Tips from successful sellers!

[BirdiesLab]

Hi team members!

Let's hear it from the experienced sellers on Etsy! What are you guys tips and tricks? What are you guys advise for us newbies? We're ll ears!

Thanks a million!

All love, Andra

[ThistlebirdSkinCare]

Hello, all, and great to meet you! -- I'm really looking forward to participating in, and learning from, the group.

Let's see... tips and tricks.

I'm not exactly an experienced seller -- more an advanced newcomer -- but /the/ thing that has made the most difference in my shop has been adding supplies.

Essentially, my goal is to list for sale every single thing -- ingredient, container, etc -- that I use to make my items. (They're not all up there yet, but, I'm working on it!) If I buy it, I list it. :)

A more experienced seller suggested I do that. Her point was that more than half of people browsing Etsy are actually there for DIY ideas rather than the final product, so, if one also offers the materials, you cater to that group as well.

I've found that absolutely to be true -- more than half my sales are now supply, which I would /never/ have predicted. And best of all, the larger volume of supplies means that I'm eligible for better wholesale prices, lowering the cost of goods for my finished bath and body products.

[BirdiesLab]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Naomi! Supplies... that is brilliant...

Speaking of DIY ... You just inspired me to give the Etsy sellers a DIY design kit ... that would be advise about creating their own attractive banners, avatar and logos until their business is big enough to afford professional help. Kind of like the do's and don'ts of graphic design. And the best places online to create those graphics. I think I'm gonna start working on that right now. :)

All love, Andra

[ThistlebirdSkinCare]

Love the idea of a DIY design kit! Definitely something I'd sign on for...

[BirdiesLab]

I'm working on it! ;)

[SweetMeadowDesigns]

Hello all!
The one thing that had the largest impact on my sales was adding over 100 items in my shop. I was open approx. 3.5 years before I achieved this. I also have studied online marketing and SEO to try to improve my shop(s). The custom work I do is very beneficial to my sales and gratifying as well. I'm so thankful to be here on Etsy. I love it! : )

[BirdiesLab]

Thanks a lot for posting, Cynthia!

So: lots of items, good SEO and marketing skills. Can you tell us more about the way you market your business? Do you use social media? Landing pages? Do you have a website? Do you offer freebies? Discounts? Tell us everything! :D

All love, Andra

[SweetMeadowDesigns]

Hi Andra;
I do use Pinterest, Twitter and Tumblr. I'm not a big fan of Facebook. I do not have a website but I do sell on Ebay and 11 Main as well. I send a Thank you email with purchase for a 20% discount on their next order. And yes, I do donate to most of the worthy causes from people who contact me. 2014 donations were mostly for adoption auctions. It's a win win. They auction the item for a profit and I receive great marketing from it. I find being able to do custom work for my customers has increased my revenue substantially. Plus I enjoy it, so another win, win. : )
My very best,
Cynthia : )

[BirdiesLab]

The design kit is here :D http://etsy.me/1CJTdyr

[Fishermanscarpentry]

I would not at all call myself a successful seller, however I do have some advice for new sellers. Work very hard on you pictures, as this is what draws a buyer to your shop. and work very hard on your seo/descriptions. This is what helps you get found and what draws people to buy. Last thing I can advise is if you love what you do .. .keep doing it . With some research, hard work and patience you will soon succeed. Good luck to all.