Are the signs there?

[katiebludworth]

I haven't been on Etsy long (about a month) and yet with 0 sales, I've been thinking about the 100 different ways to proceed.

I've optimized my SEO and my views and favorites increased, I'm active on a few teams (and sometimes feel like I'm one of the few active ones), I have redone my photos a handful of times, tried out Facebook ads and did horribly, and now I'm thinking that I've hit a wall.

Maybe it's not the right time of year for knit goods (though I've been trying to make more bags and jewelry), maybe people aren't that into my goodies, maybe, maybe, maybe?

Or maybe, it's time for this hobby to go back to being a hobby and these hats, etc. to get passed around the office once again.

[Former_Member]

I'm in the same boat here... except I'm 2 weeks in and in a tiny market place. There are only a few sellers who specialise in the same as me, so I'm front page within my market. The problem is not visibility, but the number of people viewing!

I can be of no help whatsoever except to say, keep doing what you're doing!

[PotteryLodge]

Ill use your knit necklace as an example

The first three words of your title matter most. I would use red knit necklace or red crochet necklace as your first words. This is likely going to be a more searched phrase and easily describes your item.

Make sure your tags include those keywords. 'Knit necklace' handmade necklace' 'crochet necklace'

You ship everywhere so there is always a season for knitted wear an accessories.

It took me well over 2 months before I got an actual sell (excluding friends/family)

Keep working on tags/pictures/titles and promote a lot. Make a Facebook page for your shop. Get business cards made and hand them out or leave them places you go.

Check out other knit shops on etys and compare your tags/titles/pictures.

Just have fun and keep working at making your shop the best it can be.

[Former_Member]

I got lucky and started making sales about 2-3 weeks in, but from what I've gathered in the teams - that seems rare. Many don't get sales in the first 6 months! So do not give up hope. BUT you do need to market off Etsy to find buyers! Here's a list to get you started!
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/11894148/

[Former_Member]

There are two things I see right away that you could improve on. Photography, and information presented in your description.

I understand that photos can be a difficult area. But you definitely need better lighting, to start with.

Secondly, I don't see anywhere what the products are actually made of. Is the yarn acrylic, or wool, or something else? What's the wash and wear like?

I don't think it's the season, and one month isn't really very long. If you are serious about it, then putting in the work will pay off. I think what you really need to ask yourself is if you are willing or even want to put in the work that will make your shop a profitable business.

[NancyBags4U]

Katie--You have very nice items. My advice would be to listen to the words of wisdom from other sellers. I started my shop a year ago in March. I have learned so much in this year. It seems that Spring is a slow time of year. My views and sales improved greatly around July. Things kept improving from there. So---learn everything you can in the meantime. Photos and SEO are the key to sales. And--have plenty of patience. It takes awhile to get going, but once that first sale hits it's makes all the work worth it.

Hoping for lots of sales for you!!!

[Former_Member]

I realize it isn't the best season for knits, but people are still looking (and buying) for things. Your photos definitely need some work (mine do too, I've got a friend in photography to re-do everything soon). You can also do a lot of marketing off etsy that really helps with your shop. Make a facebook shop for your store, join instagram, team up with a blog, post on pintrest. There's a lot you can do to get the exposure for your shop.

[Former_Member]

I noticed your shop isn't active. Hope you didn't throw in the towel so soon. It takes a long time to get a shop that sells crochet items off the ground as there is a lot of competition on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

I hope you didn't give up! It can be discouraging but businesses in general are not expected to make a ton of money right off the bat. Maybe do some research on small business and marketing and work on photos and listings. Network as much as you can! You never know- even one person could end up being a huge asset for you if they tell lots of people about you, have a lot of social media contacts, etc. Don't throw in the towel too early!

I second the PP who mentioned listing what your items are made from. I am vegan but I love knit and crochet, but don't do wool. If a seller doesn't list what their items or yarn/thread is made from I don't even look in the rest of the shop because there are too many other sellers who I know DO label and it takes a lot of time to go through a shop if they don't have anything for me. This is also true for allergies and kiddos/people with sensory issues. Being able to list the material and describe it can be really important. I have made several IRL sales and one on here within a few weeks of opening because my products sounded like a good fit (soft) for a customer's kiddo who has sensory issues.

Good luck! Don't quit! It is waaaay to early for that!

[Former_Member]

I think it's mostly the competition, unfortunately. I know my shop is going through the same thing. Keep marketing and making connections! I'm much more likely to buy from someone very personable than someone with strictly factual listings

[Chanchala]

It took a while for me to get constant sales on Etsy & I hadn't considered turning this into a business. At the moment it's a little slow for everyone I think. You need to start slow & stick at it for love & your perseverance will hopefully pay off.

[RandomWish]

Did you shut down your store? I hope not :( A month really isn't that long and listings last 4 months so you might as well keep it open. Maybe you could make some things for babies. Take a look at what's trending right now to get some good ideas. Good luck to you, and don't give up yet.

[Former_Member]

Don't give up!

[Former_Member]

I've kind of felt the same way. I haven't had any sales yet, and although its a bit discouraging, I'm still keeping a positive attitude. I have, however, got other plans in mind if for some reason things just don't take off. Right now I'm still working on new things, enjoying the process, and the experience I'm gaining from being here on ETSY :)

[Former_Member]

It's the slow time now I think. Hang in there, continue to work on adding listings, joining teams, SEO, facebook, twitter. It takes time, I am no expert but trying not to give up. You too, don't give up.

[3bearsco]

I think it takes some time. Don't give up!

[GabriellasTreasures]

OP - where are you?? Come back and work your Shop - a month is a speck of time in Etsyville. There's some great advice here - yes it takes time, but it'll be worth it. How will you know where you may be, say a year from now?

Good Luck!