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

[Former_Member]

Hey Veronica! First of all, I adore your art, and you certainly have talent. It is good that you've got a banner-that is certainly a step in the right direction.

As far as your photographs go of your artwork, I'd say it definitely does it justice, however I've noticed some of your descriptions say "may not be to scale" which is something you might want to consider revising and making it so the buyer knows exactly how your pieces are going to fit in their room. It is great you have dimensions, however some people aren't comfortable envisioning a number as a physical length so maybe you should try hanging some of your physical prints up in a natural room.

Your titles seem pretty good, though make sure you are describing your pieces as a customer might describe them. For example I'd personally rephrase this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/125603540/original-abstract-textured-pallete-knife?ref=related-3

to something like Original Abstract Painting for Home Decor and Display "The Secret". Of course that is just what comes to my mind when I see the painting, and I'm certainly no expert haha. Just play around with what feels right and use your shop stats to determine what is working and what isn't. Of course, that is easier said than done.

Also, consider setting up an "About" page for your shop; when people can connect to you, your process, and your pieces, they'll be more likely to be interested in buying and having a piece of you in the art. Why do you paint? What mediums are your favorite? How do you get an idea? Just think of some things someone might ask you in an interview, or just put what you think works best.

Overall though, I think you are headed in the right direction, so keep it up! Patience is very needed on etsy, so just have faith that with some work, things will pick up.

Best Wishes,
Frances Bukovsky

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Veronica - Welcome to our team!!!! I sure can't add much to what Frances already told you but I totally agree about the titles. On the titles you want to think like a buyer and what they would be typing in to find your beautiful paintings. Also, the first three words are the most important - your item should be evident in the first 3 words so the listing below is my favorite painting in your shop yet I probably wouldn't find it in the searches because I would not type in free shipping original. I definitely like the title that Frances gave above and that would work for this one too but you will want to change up the words a little bit for the search engines to find more of your items all the time.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/130892099/free-shipping-huge-original-abstract?ref=shop_home_active
I wish you much success in your shop! You are a very talented artist :-)
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

Thank you very much for all the good informations that you guys gave me :), I really apreciate it! I will fix all my goals as soon as possible :)
Thanks again, you really are a good team!
All de best and happy happy sales!
xxxxx

[RetroAlleyVintage]

Hello!

I started my Etsy shop about 2 months ago and I just hit my 10th sale recently. However, I had to do a lot of editing and re-tagging to accomplish this. Needless to say, this team has given me a lot of advice to read about. I wanted to improve my shop independently before asking for advice specifically for my shop, but now I feel comfortable in asking others. I know I am doing OK just starting out (I am very thankful for my sales), but I would like to ask if there is anything else I could do to improve my shop that I am just overlooking. Advise from this team is greatly appreciated.

-Doug
RetroAlleyVintage

[InsideSandysShop]

Hello Doug - First let me say Welcome to our team!!!!! Then second I just have to say WOW!!!! You have been doing your homework and it truly shows. You have not only been reading about SEO and getting found you have been implementing it in your shop. It has been a delightful stroll through your shop this morning.
You already know the things you've done right but I just have to say that your shop message under your banner is perfect. As the search engines crawl your shop you have everything you sell listed right there in that message.
Your policy page is very thorough and complete. Your customer will know exactly what to expect and knows your policy on returns.
You have done an excellent job of placing your items in their appropriate shop section and your shop sections are very easy to navigate :-)
As I am going through your shop I'm randomly looking at individual listings - like I said earlier you have done your homework and everything looks very nice - but I also know you want to fine tune your items so I'll try to suggest a few things - but please keep in mind that you should only make the changes you want to make.
In the listing below you have the tag words - moments jewelry and moments doll. People will probably not type in those key words for that item. I do understand your dilemma of "precious moments" taking so many characters but you already have "precious moments" and "precious moments box" as tags so it will get found under those tags if someone is looking for precious moments items. Your tag "moments artist" might be better if it were "precious moments art" - it is tough to stay within those 20 character isn't it! If you take out those moments jewelry and moments doll a couple of words that people might type in would be heart shaped box, ceramic box, ring case, ring holder, ceramic trinket box. Also, in this listing you have home décor as a tag 2 times. I think etsy gave you one of those based on the category you have it listed under so if you edit one of those out you will have an extra tag and an extra chance to get found.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/154475992/vintage-precious-moments-box-enesco-1985?ref=shop_home_active
Okay, so you get the idea. Just keep tweaking and tightening up your listings. I cannot stress enough how well you have done - this has been very tough for me to find things you can improve upon because I think you ought to come into my shop and do some work for me. It's one thing to know what to do and another to actually get it done and you are getting it done.
In my own shop I have started looking at each listing when it comes up for renewal and tweaking them at that time. It's amazing how much you learn as time goes on - you haven't had any listings expire yet but you might keep that in mind as you relist.
Also, you might think about doing an "About" page. Some people really enjoy reading about the shop owner and why they do what they do and in your case where you find some of those terrific items. By the way I couldn't help but fav some of my favorite items in your shop ;-)
You already know you are doing quite well with 10 sales in such a short time -you are well on your way and I wish you much success in your shop ;-)
Blessings,
Sandy

