Not generating any sales. Help!!

[Former_Member]

Hi guys,

I've had a shop on Etsy coming up a year in May and I'm just not making any sales. The only 2 sales I've made were from someone I know. I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to pack it in. I'm going to try adding some pictures that show my blooms being modeled on something, such as a mannequin, and see how that goes. I've been joining teams, adding circles and starting to do treasuries. I've been pinned on Pinterest, was on ArtFire but quit, Wanelo and just started a post on EtsyLush. Please help me out with some critique and pointers.

Thanks all

[michellemach]

Your blooms are gorgeous!

Have you thought about changing your titles? I'm betting that people just aren't finding you. The first three words should be ones that customers will search -- maybe "flower hair ornament"? The problem with something like "Some Like It Hot" is that those might not be words that people are using to search. I just did that search and there are only 122 items in all of Etsy that come up.

[Former_Member]

Cathy,

Your shop is beautiful Truly. Your pictures are amazing. Your banner is clear and recognizable.

So, I started looking at your listings. Still not seeing anything. The only bit of advice I could think to give is to make your titles longer and tweek your tags. It might also help to shop your items being worn. Sometimes people can't picture it until they see it on someone else.

Also, do you have a FB page? Twitter? etc...The more you are out there the more views you have which means the more sells you will get.

Sorry this isn't more help...LOVE your shop and I am really at a loss for what else to say

[starlightwoods]

Exactly what Michelle said- your title are making it impossible for your listings to come up in any searches. They need to be changed ASAP.

Your photos are excellent and your items look to be very well made- if your title were better i am sure you would see a difference.

[Former_Member]

I hate to say this, but it seems to me that your shipping rates are a little high....for 3" hairclip that doesn't weigh much, $6 to the US seems too much... Are those accurate prices? Maybe you could review what your charging for shipping.

[MyriamPowellDesigns]

OMG , beautiful shop. Your photos are gorgeous too. I agree with Michelle. I don't think people are finding you.

You need to work on your titles, first sentence of your item description and tags.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79922744/hello-sailor-dual-bloom-hair-clip-brooch

This listing for example:

Instead of Hello Sailor Dual Hair Clip Brooch. You need to start with Hair Clip - Brooch - Blue - Green - Hair Accesorie
Then copy the exact title to your first description sentence and the tags.

You can use hair clip for one tag, brooch, etc.

Play with your titles and tags. Make sure you put what it is first.

Your shop is beautiful don't give up.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much everyone for all of your input! I will definitely work on my titles and tags, had no idea. In regards to my shipping I have to put them into a little box or they'll get squished. I took the boxes that I use to the post office and had them work out charges for me. I felt they were too much and actually took off money from what I truly charge, so I have to take a loss on each bloom because of the shipping, ugh.

Thanks again!

[renvintage]

Some great advice in here, I thought that the etsy search looked in the description as well though, is it just looking at the title and tags?? If so, I need to do some work on my listings too!

Also Myriam, why is it useful to copy the exact title to your first description sentence? I thought that would just limit the information available for a google search?

Cathy - love your blooms!

[Former_Member]

Another thought...what about measurements? People will want to know exactly how big these blooms are. Also a picture of the back of the bloom would be nice so the potential customer can see how it would attach to hair or clothing. Maybe a photo that displays all available options? Hope this helps. Your product is beautiful and pictures couldn't be more professional looking.
:-)

[Zuparoo]

I'm still not sure about those shipping costs....A package under 13 ounces can ship at the 1st class rate (instead of Priority), for under $3. I ship many of my vintage items in 6"x6"x6" corrugated boxes, often with lots of cushioning for breakables, and often those packages are under 13 ounces. Do you have a scale you can use to check your pkg weights? I think you should be able to get a lower rate.

PS if you buy postage online and print labels at home, you get delivery confirmation free (instead of about 80 cents).

