Getting a really discouraged....

[Former_Member]

Hello!

Recently, I made the decision to discontinue my jewelry business, Pebbles & Whimsy. I wasn't making any money (in fact, I was practically hemorrhaging it) and I wasn't enjoying it. I started it as a desperately broke 20-something, hoping to put her creative skills to use to make some extra money. I picked something I knew I could make, and make well, versus what I loved and was really interested in. I hated it. I became inactive in my shop and promoting after a while and really just struggled. So, I decided to make a change, and do something I was truly passionate about (and didn't force me to spend a zillion dollars on beads and druzy).

Now, I have rebranded my blog and shop to Otter & Fox, and am working on launching a new home decor/art line. I seemed to get a positive response on facebook and instagram (my two primary methods of promotion - mostly instagram, my facebook is struggling), and I frequently get new instagram followers and blog views, which often translates to etsy views and favorites...but no sales.

I know these things take time, and sometimes just a stroke of luck, but I see shops that have cute (but not necessarily amazing) products that have been open for a month with thousands of instagram followers who can't keep inventory listed for more than 30 seconds before it sells....and while I'm super happy for these sellers, it's kinda frustrating for me. My mother just launched a shop a month ago, and has already almost doubled the number of sales I've made in over a year. I try to take great photos, I've worked on my seo and titles, I promote my butt off on social media and network as much as I can. Practically every spare moment of my life for the last 3 months has been dedicated to getting this rebranding done and business off the ground, and I haven't made one sale yet since rebranding.

I'm really starting to wonder if I made the right decision...and starting to wonder if my dream of being a full time blogger/maker is at all realistic....I know part of it is a lack of listings at the moment, which will increase as I develop the line more...but I am worried that there is something else I am doing wrong...or that maybe my products just aren't good and I should give up on this entirely...I just don't know anymore. I'd really appreciate any input anyone can give.

Thanks,
Jessica

[Former_Member]

I think your shop looks cute, and you do take great pictures. I don't know what your mom sells, but perhaps she has better luck being found in searches. Perhaps you could head over to the Etsy SEO and Relevancy Team, to help make sure that your items are coming up in the right searches.

[LeedsRadio]

Jessica -

I've had my own business for 20 years and I think you are making some of the same mistakes I did when I started. You need to stop comparing yourself to other shops and set personal goals and plan ways to reach them.

You have to stop "using every spare moment" - that method works for uncreative tasks like moving boxes or digging ditches. I does not work for creative tasks like building businesses. You need time to dream and talk to friends and time to experiment.

I know the mantra here is "SEO, better pictures, keywords" . In my opinion that won't get you anywhere. What will get you somewhere is killer organization and killer customer service. If you have those two things then even if your product isn't perfect you can make run of it. And if you don't have them no amount of SEO is going to help you.

On the other hand, it's not for everyone. It's a life with more disappointments and sleepless night than working for someone else.
And requires an unusual level of self control (that I did not have in the beginning). It hard to react emotionally when someone posts a bad review, or cheats you, or is late paying one of your invoices

The other difficulty is that some of the very most important tasks are the least stimulating. Think of a restaurant - no matter how good the food is, if it's served on a dirty plate no one will want to eat it. There's a lot of plates to clean if you want to be in business.

[Former_Member]

Hi Jess I think you have a lovely shop! I can totally relate to what you are going through I'm in the same re-branding phase myself. I think you know already that the number of items is a huge factor, I'm struggling with it also. Concentrate on adding more products, I have to keep telling myself the same thing.

As far as social media goes I use instagram too but more for showing brand personality stuff I don't think I sell anything via that platform. I do use pinterest and wanelo, and I do think those help with shop exposure. Another thing I'm testing out right now is Storewoot its supposed to help promote your pins on pinterest, I'm not sure yet if that is driving traffic but you can check it out for yourself.

Best of luck!
Cheers!
AlleC

[maydaylabels]

So for the non-jewelry products, you really just don't have that much for sale. You have, as far as I can see, two original paintings and four digital files. Digital files are tough because you've lost out on people who don't want to or can't print their own art; original paintings are tough because you can only sell them once and the price point is somewhat higher than the average sale price of items on Etsy.

And at any rate, you've only got 6 items.

Your SEO is not good; you should read a basic introduction to how to do tags and titles for Etsy's Relevancy search.

Your photos are lovely :) And the shop looks good! I would focus on two things: adding listings (especially things at what is for many sellers the sweet spot of price range, $15-$50 - perfect for prints, if you could possibly do prints) and SEO.