No Sales, what am i doing wrong?

[#1]

I know that there are have been several posts about this and I have looked through many of them and taken advice offered, but i have still not had any sales.
I have admittedly only been on etsy for around 6 weeks and it seems that february is a quiet month anyway however
My pictures have been getting a few views and hearts and being added to treasury's,
I renew my most viewed items regularly and try to time this to be lunch time or evening when there is likely to be the most traffic.
I have a facebook and flickr page which I use to promote.
I have been featured on 3 different blogs
I have tried offering coupon codes and special offers.

What am I doing wrong?

[Former_Member]

donnahwhittaker says

when you say my photos appear dark do you mean the product photos or the actual images which are for sale?
------------------
see hard to tell lol that is the problem with having a picture of a picture... does that make sense? I would say it seems to me that your actually WORK is not dark but the picture of the picture might be making it look dark... did that make sense?

[Former_Member]

you just opened your shop and it takes time to find a following. plus, not an easy time of year to sell photos...tax season, slow economy, etc. I would give this very different advice...what is your motivation in selling your work...do you feel like you need to because of finances or out of work, some times our thoughts can be our worst enemies. Look at your thoughts and if they are not in alignment with what you are wanting, change them...and as Abraham-Hicks says, tell a different story...you could say..."I am just starting off, every thing is just fine, nothing is wrong, my photos are lovely and very soon they will start selling." etc, etc...you get the idea...at the very least you will feel better and not so anxious about selling.

[Former_Member]

Hi,
Coincidentally, I blogged about why you shouldn't doubt your items just because you've not yet got loads of sales.

My theory is that you need a bit of luck, as well as promoting as much as possible.

The blog post is here if you're interested. There are lots of comments on it too which make useful reading:

http://blueforestjewellery.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-much-online-selling-depends-on-luck.html

Wishing you good luck with your shop,
Alison

[Former_Member]

your shop looks lovely. Great pictures!

[Former_Member]

it takes time!

[HandyFamily]

I have the same problem... By the way, how is tweeter used? I seem to find no use of it... what / how do you put there - and how do you get people to follow?

[Former_Member]

Selling stuff anywhere online can be an absolute nightmare, I'm not actually very creative when it comes to handcrsfts, however I have got a lot of experience in online marketings. I am currently offering various services at my Etsy shop that may help. If you think I could help then feel free to visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/myagi007?ref=si_shop
none the less good luck in your online venture.

[KAZrobertson]

I too have been on since mid january and still no sales. everyone keeps saying once you have your fist sale it helps. Does having a sale somehow make you easier to find??

[Former_Member]

It really does take time. Trust me. It's been so slow for me too. I think it's the time of year?!!! Good luck. Just hang in there.

[Former_Member]

Thankyou everyone for your helpful comments, I am going to spend the next few days making the most of my SEO, ensuring my pictures and presentation are appealing and working on my policies.
Fingers crossed for my fist sale soon x

[vnessvintage]

thank you for the encouragement and great suggestions!

[Former_Member]

I have just a few sales and I have been here since November. I have spent a lot on renewing so becareful it can really add up quick!

[Former_Member]

As with any new business, it takes time for people to 'find' you.

And six weeks isn't that long to be open without a sale.

With online selling, you have to be marketing to your target market. Renewing items constantly really doesn't reach that market unless your market is those people who are browsing on Etsy.

I've found that being active in the local art associations, craft guilds, etc have brought quite a bit of exposure for my work. I've had a few pieces displayed in some of the local shops.

Business cards can work wonders! Carry them with you at all times and don't be afraid to hand them out. In the past 6 months, I've been contacted by about a dozen people who picked up my business card over the years. One was from 4 years ago.

Building a successful shop takes time and effort.

When I look at your photos, some of them appear extremely dark and a shade blurry. Maybe those need to be retaken, especially since you are selling the photo!

I'd practice with your camera a bit to get the 'gotta have' photos.

[Former_Member]

I am having the same problem but I have been here since November. Any suggestions would be hight beneficial...thanks

[Former_Member]

crochetgal can you tell me which pics you think are blurry and dark? some have textures and effects applied and so they are not all daylight bright and there is some pics with shallow depth of field and so the background will be blurry.

[EllenHowardHandmade]

Donna, I think your images are beutiful and I don't find them dark at all. I'm new too, so I don't have advice, still learning just like you. I love what artbykat said. Our thought are energy and can effect how things go. Best wishes, Ellen

[Former_Member]

thankyou for your kind words ellenhoward. I made my first sale yesterday and i am over the moon and i am so grateful for all of the advice and kindness shown to me xx

[SpiritualGems]

Congrats to you, Donna, on your first sale! I made mine last week! I think your shop is beautiful as well.

I agree with Ellen. Our thoughts create our reality. Visualize people loving your pictures, wanting them, and buying them! I know economic times are the way they are, but thinking positive can only do wonderful things...especially make you feel better! :D

April