New Store What are First Best Steps?

[Former_Member]

I just recently opened my store on Etsy and I am eager to take the steps to help it grow. Are there any suggestions for the first key areas to focus on to set your store up for success? Number of items? Promotion? I have a marketing background so I tend to lean toward closely monitoring online promotion, etc. and of course I love the creation process of making new products....but what am I missing. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

Two of the biggest things are number of items (the more you have, the more you'll show up in search) and learn SEO. Good titles, tags and descriptions are the best way to get found in search. Find your target market and promote your shop off-Etsy.

Just a friendly piece of advice - you have trademarked items in your shop (Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Despicable Me & Hello Kitty). A lot of shops have been shut down or had items removed for using trademarked images and names. The trademark owner will either contact Etsy or the shop owner directly if they spot the item.

[Former_Member]

Congratulations! Your store looks great! I highly recommend reading Etsy's Seller Handbook.

[WithLoveFromLucille]

I'd suggest to add an about page [it will be mandatory as of Jan]. Add policies about returns, exchanges and cancellations, I think that's important for a lot of buyers.

Since you are selling baked goods, I would also let buyers know that you are working from a commercial kitchen. [assuming you are, if not you may want to check your states laws & regulations about selling baked goods]

Also, be weary about using big name characters as Disney does sweeps, you could get fined or get your shop closed down.

I hope this is helpful and not overwhelming :)

I'd also suggest to go through the seller handbook. There's some great sections for beginning your shop.
https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/the-seller-handbook-archive/

[Former_Member]

Great suggestions everyone! Thank you.

[Former_Member]

1. Improve your pictures
2. Eliminate the character items before you get turned in and shut down.
3. Add lots more items.
4. I might have missed it but I didn't see anywhere that stated if your kitches was licensed and state approved and passed all health codes. I personally would not buy baked goods from anyone who did not have this information disclosed.
5. Fill out your policies and introduction section.
6. Make your about page

[ScarlettsCozyCottage]

My two cents - join some teams for cross promotion, do treasuries, try to get as many items listed as you can. I know that may be hard with baked items but it is said that 100 is the number, however, I found over 75 was good for my shop. You are nearly 1/2 way there!

I think your pictures are perfectly fine (there is no absolute perfect picture). Try outside promotion (FB was not great for me) but I love Pinterest and it brings me views, maybe also try joining some baking forums to promote your shop also. Fill out your About page too!

Good luck!