How do I get noticed?

[#1]

I opened my Etsy shop a few weeks ago and have done a lot of research on marketing and how to get noticed. After reading and watching a lot of videos, I found that the best tips were taking good photos, filling everything out on your page, using tags wisely, updating with new products often and having lots to sell, and networking with other pages.

WELL, i've done all of that, and I'm still not getting noticed! I have very little page views, even after reaching out to other pages and facebook.

I know it's hard to get seen as a card site since there are so many paper product pages out there, but I still would LOVE to get my page up and running. I'm going to keep adding more to sell, but it's very frustrating when no one is looking!

Any help would be greatly appreciated....thanks!!

- Heather

[AnxiousDesignerShop]

It's been a month since I posted this topic, and I've made 7 sales! I think the best advice I've received is just be patient, keep building your site with new products, and keyword everything correctly!

[AnxiousDesignerShop]

And I was featured on a creative living website....how crazy!

http://www.brit.co/living/as-if-clueless-turns-17-and-we-re-totally-buggin/

[InsideSandysShop]

Heather - That is great !!!! Now you've come full circle and are giving others advice. Keep hanging in there you've only just begun. It may be a roller coaster ride. Blessings to you and a job well done. Sandy

[AnxiousDesignerShop]

thanks Sandy!

[Mauroandco]

Congrats Heather, I've been on here 2 months and am 4 sales so far. We have a sister shop that has been on here for 6 months and just keep doing great work and making treasuries etc., listing new products, writing good descriptions and taking great photos and yes patience really is key on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

I need help! I've been around for a couple of years but I was mostly a buyer in the beginning. Once I saw the potential of Etsy I started listing my items more and more. Now, I'm at the point where I have several items listed, several views per day (anywhere between 50-150 per day) but no buyers. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I have a fan page through facebook, photos and links all over Pinterest, and several Craigslist ads. I use tags and keywords in my titles and throughout listings and ads but still see very little effects.

On Facebook I have 600+ fans but they aren't very active. I try to interact or host giveaways and it seems that the only people that respond are family and friends. It makes me feel like the rest are just ghosts.

Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Mona - Welcome to our team!!!!!!!! You have such a cute shop with fun and functional items. You have written a little bit about yourself and how your shop came to be so that will help you connect with your buyers. You have a good policy page and offer exchanges which is reassuring to the buyer that you want to work with them for their full satisfaction.
Titles and Tags are how you get found here at etsy. Let's take titles first. The search engines do not like symbols i.e. backslashes, periods, commas, colons, semi-colons, etc. in the titles. The SE sees that as a "stop sign" and "dumps" everything after that. Also, the first 3 words in the title are the most important - you need to think like a buyer would and what you would type in to find your item. Soooo on your headbands you would want "headband" in the first three words and then describe after that. In this listing you have a backslash that will cause the SE to stop and a potetial buyer would not type in those 3 words to find an infant headband.
http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/5820798/il_fullxfull.397951137_eran.jpg
Did I make sense?
Then on your tags - this is where you really have to wrack your brain. Try to use all 13 tags on every single item and don't be afraid to use phrases and really describe your item in your tags. You can use up to 20 characters on each tag - this will give you more chances to get found in the searches. Also etsy will give you a couple freebie tags based on your title which could end up as duplicates which I think has happened on some of yours. So go through and edit out the duplicates. This takes time and it's hard to think of ways to describe each item but it will get you to your target audience. On your stat page look and see what people have typed in to find your items and those make GREAT tags because someone has actually typed it in to find you.
Then lastly, your photos are good and clear but try to use all 5 photo spots in every single listing. Remember your customer cannot pick up this item so you need to show it in all different angles and a close up of the details.
You have a good supply of stock in your shop and a nice variety of items for the customer to choose from. I think you are on the right track and will be well on your way - maybe some of these ideas will help you while you wait for sales to pick up.
If I was not clear and you would like clarificiation please respond back. Keep us posted on how you are doing we like to encourage one another here.
I wish you much success in your shop :)
Blessings -
Sandy

[Former_Member]

Thank you very much Sandy for your input! I find it extremely helpful and generous of you! I will go back and edit the duplicate tags, take more photos, and edit my titles.

I will definitely keep everyone posted as I see results.

:)

[Former_Member]

WOW! Great advice ladies! Off to apply as much as I can immediately!

Thanks very much!

[Former_Member]

Good luck Mona! Your shop is really cute. I sent you some smiles! It all adds up!

Sandy, thank you for your insight on this. You have provided information that not only helps Mona, but applies to many of us on here. I truly enjoy reading your posts. Thank you very much!

