Advice, Pretty Please?

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone and happy Friday!

I would really appreciate some advice :) I am a fairly new shop (opened in January) and am getting a little frustrated with my lack of sales. I know it takes time and lots of patience, but I feel like I'm way behind everyone else!

I try to post new items as often as I can, have clear product descriptions, and am fairly active on Facebook and Twitter. But still only one sale! Am I missing something? What am I doing wrong... or not doing at all?

Any helpful advice and/or criticism would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time and input :)

[Former_Member]

Hi there. I like what you make. I am definitely no letterpress/paper expert (though I worked at Paper Source once upon a time) but it seems perhaps a bit heavy on the thank you cards. I know Etsy is big into weddings and personalized things involving everything having to with weddings, so maybe you could gear a little more towards wedding invitations or save the dates??? Also, I noticed your photos seemed a little washed out compared to how colorful your cards really are. I might change the sections up a bit and do a "blank cards", "wedding invites", "thank you cards" something like that, because whoever visits your shop will most likely be on a mission. Then offer single cards, packs of 10, packs of whatever within those sections??? Again, I really have no idea, but I'm just thinking aloud here. I used Picnik.com to brighten one of your photos and will send it to you in a convo so you can see what I mean about your colors seeming a bit washed out.

I don't think you are doing anything "wrong", it just seems there is a lot of competition in your field, and if your cards don't pop against the sea of others then they may become overlooked.

-Evie

[Former_Member]

You are not way behind everyone dear, it really takes time and effort to promote your shop, I am on the road still too :)

You have great products and pictures so just keep up the motivation

Greets :)

[Former_Member]

You have great things, hang in there it'll happen.

[CuddleSleepDream]

Hi there,

I agree with the pp that the photography is kinda washed out - looks like you are taking pictures in bad lighting. Picnik is really easy to use and great - use the neutral color tool and up the exposure. Also seems like you need a tripod - that will help the image be sharper.

Also, you are active on Facebook, but you're not engaging. All your posts are about your shop. Think about what people who are buying thank you cards, or notecards want to hear about. Post articles you find about topics like writing good thank you notes, or about how a real card makes people feel more special than an e-card. Ask your fans questions. Have them vote on designs.

Other than that, it does just take time to build up inventory and get your name out there. Your designs are cute, so don't get frustrated.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

It took me FOEVER to get my first sale and I haven't had one since! But, I did notice the more treasuries I made, the more friends I made and people are adding my shop to their favorites. I think that helps your name get out there. It is frustrating but remember it takes time and there arew thousands of people doing the same thing so competition is tough, Hang in there in due time!!!!

[BostonSeaglass]

Your items are very cute. I agree that the pics are a tiny bit dark. Anything wedding related seems to be moving. I think a Welcome to Our Nest customized with the names of the happy couple would be very popular. Your Save the Dates are very nice too. I love the pink/orange. I would promote the heck out of your wedding items for April and see if that helps.

[Former_Member]

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate your thoughtful advice and amazing suggestions.

You are all right about the photos, good point... they are a little dark and fuzzy. I will do a little shop make-over this weekend.

And CuddleSleepDream: thanks for the Facebook advice and pointers! (I never know what to write about... haha)

Cheers to a successful April, everyone! Thanks again for the input :)

[EcoShag]

Your designs are great. I second the comments about your photos....they need to pop a bit more. Other than that, I think your shop description (that little blurb you get under your shop title) should be more to the point....targeting exactly what you make. Right now, it says "refreshing illustration, design and....."
Other than that, it just takes time. Wish you all the best! You have great products!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the tip! Will definitely change that :)