Resources

[Former_Member]

Hi Guys,

I thought we could have a thread where we can post different resources that we use (different websites) to either assist us with our shops or just Etsy related in general. I know some of you are well versed in what's out there and that some of you are new to the game, either way, I guess this could be helpful.

I have a ton to share but I won't overwhelm you all at once!! LOL..I'll post a new one every couple of days and if you guys have any to share, please feel free to post them here!

The first one I'll share, you may have heard about it, but it's the CraftCult website (under thier heart-o-matic header). You can check out how many hearts you're shop has recieved in a day, hearts for each of your individual items, if you've been featured on the front page/etsy newsletter/etc., item views, etc.

http://www.craftcult.com/heartomatic.php?userid=

[Former_Member]

What a great resource! Thanks, Jen!
This website will offer each of us an opportunity to see where we are and how we can continue to grow & improve.
Much appreciated!
Emily

[SeaUrchinStudio]

I've recently started using socialmention.com. It's not always reliable, but it is a way to see if your shop has been mentioned recently on blogs.

[Former_Member]

I use google analytics and it is great to track all sorts of activity on your shop. How are you being found? What days are your busiest (great for knowing when to spend that 20 cent renew fee). How many new viewers? How many page views? The duration of each view. Really helps understand how you are viewed. Also helps to omit the ip address you yourself use as google will count your visits too.

help.etsy.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/230/kw/google%20analytics

Also have heard over and over again the need to branch out of Etsy to drive more traffic to our shops. Just started a designated FB page and thought I'd try out their advertising over a two week period. I'll let you know how it goes.

With that, I would LOVE it if you would "like" my facebook page as it is all alone right now....

[Former_Member]

I've been meaning to get an account with google analytics...is it really complecated?? I've actually been putting it off because I have it in my head that it's hard to figure out!? Am I wrong?! (I hope so!)

[Former_Member]

The link posted helps walk you through the process as does google analytics.

etsy help link:

help.etsy.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/230/kw/google%20analytics

google analytics (make sure to bookmark it once its up and running as I always have a hard time finding it) :

www.google.com/analytics/

I also just loaded the Etsy ap to my brand-spankin-new fb page:

www.facebook.com/pages/Hortense-and-Eloise/168975683153673?v=app_169505045786

Cool and easy! Located here on Etsy under "your Account" and then under left tool bar "Promote"

Analytics isn't super hard. It's good to get it up and running as it needs to start collecting data to report back to you. Let me know if you need help!

[Former_Member]

I think I'm going to try take a stab at the google analytics today..i've put it off long enough!!!

My resource to share for today is actually a really popular blog all about Etsy:

http://etsystalker.com/

They feature all cool items from Etsy, have a huge following and you can request to get "stalked" (and hopefully get tons of exposure).

[Former_Member]

I use picnik for free photo editing, mainly just adjusting exposure, adding a frame and watermark to my images. It's a great resource.

[BouncingOffTheWalls]

This is a new one that is by invitation only for now. http://www.pinterest.com

All it really is is "pinning" pictures of things that you like from all over the web onto "boards" that you create. So, for example you could have a "nursery decor" board and pin pictures of items you like related to nursery decor to it.

The reason it can be great for your Etsy shop is that people can see what you pin if you want them to and if you post pictures from your own shop, the link will be there.

Without trying to get complicated, you bookmark Pinterest and whenever you come across a picture online that you like you can just pin it right from the picture without actually having to save the image or anything. So, the website you got it from is there (and clickable) and you can use tags for searches.

Good way to get people to your shop!

If you'd like an invite let me know your email address and I'll send you one. It's easy to figure out once you're on there!

[Former_Member]

Hi Kristina! First of all... hello & welcome to the team! Haven't had a chance to say that yet. :)
The pinterest.com site seems really interesting. Can you please send me the invite? Email is Wishing_Wells@hotmail.com
THANK YOU!
Emily

[PrairieGarden]

Here's a site I've recently been checking out:

http://www.craftcount.com/

It basically tells you the top Etsy sellers.
Great way to observe and learn from the leaders of the pack :-)

[BouncingOffTheWalls]

Sent you an invite Emily!

[Former_Member]

Okay...just signed up for google analytics!! It was surprisingly easy to set up (with the help of the links you provided!) - thanks!

Also, here's a website for you guys to check out (if you don't already know about it)

http://www.craftopolis.com/#com=sl

It is related to hearts you get for your shop or items, and you can link it to your google analytics account to see daily info.

[ChloeandOlivePillows]

Google Analytics is a terrific marketing tool and it's FREE! Loads of information to process.

In addition to GA, we also use craftopolis and craftcult to assist in relisting our pillows. We're still learning the 'never ending' ropes on finding the sweet spot to list/relist.

~Tania

[Former_Member]

Is it just me, or are you at all leery of the control aps like craftopolis have? I understand them wanting to re-list for obvious reason, but to edit and change favorites?Read your billing and sales data and manage your shipping address Hmm.... does anyone know the need for this?

[ChloeandOlivePillows]

Great question! I have thought that as well... no password protection. I really hope one of us knows the answer.

[Former_Member]

Is there a way on GA to tell which tags people are using to find your items? If that makes sense...

[Former_Member]

Resource to share for today is a website that does random number generation.

http://www.random.org/

Good to use if you are doing a contest and need to pick a winner (or as I'm going to be doing later today - pick shops from our member list to feature on my blog!)

[gigglesandtoots]

Has anyone tried http://tastetest.etsy.com/
I have no idea how items are selected and really not sure how it would benefit any of our shops (maybe for a treasury).

[gigglesandtoots]

I feel that I am being too chatty ~two comments in a row, but I just saw this link for anyone who is considering "a giveaway" from their shop~
http://etsystrut.com/

[Former_Member]

HEre is a link to a awesome site to help with tags...which are super important!!

http://craftweasel.com/

Be sure to check it out..it can help you with figuring out the best tags for your listings and analyzes how the tags you DO have in your shop are working for you!

[Former_Member]

Thanks!! I just bookmarked it.

[aboundingtreasures]

Thanks - I'm just checking it out now :)