[Former_Member]

I must say it is your titles and something I've learned is you should show the back. I just learned how to make the clips your making and the titles are a key component don't give up because like you wanted to quit, but recently with adjustments my sales have increased and larger quantities.

[MalibuJewel]

i love the bright colors and graphics. You might try photographing each item further away so that there is a lot more white space surrounding the piece. Adding an object (perhaps something whimsical?) to the photo might give your item a sense of scale so that the viewer gets a better idea of the size. Just a thought.

[RBJohnson]

Your shop is stunning, can't believe that you have not had more sales.. I think you should first change your titles, look through Google Keyword builder thing to help you find what people are looking for when searching for your type brooches, hair clips, jewelry, etc..

For example 'Pink fabric Brooch for a birthday girl' or 'Something Blue hairclips for your beach Wedding', etc...

Do you add 'tags'? These drive people to your site.

I read above others have suggested the similar ...

Hope this helps you.

[Zuparoo]

Oh, about those shipping costs, I just noticed you're in BC, so maybe nothing I said applies.....

But hey, your items are beautiful!

[Former_Member]

You might also want to add a picture of the actual clip. My daughter and I have really thick hair and no matter how cute the clip is I won't buy it until I can gauge how much hair I can get in to it.

[GEMsSewSweet]

I think your blooms are beautiful! I think everyone has great advice! Make the title of your piece state exactly what it is...it will help when people do a search to find your item. Also, you list lots of terrific uses for your pieces...I think you need some pictures of that. If it can be used as a brooch, hair clip, etc., then why not have a photo? Then people will have a better idea of what they are getting (size and proportion wise). One listing said it could be used as a hair clip, brooch, or earrings..

There's an SEO and Relevancy Team on etsy that could probably help you with your titles and tags too.

Another thing you could do is go to your Shop Info and Appearance section, and under "shop title" type "Handcrafted Hair Wear, Jewelry and accessories" just like you have in your shop intro.

Keep at it,! Your shop is beautiful, your pictures are gorgeous, and so are your blooms. I think a few changes will make a lot of difference!

[Former_Member]

hello! I just joined the Team. I havethe same problem , not selling, I'd love your advice.I've read your commentsabove and I'll go over them one by one again to see what I'm doing wrong.
thanks a lot.

[Former_Member]

You are from BC...I am too!! You know what, Cathy, I have the same problem with shipping prices in BC..
For example, a bubble wrap package of 12 clothespins is about $2US to ship from US, WA but $6 to ship in BC!
I had to take the brunt of the cost on that one and update my shipping price.

Took a look at your items and bloom hair clips range from a few dollars to a couple of hundred dollars. Since your price range is around $20, it would mean targeting to a specific type of shoppers (ie. bride to be) might be what you're looking for.

I agree with showing the back of the clip, even a pic of the box you would put it in etc. but I do really love the overall feel of the shop and if I am out to shop for bloom hair clips for a special occasion, I think these would look great.

And I'm also interested about why copying the title to the new listing makes a difference in search.

[Former_Member]

Gorgeous shop! I love everything about it. Don't change your shipping prices! I'm from Canada, the U.S. doesn't realize how it's expensive here to ship. Also, you have a flat rate, which is great!
Also, why are your shipping prices higher in Canada than in the U.S. or overseas? I thought it would be less in Canada b/c you're in Vancouver, a bit more for the U.S. and then the most shipping fees overseas.
Definitely change your titles to just describing your items. That is the only way you'll be found in searches if you have descriptive titles.
Do a Facebook page/blog!
Have a great night!

[TheRightJack]

Sent you a convo - your shop is terrific!
Susan

[Former_Member]

Whoops you do have a Facebook page. Disregard what I said....maybe blog?
Wordpress is great!

[WildFireFlies]

You have a beautiful shop, keep working at it! I've favored some of your items maybe someone in my circle will like and buy from you! Many sales to you!

[Former_Member]

So much great advice and kind words! I am like a sponge and absorbing it all. I can't thank you all enough!

Cathy