Should I change my profile picture to some items I sell, will it help at all?

[Former_Member]

I heard this bit of advice while looking at discussions and forums on etsy and was wondering if it has ever worked for anyone before? xx

[Former_Member]

I really like your current. It reflects your shop banner and most likely your personality, which looks fun and hip. Your jewelry also goes with the style reflected in both too. I personally would keep it.

[HausofAriella]

I think there's some debate about which is better. Personally, I really wish we could have two separate pictures - one for the seller information on our shop pages and one for posting in forums. I like seeing a picture of the person I'm buying from, but a picture of a cool item from their shop makes me more likely to click when I'm in a forum.

[Former_Member]

Thankyou :) i do like the picture that is on currently, as its me and i want people to see who i am, as you feel more trusting when buying and seeing a face, well i think that anyway xx

[thedots]

Hi Grace ~ I'm one of those people (I'm a seller) who usually only clicks on an avatar if it's something, instead of someone. If it doesn't appear to have anything to do with what your shop name is, or maybe sells, I'm not interested. A lot of times, avatars just look like family photos or glamour shots, and that doesn't exactly say 'Professional Online Shop Owner.'

However, I did indeed click on your shop link to see what you sell, and one of these earrings in close up, with your shop name across it, would be very pretty:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/97531958/floral-button-earrings-large-studs-30mm

Your avatar is cute, so you should keep it if you like it!

[HORD]

It's really your decision I think! I used to have just a logo as mine, but since changing to something more personable - there's been a lot more interest in my shop. I think some buyers like to see who you are, your style etc.

Products are great for the forums I think, as it's the key enticer to the shop... and logos are good for enforcing branding.

All in all, I think they're all good for something - it's just up to you which you want to portray! Currently I think your profile picture works with your shop, the tones and colours of your work, and it can give your customers someone to identify with :)

[HausofAriella]

On an unrelated note, I really think you should raise your prices. You have really cute earrings, but they're so cheap that it makes them seem a little suspect in some ways, like they came off a factory line in China (I'm not accusing you of anything; I just expect handmade earrings to cost more). I don't think you could buy mass produced earrings like that at a retail store for that little. I think raising prices will actually help with sales, plus you need to be compensated for the time and energy (plus the cost of materials and Etsy fees) that you put into your items.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for all the feedback - I think I will keep the avatar as it is for now as I think, as Ive said before, you can perhaps be slightly more trusting with a face, and yes people have said I need to raise my prices but its hard, because I want to provide for people who are like me - mainly students who like cute fashion, but cant afford much! For the wooden earrings however, they did cost a lot to make, and im barely making a profit on the price I have put at now, so I will definately raise them :)

[HORD]

Oooh, you totally need to make a good profit Grace! Go on, put them up, you'd be surprised how many people will fork out the money, especially students :) I know it's daunting (i'm terrible at pricing my own work and terrible at practicing what I preach) but more often then not, it pays off!

One good lesson I learnt was, you can always lower prices, but it's much harder to raise them once established!

[Former_Member]

You guys got me thinking. I've always had a logo.

Just switched to a photo to see what happens. I think I like the look of my shop better with the photo. It does look more personable.

[ThekawaiiOD]

I kinda switch out :) I love looking at myself hehe but i got a really cute shot of this chibi and wanted to make her my profile pic.

[Former_Member]

One thing to think about is what do you want you avatar to represent?

In my case, I've used the same avatar ever since I opened my first online account, well before I had my Etsy shop. Its been a part of my business branding for years.

People will recognize the avatar where ever I post whether it be on Etsy or on some other forum. Its on my business cards and stationery as well.

Although I will always sell shawls, this particular shawl was sold many years ago.

[JaneStaufferPaperCo]

Crochetgal...I think you have one the best avatars.

I like a face that smiles at me in an avatar...(friendly right off)
I like the fun ones that show parts of the face..(their products have humor)
I am uncomfortable with cats that look like they were pinched to give a wide face meow. (ouch!)
Should we think of the avatar as a store front window? hmmmm.
I like the mother and daughters pix in the avatar. (I have to look at their items)
on and on.....

[Former_Member]

I changed my profile pictures to my items. I think people wonder what it is and click. Maybe I'm wrong!

[Insoujewelryandbags]

Hi! Although i am new at Etsy other sellers told me too to change my avatar photo with a photo of my logo or items i sell. I dont really know. i personally like to see a photo of a seller it is more personal for me. As i make jewellery i thought of making a photo of me wearing a necklace. But it wont be seen in such a small photo. ..

[Former_Member]

I like either face or item. both if it can be done. like shop owner wearing a scarf or something like crochetgirl. I don't care for logo avatars, but I will click on a avatar with words like "free shipping" or "sale".