Doing something wrong?

[Former_Member]

Since January I have had only one sale per month. I think I have enough items (174). Some of my older photos need to be redone. I have been promoting and working more on my shop than ever. I'm hoping I won't have to shut down. Is this just a rough time for everyone or am I missing something?

[littleglamour]

Erica - you have some cool stuff in your shop! I would lighten up some photos, and try not to crop so much - some photos looked a bit cut off. Other than that, keep working on your SEO.....there is always someone out there looking for exactly one specific item - maybe you have it in your shop? :)

[fireflygirl777]

I agree! It is a VERY cool collection of vintage items! It was like going through an old ladies' neat tucked-away stash of goodies!

[PawLane]

Don't give up! You have a nice collection.

Your title and description repeats the words which is a good thing. You must also match that with your tags. And, your tags should be more than one word. Ex: red rose brooch...., vintage hair pin...

[Former_Member]

Your shop title is 'P&E Collectibles by PECollectibles'. If your name isn't well known in the industry, I would suggest changing your shop title to reflect what you actually sell. That way you are much more likely to be found in an outside search.

You say that you are 'promoting'. Are you reaching your target audience? Are you promoting or simply posting links to your listings? Promotion is the art of connecting with your target customer so that they are aware of what you sell through your marketing so that they will remember you when it comes time for them to purchase that specific item that you sell.

But if all you are doing is posting link after link to your shop, then chances are people won't be remembering you.

[Former_Member]

You only sell to the US - however, only 65% of Etsy visitors are from the US. That's already 35% of potentially lost sales right there.

Your photos are quite gray and could really use simple brightening or curves adjustment in a graphic program (GIMP, fotofuze and many others are free to use). Gray photos just don't look appealing on Etsy, with its boutique-quality crisp, white photo standard which a lot of other vintage sellers adopt.

Some of the listings I clicked on didn't have measurements. A lot of listings lack many other searchable keywords in titles and tags.

You NEED to have good SEO and appealing photos to sell on Etsy, there's just no way around it. There is no point in wasting time promoting your shop or items before you get those things sorted out, really.

Look at how appealing this photo is - would you not want to click it? that's why this shop has so many sales! https://www.etsy.com/listing/179064673/vintage-swedish-basket-braided-birch?ref=shop_home_active_4

That is a lot of work, but if you want sales? ... good luck :)

[KiltedWoman]

I agree, the pictures need help. I made a photo box that reduces the shadows. Experiment with different backgrounds. I've found dark wood or dark stone on a light background works for me. Do not use a flash. Put your camera on macro setting and adjust the white balance depending upon what light you are using. Take pictures next to a window or outside so you get natural light. I am CONSTANTLY working on my pictures. It's a hassle but once you get it right you will get a lot more attention. I've had some items get hundreds of hearts just because it was a good shot.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone,
Here is a link to my fb page-https://www.facebook.com/pages/PECollectibles/181426195283913

So you can see how I'm doing there.

[Former_Member]

@Erica: You have a good store, Erica!
All I can suggest is that you try shooting the images with different angles and perhaps add decorative items to show your goods more.

[beatknits]

I just saw this thread and went to check out your shop. I found a brooch I loved and bought it.

Keep promoting. You never know who will like something.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone! Thank you Kristen !!!

Does anyone know where to get an expensive display for vintage earrings? Necklaces? I was hoping to find one this weekend at AC Moores but they are going out of business here and all were gone.

[Former_Member]

*that is inexpensive

[Former_Member]

A few quick SEO tips:

1. use keywords in the shop title, such as: "Vintage Jewelry, Vintage Photos & Books" (for Google searches)
2. use the keywords from the shop title and section names in the shop announcement text (for Google searches)
3. arrange keyword phrases that really are used in searches in the first part of the listing title, such as,
"Vintage Brooch, 1960s Goldtone SARAHCOV signed Peta Lure"
instead of
"Vintage Goldtone SARAHCOV signed Brooch Peta Lure 1960s"
There are many searches using the keywords, Vintage Brooch. These two words should be kept whole and intact with no other words inserted in between. The other words are not used in searches, except for the possibility of "1960s"
4. Use the keywords from the shop title in the listing description (for Google searches)

Research to find keywords that shoppers really do use when looking for items like yours. You can find great keyword suggestions and other information using Google Adwords Keyword Planner (FREE)

Promote and market a lot to start making more sales. The more you sell, the higher up in Etsy Relevancy rankings your listings will appear - where most of the shoppers are.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to go through all these suggestions and start making improvements this week!