How I finally started to make sales...

[#1]

I started another thread and read some comments from frustrated sellers. I thought, "wow, they sound just like me when I first started."

Here's my secret: http://etsymentors.blogspot.com/p/critique-your-own-shop.html

The above shop critique checklist pretty much saved my shop. It's more thorough than any single Etsy Seller Handbook article and it's very straightforward. No pats on the back or warm fuzzies: just clearly stated info. No, you won't get 5 sales overnight, but it was a great starting point for me.

This helped me put certain things into perspective:
*I needed to work on photos (my bath towel background wasn't working, lol!)
*I needed to re-word all my titles and tags (took me weeks to learn the concept)
*I needed to add more items (I guess only 8 items was not enough!)

I went from 1 sale in the first month (June 2011), to 175 sales by the end of 2011.

Please give this checklist a try! Selling on Etsy is not just about SEO or photos, it's about having the whole package.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much for the info! There's just so much to learn.

[Former_Member]

some of the links are no longer working...but most of the information here is timeless.

thank you for sharing :)

[Former_Member]

I will have to mark this for reading later:). I feel so overwhelmed with all of the information!

[CalleSolShop]

Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[AnExtraBlessing]

I know this is an older discussion, but this link was very helpful. Yes, somethings are outdated but very good advice.

I never would have though of changing the name of my shop sections to be more specific to help with searches. I changed them and within the hour, my views increased very noticeably. Thank you for the helpful information!

[ClassyClayJewelry]

Thanks for sharing this.

[Eufrosini]

Thank you for the info.Let's start...again looking into tags and descriptions for today :)

[Former_Member]

I just open a shop and have not made a sale,please help critic my shop.

[Former_Member]

Yes! I strongly agree that it all starts and ends with photos! You need to show off your products in the right light literally, and it shows you are serious. Take a look at my photos for example,
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FAGRvintage
I do mostly natural light and very little distractions or decorations around it.

[tienaustin]

Thank you!

[PinkElephantFinds]

A very great article, as I am just starting out. Thanks

[Former_Member]

Thank you for posting this. I am definitely in that stage where I am not getting any sales but I am working hard at making a nice banner and picture and writing good content. Hopefully my hard work will pay off and I will start to get some more sales.

[Former_Member]

Aman, may I see your shop?

[Former_Member]

You sell crocheted items which is a HUGE market on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

Very very useful - thank you!!!

[JipseCo]

Hi, this is really really helpful! But I did have a question, I only have about 6 items and I know the more the better but what if you're someone like me who has a specific collection of items you're just trying to launch? It's my first set and I do plan on another collection of scents specific to an inspiration if that makes sense. Any suggestions?

[Former_Member]

Thanks for this :) New to Etsy myself and just learning the ropes, very useful information!

[Ticktockjewellery]

Thanks so much for sharing this information. It was extremely useful and will give the advice a try!

[Former_Member]

Thank you!

[lisajewelry1]

jipsecandles~ I have looked at your shop and I think maybe you have each candle a different scent. This way you will have more items in your shop. If you have 15 different scent then you have your 15 listing. Your Sections should be in 2oz 4oz and 8oz. Offer 15 scent in 4oz and so on. Then your total is an easy 30 products!

[ImaginationPost]

Really helpful post! Though does anyone know if there is a team or thread for Etsy sellers who sell art? A lot of Etsy artisans sell crafts, gifts, vintage and other cool stuff, but given the drop-down menus for the site, it's seems like it can be really hard for buyers to find artwork. I've had a hard time finding artwork here too unless I already know the artist's Etsy store name from Instagram or Tumblr. Any ideas on both how to find and sell artwork here?

[DaManoHandmade]

Great post, just made myself a list of to do's

[Former_Member]

Thanks for sharing.

[MarsalaDigital]

Really helpful! Thanks for sharing.

[Former_Member]

Thank You for sharing :D