Etsy Success Shop Makeover: Week 1

[#1]

For the next four weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of blog posts and challenges to help you give your shop a makeover for 2011. Let’s start this year with a bang! In today's Etsy Success newsletter, you'll find homework to help you focus your branding and enhance your product photography.

To get the most out of this series, be sure to sign up for the Etsy Success newsletter — full instructions will arrive in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Once you've received the newsletter, I'd love to hear what you think about this week's task list. Let us know if you have any questions or are feeling stuck.

[Former_Member]

@Ecouturiere, thanks so much for the feedback. You shop is really awesome...great products!

[StudioCherie]

@overthemeadow, your shop is adorable. So glad I clicked on it. A new favorite. Unique and fun!

[Former_Member]

Hello,
Just joined and missed the homework, bad girl! My shop is new and would really like to get feedback, thanks!!

[SilverMadeStudio]

Just finished the branding article - so helpful. I really want to work on item descriptions, but it seems to be the first thing bumped off my to-do list when things/life gets busy!

Looking forward to learning and growing throughout this makeover:)

[Former_Member]

I think this was very informative. I'm glad that I've been doing most things well, such as matching fonts, headers, and adding my URL to the mailing label. Can't wait for the next newsletter!

[Former_Member]

StudioCherie- I think a banner would help brand your shop- even if its just your shop name. It gives your customers' eyes a landing spot. Your items are great- I love the mix, and your photos are really good!

[Former_Member]

So excited to "renew" my shop! Tomorrow I'll be snowed in so its gonna be an Etsy day :) Also so glad to see all the support with this thread and can't wait to get started. Will take any advice from you guys!

[TheCatBall]

I agree with moonbindery about OxOriginalArtJewelry.
Her starfish necklace would look good in a banner! I prefer the photo taken on the mannequin. The pendant looks good on the flesh color.

[Former_Member]

overthemeadow- great shop and photos!

[DreamspiritCreations]

Looking forward to getting my shop spruced up and learning how to draw buyers in, not just lookers. I'm thinking a banner redo. Interested in others thoughts.

[Former_Member]

I am a product of the "internet generation" but I thought it was a little challenging to get a banner set up. I'm not really excited about mine, I was just glad to get letters and colors up so it looked like my shop was loved. :) Except, with a critical eye, my shop may look a little shabby from the banner. ha ha

[TheCatBall]

StudioCherie - I think the banner is really important. My first idea for your banner is a photograph of a hip curve, L-square, French curve, see-thru ruler, paper shears... the tools of a pattern maker's trade!

[Former_Member]

@moonbindery, your avatar looks great...very "journal like" with a clean line for the eyes

[DreamspiritCreations]

Over the Meadow - love your work and the photography looks great. I've added it to my favorites also.

[TheCatBall]

Hideaheart - Add one more item to yout "Featured Items" list so there is not a blank space at the top of your page.

[Former_Member]

Ok, so I started small and changed my avatar. I'm trying to go for a neat, clean professional look. Tomorrow on to some photo changes!

[DreamspiritCreations]

@moonbindery - I love the way you have done your banner. I am thinking I should do something like that for mine but not sure how. Is it difficult?

[SoulRole]

oh wow!I am still new to Etsy and didn't even know I could rearrange my shop!I have been so focused on making new items,photographing them,listing and thankfully making the orders I have received I have not had much time to explore all the features.
I would love it if anyone has feedback for my shop!Aloha and blessings~

[Former_Member]

I didn't even think to rearrange the items in my shop! What a great idea. I am definitely going to do that for sure :D

[SoulRole]

"imakecutestuff
I just did a Google image search for "model photo light setup" which brought back a bunch of great images of layouts for lighting when shooting models. Keep that info in mind during your next shoot and hopefully it will help :)

(BTW, professional studio lights aren't required for a great photo, but they do make the job easier since they are much brighter than most household lights.) "

just yesterday I did a little indoor experiment using professional lights etc.we usually shoot outdoors but the light was really crappy.it was so interesting to see the difference!

[Former_Member]

I am so looking forward to this series. I have been reading and taking notes. These are some of the things I have been needing help with. Thanks!Thanks!! Thanks!!!

[SilverMoonBathandSpa]

Right before I received the challenge newsletter I wrote "update shop appearance" on my list of things to do. Thank you, I need the step by step help!

[Former_Member]

When I signed up for this newsletter, I was reading articles for improving my shop at the Storque and one article said to google something from my shop and see where it came up on google. My Etsy shop was #2 on the first page of google! I am thrilled and owe it all to the great articles and instructors at Etsy!!!

[Former_Member]

Wow, need to re-photograph some of my mirrors! Putting them side-by-side really makes the oddballs stick out! I use a homemade photo box to shoot my mirrors and of course the toughest shot is the one of the reflective side of the mirrors. And even though the lighting is exactly the same, the reflective side of the mirror photo always comes out darker because of the mirror's reflection. I don't use a flash at all-and my point and shoot digital doesn't allow for a lot of manual override of the settings. Any ideas?

[SoulRole]

JennasRedRhino -you should try model mayhem.you can often find models who are willing to work for free to build their portfolio.