How can I improve the Zoo?

[DrewbiesZoo]

Hello Etsy!

I would really appreciate some feedback on my shop. I've really been focused on creating a consistent brand, having thoughtful titles and tags, and my product photography. Please let me know what's not working for you, or any other suggestions.
I'm still a pretty new shop, so I don't have many listings yet, but I try to post one or two new items a week.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!

[Former_Member]

Drew

Your shop is lovely! It's cheery and inviting and your items are so cute! You have really created a consistent feeling throughout your shop. Well done!

A few things that I would suggest. The photos on your main shop page really pop when they are taken a little closer like the octopus (love that description by the way!) I think that your penguin and pig could benefit from the same kind of shot.

Something I personally found out of sync was the sentence you have at the end of each listing. It comes off a little alarming like there's something bad I should know. It's not a bad thing to say but maybe rephrasing it slightly would soften the way it comes across. ( I don't know if everyone would read it this way. It could be just me. lol)

The only other thing that I could suggest is that 'they' say when customers can see you, it builds trust. Although your avatar is cute and fits well with your brand, maybe it would be worthwhile considering adding a photo the "owner" section on your about page.

You have had a number of sales and you've only been open a couple of months, keep up the awesome work!

[Former_Member]

Your items are darling! :)

The first suggestion I have is about your photos. Though it looks like you have a nice camera that takes very clear pictures, I feel like the setting is a little out of place. It seems most of your backgrounds are books, which gives the feeling that something educational or professional is being sold. When really its just these adorable squishy huggable stuffies! I would suggest photographing these cuties in their element. Do you have children or do you have friends with children? Where most of your items are going to be purchased for children, it might draw more attention to your shop to have them photographed with kids? I am speaking only from my perspective, as I am a mother with 2 young children who LOVE stuffed animals :).

Second, I agree with the above review about having a photo of yourself (or you and spouse/kids if applicable). It makes things feel more personal. To know you are buying from a person. Even though people who shop on Etsy know that we are all individuals who make these handmade items, it helps to see a face. It doesnt have to be a closeup. Just a picture of you in your element! Give your potential buyers a feel of who you are by looking at a photo.

I also looked at a few of your listings and the keywords that you are using. It looks like your keywords are good, but i would add a little more information in your listing title, such as: for girls and boys, birthday gift, christmas gift, cute, etc. Also, do you do custom work? If someone likes the blue elephant, can they request a different color? If so, put "custom" "customizable" in your tag words and/or listing title. Many buyers on etsy are looking for a custom product, so brag that you offer that!

Hope this helps :). LOVE your stuffies.

-Liselle

[MaryOMalleyArt]

Hi Drew,
I absolutely LOVE your stuffies--so adorable, I think I will add them to my Christmas shopping list! I took a look at your shop and, honestly, I can't find much to critique you on! Your photos are sharp and bright, your banner and 'brand' are very consistent and appropriate, and the descriptions are concise and have a nice, upbeat feel. It looks like you did incorporate already some of the suggestions above, like changing your picture, and maybe removing the sentence that someone found out of sync. So there's really not much more to say except keep going, and add fresh product all the time.
Best of luck!
Mary

[Former_Member]

Hi Drew,

I agree with Liselle, about the book backgrounds (it's a bit overdone, and maybe not the best background for your stuffed animals). If you have children, you should stage these beauties in their room, with the kid's playing. You might even want to consider creating a "zoo backdrop," maybe a story for how these characters met, how they relate to one another, and what they do when people aren't around (like at night in the zoo). I would personally take a shot of all the animals together, in some kind of fun, quirky shot (like a "zoo luncheon" or playing checkers). I totally think you should build more of a narrative around the "zoo" aspect of your name, and use that to create your brand. BTW, The whale is my favorite!

[Former_Member]

OMG!! How cute! Great job!
I agree with JaJa I would take a group shot of all the animals and make that one of your five pics which would be in every listing as well as a shot of kids playing with the animals. Then only use two or three pics of the item your profiling.

But what do I know. You only just open a few months ago and have had tons of sales. You are doing an awesome job.

[ByTheLock]

I absolutely love your stuff! and obviously other people do too!! You have some amazing feedback. Photos are all ace, can't fault the listings either.

The "did you know" facts are amazing .

I would stick some photos of your workspace, or you crocheting in your 'about' page so people get a bit more of a personal feel.


See you do take custom orders, maybe in your item descriptions you could put something about how you could do X in a different colour if people like?

[HarooJewelry]

Hi Drew! Your work is amazing~
I think your shop looks great but I think it could be better if you simplified the background a little. Your work is very vibrant and colorful. I think the busy background is a bit distracting and takes the focus away from the product. I don't mind the books in your pictures. I can imagine a child cuddling with your doll while falling asleep and listening to a nighttime story. I like the elephant standing on a stack of books vs owl standing in front of the books. The colorful book covers are too distracting.