Variations = less items = less views = less sales?

[CozyDawg]

I've been going back and forth on the idea of using variations or not. I currently have my shop set up with variations in my listings for size. I initially set up my shop so that each size was its own listing and then grouped the sizes into sections. But when I looked at my shop and saw four of each item, I just didn't like how it looked. I think it looks silly.

All online retailers use the concept of variations in their stores and I liked the look so I switched my listings. Now I am noticing that I have fewer daily views. I've only been open about a month so it's not like I have a great deal of historical data. Until I get my stock up my shop looks bare regardless.

What would you suggest? Should I go back to individual listings since I am new and need the exposure?

[katherinefathisilver]

What a cute shop Joanne! Your photos are wonderful and so are your products. I think you will get more views as your number of items increase, but I don't like stores that show the same thing several times so I think you should just give youself time to build up a greater variety of items. I looked at your keywords which are good, but always use two words instead of one. For example, instead of "pets" say "pet clothes" or something like that. Also you might want to make it clear if you are willing to make the item in a different size than the ones that are currently shown as in stock. If you are willing to make items to order, give an approximate time the item will be ready. I'm no expert on this stuff but those are things that have helped me. Good luck!

[DonnaKallnerFiberArt]

Joanne, some of the drop in views may be part of the post-holiday slump -- sad, but normal. Looks like you've done a good job with your shop, and you're asking good questions. I'd say stick with your instincts. They seem quite sound :-)

[Former_Member]

The only thing if you separated out the sizes, I would use different images. Like a larger dog for the larger sizes, just a thought.
But I think customers like them clumped together.

[CozyDawg]

The "pets," "clothing," and "dog" tags I didn't put on there. My guess is they are from when I chose the category for the listing.

Wish I had more dogs to use as models! I totally would to switch it up.

A lot of what I have read on here says to make more listings instead of using variations. If feel like I am going against the general seller advice by using the variations.

[Former_Member]

I think I really prefer the look as it is.....vs what I'm imagining which is lots of the same pic but each in different sizes.

Agree you need more listings, but think it's a better idea to work on expanding what you offer rather then more of the same.

[SpangGangDesigns]

Have each listing with its own photo, title, and tags appropriate to the listing itself, BUT list the variations on EACH item. Or, give backlinks on each listing such as,
size x here: www.etsy.......
size y here: www.etsy......
size z here: www.etsy.......

[SpangGangDesigns]

And.....add size categories over to the left side. That's how I'd shop

[kidsstore]

Joanne, at one time I made pet clothes for sale. I noticed that there are very few things available for med. large, large, and extra-large size dogs. Most are for the teacup or small sizes. You may have friends or relatives with larger dogs that you could use as models. Then list those items separately. Most pet clothing shops cater to the smaller pets, so yours could stand out. Also, if you did that, make sure that your tags mention the larger sizes.

One more thing, I was surprised by how much extra fabric it takes to make an item for a larger size dog than a small one. It isn't that way when sewing for kids. By separating the sizes into individual listings, you would then be able to adjust the prices to cover your costs. Otherwise you might lose a lot of money.

Another thing I just remembered, I had purchased size labels for the different size pet outfits, and it was worth the little extra expense. I had sizes from XXS to XL. When you have a large inventory with different sizes of similar items, it can get confusing finding the correct size if they aren't marked. Good luck.

[FlutterbyePrints]

I've wondered the same thing myself. At one point last year I was trying to improve my SEO and doing research on other shops in my category of alternative wedding guest books. What I saw were a few shops that dominated the search, with the same item in many, many listings.

So I increased the number of listings I have for the same item, which I do not like the look of and would like to trim down. The one thing I do like about it is that I can show different color combinations, and perhaps be more relevant to a treasury or feature some where.

I read a thread concerning SEO that said that if you have the same title/tags for different listings of the same item, that negatively affects your SEO. So I do not have repeating titles. I can see which listings preform the best, and would like to keep it at just those, but I'm not sure which case is better in terms of being found.

[Former_Member]

I say more listings, no variations, and add backlinks.

[CloudHunterCo]

Hi Joanne,
Love your dog and outfits! Maybe you could try displaying some outfits on a hanger or on a flat surface. I sometimes prefer to see items without a model. It shows the fabric and cut a little better. Show them both ways! You'll have more pictures. Good Luck -- to everyone!