Shop Critique Request! How to get more views

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone,
My shop has been open for a year and a half as a very part time hobby. I'm about to have a lot more time to dedicate to it and would like to increase views and sales. Any ideas are welcome, mostly I want to know how to get more views. For background info. I do have a Facebook page for the shop and I pin the products on Pinterest.

Thanks so much,
Val

[CampRobber]

Your pen-and-ink drawings are delightful! Try putting the phrase, "pen and ink" in all titles to which that applies. Also, in the title, use the word "owl" if it's an owl card, etc. Title words count the most in Etsy searches, I'm told.

Your tags tend to be single words, and fairly generic ones at that, instead of relevant phrases. I know, we all start out thinking that searches will combine "owl" and "card" to make "owl card" but it doesn't actually work very well that way. "Owl card" as a two-word tag (for example) should give you better rankings in searches.

[DaisybellEmporium]

Hi Valerie,
Can I first say that I love your products- they are quirky and cool with a lot of humour! definitely my cup of tea :)
The one thing that I felt was missing was just a little bit more humour and whimsy in the descriptions of each product- your "about" section had some, like the caption of your cat, very funny! Maybe do some research on some similar companies and see how they write.
The physical detail description of each product is spot on, really good, and nice that you emphasise the paper quality as this is something I think people wuld want to know whe buying.
For your marketing, have you considered instagram? the mixture of your illustrations and your cat make it an ideal space for you! If you have a chance, look up Gemma Corell on Instagram as she is using it really well to connect with a very wide audience.
Hope some of this helps! x

[theVexedMuddler]

Your cards are very charming, and Janet is spot-on about your tags. Rework those babies!

You may also want to come up with one consistent way to display your cards for the thumbnail image. It needs to be close enough to make out the design, but also show the entire item, well-lit and against a contrasting (but not distracting) background. For your cards, I think the style of the second photo here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/211768094/holiday-card-t-rex-christmas-card would be ideal for the first photo slot, and then I'd crop the listing thumbnail so that most of the thumbnail is taken up by the card. You should also try softening the light by using several lights at different angles, bounced off white sheets (or build a small light tent to put over the area).

[SpellboundEssentials]

I love your holiday cards! Darling!
I would suggest to create "packages" or "bundles."
Such as 4 themed cards for $15 :)

[Former_Member]

I think your photo's and items are lovely. I can't see why you are not making more sales. Good luck and I hope you make more sales soon.

[Former_Member]

Hey Valerie, absolutely love your work!!! I'm with the previous team members that my main suggestion would be to create packages or bundles because your average customer will want multiple cards to send out. Your photos are great and having multiple shots on each listing is a plus. Also look at DIY blogs as well to advertise and market your business to as well. Hope this helps and keep up the great work!!!

xoxo,
Lakeshia

[CampRobber]

I agree with the suggestion to make bundles of cards, either a set of four or six all the same, or a mixed set (one each of several designs). Shipping for one card is just not very cost-effective for the buyer.

[RainyDayGrace]

Hiya! So, I'm still working on sales myself so take my advice with a grain of salt. I do craft fairs more than online.

I love your cards, also I like that the titles in your listings say that they are cards. I also like that they are very creative and funny. I find that these seem sort of specific in their style so my suggestion would be to do a little market research in that style and find common key words and use them as tags. I feel like you have a solid niche that can appeal to the general public if you can show them how. Maybe give a few examples of great times to use that card in the listing description. Well, I hope that helped!

[Former_Member]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions! They are all very helpful. I plan on starting to experiment with all of them starting tonight!

[Former_Member]

I think your shop is very pretty and cards are wonderful, really. You need more items. Try to put everyday new cards and your shop will be on top always.