Etsy is confusing to me...

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone,

I just opened my Etsy shop a couple of months ago, but am not new to retail. I know I need to add more products, and update a couple of pictures, but besides that, I'd like to know:

1. General opinion of look and feel of shop
2. General opinion of products, descriptions and prices
3. Do I have good titles to have products found in searches?
4. What is "following"? Is that like a blog hosted by Etsy/ is there such a thing?
5. How to get products to come up in google searches.

Thank you SO much for any advice you have to offer!

[spacefem]

you'll be fine, you've done a really nice job on your shop so far, I only saw tiny things I'd improve on.

The biggest thing is that the first couple words of your title are the most important... like if it's a rosary, call it a "Blue sodalite Rosary with sterling silver..." rather than tucking "rosary" in later in the title.

also use the search box trick to make sure you're using titles people search for:
http://spacefem.blogspot.com/2013/09/etsy-title-tips-get-your-creation-found.html

and finally, repeat your tags in your description. if it would make a great first communion gift, say that.

"following" is Etsy's attempt to be a social network... pay no attention, it's a total waste of time. trust me. sales come from searches and targeting people who are here to shop, not fellow shops.

[Former_Member]

I agree- as a shopper, I know what I do. I search for what I want, and if I find it on Etsy, I buy it. That's the key- finding it.

Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it!

[Former_Member]

I love the clarity of your pics but I would suggest picking a single background to tie your shop together.

A shop announcement and description would boost your seo (search engine optimization). I always recommend this team for seo tips.
https://www.etsy.com/teams/10713/etsy-relevancy-seo-and-stats

You will need more items. I think I read somewhere that at least a hundred works best for a regular shop and closer to 300 for a jewelry shop. This is more of a long term goal though.

As a Canadian I would ask why you don't ship to Canada? International shipping isn't that difficult and you can use a shipping calculator or get the prices for shipping from your p.o.

I think all things considered, two sales so far is pretty good. You might want to suggest to friends and family who want to purchase your items that they do so through etsy.

You have a beautiful shop and you got good advice from spacefem. Good luck, and happy selling.