How do Shops get Thousands of Admirers?

[Former_Member]

I keep coming across shops that have 1,000 to 10,000 admirers and I am wondering how do they do that?

I think my jewelry is unique, beautiful and well-priced.

I am part of some teams and take part in and create a lot of treasuries.

I promote outside of Etsy.

What am I missing? I know admirers don't necessary translate into sale but when I look at my numbers it is kind of discouraging.

Does it mean that people just don't like my jewelry?

Any advice or comments is welcome.

[Former_Member]

Time and promotion. Giveaways where you ask people to heart your shop, sometimes. You can get admirers from promo teams, but those are a bit empty. Good photos help.

[diarysketches]

I dont know...it just happened :)

[PotteryLodge]

You get admires and followers because people like your shop.

Your jewelry is nice but your photos aren't the best. I would suggest redoing all your photos to showcase your work better. Research other shops that have lots of admires...how long have they been open? How professional looking is their shop? What do their photos look like? Compare those to yours. Right now your photos are a little to distracting with the darker backgrounds.

Best of luck
-Casi

[elainesgems]

Using the likesboard is one way and you can join the facebook team.

http://www.likesboard.com/
http://www.etsy.com/teams/10355/etsians-of-facebook

[Former_Member]

I suggest not using other shops as a measure of your success. While I agree with Casi -- your photos could use some lightening --, I think you also need to look at what success you have had. Other shops get lots of likes (and sales) because they've found a wildly popular niche, or they've been on Etsy for a long time, or they are fantastically talented, or they have a great network, or they market A LOT, or...well, the list goes on and on. So, again, measure your success off of what YOU would like to accomplish.

[Former_Member]

Oh, being on FP helps a lot with favorites, too.

Can't say it's helped with sales all that much, though.

[hipposdream]

I must say... I am redoing all my pictures ( from a dark carpet background to a clean white one) and it truly influences the amount of admirers.

[PotteryLodge]

Of course success is measured by what makes you happy. If you feel happy with where you are and enjoy what you do then that's a success in itself. Checking out other shops that YOU find successful in terms of admirs and sales is just another way of researching and keeping on track with what 'works'. Personally I'm really happy with my photos and shop appearance, but I also continue to work toward making my shop even better.

"All great achievements require time, nothing will work unless you do." -Maya Angelou

"I did then what I knew how to do, now that I know better, I do better." -Maya Angelou.

[starflycreations]

Hi Brenda,

You just gained an admirer! Great shop!

As far as increasing shop favorites, sometimes it's as easy as making your target audience aware that you exist. If they know you are there, they will follow. lol. How you do that may depend on who you are trying to appeal to. Social networks are great for many shops. Also, so is appearing on popular blogs geared toward your audience. On Etsy, stay active, participate in teams and create treasuries.

[studiodct]

I'm thinking time. I'm in my 7th year!

[Former_Member]

Funny about the backgrounds - I used to have everything with a white background and just started taking pictures with the dark background. I thought it made the colors look richer and brighter.

But if the dark is too distracting I guess I will go back and re-take those photographs.

[Former_Member]

Thank you everyone for your advice :)

[PotteryLodge]

You should model your jewelry too. : )

[Former_Member]

One thing to remember is that those who 'follow' you are the people who like your favourites. They see what you've marked as favourites on your activity feed and not what you are listing in your shop.