Having a hard time knowing what to do next??? Please help!

[Former_Member]

Okay, I have spent the last month or so practicing photography, editing all of my listing, adding new items, promoting my shop on facebook, twitter, and in local shops. I am very sad to say that I had ZERO sales in August and am hoping that some "Veteran Etsy" sellers can give me some suggestions as to what else I can do? I love making jewelry, but am just feeling blah now :(

~Kristin

[MissEsAccessories]

Sales take time, I am fairly new selller, started my shop in march, and i haven't had more sales than you. August is typically slow for any industry too. Jewelry is the most competitive category on etsy!

May I suggest something that was suggested to me, do all your photos on white backgrounds. I was very against this at first, but busy background detract from your jewelry, and don't allow the buyer to exactly see what you are selling. You can do busy backgrounds for your other four photos, but use the white background for your thumbnail. It also makes your shop look very cohesive, and really helped mine since I have a range of jewelry styles.

Also tweek your tags and titles. Have you searched etsy yourself to see how relevant you are.

For example the listing below
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79468187/necklace-purple-sea-glass-handcrafted?ref=v1_other_1
I would not include the tags anniversary or birthday. Yes, people go searching for birthday and anniversary present but I would be more likely to put in nautical jewelry if that is what I had in mind for a gift. Also tags like toggle clasp go into your materials not your main tags.

Do more reading and research! I am constantly trying to read more and learn more.

[Former_Member]

Contrasting textures look much better in person than in photos, otherwise, most of your photos are fine, as long as the background is a solid color.

The prices of your jewelry struck me as possibly too low and that might be giving shoppers the wrong idea. I suggest reading this forum thread:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6375334

Your jewelry is really pretty and should go over well with people who love blues and aquas and nautical themes.


There are sooo many shops on Etsy, it is important to do something to stand out. Are you doing any promoting or marketing?

[Former_Member]

bumping up :) Thank you to everyone who posted so far!

[CatherinePicone]

InspiredbyOceans, I LOVE your shop and your jewelry. I favorited two items and then favorited your shop. When I make some more sales, I'll be coming to shop! I think some of your prices are a little low. I'm relatively new, too, so I tend to undercharge as well. It's hard not to drop prices when nothing seems to be moving, but cheap prices give off the impression of cheap goods--and your items are definitely quality stuff. Everyone says September and October are the months business starts picking up dramatically, and I'm SO looking forward to it! Good luck to you!

[KthysKreations]

Your shop is great but I agree that your prices are too low.

[StuckOnSilver]

Wonderful shop!!! Maybe you can be more specific about the metals you use; instead of "silver wires" indicate "solid sterling wires," "silver plate," "silver tone," etc.

[Former_Member]

Hang in there. It is slow for a lot of folks (timing, the depressing economic news etc). I agree that you have to find your niche - specially in jewelry, where it is SO HARD to be found! Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Jewelry is definitely a tough category to get into. I've been trying for months now, and sales slowly trickle in. I've been getting more traffic by being more active in teams and updating my tags, but it's a lot of effort. Running an online business is like having a full time job!

[JanislaJewels]

I think you're doing very well - 13 sales in less than 3 months! I sell jewellery as well and have only had 9 in nearly a year. Nothing since April and I was getting really despondant then suddenly 2 last week and I'm starting to think I might at last be doing something right! I've been studying my Shop Stats to check on the search terms people are using and adjusting titles and descriptions to increase relevancy but it's VERY time-consuming. I have a FB Page (but confiess I don't really know what to do with it) and can't face Twitter or blogging - if you can, that might help.
Just hang in there - you have lovely stuff and the sales will come!

[PinkCoyoteJewelry]

Recommendation.

Background for photos should not detract from the jewelry being photographed. If anything, it should be supportive of the jewelry item. Enhance its desirability!

[AccessoriesByBethany]

I love your shop! You have very nice items! Hang in there! I can't give you much advice since I'm fairly new myself. I opened in 2010 but took almost a year off with pregnancy/new baby. I know it can be frustrating when there's not a lot of activity going on - that's how I've been feeling lately, too.

[sherischart]

I'm with you Accessories. Her shop is fabulous. I am no expert but I can't imagine anything to suggest. Looks lovely.

[Former_Member]

Thank you all so much! :) I recently stopped by a local thrift shop that supports out nursing home. I donated several items and included a business card with each one. I am hoping to get things out there! :)

[babbleon]

I love your shop. I wouldn't change a thing.