Newbie Questions!!

[Former_Member]

1) How long does it take to get your first sale, realistically? I got SO many views my first week (just finished it) ... but no sales, sadly. I realize it is summer and not really gift-giving time, which my items will probably go faster at those times.

2) Does anyone sell at different websites as well? How does that work -- there's a local website that is very similar to Etsy in our area, but I am afraid if I don't catch the order quick enough it could sell in both places. Should I split my items between the shops? I am not into making custom or on demand orders yet.

3) I see alot of talk about treasury lists ... want to know how important this is to do.

4) I have a personal website, too, but I don't get alot of traffic on it. I have a blog and pics of my items -- how do I get more traffic?? I have posted to FB and this shop and spread the word to friends. Maybe I am just impatient ....

[Paintspiration]

Hi Gloria! Welcome!

Here are my opinions on your questions-

1. It times time to make your first sale. Mine took 3 weeks, and even after that it was quite slow. For many people it can take months. You are right, summertime is slow for me, too!

2. I am beginning to branch out at different sites. I just opened a shop at storenvy.com, which is free. From the research I've done, Etsy seems to be the best site because of the amount of traffic it gets. I also have some work in local art galleries. It is challenging if you have items listed in more than one location- I have to call the gallery right away if a painting sells on Etsy and have them take it down! Probably better to only list it in one location, but if you really want them to sell, it's worth the effort!

3. I've done treasuries myself, doesn't seem to do much for me. Being in treasuries got me lots of views and faves, but (I don't think) any sales.

4. To drive traffic, just stick with it. Market on social media (fb, twitter, tumblr, pintrest, etc), and work on building a following. Your traffic will build slowly but surely.

I've written an article about things I've learned in my first 3 months of Etsy selling, which may be helpful to you:
http://paintspirationart.com/how-i-built-a-successful-etsy-shop/

You have a cute shop! Best of luck to you :)

[StuckOnSilver]

Welcome, Gloria! Very nice work. Be sure to fill your featured slots!

I would not list items on Etsy and have them for sale somewhere else.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the advice so far! Makes me feel better. Bev, what do you mean about filling up my featured slots? Things to learn! :))

[Former_Member]

Michelle-- loved the article!!

[Former_Member]

hi gloria,
well sadly there´s no formula for success, for some it takes hours to have their first sale, for some months. i had my first sale after 3 weeks but i think that was pure luck because if i look back now i don´t understand why the customer found my items appealing.
this goes to show that it´s up to you to work towards your first sale. therefore you need good photos (uniform backgrounds, good lightning,...), good and clear shop policies and promotion to get the word out about your items.
read as much as you can here in the forums and try out things, some might work others not, just be active..
all the best
barbara

[GabriellasTreasures]

Gloria - featured slots: go to your listings page, on the right of each listing you will see a grey star. Pick 4 of your favoritems and click on the star; it will turn green.

Then go back to first page of your shop and you'll see them up top as "featured", you can change it anytime.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Patricia! I have one featured item, I did not you could have up to
4. I was thinking of changing it/them once a week-- is that too frequent?
Do the featured items get more traffic?