[Former_Member]

I am new to the page im trying to sale items because im a mother of 2 and my job is not enough even though I just started this etsy.com site I still need help Thanks

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Kimberly - Welcome to etsy and especially welcome to our team!!! I was in your shop this morning and your stats page will reflect that as I looked at almost every item in your shop. You definitely have a good start but there are things you can keep working on while you wait for sales to start.
I noticed you did not have a policy page filled out. It would be good to fill that out - welcome you customers and let them know what your return policy is, how you will be shipping and when you ship. Also, a message under your shop name and banner would be nice. That will also show up on google and help you get found.
Your tags are another way you get found in the searches so you will want those to be very relevant to your item. Describe your item fully in your tags. So the item below should have tags like - cubic zirconia, earrings, jewelry, sterling silver, fashion jewelry, sterling silver, fashion, stud earrings, sparkle earrings, gifts for her, valentines day, valentines gift. Edit out all those tags that do not apply. I jotted down some of the tags that do not apply in your listings and they are baby items, bags, movies, games, shoes, clothes, shirts, pants, coins, outer wear - these words do not describe jewelry so edit those out.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/121589511/solitaire-sterling-silver-earrings-set-3?
Keeping working on your item descriptions - fully describe your item and make it appealing to your customer.
It takes time to get established on etsy so be patient and keep working on your shop and sprucing up your photos, descriptions and tags.
You are a busy mother of two precious little ones and everything takes time. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Blessings,
Sandy

[AllThatInspires]

I opened my shop in September of last year, but have only had 2 sales! Any advice would be great. Thanks! Summer

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Summer - Welcome to our team!!!!!! I was in your jewelry shop this evening. You have worked very hard and it shows. You have all your pages filled out even your about page - great! Your customers will know that you want their complete satisfaction and can connect with you.
Jewelry is very fiercely competitive so you will have to be patient and build up your customers and that takes time. You can also social network to get exposure and promote your beautiful items.
I love the story behind each item and what inspired you to design that piece. I think you are on the right track just keep working at it and tweaking your tags. A good way to know what tags to use are to check your stats page and the key words that are typed in to find your items are the perfect tag words. Speaking of your stats page it will reflect my browsing tonight. I looked at almost every single item :) Beautiful!!
Also on your photos - I would try to use all 5 photos on every single item. Your customer cannot pick up that piece of jewelry so you have to show every detail to them through your photos.
I hope some of this helps and I wish you much success in your shop.
Blessings,
Sandy

[AllThatInspires]

Thank you Sandy! :)

[DobrishmanArt]

As a novice Etsy user I really appreciate the advice in this forum. While I opened my shop some time ago, I've only recently started listing items and have had fewer visitors than I would like. Based on what I read, I now realize I have miles to go in setting up my shop - e.g., providing a clear policies page, more descriptive titles for the pieces in my shop, perhaps more photos, better use of social media and joining some Etsy groups to both gain ideas and provide support for other members. Like many of you, in addition to making my shop more visible, I'm also trying to figure what it is that makes that difference between individuals just browsing and perhaps admiring items in your shop and and making those first few Etsy sales... I would imagine that product marketability, descriptions and competitive pricing are very important, but I have a feeling there's much more to it than that...

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Liat - Welcome to our team!!!! It is so good to hear from different people and their thoughts. You have very good comments and insight. It is true that many of us have views but they are just browsers - other viewers want the best value for their money so may even admire your item but keep looking to see the competition. It is a fine line pricing our products to equal the value of the item and still pay ourselves for our time and talent. I think pricing is one of the hardest things to do and seeking out your competition does help - very time consuming I might add :)
I was in your lovely shop this morning - and your stats will certainly reflect that. I was impressed with your vibrant paintings, the variety you offer and your descriptions are very thorough. You certainly have a good handle on your shop thus far. I also fav'd a few of your items to get them going through the activity feed to increase your visibility.
Your profile page is filled out nicely and helps your customers connect with you. Go ahead and get that policy page filled out - at least with the basics - you can always edit it later as you need to but it will give customers a basic idea of what to expect.
I wish you much success in your shop and don't be shy about commenting again soon.
Blessings,
Sandy

[DobrishmanArt]

Hi Sandy - thank you! Your feedback is very encouraging. I've now added a basic policies page. I am certainly struggling to find that fine line in terms of prices. On one hand I would love items to sell and word to spread about my shop, on the other hand since painting is not a full time job for me and I put my heart into all of my projects, it would be nice to be compensated fairly. In any case, I'm certainly enjoying the Etsy experience and am so impressed by some of the shops I've browsed so far - so much talent and creative energy! Thanks again!

[Former_Member]

Being able to design and create t-shirts has been my most proud opportunity, and I just really need to understand how to get noticed. I realize I don't have enough items so far, but I'm adding quite a few more items within the next week or so.

But what else can I do?
Will someone please check out my page and see if it's enticing at all?
I really want to get the ball rolling, but that may be because I'm the most anxious little girl on the planet.

-Em

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Emily - Welcome to etsy and especially welcome to our team!!!! I was in your shop this afternoon and I can tell that you want to get this shop off the ground and start selling. This will be a great item for this summer.
The first 3 words of your titles are the most important. They should reflect your item. I think if you go through and change your titles to Graphic T shirts you will get found easier. If you want you can include the name of the tshirt after that but the item should be first. You can also check your keywords on your stats page and see what people are typing in to find you. These words make good titles and tag words also.
Then, just keep working with and tightening up your tag words. Don't be afraid to use phrases to get more chances to be found. Just stay in your 20 character limit.
It does take a little bit of time to get established here at etsy so be patient and keep adding to your shop. Hey, what about a model for your shirts as well - you can have 5 photos for each item and the more a buyer can see of the item the better.
I wish you much success in your shop and quick success :) Keep us posted on how you are doing and especially when that first sale comes in :)
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

Hello
thank you for having me here.
I hope that somehow I can build a boat navigate this ocean of shops here and somehow get noticed. i do several things in the way of artistic expression and have found that there really is no place in the area I live to see any decent success. I only have a couple items listed so far and am working up more listings of my existing stock but I have no clue what to do to get views other than facebook and those people with whom I am associated there have already exhibited that all they really want to do is window shop.

