Is this good advice?

[Former_Member]

I recently did one of these critique the shop above you things, and the reply was:
that in my shop announcement I say "...I make things for men and boys alike..." women and girls would find this off putting they are made for men, or not for them.

I feel that, I have put this in the second line, and that the first line is all science science science. The main focus is science foremost, but really I do make my items with men and boys in mind. I'm not saying women don't like them, I know that they do and that they buy from me, and quite frankly I like them and have them on my own sofa at home. Secondly, do buyers really look at that so much, I presumed that was more a getting found in Google thing - in which case surely I do want to specify boys/men there.

Would you (if you are female) be offended, put off, by this? Do you think I should change it?

Would love to hear your opinions on this, Marie.

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

Just reading it in the forum and not even knowing what you are selling - I don't like it.

Now I looked at your shop and I still don't like it. Sorry I know many, many, many, many women are like science and are successful scientists and engineers.

[Former_Member]

What if you tweaked that sentence to say something like - my products are not just for women, they would look great in a bachelor pad or in your science student's beanbag chair.... something that includes everyone. I, for one, am not offended - just wanted to help!

[Former_Member]

Hmmm. To be honest, it wouldn't necessarily put me off buying from your shop. But I do find it a bit, well, strange. As looking through I wouldn't really have thought of your items specifically as 'gifts for men'. More kind of unisex I guess, even more geared towards women if anything. Personally I don't know many men who I would buy a cushion for. I have to say that I do think that your shop is really lovely and that its probably not that big of a deal, but If it were me I would change it. That's just my opinion.

[Former_Member]

I agree with kim, good idea!

[WilliamsGiftshop]

That is actually how I read it.
Your products are not just for woman (like most products on Etsy!), but will appeal to men too.
And I understand that you want that to show up in Google search. The market of handmade items for woman is gigantic, yet everybody has difficulties finding unique gifts for men. So yes, I think it is a good idea to emphasize that.
I don't see a need for you to change the wording.
I am a feminist, but don't perceive it as insulting, just as a good marketing strategy.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

I would in no way be put off from buying something from your shop because of that wording and I don't find it insulting. (typically I don't even notice the writing under the banner unless I'm really studying the shop or considering a purchase).

Other's have valid points, however. So, I might suggest slightly modifying the statement. maybe something like:

gifts for men and boys alike (and women also, of course!)

[OneUrbanTribe]

I understand wanting to capitalize on the "gifts for men and boys" SEO.

But there is nothing "male" about science, and I think perpetuating the existing stereotype is a bad move.

I like this better as Kelly said: "gifts for men and boys alike (and women also, of course!)" Or just call it unisex.

[JoArtyJo]

Why not write:

"gifts for men, women, boys and girls alike, anyone who likes science would love a gift from here!" or something along those lines.

While I am not *offended* by your statement, if I read it it may stop me looking with a serious intent to buy, it may just put me in the wrong mindset for shopping if that makes sense!

Also- we are also very easily influenced by wording, I guess this is why millions is spent on advertising and getting the exact right wording! And I think if I or another female liked a product, then read it was for men and boys primarily, this may in fact put me and others off, as silly as that may seem- as I would now look at it as masculine.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

It is NOT about women not being into science, it is about most men being not into the decoration of most other cushions being sold on Etsy.

And I don't think men would feel insulted if you addressed women in particular when you had a shop full of pink cushions with kitties on them (even though some might of course like them).

Why is it we want to be equal (yes, we are in many aspects), but feel 'insulted' only in one direction?

[Former_Member]

I'm female and one of those women who seem to like mostly (normally) male dominated activities and jobs (ex QS and RNLI crew etc) ... That said I am also very feminine visually and in thoughts (love crochet, flower gardening and cooking cakes - considered traditionally in the past to be female pursuits). Hence I'd consider myself a truly 'centred' 'purchaser' for the sake of this discussion...

So......... I just went and had a quick peek at your shop and your shop blurb. Yes, I feel the shop will appeal mainly to guys, but defo not exclusively, as there are a couple of fishy and other bits there that I know my daughters would love. And I have female friends who are scientists and they would adore some of the more scientific cushions.

My verdict (only my opinion mind you) is that you should maybe make the shop blurb more appealing to women also, but in doing so don't make it all feminine - because I think your main audience (customers) will be women, either buying presents for male friends/relatives or buying for themselves.

Hope my rambling helps !!

Amanda Jane

[Former_Member]

How about this:

Science gifts! Scientific images on cushions/pillows, inc. physics, astronomy, neuroscience, biology, anatomy, exploration.
I make gifts for men and women of all ages, great for all you science minded souls!

_______________________________________________

This way I get to keep my 'gifts for men' benefits in SEO, whilst being true to all the female science buffs.

(I think this has been an eye opening thread, thank you all for your input!)

[JoArtyJo]

Sounds perfect Marie :-)
Only tiny thing I might possibly add is "...and kids" after women, just to cover that base as well!

[Former_Member]

That's an improvement! :)

[AtHomeWithLolly]

I will throw another kink into your chain...

I think you are not playing up the CUSHION/PILLOW aspect enough. If it is all about science, astronomy, physics and such...doesn't the product get lost somehow?

If I were searching for a pillow, I would probably not type in Polyhedron. You might want to touch on the comfort of the item also. I would take out Men in "WHO IT'S FOR". Etsy suggests you not choose a specific category unless your product can only be used by them as it will greatly limit your viewing audience. I would leave that blank.

Your first three words are critical in searches, not only in titles but in your description as well.

Isn't it a daily battle to get this all right? You are unique and talented...I know your audience will find you!

Good Luck!

[Former_Member]

One of my good friends is a bio-engineer and SHE would love your stuff.
She would definitely notice your gender specific wording.

Why not just take out gender all together?

"Science themed gifts for kids of all ages"
or

"The perfect gift for the explorers and science wizards in all of us."

[Former_Member]

I like what you've done with it now, good choice!

[Former_Member]

Marie, you came up with the perfect solution! It makes your products appeal to everyone without any touchy exclusionist wording, AND it helps you retain your ideal SEO wording. This thread was a great eye-opener of the difficulties of balancing marketing with principles.

[Former_Member]

So many great comments! Have you thought about talking to your customers and finding out who they are purchasing the items for? Are they buying for themselves or as a gift? A few follow-up questions post-sale might help inform your decision.

Good luck!

[sherischart]

Love your shop name and it looks great. I enjoyed everyone's suggestions too. All of this ....SEO and all that is a SCIENCE in itself.
CrowandFig brought up a good question as to asking customers who they are purchasing the items for? How does one go about doing this? Some of my customers are timidly quiet and reserved. The ones who choose to buy and quietly exit without a word or feedback.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Great compromise, Marie!
I think it will work.

[Former_Member]

I like your new announcement!

[Former_Member]

What about gifts for men, and the women who love them....whatever the chemistry.

[Former_Member]

By the way....I LOVE your work!