Getting people to your site

[Former_Member]

When you are new how do you get people to your site? Do I have to create a blog?

[ElegantKnitting]

I sure hope not. lol That is just not my thing, and I don't know if the world needs any more bloggers.

I am new too. I have been trying to network in the teams, yet not too many teams, it's too hard to keep up. I set up a face book fan page, and have been trying to make treasuries as often as I can in hopes that the people I feature will feature me in the future.

Also, try to list a new item or renew as often as you can. Only one at a time, to get the most exposure.

I've only been here 3 weeks, but, that is what I have been told so far.

Good luck to you.
Lorraine

[Former_Member]

ive been doing pretty much the same thing renewing and featureing also.

[Former_Member]

so ive been on etsy for about little over a month and having problems getting people here. and no sales yet any good advice for a brand newbi

[Former_Member]

I tried posting an ad on Craigslist and it's brought many views to my site. I think the reason I haven't had many sales is because I don't do a lot of promotion.

[JLeeSynDesign]

I don't think you have to create a blog as a necessity to get people to your shop. But, you do have to get the word out somehow... But, I'm new as well-so I could be wrong! Has anyone had success in having their shop in a showcase? I was considering it & would love to hear if anyone had any luck?

Jessica

[believeinURdream]

I've been here a few months and I still am wondering the same thing. I just started a blog today. I have no idea how to do it, but I figured that would help provided I can figure it out! It seems like somethings that I list do not attract customers at all, and I'm not sure why. Items that I have had the most success with to this point have been people asking for custom orders. If you are willing to do them, I would add this statement to your shop and in your listings. In fact I need to add it to more of mine. Best wishes to all of you :)

[Former_Member]

I don't think I realized the time one had to invest in promotion. I just don't have a lot of time and think maybe there are other ways of selling that don't require as much promotion. I am looking into some other things.

[Former_Member]

I have had good results with Twitter. Try following people, mags or whatever interests you. It has amazed me how powerful social media can be. This site was recommended to me : http://www.un-marketing.com/blog/

[Former_Member]

I think it would be wise to check into local 'Farmers Market' booths for the summer. You could spend what is left of winter building up your stock and then sell it at a booth over the summer. Be sure to add a tag to your product that has your Etsy web address on it. That way if the customer likes your product they can find you. I just created a blog: rubynjane.blogspot.com I know that isn't everyone's favorite thing to do, but if you are considering it go ahead and give mine a look at. You are welcome to take any ideas I have used or give me some advice. Become one of my followers and I will become one of yours :)

[Former_Member]

I think RubyandJane's advise is great on the "Farmers Market" booth! I plan on doing that very thing to get my name and Etsy out there!It has been months and I have only sold a couple things that were not bought by friends! Good Luck to all!

[Former_Member]

I've joined teams that share my interests. As far as blogging, I am not the blogging type and Etsy is only part time for me so I really don't have the time it takes to devote to full time crafting and marketing unfortunately. I've gotten views and that is about it. I've been here a few months, opened my shop late last year. I have also joined Ravelry.com

[Former_Member]

I listed my first Items in December so far I haven't sold anything .I have a Facebook fan page .Favorited several people havent featured anyone yet .

[Former_Member]

Showcasing, I did several and got some lookers but no sales. How about tags? Any ideas on that?

[Former_Member]

Has anyone else used the Etsy Catalog app feature? I just used it...very quick and easy and you can print out all of your items, each with their own page and link...for the ones that are going to try the farmer's markets.

[Former_Member]

Wow kountrydelites, you are way ahead of me computer wise. I am going to look at that.

[Former_Member]

I think the biggest thing for me has been creating a Facebook page.
I already used facebook, so I just created a "Fanpage" and titled it with my store name (kilojewel) and then added pictures of all my earrings, even the ones I'd just made for myself. Then I encouraged my sister and cousin and close friends to look and comment and generally support the page. That's worked really well for me.
Also, I put some pictures of my earrings up on Facebook Marketplace, which also seemed to help. As far as I can tell (.....) it's free to list items on Facebook Marketplace. I just put a few pictures of my favourite earrings up, and said a quick blurb about making handmade earrings and to go to the etsy site to see more.
That brought me one outside sale! Which was super exciting!

I don't know if I'm going to do craft fairs or farmer's markets... I already have a full time job... which takes up a lot of time... but we'll see. Summer is a ways off yet.

[Former_Member]

I listed my first items a couple of weeks ago. No sales yet. I've been spending time looking around and just trying to figure "etsy" out. This is not a full time job for me, I am not into blogging, not on facebook, and didn't realize I would need to promote & market myself. However, I am going to give it a try. I like ABeadInTimeJewelry's idea of using Craigs list, so I think I will try that first and see what happens. I also think listing an item every day or so makes more sense then listing a bunch of things at the same time.

Thanks for starting this team! It's nice to know that there are others feeling the same way I am!

[Former_Member]

I've used craiglists, just dont fall for responses from people saying they are interested on meeting "tomorrow" or offering you to go to links! those are fake people.

what has worked for me is having variety of products in my shop.

[Former_Member]

I've tried facebook, twitter, blogs. I have gotten a large number of views, although sales have not increased. Next thing on my list is giving out business cards (If you need any, please contact me for quote) and this summer I was thinking of selling some of my items in a large outdoor garage sale and pass my business cards too. After that, I'm out of resources :P

http://www.facebook.com/natachascreations
http://twitter.com/SnowPrincess84
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wysiwyg0
http://natachascreations.blogspot.com/

[Former_Member]

I just listed my first items in January. I have sold one thing. I made a FB fan page, advertised on Google, signed up with mailchimp and wrote a newsletter, but no one has signed up for it yet. I have had a few "likes" on my FB page but they don't seem interested in signing up for e-mails. I haven't been able to get a showcase yet, but I keep checking.A spot has to open soon. Never been a fan of Craig's list, but I just might try it.

[Former_Member]

I feel that you can never promote enough, especially when you have a new shop! However, it doesn't have to be done in a big neon billboard. I have found that social networking is helpful. My twitter account is for personal and business use, that way my followers can know me on a personal level...which I think would encourage someone to keep an eye on your shop and make purchases. I do not have a Facebook "Fan Page" but do have a personal page that I post links on frequently when new items have been added or sales are going on. I have seen some success in the Showcase spots, more views than purchases. Business cards are HUGE I think. I invested in them and keep a stack with me at all times. I put them in each order I ship, each repair I do, and anyone in public that shows an interest.

It can be discouraging to have a lull in views and purchases. I think making sure you renew items daily or add new items frequently will continue to bring views in...which will hopefully lead to a sale.

Promote! Promote! Promote! :-)

[Former_Member]

ive been doing so much advertisement in the past few days my fingers are going to fall off! aha
i was thinking of making a flyer to take to the local dog park, and to post in random shops and stuff. See if flyers work for you to! I know me and my friends always look at random catchy flyers.

[Former_Member]

Have you tried places like http://createhype.com/ it helps little ol' etsy sellers like us find with the age ol' problem of PR.

[Former_Member]

I think everyone just has to get their information out there however possible. I've hung fliers, handed out business cards, word of mouth is huge! Send an email to your friends and family and ask them to pass the site along to others. I will try to do craft fairs this summer. Just keep at it. Facebook is a wonderful tool as is Twitter (I'm @CGCDesign). I'd love to help anyone if I can! Better yet...Let's help each other!!