[narmendia]

Hi all I'm new, just reading through this thread....what is BNS?

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Nydia - Here is a great thread on BNR and BNS I hope it helps :-)
https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/9634319/
I personally needed to make sales - not just trade items and buy other people things - even if they were very lovely I had to get my shop off the ground and sell.
Blessings,
Sandy

[RetroAlleyVintage]

Sandy,

I greatly appreciate the time you took to look through my shop and give me advice. I tweaked those tags you mention and will continue to change those sort of tags to my other items. I will also be adding an about me section in the near future. Sometimes it just takes someone else to notice things you wouldn't have yourself. :)

I also looked at your shop and it looks very nice. I can clearly see the work and love you put into your items and etsy page. You are a great role model for new members, such as myself! Also, I already found that it takes some time to figure out shipping and I love how you took the time to separate those countries from everywhere else. I am going to have to tweak that as well for my shop sometime. On another note, your pictures are very lovely as well.

Anyway, thank you again for the feedback and I hope you have a great day.

-Doug

[Former_Member]

Hi! I just set up my shop, let my FB friends know, and am looking for ways to get more online exposure. I think it is like any other online business - I'm going to have to advertise (blogs, chats like this one, forums, whatever it takes). Running a business is hard work and takes some time, but I am confident that one day it will take off. I also sell books online and it took about 6 months before I really got noticed and now my books sell regularly. One more thing, is that when it comes to selling crafts and things, I have found it really important to try and zero in on a market that is looking for what I have to offer. If this is hard to find, then I have had to research and change my product line somewhat and try and keep it fresh and current (craft items change regularly).

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Linda - Welcome to etsy and especially welcome to our team! Don't forget to put your tags in each item. They help you get found here on etsy. You are allowed 13 tags for each listing and don't be afraid to use phrases in those tags and really describe that item. That will be 13 chances to be found by a potential buyer and sell some jewelry.
I wish you much success in your newest shop!
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

Hi Sandy. Thanks for the tip about tags. I'll definitely improve that helpful tool. I'm not sure if I am doing it right. If I put too many tags by mistake, does it still post up to the 13 I already used or not put in any at all? I'm still learning the system, but really enjoying the Etsy community especially. It's great to have so much helpful support when needed (which is quite often - lol)!

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Linda - Etsy will not let you put too many tags in. When you have used all 13 it tells you under the box that you enter the tags in that you have used all 13. It also will not let you put more than 20 characters in each tag - if you try it comes up with red writing that you can't have more than 20 characters.
There is a huge learning curve here on etsy and then about the time you think you've got it figured out they change something - lol. It's a terrific experience though.
Don't hesitate to post again with either questions or comments - we are all learning together.
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

I'm having the same problem. I can't seem to get views let alone sales. This is all so new to me. I'm not even sure if this thread is still active.

