The cycle of self doubt, A cry for help

[Former_Member]

We all want sales don't we but I've not had many, not here and even less anywhere else!
Last winter was horrible for my family and I dont want to go through the same hardships this coming winter. I need to increase sales quickly but I have no budget to promote or pay for help/advice. I have come to a 'tipping point' !
In my effort to find ways forward I have become totaly overwhelmed and exausted, to a point where the advice, from some quaters has been to give up and get a job, has been tempting.
Reasearch into marketing, website peformance, google anyalitics and getting my pricing/product right has left me more confused than ever. Only making me feel a complete dunce! Photography, copywriting, pricing, keywords, web optimization, gettting an email to work, learning even the simplest programme and I havent even got to social media! each has to be learnt/ self taught.....
Sorry I'm now rambling and panicked. I just cant afford the help (administrative wizz) I need.
In my heart of hearts I am sure I am doing the right thing making and selling but the fear of what I am about to put my young family though this winter Again (3rd in a row) is getting too much ! I have wiped out what little self confidece I had about my bags and am beginning to doubt the sincerity of the praise and compliments I do get at every market I do.
I need to break this distructive cycle!
How do you all do it! Having looked at the 'competition' such awsome pictures, descriptions and products.
Perhaps it is wrong to equate success with sales. Perhaps 2 and a half years isnt long enough to establish myself on such a tight budget. Are my products not what people want?
How do you awsome crafters prevent this from happening to you?

[Former_Member]

Hi! I am fairly new to Etsy and feeling discouraged myself, so I may not know what I am talking about, however, it might be good to photograph the bags with someone holding them. I really liked this one:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73896821/ooak-handbag-in-reclaimed-textiles

but it was hard for me to imagine how big it was or how it would look. You know because you look at them but maybe people could better visualize them if they saw someone holding them. (maybe with a cool backdrop like outside with autumn leaves or something :)

Just a thought! And good luck to you! :)

[Former_Member]

thanks for the suggestion. I'm going through a very tough time at the moment and constructive suggestions like this help me to focus.
Thanks again, will be doing that with the next batch of photos

[Former_Member]

I'm having a difficult time too & part of it is the economy, really. Even my consignment account locally is having a tough time (the whole shop, not just my items). I've been all over the web trying to promote & sell & it's hard to do. I decided to start researching my goals - really looking at what I want to do & if I'm just chasing after what everyone else is doing & trying to make it work.

My mom is an avid artist too & she suggested this book. It helped me so much with just remembering what it is I'm doing & why. I couldn't put it down because it was inspiring & honest & funny too. It's called "Letters to a Young Artist" by Julia Cameron (about 150+ pgs). I got it at the library but am going to get it as a kind of reminder book to help pep me up.

The point is - don't give up completely. You may have to find something to help you out here or there --- but don't just throw in the towel. It doesn't sound like that's what you want, but you're right, supporting a family is super hard when your business isn't strong & right now it's tough for everyone. It's also so very hard to be creative & love your business when you are willing it to make money. I'm right there with you ---- I fully know how you feel.

Good luck to you Sweetie. It's going to get better, for everyone. But in the mean time, remember why you love what you do & that passion will help you find creativity in making it work. Hang in there! -Jessica

[Former_Member]

I totally get what you're saying. The winter is the slow time for my husband's work too (commission-based income), and there were many weeks where we did not have enough money in the budget for food. I know what you're going through. This coming winter will be our fourth slow winter as well, and we are desperate to have this finish!

An idea popped into my head as I was looking at your shop. Do you have enough fabric left over from making your gorgeous bags to also make a matching coin purse/wallet? I don't know about other people, but I would go for that! And that would also increase your listings with using repeat material! Your bags would still be OOAK, and so would your coin purses! Just a thought.

I hope that helps. :) -Shirley

[Former_Member]

It's not easy some days. I probably lost about $1000 worth of sales last holiday season because I broke my ankle (exactly one year ago tomorrow) which left me in constant pain during the time I should have been working getting ready for the holiday rush. Then a walking cast that I didn't get off until 2 weeks before Christmas made things that much harder. It was really discouraging and I had to really make an effort to not get depressed about it.

I wish there was some quick easy answer but honestly there isn't. You just have to focus and do what needs to be done and hope it's enough.

[thevicagirl]

Hey, you mentioned that you have loved others photos, and since that is really what sells an item on etsy, I think you should improve your photos to those high standards. I would be more than happy to help you through it, convo me.

As for selling enough to support your family, a lot of things will play into this in the coming months (also convo me for advice.) But I think you may have to come up with another way to support them as well. I'm begining to think I may have to get a job somewhere I don't want to and feel like I am selling out, but bills need to be paid.

I wish you good luck, and hope you are feeling better about the world.

Do note: I have been able to make it so far without paying a cent for promotion, and hardly anything for my supplies. I'd be happy to help you know how.