How do you turn lurkers into buyers?

[TheSSSeamstress]

I get a lot of looky-loos in my shop. My traffic is decent and so is the amount of people favoriting my items. When I made my first sale this week, a few people contacted me asking if I would relist the item, so it seems like they were planning to buy from me eventually. So my question is how do you guys get people to buy from you instead of just look? I think my photography looks good, but I'm beginning to suspect that it's a problem. Any input on my shop specifically or the issue in general would be great. Thanks, guys!

[Former_Member]

your shop is darling and so are your aprons but I think customers really have to relate to the look and feel of your shop. I would consider giving your shop more consistent and powerful branding. You are really not selling aprons and delightful looking kitchen concoctions you are selling a brand- a lifestyle. Maybe consider using human models in your photos and keeping a consistent photo style - like using the same photoshop treatments on all your products. Also, my descriptions are horrible but I am working on them because I have a feeling that a powerful description can transform a lurker into a buyer. If someone clicks on my photo then I know they are interested- the description is the hook than transports your reader into a picturesque world. Get them dreaming about serving your delicious syrups over homemade vanilla bean gelato to awed guests while wearing a stylish, custom designed apron- all without breaking a sweat.
I really think you are on the right track. My biggest tips: consistent branding, moving descriptions and tons of self promotion. Good luck.
-Anna

[littlecatcraft]

I lurked around your shop....amazing! I don't know how to get people to buy based on favorite-ing an item. My experience has been that my buyers don't add the item as a favorite, I just get random sales. But I like your photos-super clear!

[StudioCherie]

I think your items are great and your prices seem in line with others that are selling here. Sometimes I think we expect a certain number of views to equal a sale at first, so maybe that is all that is happening here. Congratulations on your first sale by the way. I think your shop will catch on. Are you sharing your product images any place other than Etsy? Sometimes we get found here, but also there are places like Flickr and Pinterest that are great for bloggers finding you and bringing in the buyers.

One thing, it would be nice if the first image showed the whole apron. There is a way to do that and still have the treasury view be that nice detail you are using. I am heading to bed now, but if you want to know how to do that, just convo me and I will get back to you tomorrow.

[TheSSSeamstress]

Thanks for taking the time to look at my shop, guys! I made my photos more consistent, and now they show the whole thing (Cherie, if I missed the mark I would love your help), so hopefully that does something. Anna, you're right--I always overlook descriptions but I guess I should go through and try a little more. Thanks for the encouragement!

[StudioCherie]

Dana, I love what you did with your photos. Perfect! It just takes a lot of people looking to get sales here.
Last week I had 7,467 views - 165 favorites - 30 orders totalling $654
It takes time to build up those kinds of weekly numbers.

I have been here a few years, I advertise on relevent blogs, I blog, I have a facebook page, pinterest boards, I belong to 12 teams, I keep expanding my line with new items.

I think you are on the right track. Your aprons stand out with the fabrics you are using and the added touches like ruffles and pin tucks. The syrups and other edibles are great too. Keep expanding with kitchen and dining items as you can, and I think you will have a thriving shop.

[Former_Member]

Wow! I just looked around your shop and had to favorite it. Guess that makes me a lurker for the time being :)

As the others said, I could see you expanding with other syrups and edibles, as well as napkins, tablecloths, and other dining items. When you have more items in your shop, people are more likely to look around and possibly purchase something.

[Former_Member]

I am having the same problem - I have alot of traffic and admirers but only a few sales so far - if anyone has any advice I would also appreciate it.

[Former_Member]

I think your aprons are inspired!

If you want some FREE off-etsy promotion come by the weekly Etsy Stock Take on my blog, it's open to all Etsy Sellers:

Every month I feature my favourite items...

Come and see:

lifesjewelsonstring.blogspot.com/2012/03/etsy-stock-take-week-ten.html

Keep positive :)

[Former_Member]

the same thing happerns to me, I get alot of view and hearts but hardly any sales from them. I would love to know how to turn the lurkers into buyers too.

[Former_Member]

Dana, I think your shop is darling. Your aprons look very nice. As far as your question goes, I don't know the answer. I have lots of lookers and no buyers. I've tried expanding my items to have many different price points, I've tried sales, but to no avail. I hope someone out there with more sales experience will have some good insight for those of us just starting out.

[Former_Member]

I think your shop looks very nice. I am having the same problem, but I don't have nearly the number of views. I am just starting out, I suppose, but I would be very excited to get sales from people that didn't know me. Any suggestions for my shop from you guys? You all seem pretty experienced and have lovely presentations of your items.

[TheSSSeamstress]

Kat,
Obviously I'm not the expert, but here's my two cents. First of all, I love your banner! It sets a warm tone for your shop and is pretty clever in presenting the name and glimpse at what you make. My issue is that everything you make is really cool, but I'm not sure how they fit into another. I think the best way to fix this is just to make your photography more consistent. All of your photos look nice and warm, so choose one of these backdrops and stick with it. Really cute shop!
Thanks for the input on my shop!