I thought it would be useful for all of us to share our "strategies" on promoting and selling paper goods (as well as everything else we have on our shops).
So I invite you to share your selling experiences... the number of sales you've got, the ways you promote your shops and everything else you might find useful.
I had 3 sales (right after I opened my shop). I didn't know much about promoting it, but I guess I listed a bunch of items and it made them more viewable.
Then I took a break when my son was born in March and now I'm back i force :) with new sections on my shop and all.
What I know is that you have to be very active spreading the word. I'm an old Blogger and I told all my friends about my shop also.
I'm facebooking about it to reach a "new audience"
But what I think is important is to keep all the contents from all these places "fresh"... I mean don't just copy paste from one place to the other. I am giving more "technical" details on Etsy items and more personal descriptions and creative processes, emotions and likes on my blog.
I use FB mainly as a place to keep all my creations (like an Album).
What I read more was to use the "right" tags so people searching will see your items. Just put yourself in the searcher's shoes and think what they might "google" :).
Oh, another thing I am doing is putting my etsy shop, blog and facebook links in my e-mail signature... who knows? Some people are curious.
Another method (which I didn't try yet) is to go to creative fairs and grab a bunch of flyers presenting your work where you can add your shop link.
And the newest "buzz"...the coupons. I am offering 20% off to my return customers and my FB followers on all my shop items!
I don't know very much aboout Etsy myself but what I know (common sense) is that you MUST take care of your old customers. They already know you! Make sure they are always satisfied and go the extra mile in assuring a nice package or a free gift every time they purchase.
I am always adding a little "gift" which won't affect the weight of the package.
I think that's all... if I remember something else I'll come back and post it.
Happy selling everyone!
Laura
