New to the team

[UnrulyPatterns]

Hi Everyone,

I've just joined your team and thought I should introduce myself. My name is Jitka, I am from Czech republic but live in the UK. I have an Etsy shop which sells hand printed bags, notebooks and such. I paint the design and print it on fabric myself so each is completely unique. Aside from that I also sell paintings which are mostly abstract patterned watercolours on canvas. 

This is my very first team and I would love to be able to participate. Which is the best way? What should I do first?

I have recently started paying proper attention to the shop and it's going ok, I have about 3 sales a week but would love to have them a bit more frequent.

If anyone has a time, would you please mind looking at my shop Unruly patterns and giving me their thoughts on it. Also, do you think that I should open another shop for my original paintings? They are all the same style, pretty much but completely different medium, format. I'm not sure about that.

Excited to be part of a team, thank you so much everyone.

Jitka x

[StevenTheArt]

Hello, Welcome to Etsy and the art group. I am also new to etsy but I have learned a lot.

To start off with, I think you've set up your shop beautifully. So, you're off to a great start. Here is my advice:

1) Most important, just keep making. More items = more traffic = more sales. Once you have 150 items in your shop, Etsy will give you a promotions boost. Once you have 250-300 items, you'll get another boost. Also, 80% of my sales happen in the Christmas season (October - December.).

2) Be active in Etsy groups. It's a great place to meet other shopkeepers and boost traffic and sales. Especially on social media these days.

To answer your question about the best way to participate.. For me, I simply check out the discussions, see what subjects interest me or could be useful to my business and give advice to those who ask for it.

As far as what you should do first.. try thinking of a post/discussion that could not only benefit your artistic business but others in your field. This will ensure a community of creators with the same goal in mind.

3) Try to get friends and family to visit your shop and favorite it. Also favorited items, follows and good reviews help boost your exposure and reputation for potential customers. 

To answer your question about opening another shop.. I don't think you should because, in my opinion, I think it's cool to see both items in the same space.

Hope this helps you. Best of luck!

By the way, would you mind visiting my shop and "Favoriting" it? If you favorite mine, I will "Favorite" your shop back! 

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