How do I use admirers and treasuries to my advantage

[TreasureCoastTrader]

I started my shop as a vintage/antique type then I switched to jewelry-although Although it looks like I've been on Etsy for awhile I'm really just starting by hopefully getting more focused-I've read and watched some Etsy selling/pricing labs etc. and realized they were right -so I increased my prices to cover costs and make enough of a profit to actually call it a business instead of a hobby (do you hear the guilt in my voice?)
Please tell me how are treasuries and admirers used to help my shop? Who do I choose to admire or add to treasury and why? I've read it but it still isn't sinking in...Also I would like critique on my shop-any suggestions appreciated-I know I have to work on my personal info and photo-thanks

[Former_Member]

Hi Carolee,
I love your jewelry! It's beautiful! I've only been here 2 months so take my suggestions with a grain of salt as I'm still learning. I think I'd change your pictures a bit. Multiple people told me to really zoom in on the piece that I'm selling. It's OK if the entire piece is not shown in the first picture as you have 4 other pictures to showcase the piece. I'd maybe try that, especially for the earrings and freshwater pearl set as they are so small and delicate.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[TreasureCoastTrader]

Thanks Kristen-I looked at your beautiful pieces and see what you mean about the closeups-I'll do that-after looking at yours I see that mine need to POP in the first shot by getting closer

[Babiease]

I would say that treasuries and such are sharing with others what neat things you on etsy. Tweet and Facebook them! People will only continue to connect with you which may (and likely!) mean sales!

[Former_Member]

You asked: Please tell me how are treasuries and admirers used to help my shop?
Treasuries are a way for people to collect and display items they enjoy/appreciate by other people (not themselves), usually around a theme. Etsy sometimes picks up these treasuries to post on the front page or to present to buyers in other ways. Treasuries are sometimes filled entirely with people who belong to a team, or are just made by people because they felt the urge. They are strangely addicting to make.

Admirers let you know that people appreciate what you're doing, and when you have lots of admirers, more tend to be attracted to your shop. It's like, you'd be less likely to shop in an empty store, and more likely to shop in a busy store. Same concept. And you'll find that every once in a while, an old or new admirer will become a customer.

You asked: Who do I choose to admire or add to treasury and why?

You admire who you admire. You click favorite shop or favorite item because you like the shop or you like the item. It's as simple as that. I like to look back through my favorites every once in a while to shop for someone or to find an item to add to a treasury I'm making. It cuts down on the amount of remembering I have to do:)

You add someone to a treasury because you like the item or it fits your theme. The photo should be attractive and well-done.

Hope this answered your questions!

[Former_Member]

I think of it as a Karma thing. I favorite things I like and I put things in my treasuries that I think are beautiful. I don't concern myself with how it may benefit my shop. In general it does help in that it keeps you 'out there' in the mix of things, and the more active you are, the more people are aware of your presence. But I don't think you can specifically engineer favoriting or treasury-making to your advantage. Just enjoy it as a fun part of Esty, and when you do nice things, sometimes they come back to you.

[Former_Member]

I usually make a Treasury after one of my items is used in someone else's as a way to "pay it forward", or every 2 weeks, whichever comes first.

I think it's fun, gets your creative juices flowing and it's fun just to see what else is on Etsy. You might see something you would like to buy for yourself or as a gift. I don't count on it for sales, though.

[TreasureCoastTrader]

thank you all-I feel relieved in a way because I thought it had to be connected with a marketing strategy that everyone but me got!

[Former_Member]

I began my shop ages ago, and did nothing with it. The last few months have been spent really using Etsy for selling more than buying now, when I first started, my stuff got some attention here and there but not much.

The last two weeks tho, I did two things, I changed my pictures by trading with a friend who has a digital SLR, and had her take new pictures, and I raised my prices, in many cases doubling or even tripling. As you've said, I had to realize this isn't a hobby, it's a way for me to pay bills.

The difference is astounding. I've been watching my stats pretty carefully, views are up, and better, more of my items are getting marked as favorites. And I know when someone on that person's lists sees they favorited my item, they might then go look and find something to mark themselves. Its a cycle that keeps me visible inside of Etsy at least and hopefully will end in a sale.

[Former_Member]

I've asked advice of a team composed entirely of popular, Front Page frequent sellers. I've asked them - twice - what are the secrets to success on Etsy.

The answer is making treasuries. Lots of them. Apparently the most successful Etsy sellers make treasuries, every single day.

It's the whole idea of "I scratch your back, you scratch mine"... You are hoping that by featuring other great sellers, they will feature you back... and eventually those treasuries where they feature you will be on the front page.

[Former_Member]

Interesting idea, Maggie. I love making treasuries, but have no where near that much time! Maybe I'll make one today, though. Hmmm...

[Former_Member]

Adyan - When I asked them "How many treasuries is enough?" - they said 3 - 4 per day. PER DAY!

I know it is a lot - I try to make one or two a day, but sometimes I forget. I try hard to include people from my circle and those who have featured me in their treasuries.

[Former_Member]

I so run out of ideas after just one! I sometimes feel like I spend more time actually listing and marketing on Etsy and online than creating! 3-4 per day sounds about right though. I'm really lax on the treasuries thing, and I really need to not be.

[PennyBirchWilliams]

I've only made one treasury so far, just don't have the time very often, but would like to make more. I favorite shops and items I love, because they are inspiring in some way, or because I think of buying for someone as a gift (or for myself!) someday. It's always uplifting when someone favorites my shop or one of my paintings; I take it as a compliment. I think of treasuries and favorites as part of being in the etsy community, & I'm enjoying it.

[sewbigkeepsake]

The treasury thing has been on my mind a lot lately...thinking I should get in there and do it.

Amazing, just a couple of days ago someone added one of my items to their treasury. Unexpected, but so appreciated. It felt good.

Think that is a big enough reason to begin. making people feel good is always a winner.

[Former_Member]

Jacqueline said: " I sometimes feel like I spend more time actually listing and marketing on Etsy and online than creating!"

That is SOOO true! I feel that way, and I am sure you are not alone. Takes SO much time and effort to really use social media and Etsy itself to market yourself, but they say it pays off in the end, so we keep at it!

Every now and again though, I take a big break from all of that and just spend a few days crocheting or making jewelry. Afterwards, I feel refreshed from the break and energized from the time spent being creative, so it doesn't feel like such a grind afterwards.

Jess said: "Think that is a big enough reason to begin. making people feel good is always a winner."

GREAT point, Jess! :) Making people feel good is something we should all seek to do, every day. Pay that nice fuzzy feeling forward to somebody else!

[Former_Member]

Well, obviously I need to sit down and make it part of my to-do list that at least 3 treasuries a day must be made. I know I suck at doing tags too as a friend just pointed out on my last treasury and tagging is just as crucial, but gah. I hate it so much.

[Former_Member]

Hey everyone! I am very new to having an Etsy business, and am wondering how to make a treasury?

[MariasWorkshop]

Here is a link that can help.

https://www.etsy.com/teams/7718/questions/discuss/17686488/

Good luck.