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Jim - Welcome to Etsy and especially welcome to our team!!!! I visited your shop this morning and you do beautiful work. You will certainly find your niche and there are a few things you can do to help get yourself found here on etsy.
I liked your policy page and the conciseness of it with a little humor - for instance you use paypal because it's easy ;-)
I have favorited your shop and both your items to get you going through the activity feed so other people will see you too. Then I started following you so as you favorite items in other peoples shops I will see them in my feed too. Get yourself out there and fav items and shops and people will reciprocate and do the same for you and before you know it you will have a lot of admirers and followers.
On your cross necklace you have a terrific description but then on the antler there is only 1 sentence I think. Fill that description out more and especially with words that will describe it so the search engines will pick those words up and find your item.
Tags are really how you get found here on etsy. You are allowed 13 so be sure to use all 13 tags on every single item and don't be afraid to use phrases - you just need to stay within your 20 character limit. So on your cross necklace you can combine some of your words to make phrases and I took the liberty of jotting out a few other phrases I thought might be good for a start. They are - antler carving, antler artwork, Jesus Jewelry, carved cross, symbol of faith, symbol of hope, symbol of peace, cross necklace, and leather cord. Using the same language you using in your descriptions, titles and tags will help the search engines find you. As you get several views on your items keep a check on your stats page for the keywords that people are typing in to find your item and those make excellent tag words because that's what people are actually using.
Don't get discouraged it can takes a couple months before you really see any results just keep working, adding items and tweaking tags until you get found.
Be sure to keep us posted on how you are doing, when your views increase and especially let us know when you get that first sale. We all enjoy the happy dance.
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

Sandy, your feedback is amazing! I would love thoughts on how to improve my store. I have been open for about a month and no sales yet. I have attempted to change some of the tags and descriptions but I find that I am having a hard time being more descriptive of the products. Any ideas? Thanks!

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Becky - Welcome to etsy and welcome to our team!!!! Thank you for your kind words - they are very much appreciated :-)
I was in your lovely shop this morning (morning here in Oregon). You have some very unique and creative items. I always think baby things are the perfect thing to sell because there are always babies out there and new ones being born all the time - so your items are always in demand and it doesn't matter what season it is either :-)
Your items are all being found because you have had nice views on all that I could see. You are a very young shop so it is not odd at all that you have not had any sales. I waited for about 3 months before I got a sale and many others have waited a long time too. Patience is your friend right now but while you are waiting for that coveted sale you can keep working on your titles and tags.
Titles and tags are how you get found here at etsy.
On your titles the first three words are the most important and you want your item to be in those first 3 words.

Your 16 X 16 bird pillow could be better titled - Decorative Pillow covers 16 X 16 inch multi colored bird fabric - that way your item of pillow covers is in the first 3 words but you still have the info you want after it. Also, use every single word of your title and tags in your description. Describe your item like you were talking to your friend on the phone and needed to describe every detail of that item for her with her not being able to see it. Also, be clear in your description that this is for the pillow covers only. Pillows are not included.
The search engines like it when they see your words from title, tags, and description all being used. I hope I am making some sort of sense to you and if not feel free to post again or even message me if you want :-)

On your plaid tie onesie I would title it - Baby onesie with plaid tie applique
Then on your description really fill that out ( I know that’s what you said you had trouble thinking of).

Dress your little main in this fashionable onesie. This Gerber short sleeved onesie is appliquéd with high quality 100% cotton fabric. The first photo is plaid designer fabric especially for that little one in your life.
You also have the choice of a two toned green material, aqua and cream design, and a red plaid. I have prewashed this material so it is preshrunk. Your onesie will wash and wear nicely even without the use of softeners or dryer sheets. Feel free to convo me if you have any questions.

Do you need a perfect baby shower gift? You don’t have to look any further. Convo me with your specifications of color and design and I will be happy to work with you.

On this listing your tags look pretty good. Just keep checking your stats page and see what people are typing in when they look for your items and adjust them accordingly. You may have to tighten them up a little bit.

Okay, so I think you get the idea. It is a lot of thinking in the beginning but once you get those listings done then you can just keep relisting the item. It is well worth the effort you put in to it.

Like I said earlier if you have any other questions or comments please don’t hesitate to post again.
I wish you much success in your shop and be sure to keep us posted especially when you get that 1st sale. We all enjoy the happy dance :-)
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

Thank you guys for having me in this great Team! And thank you for all the wonderful advises!
You guys, please have a look on my shop and see what issues my shop has, because I do not get any sales so far:(
I'm looking forward for your answers :)