Categories Help

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone,
I've been selling art and jewellery on Etsy for a few years now although I have been winding down that part of my business to focus on writing.

My new venture is to sell custom-written poetry on Etsy. I've checked past forum posts and the T&Cs and I think this should be okay but my big question is which category should this new way of selling my poems fit into?

Although they are words they are neither books nor zines. I'm not sure if Custom or Personalised is the right place or if they need a different main category. I'm very, very excited about working with Etsy and our lovely community to showcase my poetry but not quite sure where they should be!

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Vick

[Former_Member]

Oh, I think poetry is a great idea.
You should put them in Books and Zines,since there are no other categories for poetry. :)

[Former_Member]

Under Zine there is Poetry...at least if someone is searching for poetry it would be a main category.

[TheDarkFen]

you can put in multiple categories if it suits you. so custom/personalized wedding books/zines children (if a child's poem) etc.

[michellemach]

Are you printing the poems on something? Could they be cards (paper goods) or artwork? I think it's a great idea to assign different poems to different categories if appropriate just to see which ones bring in the most views.

I think you could be successful targeting specific audiences/occasions (holidays, weddings, etc.).

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for all the fab advice!
Katie - that's a great idea, I hadn't thought of putting them in multiple categories, maybe that is the answer.
I was thinking that having a personal poem written might be nice bridesmaids' gifts or perhaps even for the mothers on a wedding day. I'm also thinking about advertising them for anniversaries and maybe a sweet way to start a scrapbook or photo album. Lots of ideas still buzzing around my head.
Michelle - I was thinking of offering an option of printing them out but as that will be adding a lot of cost for materials and then postage which I would be need to pass on to buyers. It's good to hear that targeting audiences seems like the way to go.
Again, thanks so much, I really appreciate all the advice I can get.
Vick. x

[Former_Member]

Just an extra thank you for all your help with this and all the support I've had generally. I've launched today in a number of categories to see what happens. Very nervous and excited over here!
Hope everyone is having a great day,
Vick.

p.s. This is what they look like right now!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100269277/custom-written-poem-for-any-occasion

[JaneStaufferPaperCo]

You could put your site in the "everything else," category.

Tags could be Wedding vows, Welcome newborn baby from Mom, Dad, grandparent, baby shower gift, etc.
I see your talent needed when someone wants to say something sentimental and it becomes a keepsake.

I really like your photo showing you creating.
Best of luck on this very nice idea.

[Former_Member]

I think that's a great idea, and as you say would probably help me get to the right people. I will keep working on it and tweaking my tags.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time.
Vick.

[Former_Member]

wonderful!! good luck

[Former_Member]

Thank you Debi! I'm really hoping that it is something people will enjoy.
Vick

[JaneStaufferPaperCo]

Another thought....
Put an excerpt of some of writings to show how your write.
Photoshop it into a setting.
ei, your excerpt on paper with a pen,..or something contemporary for this contemporary Etsy buyer. I am sure you get my point...Have fun.

[Former_Member]

Fab, thanks again for the advice. I have lots to be thinking about and working on!
Vick.