help getting started please! :)

[JLeeSynDesign]

Hello,

I finally got the courage to open up an Etsy shop! (yayy) & I'm wondering if anyone might take a look & offer me some constructive criticism!

I have been artist my whole life & have been showing & selling artwork in local galleries around where I live in NY. I've made quite a few sales & have had really nice compliments on my work... so I decided to try opening up an Esty shop! Only thing is... I don't know what I am doing wrong that I haven't made a sale yet... or have at least had many "window shoppers." Maybe I am being too anxious...

Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks:)
Jessica

[Former_Member]

I saw your page. Can I suggest listing another item.. At the moment they have two to choose from. Maybe just list one that says custom order. Set a price and let them know you'll create something specifically for them for above mentioned price. I'm just starting out too, so maybe that might help.

[JLeeSynDesign]

Thanks! I will list another item or two this weekend & see how it goes. I think having more than 2 is probably better than just having one item right? Thank you for the feedback!

[Former_Member]

I am new, too. Although I have had success in the real world, the online shop has generated only one sale for me. I know this does not give you any help, just wanted to say that you are not alone. I feel very confused by the whole thing.

[madlittlehatter]

i too am new too! A week old now, i have listed quite a few hats and would love to know the best ways of getting people into my shop.

[JLeeSynDesign]

Thanks!!! It is very confusing, isn't it! I wish you luck... Your shop looks great :) If I may suggest one thing to try & help? Maybe just brighter (more saturated in color) photographs? I know, it's an odd comment, but it's something I noticed right off the bat! And, at least you've made 1 sale! LOL I haven't had one yet, maybe my pricing is too high? I keep second guessing that. I've sold my lightboxes for $400+ in galleries near home. But, since I've had no sales-I've dropped my price & am still unsure about it. Any advice?

[JLeeSynDesign]

@madlittlehatter
o my goodness I LOVE your hats!!! They are soooo great!!! If I find an occcasion to wear one, I would definitley buy one from your shop! Your style is right up my alley!! Anything having to do with alice in wonderland is amazing too ;) Good luck!

[Former_Member]

jleesyn,
I wouldn't be too hasty about putting in a lot of items. My plan is to list one a day for a month. Each time you list an item you get people looking at it because it's new. If you list all thirty items in one day people won't know you exist after a week has gone by. That is just my own opinion. Another good way to get people looking is to favorite one of their items or make a treasury. That will notify them that you are fond of their product and out of curiosity they will look at what you sell. I opened shop in the beginning of Feb. but I have been observing up until now. I just placed my first item on yesterday. I feel like we are in the same boat so my advice might not be worth much. These are just a few little tricks that I am trying out.

[JLeeSynDesign]

Thanks RubyandJane! Very good advice. Thanks for your help :) I am going to take your advice about listing one item at a time... Sounds like better exposure. Good luck with your shop too! I appreciate your time.

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone! I just joined this group and am confused too. I opened up a shop a long time ago and never listed anything until January of this year. I've had one sale--from someone I know :) It seems like its a hide and seek game. I've been told by "naturalchess" that you should list one thing per day--just like rubyandjane suggested. But of course that was after I had listed all mine at once. I have noticed that some of the successsful shops have been around a long time, so giving it some time and us being patient will be important.

[MariStarDesigns]

jleesyn,

I really like how your banner reflects the art in your work - nice touch! Your pictures are good, and I noticed your tags are very thorough. Hopefully this will add up to some great sales soon!
Best of luck,
Marissa

[UnicornHill]

Hi everyone! I've only been here for about three months but I think I can help.
Fill up your shop! People like options. you can renew for .20 I renew a painting every day, some shops renew every item in their shop every day- it depends on budget. Renewing will bring you to the top of the searches.
Make treasuries, consider joining a treasury team, this will get you lots of views! The more views, the more hearts, the more hearts, the more other people see your work (because of circles)
Finally be patient. There is a ton of stuff here on etsy, and it takes time to get seen. Here's to all our success :) cheers

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone, I have only been here for a few months too. That's a good idea to renew listings SunnyLeeStudio it would fill up our shops while we create more items.