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Delayna - Welcome to etsy and especially welcome to our team!!! You are a very brand new shop ;-) Only open 3 days so it will take a little bit of time for you to get established and be picked up by the search engines. I am going to follow you, fav your shop and fav your items so it will at least go through the activity feed and get you a little bit of visibility.
One thing I am really hearing now in searches is that the message board is very important. Take out all fluff and put it exactly what you sell. Most of us do like to welcome people in, be friendly and say fluff but it is not good for getting found by the search engines.
Your titles look good - your item is described in your title but your description should be filled out. Describe you item like the person you are talking to cannot see the item. This is where you can show pride in your work. Also, your description should have all your title words in it and all your tag words.
Your tag words should be phrases that a buyer would type in to find this item. You already have some great ones like Forest Painting, Abstract Forest, Home Décor, Wall Art, Tree Painting. Then I would combine some of the other words to make phrases like Acrylic Painting, Canvas Painting, and maybe add Wall Painting, Wall Décor, Original Artwork - So we're up to 10 tag phrases and you have used all your words and still can think of more terms to put in there - these are all chances to get found in the searches so you will want to use them wisely. If you want to put the colors in combine them with another word like Blue Sky Painting or Vibrant Blue Sky. Your tags should include your title words and then like I said earlier all those words should be in your description. This is all good SEO.
Your paintings are beautiful and your photos of them are good but you only give us one view of the painting and you are allowed 5. You can give a photo of the front and back and maybe of one hanging on a wall - giving people some idea of how it will look in their home and a size reference. Your customer will want to know exactly what they are getting especially since all of your sales are final.
This should give you a little bit to work on while you are waiting to get found. You will get found - it takes a little time :-) You do beautiful work and your prices are reasonable so I can see you doing very well here on etsy.
Keep us posted on how you do and especially when you get your first sale or for that matter any milestone - we have an official celebration thread that we would love to hear how you are doing.
I wish you much success in your shop!
Blessings,
Sandy

[BerkshireCollections]

Thank you for all of the advice, I am working on all of this right now. Taking me longer, b/c I am actually looking through all of your sites.

[BettieEngland]

Hi I am new to Etsy too. I took all your advice from this forum(I think) but I am not sure exactly what to do for engaging with people, connection.. etc? I have poor page view also. maybe I did something wrong??

[InsideSandysShop]

Ladybud - You're not kidding when you say you are new to etsy - it looks like you just joined yesterday :-) A big welcome to you!
It will take time for you to get established on etsy. It can take a couple weeks for the search engines to even "crawl" your shop and get you on the internet. But it will all come in time.
People can still find you through etsy though. If they type in your titles or tag words they should find your item. This is where it starts getting tricky. When you title your items it should be a title people will type in to find your hair accessories. You will want your item identified in the first few words of your title. Thinking like a buyer helps to get you the titles that will be most relevant.
Your tags are the other thing that really will help you get found. Don't be afraid to use phrases in your tags. You are allowed 13 tags and 20 characters in each tag. These are all chances to be found so we all try to utilize them wisely. Try to describe your item fully in these tags - For your Seashell Hair Barrett - a few tags that went through my head were: lace barrette, ribbon barrette, shabby chic, lace and pearls, hair barrette, hair accessories, ivory lace barrette - okay, I think you get the idea. These are phrases that potential clients will type in to find your beautiful hair accessories. Be sure to use all 13 tags this way because phrases are better than single words.
You have such lovely items - it will help if you make more of them and fill up at least that first page of your shop while you are waiting to be found. It does take time - so patience will be your friend for the next several weeks.
I wish you much success in your shop and please keep us posted on how you are doing and especially when that coveted sale comes in.
Blessings,
Sandy

[Former_Member]

I also need some help with my page and any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks to everyone!

