! Thanks so much!

miamimere- I do a show in Minster and that could be where you saw me. We will be there again this year!

[EviesToolEmporium]

Who are Edna, Jessie, Sonja etc? Your titles should be very descriptive for searches! Unless someone is searching for an Edna necklace they may not find you!

[Former_Member]

Your items are absolutely ADORABLE. I agree though that you don't need that football in the back of some of your pictures...your items are so pretty, don't let the football take away their beauty! :)

[Former_Member]

This is coming from someone with confirmed AWFUL photography, but I agree with the others that you should lose the footballs. It just makes it too hard to see your items, which are very nice and deserve top billing.

[thebuckeyelady]

Thank you for your comments! I have made some changes to my shop. Please take a look back and let me know if this is better.

Evie's- The names are the people that are friends or family. That is how I keep track of my jewlery. But having them as the title is not descriptive, you are correct. Thank you!

[efinegifts]

We think the football detracts from the beauty of the jewelry. Try for a plain white background. A lightbox would help eliminate the gray background.

[Former_Member]

Maybe a little bit of bright? If you use like photoshop you could play around with levels and curves. That would help a lot :)

[EviesToolEmporium]

Your shop is coming along great! Nice that you made some changes! Not only that, but you came back to the discussion to let us know! Love that! I enjoy watching businesses grow! Here is a great 22 minute video that is specifically about Etsy-titles, tags, sections, shop announcements etc. that you may find handy when you have time to watch! Alot of small tips that can make a big difference in driving your business! Continued success!
http://vimeo.com/19769573
Michelle-

[Former_Member]

Thank you Michelle this is a great video! Best of luck to you and your shop!

[miamimere]

Marking this so I can come back and watch the video. And off to check out your changes :)

[miamimere]

Looks great!

My only other suggestion is regarding the badge id holder. I am not wild about these pictures. How about one of someone modeling the holder with an id badge in it? I would love to see how it looks on, how far it hangs down, etc....

[thebuckeyelady]

Thank you so much Michelle! I learned a lot from that little video! Everyone shoud watch it.

Miamimere- I will work on the badge holder picture. Thanks.

[Former_Member]

I completely disagree with removing the footballs. That is what your target audience/buyer is all about, and while pretty is important the Buckeyes are a sports team after all. The football is going to catch their attention and heighten their enthusiasm for your niche work. It provides context for your pieces -- they will be worn to games or at least on game day for sure!

Plain background for photos are important, but the football makes your stand out from so many others on etsy. I would use both plain backgrounds and football shots.

The football freaks in my house would buy your stuff if it was Illinois!!

[thebuckeyelady]

WormeWoole- Thanks for the post. I do love my football pictures and I will keep some of them. I agree with you that they stand appart from the rest and that football fans are my main audiance. But I also agree with the others that I should not use them for my main picture. I want my customer to see my jewlery not just a football.

If you see anything you like but would like it in Orange and Blue just let me know. :)

[Former_Member]

I still think your best football pictures should be used on at least a few of your pieces as the main photo. If I am scrolling down the pages of bracelets and I see that football, it will catch my eye and I would click on it if I was a football fan, and especially if I see your title and I am an Ohio fan.

I'll take another look at your items and see if we want anything custom made. That's pretty generous of you -- don't think my husband would let me make anything to be worn by an Ohio fan --ha ha. Though he didn't complain when I made Packers and Vikings mittens to sell, not to wear, of course!

[EviesToolEmporium]

BetsysSupplies-
You're welcome! It's well worth the time!
Michelle-