Some Etsy Advice

I asked my Facebook Friends for blog topics that they'd like me to cover and one of the first requests was about increasing sales on Etsy.

I do not claim to be an expert, but I'm happy to share what works for me.

There are a lot of hints and tips that to me seem important in having an Etsy shop, so the tips will be spread out over a few posts.

With that being said, here are the first three that I think are important.

• 1. Have a focus for your shop.
It seems like the shops that do very well, often have a specific focus. It's like they have postitioned themselves to try to be the "go-to" place for a specific item or area. I try to keep pretty much to "whimsical sculptural beads". When I try to sell some of my beads that are more "serious", they don't do as well, or sell as quickly. It seems like your customers will find you when you are "known" for a certain angle.

• 2. Your customers are more likely to want to look for you if you do three things...
a. have clear, uncluttered photos that show your product from different views.
Yes, I know photography is a pain and time consuming, but it also sells your work. Make sure you don't photo shop it too much, so it truly represents what you sell.
b. provide a product that is unique and somewhat different from others' work. Yes, it may be handmade, but if it doesn't look different from others, why would they want to buy from you?
c. If it is the same, or similar, you will want to be sure to price your items fairly, list often, (every day is what I recommend), and provide amazing customer service.

• 3. Amazing customer service - I define it by...communicate, communicate, communicate with your customers. Make sure that they know they are buying something that represents you. Package your items carefully, and send them out quickly. Perhaps your shop announcement says you mail on Tuesdays and Thursdays- that's cool, but be sure you stick to it.

So those are just a few of my hints for now. I'll be writing more about online selling. If you have tips too, please write them in the comment section and let everyone know. If you have specific questions that I might be able to answer, feel free to post them here or send them to me at ... studiomarcy@gmail.com. I'd be happy to answer them as best as I can.

See you back here tomorrow. Different topic, (gotta keep it diversified), but a fun one on jewelry trends. Hasta la vista, baby!

Etsy Selling Tips for Beadmakers

I'm happy to share my Etsy selling tips. And I get asked often, so I thought I'd write down some basics that I recently shared with one of my friends who was asking about them.

I think Etsy is a lower priced venue, for sales. That's why I keep my beads so simple on it. A few higher priced ones sell, but the smaller ones do so much better. It's chock full of jewelry makers who list on there.

A lot of Etsy success stories include listing new items daily. It brings your pieces to the forefront of the lists and be careful to tag them correctly. I list daily and do custom work. Both work well for me. Your photography is as important as the art you do. If it's not good, no one will notice your work.

Remember that the Etsy audience is broad and goes towards the younger than the older side. Find your niche and stick with it. You'll be more successful. I personally think that beadmakers who offer too many styles have a hard time showing their identity to repeat shoppers.

Also there are a ton of very talented beadmakers on Etsy- you have to work hard to stand out. I blog (as seen right here) go on the forums, have joined some Etsy Street Teams and keep my name out there if possible. It's a lot of work for me, but it's my only selling venue.

If you are just consider selling on Etsy, be aware that whatever name you use when signing up, will be your Etsy url address. So be careful. I've seen some shop owners name their shop one thing and have a different address. I know a lot of buyers convert to sellers, and that's the reason, but being aware upfront can help.

I've also seen some wonderful collaborations result from connections on Etsy. Be open to the possibilities. All these creative folks can work well together to create more new items.

If you have Etsy selling tips, please add them in here. I'd love for us to share with others. I enjoy Etsy. It's been good to me and I'm thankful for having them.