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Victoria - A big WELCOME to you! I have been in your shop this morning and you have some very lovely items. The banner in your shop is very clean, elegant and very well done. You might want to think about filling out your message board. The search engines do look for that. When you fill it out - you won't want to put any fluff in there (search engines don't read fluff) just start with what you sell in your shop.
Now that I have mentioned that scary phrase "search engine" - that's really what it is all about when it comes to getting found in the searches. The search engines "crawl" your message board, title, tags and description. All the words in those items need describe your item.
Your titles need to be relevant to your item. The first few words are the most important because a potential buyer will be typing in the actual item they want. So your item needs to be identified in the first few words. Think like a buyer - that is sometimes hard to do. In the listing below - if I were looking for this item I would probably type in something like Autumn Floral Arrangement OR Autumn Table Centerpiece OR Flower Arrangement. Any of those would be good titles you could even put your descriptive words after those first 3 words like Autumn Floral Arrangement With Scarecrow And Sunflowers.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/165585542/festive-fall-autumn-pumpkin-leaves-cat?ref=shop_home_active
Buyers usually just type in a few words and then as options pop up for them from the search engines they may click on one of those options. Also, readability is important because if you just cram a lot of words in there that describe your item the search engines see that as spam and redirect OUT of your shop :-( The other thing I would experiment with if I were you, is the use of the word Fall and Autumn - I don't know which one most people use and you will for sure want to keep an eye on your stats page and see what most people are typing in for that keyword and adjust accordingly.
Tags are another way you get found. Don't be afraid to use phrases in describing your beautiful items. Let's take this same listing and instead of single words let's group some of them together to get more chances to be found. Some tags I thought of were - floral centerpiece, floral arrangement, Autumn flowers, table centerpiece, scarecrow décor, flower pots, flower centerpiece, flower décor, silk flowers, Autumn floral, Fall décor, Autumn décor, scarecrow design, Fall home décor, Flower designs - so you get the idea - this is where you can really describe what is in that beautiful floral arrangement :-)
Then after thinking of that great title and describing your item in the tags be sure to use as many of those words as possible in your description. Really describe that beautiful floral arrangement like you were talking to someone who couldn't see it.
Then I would be amiss if I didn't talk about photos. That is the first thing people will see and want to click on so you will want that first thumbnail photo to be clear and exactly what the item is. On the above listing I think it's great! The colors are vibrant and you show the whole floral arrangement. Also, on the other photos you showed great close-ups of different parts of the floral arrangement. These photos are great.
The other flower arrangement you have in your shop - the photos below your listing are sideways - is there anyway you can get those upright.
If you have any other questions or if I have thoroughly confused you - please post again :-)
I wish you much success in your shop. Remember it will take a fair amount of patience to get a brand new shop off the ground. You will have highs and lows - very much like a roller coaster :-)
We are all here for encouragement though - "POP" into the threads often and let us know how you are doing.
Blessings,
Sandy

[narmendia]

Pity party here too...no sales for almost three weeks. Frustrated...I am doing craft shows, reaching out to retailers but online it's just flatlined. I will keep at it but I feel discouraged. Glad to know I'm not the only one..

[Former_Member]

Hi,
I would really appreciate any suggestions or comments about my shop. I opened it in 2012 but started adding items a month ago. What can I improve?
Thank you :)

[InsideSandysShop]

Hi Karolina - A huge WELCOME to you! You have quite a creative flair with so much talent :-) Printing your own fabric - I couldn't even imagine how to go about that. Very, very talented!
I think the first thing that jumped out at me was your photos. There is a great thread pinned at the top of the discussions in this team on tips for photography that might be of some help to you. It seems like your backgrounds are a little to busy and are competing with your item. You want you item to be the focal point so people will click it to get a closer look.
Your items are so nice a colorful and vibrant they will certainly attract attention and your organic jersey and bamboo fabric is a plus also WOW!
To get found in the searches you will want to utilize each and every tag to it's fullest. Don't be afraid to use phrases in your tags. You can combine some of your single words to make a phrase and then that will give you more tags to use. This is prime real estate to get found. Your tags of eco friendly, organic cotton, organic jersey, bamboo jersey are excellent for finding these products. So keep that line of thinking going as you think of others to fill in. I will jot down a few ideas for you and you can rearrange the words however you want :-) What about printed jersey, printed bamboo, women's clothing, organic red skirt, organic jersey skirt, comfortable clothing, unique clothing and breathable fabric. You get the idea - really use those tags to the fullest.
Those are a couple of things you can be working on while you are waiting for the sales to roll in :-) I mentioned the thread on photography and there is also a thread on SEO that might help you some.
Keep adding products and variety to your shop. You do wonderful work.
I wish you much success in your shop. Please keep us posted as to how you are doing.
Blessings,
Sandy

[littlesquibminiature]

Hi heather ,
items are great and like me im a new seller still no sales ,
i feel its a case of just keep adding more stock x

[Former_Member]

Hi Sandy,

thank you so much for your comments!

[isavedyouapiece]

Hello everyone,

I have just joined your team and have a few questions regarding the improvement of my shop. My main issue is that I sell business cards templates, which are available in different colour options - the general layout stays the same but there is a choice of colours. Do you think I should make a listing for each business card's design in each colour separately? Or one listing for one design is enough (with colour options shown on further photos) ?

I will appreciate any other suggestions/comments as I am very new to Etsy and all your opinions count.

Thanks a lot in advance.