I feel like a needle in the haystack, (with so many great shops we are really) so I spend a lot of time on my blog. I create free downloads that brings traffic in then hopefully on to my Etsy shop.

I have just started a "Etsy love" page on my blog, I really enjoyed making my first treasury page so I re-created, and plan on making lots more.

Its early days but I'm have fun. Good luck everyone!
Rachel

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone
What a wealth of information you all have provided! I never thought of listing an item a day.
Does anyone know the answer to this...I did a "trade". She made my banner in return for my Pokemon chapstick holder. Is there anyway to move that chapstick holder to my "sold" page or do I have to just delete it (which I don't want to do - because I want people to know I performed a trade).
Also, any criticing of my shop would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Connie

[JLeeSynDesign]

@junkdrawerdivas
Thanks for sharing your advice! I think your right about being patient :) And everyone keeps saying to list one item a day... Seems like a great idea! Good luck with your shop!

[JLeeSynDesign]

@Mari Star Designs
Thanks so much... It's definitely comforting to hear I'm at least on the right track :)

[JLeeSynDesign]

Thanks for the renewing tip SunnyLeeStudio! I didn't realize you could do that :) I really appreciate all your advice...

[UnicornHill]

No worries :) a lot of people helped me when I first started, it's the great thing about etsy.
Connie- I have not done a trade but I think people often buy the items from each other for the same price after they have agreed to the trade. Maybe you could work something like that out with the designer that did your banner? She could make you a custom listing for the same price as your chopstick holder.

[Former_Member]

I have had my shop for almost a month and no sales. I too feel like a needle in a hay stack and a little discouraged. I love the ideas that have been listed here such as adding a new item daily or renewing to get seen more. This is all so new to me and exciting too! I'm not sure if my shop is visually on the right track. Each day a new day, right? Creativity is our business so hopefully new ideas to market my shop will come up

[RoseMarysGlassArt]

I opened my shop in January and my nephew bought a bracelet. That has been my only sale. I've had lots of interest and really have appreciated that. I guess from reading your comments, I'm among so many who wonder if there will be another sale! Patience, patience.

Could I ask a few of you to look at my shop and comment. I love all the pieces there and feel it is good work. Please feel free to give me your honest opinions. Thanks so much.

[Former_Member]

Hello! Greetings from your Newbie Captain :)

Well, I hear you! It can be discouraging....I promise you I have cried because you start your
shop thinking you will start selling right away and ..... it just doesnt happen.

Some quick advice.

-Have the more items you can.
-Great photography (light background, close ups, different angles)
-Have something for kids
-Have something ideal as gift giving
-Have something that can be used as party favors.

It takes time, relist, but if you can
create something new everyday.

Blessings!
AMy*
GBMB

[Former_Member]

Hi,

I'm new too, have tried the facebook, twitter, blogs thing. Have received many views, although no increase in sales. I'm here to learn new techniques to better market my business. Next thing on the line, I am designing my business cards and will be a part of a huge outdoor garage sale this summer with thousands of other people and will also have my business cards on hand with me. If you need business cards, flyers... contact me for a quote. To find out a little more about me, visit the info section on my facebook business page. :)

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

[madlittlehatter]

I read somewhere that it was a good idea to list items at a busy time on etsy, when a lot of people are browsing. Im going to try this, maby a new item a day for a week or so.

[Former_Member]

@madlittlehatter do you know when the busiest time of day is for Etsy? I live in Sydney Australia so it may be when I'm asleep :)

By the way I love your hats. I have a Alice in Wonderland collection (party stationery) it gets the most hits on my website www.creativelittlestars.com

When I get a minute I will do a little blog about your hats, if you like?. every little bit helps.

[madlittlehatter]

hi i am not sure exactly what time is the busiest on etsy, i have tried to find out to no avail. i would presume it would be between 7 in the evening and 10pm, that is a guess! So it could well be when you are asleep. i would love it if you want to write about my hats in your blog thank you. I love the party staitionary, my daughter has already asked if she can have it for her party!