Helpful reviews or tips for a newcomer?

[Former_Member]

Hello, all! Allow me to introduce myself and my shop before I ask my question.

My name is Micah and I just set up shop a week ago, RisingTideGlobal. It's a small jewelry shop with other hand crafted accessories, which were contributed by a good friend, and I run it solo. So far, in the last week I have had over 200 views, not counting myself, a few favorites, but no sells sadly =( I expected that much so I won't lose hope yet.

Basically, other than the contributed items, I go to craft stores, sift through their wares and bring together ideas and items to make an assortment of jewelry. I'm not a hard core iron forging, metal casting jewel-crafter, so to speak.

I've read through the seller's guide and set up everything as best as I could (5 photos, 13 tags that aren't just one word, facebook page, weekly advertising, the whole package.)

I'm just wondering if anyone could give me some friendly, helpful reviews of my shop, maybe tell me what I could do better? Pictures, prices, anything... Maybe I'm just a worry wart, but it couldn't hurt to ask =)

I've sold more items locally than online, but I'd like to expand my business. If I can move forward I would expand into leather working, knitting, and all sorts of stuff. I may just have the high hopes of a newcomer to the business world, but any good advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance =)

[BerkshireCollections]

Hi - I took a kind of quick look at your shop. Your photo's are all really nice. You shot from different angles, showed close ups.

I think you need to work on the tags to title, tie them together a bit more. I am somewhat new to Etsy also, so this is what I have learned so far....use all the space that is provided in the title section. Re-use those same words with your tags, in just about the same order. That is how the search picks them up.

When you have had views, go to your "stats" page, scroll down and see just what the "key words" were and then try to use them in some of your titles and then in those same item tags.

[BerkshireCollections]

Sorry - forgot - your pricing is way too low. When I look at jewelry and see a price that low, I think that the items that go into each piece must not be good quality.

I sell Tote bags, pillows and clutches a very tough category, tons of sellers.

I would think the only other category as crowded would be jewelry. So don't sell yourself short on your pricing.

[maydaylabels]

If you don't make everything in your shop, you must run it as a collective and state the other members of your shop and their roles somewhere (the About page is a good place for this)

[Former_Member]

I'm new to Etsy as well, and have had no sales, but as a shopper, I would say for the custom listings, put a picture of a sample item, not just the materials to choose from. I have no idea what a spoon ring is or what one would look like, and all the pictures in the listing I clicked through look like spoon handles, not rings.

Good luck.

[KiltedWoman]

Let's take this for example: https://www.etsy.com/listing/182342449/hipster-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_20

You have a better chance if these being found if you make the title more descriptive; raven mismatched metal earrings black red hipster punk

You should also flesh out the description. What size are they, lightweight? What makes them special? What kind of metal? Nickel free?
I like to take two pictures from different angles, one with a ruler, one against my hand to give the buyer a better feel for the size and color, and one with a mannekin

[maydaylabels]

no one (according to Etsy's suggested search) searches "raven mistmatched" or "mismatched metal" or "hipster punk," so there's no point putting those phrases in the title.

"metal earrings" is a suggested search, though, so that is probably a good term for the title and tags.

The main thing is to write a title filled with relevant and frequently searched keyword phrases that makes sense to someone reading it.

[SpangGangDesigns]

As for the spoon rings - how about showing them made? (at least an example). I don't own one, and have no idea what one would look like. You offer no photos of a finished product - just the end of a spoon. I'd never even consider purchasing an item that I can't see an example of a finished product.

[Former_Member]

Just puzzled to know what a spoon ring might be? And Micah you don't seem to have any shipping prices. Don't sell yourself short.

Good luck! :)

[ObjectApparel]

Brighten up your photos in photoshop or some other photo editing software.. the pictures are great just a little dark! Beautiful jewelry!!

[Former_Member]

Hey Micah! I would agree that more natural lighting might help your pictures. Also, I think adding a shop banner would be awesome for your shop! :)

[Former_Member]

Mathew & Sara are right, you do need to list everyone who makes/contributes to your shop under Etsy's TOU.

I love spoon rings and think it would be a good idea to show one made up/ being worn as an example to potential buyers. This will also help show the size and scale on their fingers.
You could always list all the spoon ends on one picture numbered 1-3 (or however many there are) and use the variations setting for the buyer to select that spoon...?

Good luck with your shop!

[Former_Member]

Hi Micah, welcome to the world of Etsy!

I popped in to have a look at your shop and agree with what's already been said.

Pictures could do with being a lot brighter and more interesting. Having just a spoon handle in a picture means nothing to me, so I would do as others have already suggested.

Takes time to get it right, I'm still learning and tweaking daily.

Good luck!