Front Page

[eileenkeay]

I wonder how the admin pick the front page? Really!

[Former_Member]

I wonder this too....anyone knows?

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

It's pretty much they just pick what they like...

[Former_Member]

I think they just look for popular treasuries that have all white backgrounds haha

[shadowjewels]

Admin tells you exactly what they want for the front page, you just have to listen. Mechandising report, the finds emails, and the discover section.

[Former_Member]

I do find the all white backgrounds kind of annoying, I realize that in theory, we're supposed to do pictures on this white background, and I do understand why, but really, it gets so boring. It also creates a bias where other items on non white backgrounds are never seen.

[SwooshbyScrollwork]

It's been months since I saw a front page that I actually connected with. Everything is so whitewashed homogenous and unrelentingly one-dimensional. For me the better ways to discover things I actually find delightful are via other sellers' Favorites and my own Favorite Shops' new items box on the right sidebar of the Activities page.

[Former_Member]

Jacqueline: I totally agree. I understand theory behind it encouraging the white backgrounds, but it IS possible to have nice photography, good cohesion, and a beautiful treasury without all white backgrounds. I would love to see the front page show us an awesome example once in a blue moon.

[Former_Member]

I think they pick white background items not because it necessarily makes for better pictures (you can certainly have amazing pictures without it) but basic marketing and advertising. Consumers click on items that are clearly seen on a neutral, white background. It's just one of those basic marketing/advertising/sales things I learned in college- it can seem boring, but it works from a sales perspective.

[SweetSomeday]

The white backgrounds don't bother me, but the frustrating thing about front page is that I often see the same sellers and same exact items over and over. I'd like a little more variety. If I liked it, I would've faved/bought it the first time.

[beatroad]

I think there are certain treasury teams that they pick fp from, though I'm not 100% certain. As for what's featured, most of the items are trends from the merchandising report (in the blog), however, I've seen random treasuries on the fp that don't seem to have much of a theme at all...

[SwooshbyScrollwork]

Speaking of a theme, I had suggested to admin many eons ago that the front page retain the title given it by the treasury curator. Hasn't happened. "Handpicked items." Big whoop.

[Former_Member]

It's weird because I hear SO MANY people say they hate the white background thing (myself included), yet it's still the thing that sells? Wonder when/if that'll change....

[Former_Member]

I have been in plenty of FP treasuries with a lot of depth and a mix of backgrounds. I think it's just a matter of the taste of the particular admin who's picking on any given day. If you watch, there will be a whole day of white, white, white and then it will change up.

I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. I, personally, don't connect with the homogenous white backgrounds, but those with a more modern, minimalist aesthetic probably do.

[potterybynoelle]

i am wondering how too

[Former_Member]

I have had a few of my treasuries put on the FP. I usually go by the merchandising report when figuring a topic.

[eileenkeay]

I totally agreed with Sarah!

[Former_Member]

Is the front page really that big? I know that it the first page people see but how many of us actually look at the items on it? Does anyone have any personal experience with a boost in sales from it?

[Former_Member]

Today was my first day on the front page - I got 600+ views during the hour that my item was up. It was during 8am-9am EST, so none of my Midwest US or West coast US friends saw it.

It did not make me a sale, but it got me 70+ favorites, so I hope that those people will come back when they need to shop next, or during the holidays.

Also - I was a "White background hater" for a long time, until a few months ago I just gave up and joined the crowd. 90 days pass, a lot of photo editing later and voila - I'm on the front page.

If you can't beat 'em - join 'em? *shrugs* That's what I did.

[Former_Member]

Kira, I've been featured in an Etsy finds email & on the front page. I got lots of views from the front page feature but got the most sales(6 of one item) from the EF feature.
I'm not an expert, that is just my experience.

[Former_Member]

EF feature? What is that?

[Former_Member]

The girl who takes me pictures is with me on this white background thing. We both hate it. And she's been on the front page with a non white background with one of her items.

So I'd argue that the white background thing is simply a trend, it may swing in the other direction eventually.

So I guess if being on the front page means conforming to the masses, I'll work on other ways of being visible ;) Meanwhile, I'm going to keep watching that front page for that elusive non white background.

[Former_Member]

The white doesn't bother me. If your item is on the front page, does etsy let you know?

[Former_Member]

No, hopefully you see it. If you don't you can check http://www.craftcult.com/etsyfeatured.php and see if you've ever been featured.

[Former_Member]

Not all front page items have a white background! As seen currently on the front page of this listing

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70193188/nuggets-silver-gold-necklace-14k-gold?ref=fp_treasury_9