Tips?

[Former_Member]

Hey there :)

So I opened my shop almost a month ago, and I do know these things take time, especially with so much competition for what I do. I'm constantly adding new items (it just takes time to put each new one together) and have a goal of 2 states, 2 cities, 2 countries per week and anything over that is just bonus.

I'm always tweaking tags, titles, descriptions, mixing things up with search ads, participating on Etsy, interacting with others, etc. Got my about page up, improving my photos, working on my policies. But I don't feel like my views are really where I want them to be. Organic views with no empty "promote and run" team views and favorites are about 30/day.

So, in case it's not just time -- in other words, if I'm doing something wrong in ADDITION to being so new ;) -- would you mind popping over and giving your opinion on anything I can improve?

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Christina, it sounds like you are on the right track but what are you doing to bring customers to your shop?

What kind of marketing are you doing to reach that elusive target customer who knows nothing about Etsy?

One thing to remember is that Etsy is just a very small speck in an otherwise huge online marketplace and unless you let your customers know that you exist, its very hard to be found.

[Former_Member]

Hi crochetgal, yep, good point. I have a Facebook page I update a few times a week, I pin, wanelo (just started this week), twitter, and tumblr. I'm just getting started on all this and it can be overwhelming so I'm trying to establish a good daily routine. Also been reaching out to bloggers. And I blog myself.

I've been thinking about posting a print at business bulletin boards (w/ permission) with my shop info on there but haven't gotten very far on that idea.

Thanks!

[rhodyart]

That would help. Determine your target customer -- who are you trying to sell to?
When you post on FB/twitter/etc it shouldn't be just about you. You should also post things relevant to your craft, relevant to things that interest you. Something that tells your potential customer -- hey, this lady's interesting. I wonder what she sells? Provide a service, show your customer how she'll feel about buying and using your product. Show how it can be used, hung, where it can be hung.
I have to say though that word art prints like some of your items are starting to recede in popularity becuase there are SO MANY out there. Everyone is using the same sayings, the same aphorisms. Forget about the word art -- focus on the maps. I have not seen that before. Do more cities, even countries. Consider stationery items too. FWIW, I have put the rhode island map on my wish list - I love it

[Former_Member]

Lin -- yep, I do that. Thanks for the tips! The word art was just for fun to do something different because the maps take so much of my time! I'm starting to work on a line of letters made up of tiny hearts and another map idea, too. And yep, I'm working in new cities and countries constantly.

And I plan to expand into note cards and printable save the dates, too, soon enough.

Thanks!

[TagsForTails]

It took me a year to start seeing sales in the $$$ range I wanted to be in. It didn't start happening until I started finding my niche market with a new product line (state/country shaped keychains...similar to your cute products). I don't make products just to post anymore, I get enough custom orders that I am able to just photograph those and add to my shop. The GREAT thing about states and countries is that are SO many that you will always be adding something new. I try to never turn down a custom order unless I know that there is no way I can get it to look good. Also, once you do start selling more, I really recommend offering say 5 of each item (they automatically renew when one sells, it was a game changer for me). If someone wants to buy multiples, they can do it on a whim instead of contacting you first...helps with impulse buys. I also saw a change in my business when I started using Etsy shipping, saves me a lot of time and includes a tracking #.

One thing I do notice, there is a lot of white in your images. It may be washing out your actual art a little bit. Have you experimented with a different background color so the frame and artwork stand out more? The quality of your photographs is great though! 4 sales in less than a month really isn't bad for just starting up. Give it time! Good luck, I think you are definitely starting out on the right foot!

[Former_Member]

Thanks Richinda! lol, you always hear, "keep the background white, blah blah blah" and I felt like it would make the image stand out, but I see your point. I can always play around. Thanks again!

My problem is I always want to go full throttle right away... I have 2 speeds, 0 and 600 ;)

[Former_Member]

I love your shop! It's adorable and I'm a sucker for maps.

Make sure you are advertising, posting your items to places like pinterest and wanelo and starting a following on those sites. I feel like people who "pin" are going to LOVE your items.

[ShadyLaneDesignz]

I got about 20-30 views per day for a long while after opening. Views slowly increased as I added items and got better with SEO and pictures (though I still need work with pictures). It sounds like you are doing everything right. It just takes time, work and patience :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks Daria -- your items are beautiful! I loooooove druzy!

[BitsOffTheBeach]

Cute idea! Love your maps. Have you thought of travel sites and tourist centers? I am always looking for cool souvenirs when I travel that arent so tacky.

[Former_Member]

You're on the right track. Clean shop, good product, nice photos.

I just have to share -- I love all the state shape items that are cropping up. Wire necklaces, typography, appliques... I think, while I love Colorado, it sure is a boring shape! Blah!

[Former_Member]

Thanks Jo, great idea!