I could use a hand....

[Former_Member]

So I am not all that new, but I am at the same time. I had one item sell really really well over Christmas and winter, but now that item is out of season. I am working on new products, but don't know how to get them out there! I have recently joined a few teams, and have been trying to network like crazy on FB (as much as I can without irritating people!) What else can I do? Does my shop not look right? Are my products off? Prices? Any advice/constructive criticism would be most appreciated!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoorGirlCouture?ref=si_shop

[Former_Member]

wow i love your shop! the grow a beard knit is fantastic, i love the feather hair clips (especially with the skulls). My advice? Don't change a thing, I love the selection & your store is quite wonderful. If people aren't buying, pretty sure you're not alone :( Things should pick back up eventually I hope (I'm new I can't really verify that lol)

[Former_Member]

a few tips...
first, i've found it has worked better for me to sell one "kind" of item...ex: soap, hats, cards
second, your photography could use a wee bit of work!
prices are good though.
but i'm no expert, haha!
-gracie

[efinegifts]

The thing we noticed right off was your shop announcement (found right under your banner in the public view of your shop.)

Search engines look in the first sentence for key words. That's how people who are looking for what you sell will find your shop.

You are wasting that precious space with words that folks will NOT type in a google search box when looking for scarves, cowls, beanies and soaps. Words and phrases like "Find us on Facebook, we create, affordable prices."

Write a first sentence that includes the words " accessories, scarves, cowls, beanies, soaps, bath, upcycled, sustainable, handmade, custom, ."

Save those other words for your third sentence in your announcement (sometimes the search engines will also pick up words in the second sentence, but not always.)

The really great thing about getting your shop announcement right is that it only takes about 5 minutes of your time and will result in many more google hits and views for your shop.

Hope this helps.

[efinegifts]

We've also heard many very successful sellers warn against putting a link to your Facebook or Twitter page in your shop. You don't want to encourage folks to leave your shop. Put the links to your Etsy shop in Twitter and Facebook, instead of the other way around.

[Former_Member]

Thank you all for your advice! I will get right on the shop announcement. I am working on pics...I don't have the greatest of cameras, something I will have to invest in the future. I am definatly an ecclectic person, and my fancy changes from one day to the next, so it is really hard for me to stick to one "type" of item. I know there are many people out there like me who fit into the "flighty" category; hopefully I can market to them!

Thank you all again!!!

[Former_Member]

Hi PoorGirl, I need the same help for my shop. I tweet every new listing and I am not getting the sales I had expected. I have ordered business cards from Moo Cards that showcase my items. I plan to give them out everywhere. Maybe you could give that a try also. Best wishes for many sales

[Former_Member]

I just have a point and shoot camera. and im not that great of a photographer. i found that natural light makes my photos look best. also, picasa and gimp are free photo software downloads for picture stuff.

[AVelvetLeaf]

I also have an eclectic shop and understand .....I would only use live models- no styrofoam heads, and simplify the backgrounds- no curtains, furniture, etc. showing in the background. Find a neutral colored piece of fabric, tablecloth or sheet and photograph with that as the background. Your stuff is kind of edgy and your photographs should be too. I like your style!

[cortayloo]

Love all the variety of your shop!! Do you have a banner? Is it my computer that is not showing it? eeks.. Anyway, GREAT shop, and I agree to simplify the backgrounds!!

[Former_Member]

Instead of narrowing your focus to one product maybe just group them into sections in your shop. I also agree with the photos, you don't need a fancy camera, just look around at other products that you think the pictures really represent well and see what they did. Lighting and background are key!

[Davs]

I agree with the comment about no styrofoam heads, natural lighting (I take my pics outside in the daytime) and rearranging your items into sections. You def don't need a fancy camera to get good shots though just better lighting and maybe solid backgrounds...:)

[Former_Member]

I do have my stuff listed in categories; is it not showing up that way? I will have to look further into that. I did change my anncouncement. and am working on some new photos!! Thank you everyone!