Still a bit unsure, need honest opinions

[Former_Member]

Looking for an entire shop critique. I know I've practically spammed the team with my own opinions and I aplogize for that, but when I find myself feeling kind of helpless like I do right now with my mothers shop, I tend to reach out and try to help other people instead.

Hello, my name is Shannon. I've been helping out my mom, Katy, with her shop The Old Virginian here on etsy. She doesn't get a lot of time in front of the computer to allow her to connect with the community or tweak her shop as often as she needs and over all, she doesn't really have a head for "marketing" and "business" things--she's just great at creating. That's where I came in to help.

That said, I'm coming to realize I'm not so different, my head for business isn't much better. I starting helping her out early March and through my efforts I've been able to drastically raise the amount of views/hearts/followers her shop gets. We've already exceeded her yearly record for views and likes just these past months, but we've only made one sale.

I know there are plenty of ways to improve the shop still and I know it's an ongoing process but I really need a fresh pair of eyes to tell me how the shop comes across, its pros and cons and what you think I should focus most of my efforts on. What needs the most improving?

I've read all of etsy's guides on SEO and marketing and such and it has helped, but nothing beats a real persons honest opinion.

I already know that some of the old photos are still up, I haven't had the chance (or the model) to re take those and even some of the ones i did take really need adjusting. Over all, I know photos and descriptions need work but I need someone elses opinion other than my own.

I appreciate anyone taking the time to check it out! I really just want to do the best for my mom that I can.

[Former_Member]

It looks like the new photo styles are a huge improvement! I'd still hesitate before ordering an item, as there's not a lot of sizing information. Check out some of the more successful vintage shops to see how they do their measuring.

I think the instagram-type filter you're using with some of your new images is working for the brand you're trying to create. And I think it's great you're helping your mom with this!

Keep an eye on the "trending items" page, too. There's been a fair amount of eco-hippie type clothing showing up there lately, maybe you can steal some marketing ideas.

Good luck!

[DuplikaJewelry]

Like Elisa, I LOVE the filter you're using.
In some of the photos it was hard to really see the piece and the beauty of it. Example:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/40533329/mod-clothing-womens-vest-upcycled?ref=shop_home_active

The close ups were blurry and the models hair covered up most of the vest in most of the shots. Maybe try it with her hair up so we can see the detail and color of the piece.

Also the magenta silk blouse looks super cute BUT i never could see it all in a photo. Maybe having a full shot of the clothes hanging on a white wall would work or on the model. Something so a customer can see it in its entirety.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the input, ladies!

I don't know a thing about sizing myself, so I just took all of the info my mother already had on there and kept it. I'll be sure to clear all of that up with her when I go through and update the descriptions to be more uniform.

Real talk? I didn't take the photos of any of the vests. I edited them as best I could but the mod vest came out pretty blurry and I'm kind of glad the problems I had with that picture (like the hair in the way) are legit and it's not just me being paranoid because I didn't take them.

Thank you for taking the time to check out the shop and for all of your suggestions. I'm kind of jonesing to re-take a lot of the photos now that I've been reading up on product photography and doing some research.

Thanks again!