Help for NEWBIES: How's Your Branding?

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone!

Some of you may have seen me on here over the last couple days. My name is Nicole. Or Nicki. Or Nic... Eh, so long as you don't call me Nnnnnnnn we're cool.

I'm a professional graphic designer with a bachelors degree in design from the Art Institute. I've been working as a corporate designer and marketer at my normal job for quite a while now. I've helped several small companies launch with complete branding packages and design.

While I'm new to selling on Etsy I'm definitely not new to self promotion. One of the big ways to make your shop look like it's professionally run and not just a side project is solid branding.

What does that mean? A cohesive, well designed overall look to your product images, banner, avatar and logo. I have some tips and tricks for this sort of thing in my store of knowledge and I would be happy to share that information with all of you.

I have a blog I've just started up for my shop at: http://www.kwirkcreative.blogspot.com. What I was thinking about doing is a monthly How To posting on a variety of subjects from improving the design of your shop to getting high quality photos from an okay camera, to simple marketing tips for micro businesses.

Is this something you would all be interested in?

Also I've just started offering logo and banner design services from my shop. Since I know this sort of thing isn't everyone's forte I thought I would pass on a special offer to my fellow newbies. Members of Team Help for NEWBIES can convo me for a coupon code for 50% off of the list price for Logo and banner design services. I'm only going to be offering this discount for a little while and spaces are first come first serve so act fast!

Thanks everyone!
- Nicki

[Former_Member]

Read your blog. Can't wait for more info. My shop opened in January and I have yet to welcome more than 25 visits in a day....when I see 100's and even 1000's of visits on other pages, I try not to get discouraged. But, I would love some practical advice on increasing my 'brand'.
Thanks for taking the time.

Katie

[Former_Member]

yes! definitely something i'd be interested in!

[Former_Member]

I'm interested as well.

[Former_Member]

I would love to hear any advice you have to offer. I just checked out your etsy shop - I WISH I could afford your services!! Your designs are very solid, professional and impressive. I know I need a banner (I've been listing my prints for 2 weeks now and STILL I have no banner for my shop!), but I have no idea how to go about getting one. I need HELP! LOL...

Btw, would that be the San Francisco Art Institute?? I went to the Academy of Art myself!

[Former_Member]

<--My brand, total newb to Etsy. Have an Ebay Store for 6 years.

Would definately be interested in reading your blog/posts!

[Former_Member]

This is such a good idea! Thanks for sharing with us! :D

[Former_Member]

I'm glad to hear people would be interested. :)

MsKatie - Your work is so cute! Keep your eyes out for my upcoming post on Virtual Merchandizing. I think it would be a great way to step up your game and show off your work more.

1Stitch2Stitch - I've seen your blog and your shop. You're already doing great! You probably have some tips and tricks of your own to share.

Pookah - I wish I'd had the opportunity to go to the San Francisco Art Institute. I went to the Art Institute of Orange County. Not so high end but still a danged good education. The Academy of Art is an amazing school! I was thinking about going there when I go back for my Masters.

It looks like you are familiar with some solid digital design programs, setting up a banner in photoshop is as easy as pie! Etsy has some information on it on the Sellers Handbook. Just go to - My Account, Info and Appearance and it's on the left handside near the bottom. :)

[Former_Member]

I'm definitely interested. I'm completely out of my element here and would appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks for sharing.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Kwirk, I'm interested too!

[Former_Member]

Ditto on the above, I used the generic Etsy one and while it's fine, I'd LOVE a more "original to me" one....

[Former_Member]

I'd love tips and advice. I just had a logo and banner created and am now ready to begin pulling my images together to make sure everything looks cohesive. But the real problem, is getting people to my shop and to view my items.

[Former_Member]

YES,YES,me too! I need all the help I can get! Can't wait to here your ideas!

[PelangiDesign]

yes, marketing tips for micro businesses please.

[Former_Member]

I agree with everything that is posted here. I just had my banner created and I found that person here on Etsy. She will be creating my landing page on Facebook and twitter to match what is here. I tried it on my own and I was hopeless. I can do a lot of things but somethings just aren't for me. I am now trying to set up my blog - we shall see how that goes.

Like everyone else it's hard to get people to your sight for one and then you hope they will buy.

Would appreciate any help.