Let's Help Each Other!

[#1]

At some point, we all need help.  Maybe you opened a new shop and don't understand SEO.  Ask for help.  Or you've had a shop for a long time and don't understand Etsy's new policy change.  Ask for help.  

The ART Team is about helping each other find success together!  Ask for help.  And let's be grateful that we can help others

[SilverPonderJewels]

@MikeKrausArt  Please help my shop

[FranziKinzelPhoto]

Hi everyone

I'm Franzi, a fine art landscape and seascape photographer. I have just opened my Etsy Shop - well actually last year, but I have started putting things online maybe about a month ago. I was wondering if you could give me some advice about how to get some more traffic or any other advice would be highly appreciated. I just started uploading products, so there will be more coming. 

Would be so thankful for any advice. 

Much Love,
Franzi

[MikeKrausArt]

@SilverPonderJewels I will send you a message

[MikeKrausArt]

Franzi,

WELCOME TO ETSY AND THE ART TEAM!  You have a beautiful shop.  A great place to start for tips is our new Knowledge Base at: https://community.etsy.com/t5/art/tkb-p/10723tkb-board  It has a few articles that will help you improve your shop.  THANKS AGAIN and please let us know if you have any other questions.

Mike

[SandraStitchesIL]

Hi all

I am  i the process of  opening a facebook group for my crochet bussiness and a mailing list- need help  finding people to stsrt joining in.

I have the group ste up and the mailing with a lead magnet all set up, i did put links in my etsy shop and pins in pinterest but no luck for now- can you help? many thanks- sandra

[MikeKrausArt]

@SandraStitchesIL You should post a link for your group here.  And the best way to start is to invite all your friends and family too.  Here's another place for Facebook followers: https://community.etsy.com/t5/art/FACEBOOK-Invite-your-friends-to-like-this-page/m-p/125291130#M3483... 

[SandraStitchesIL]

Thanks!

Here it is  you are welcome to join if it is of your interest!  and invite friends who are interested in crochet!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1485811495102299

[PrintsByNatashaK]

Hi, I am hoping that someone can help me with how to make prints of traditional artwork. I would really like to start selling prints of my original art but everything I've come across seems to favour digital art. I'm not in a position to purchase my own proper scanner/printer. I have a scanner but it's a regular Brother brand one. Does anyone know of a good website/company (preferably based in Canada) that can make fine art prints at a reasonable cost? Thank you!  

[MikeKrausArt]

@PrintsByNatashaK Personally, I use Society6.  But, it depends on what you're planning to do.  Lots of people use Vistaprints.  Others go to the local office supply stores.  But, if you want Giclée and/or other high end prints, it may be best to work with a local business.  

[PrintsByNatashaK]

Thank you for the reply! Yes, I am hoping to do Giclée prints and ship them myself. I'll look into local businesses. 

[BoxDesignStudio]

Hi, I hope that this is the right place to ask for some help with my issue. I'm hoping to qualify for Star Seller in September but my message response rate isn't good enough and I have no possibility to improve it as buyers are not writing new messages (a ridiculous situation, isn't it? :)) I would really really appreciate if you could just write me any message to my shop. In return I will be pleased to favorite your shop and some items in your shop. Thank you for your help, here is the link to my shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoxDesignStudio

[MikeKrausArt]

@BoxDesignStudio I really suggest letting Etsy know about the countless problems the "Star Seller" program is causing at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6445551/Etsy-Feedback-Form-3huobrrjro  THANKS!

[MikeKrausArt]

@PrintsByNatashaK I haven't worked with this business.  But, it may be a good place to start: https://www.brians-gallery.com/giclee.html

[PrintsByNatashaK]

Thank you!

[PictureRUArt]

I've been here for 4 months now and have very few views (3-4). Views and likes only from the group. If I don't play, there are no views. Maybe the price is big? But the delivery is very expensive and I don't know what to do. I made a discount, but it didn't help.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PictureRUArt

[MikeKrausArt]

@PictureRUArt We do have a couple of articles with advice on how to improve your shop at: https://community.etsy.com/t5/art/tkb-p/10723tkb-board

Also, Etsy seems to be making lots of changes with their "Star Seller" program, algorithm, mailing requirements.  The continuing trade wars between the US, Europe, and Asia.  Then there's Brexit.  On top of that, the ongoing economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.  So, many shops have been reporting a slowdown.  Let's hope that this starts getting resolved before the holiday shopping season:

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/august-retail-mar...

[PictureRUArt]

Thank you. The information helped a lot.

[MikeKrausArt]

@PictureRUArt Of course!  Things will get better

[Minimalistpainting]

Let's hope the COVID-19 pandemic ends in the world and that the second half of the year will be better and better for retail.

[StylishStoneJewelry]

Thanks Mike for your helpful advises. Last 2 months is really bad for me, no sale at all. I do not understand why I am not selling. I tried with discount also. Customers are liking but not buying. Sometimes it is very discouraging. Still trying. I will add more items.

Thanks 

[MikeKrausArt]

@StylishStoneJewelry There have been widespread reports of shops reporting similar things.  It's difficult to tell the cause because there are so many potential causes: Etsy's new "star seller" program, Etsy's shipping changes, changes to the algorithm, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic issues, Brexit, continuing trade wars with Europe and Asia, etc. etc. etc.  

Hopefully, we'll understand what's causing the problems soon.  And we'll be able to fix whatever that problem is.  And prepare for a successful holiday season.

[WonderBeeOrganics]

I just got all star seller spots to 100% ...then they added I must make 300 in the month to have it displayed :{

This time last year I was busy this year very slow! I see other honey shops doing huge business but I am missing something.

It's always something!

[MikeKrausArt]

@WonderBeeOrganics 

1) Star Seller - There have been a lot of complaints about the "Star Seller" program: that you have to respond to spam, non-essential, and constant replies with other shops in messages, customers can purposely give you 4-stars or less to harm your shop in reviews, package tracking isn't available for all types of mail, international shipping, or at all in many locations, minimum sales and income is irrelevant, and stats are inaccurate.  

I suggest you let Etsy know your feelings on this program at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6445551/Etsy-Feedback-Form-3huobrrjro

2) It's difficult right now to know if the sales slowdown is the fault of Etsy or the global economy.  Etsy is making LOTS of changes impacting shops.  And retailers and restaurants, big and small, have been reporting lower sales.  

To boost traffic and sales, we are having a holiday kick-off event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/389327332607311  We hope you'll join us and invite your friends and family.  

Hopefully, many of these issues will be resolved soon and we'll finish the year strong.

[WonderBeeOrganics]

Thanks Mike

I did the survey...and yeah the economy is different but we got a boost last year with the stay home order. Life will never be the same.

Stay safe! Stay happy!

[MikeKrausArt]

NOW OPEN! Join us at the Online Awesome Autumn Art Show at: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/389327332607311 

There will be arts, crafts, jewelry, furniture, fashion, and so much more. We'll have a few activities. And, most of all, HAVE FUN!