Shop Activity at Startup

[Former_Member]

I'm just wondering if it takes awhile to get noticed and receive sales. I opened my shop March 1, and have not one sale, has anyone gone this long on start up with no sales.

I've been trying to read as much as I can, revamped, tweaked pricing, trying to switch my top favorites daily, even purchased to 2 showcases. I actually sent out personalized emails to past employers and acquaintances letting them know of my shop and set up a Facebook page.

Just trying to get some comments from other shop owners who may have started out a bit slower.

Thanks.

[miamimere]

You have beautiful pieces! I think that most people would tell you that it takes several months to get up and running, sometimes a year. I have heard lots of complaints lately about how slow it is around here right now. Just keep working on your SEO and adding new products. Good luck, don't get discouraged!

[Former_Member]

Thank you for such a quick response miamimere. Do you ever have neat items, I was so surprised when I clicked to your shop, so cool.

I thought it may take sometime, I've been researching other members here in my category and yes most have years under their belt that have substantial sales. Yeah I'll just keep on track then, if I do tend to focus too much on sales, I'll lose my direction.

[Former_Member]

I recently started a twitter account and have noticed that I have a completely different following there than on FB. I also stay pretty active in the forums, it helps keep links to your site out there in the web. You can check your link #s here... https://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com/ Add your site, then watch your numbers go up every few days. Also, are you doing SEO? check out this thread if you're feeling like diving in to that... http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/6667218/page/1/

-KaylaB

[Former_Member]

I am in the same boat, I just started and its been hard for me to keep putting up new pieces because I'm in college and most of my supplies are at home. I read all of those articles too, looking for some new, fresh ideas to get my sales going but I think we just have to be patient...

[Former_Member]

Thanks Kayla, another cool shop to add to favorites. I will do some reading cause I have not heard of SEO. Appreciate the feedback.

[Former_Member]

Are you involved? try getting started in making treasuries and whatnot. :)

[miamimere]

Just think about how great it will be when you get your first sale :) It's such a great feeling!!!!

You will be fine, you have great work. Just keep plugging away.

I set daily goals for myself - post so many times to the forum, check out x number of facebook pages, comment on treasuries, etc... just to get your name out and start making connections with other people.

[Former_Member]

Chelsea, you have been making your jewelery since an early teen, wow. Very nice and I think your right, patience.

[Former_Member]

Thank you! And I love your photography I added you to my favorites :)
Do you have a Facebook?

[Former_Member]

Probably not as involved as I should be, and I must say your Moss collection is so unique OliverWare, thank you.

[Former_Member]

I do have a Facebook page,

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dmimage-Fine-Art-Photography/186754341367052

Thank you.

[LaFayettePhotography]

You could also try joining some of the photography teams and a treasury-making team. The treasury team especially has helped me get into loads of treasuries (usually several each day), and sometimes they get featured on the front page, which leads to sales.

[Former_Member]

I love this group, just joined, and it is very insightful! Today was one fo those should I give up days for me. I started my page in Feb but only started to put product on it last wk. It's funny, when people told me I should sell my stuff I was so excited and at first all my friends and their friends were ordering, now it is reality, lol, and I see all the talent around me-great but YIKES, lol:) This is a very helpful post. I will reread it again tonight when my little loves are a sleep:) Good luck dmimage! and everyone else!:)

[AggieRay]

It took me 3 months to get my first sale. Just posting here gets you noticed. Of course renewing and adding new items and participating in treasury making teams have been a great help too! Your photography is beautiful. Just stay positive, keep active and sales will happen!

[Former_Member]

I'm in the same boat. But, I'm moved my thinking about my shop from a source of income to a hobby so that I'm not disappointed if I don't sell anything. It's good experience and I've had communication with many wonderful people via etsy. :D

[Former_Member]

Wow so many great responses, and I'm glad it's helped others as well as myself.

Thanks for all your suggestions and positive support, it definitely makes a difference when you have good feedback from other Etsy members. I will read more about the SEO now.