Sales slump or shop slump?

[aclhandweaver]

Hi folks, I'm trying to figure out how some shops make so many sales and how to up the visibility and sales in my own. I know it's Feb and slow (good time to develop!)...I have things in different price points, small gifts to museum quality craft... I know there are a LOT of scarves out there to compete with and home decor can be specific. It's also hard without a woven textiles category, unlike some of the other fiber arts here on etsy. So I try to get creative. Any ideas on how to reach more customers? I belong to lots of teams, tweet, blog, FB, post and try to get visibility and have been in a lot of Ts, but they don't bring sales that I can tell... What's your angle? Any tips?

Thanks, ACL

[ShopGreyweather]

You have amazing items but I think maybe the titling needs work. Like this one for example:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54687170/cranberry-red-and-khaki-tan-herringbone

It says put the most important words first. Since it is a table runner put that first, then pattern (since herringbone is trending right now), then color. Also I just read an article posted by someone on here from the etsy folks about titles and it says dont use and in titles, which is difficult. I am going to be going through all my listings to work on titling. Also, everyone's taste in photos differs, but from what many have told me, try to use consistent lighting and just a few background choices to make your items treasury friendly. Everyone recommends white backgrounds (i think they are boring too but what do I know) so as not to distract from the product. I tried my hand at weaving, so I know how time consuming it is, but try to have a few lower priced options for people who love your work but can't afford the luxury. Hope this helps :)

[aclhandweaver]

Thanks Christen for taking the time to give me some feedback and several things to think about.

I've tried some titles both ways for that same reason and then checked relevancy and it doesn't always seem to make a difference there that I have seen. That piece itself has gotten 556 views, 26 admirers and 9 Ts. I need is 1 view that leads to the 1 sale.

I do try to take pics in batches and use simple, but contextual backgrounds because many people can't visualize textiles in their home. I try to keep my eyes open to other displays of textiles, as well as commercial trends and styling. Some folks seem to think that props are a plus. For instance one often is drawn to simple sheeting by seeing it spread on a bed, more than just a shot of flat fabric. This can add to description without words and give some style context, for instance, traditional vs modern.

I do have many different price points, sometimes pieces in different sizes and different materials. I price according to basic business principles of materials + labor + overhead + profit to get wholesale and then from that go for retail. I am trying to make a living and don't want to give my time or my training away, either. Unfortunately, I see lots of weavers and other artisans, who don't account for that. As the cost of living goes up for everyone, and most people wouldn't accept a cut in pay from their boss any more than an artist should for their work, and their training, experience, and creativity should also be reflected. Handmade should also be valued more than machine-made. Art can be seen as a luxury by some, or also give lasting pleasure for years to come. So value can be in quality and longevity, vs. quantity and quick fix. I have customers who do pay the prices I ask, so I know for those pieces it is on spot.

I will continue to keep trying different things and looking to see what works.

Thanks for the help!