June 23, 2009
If you haven't popped by the Virtual Labs, Etsy's interactive classrooms, you really should! This week, we're holding 3 workshops just for sellers, so come on by and learn how to get a craft book published, pick up some tips to get your items featured or hear the best practices to use when applying for craft fairs. We also hold weekly Shop Critiques and Newbie Chats - and for this email I thought I'd share with you the top newbie questions I hear in the Virtual Labs and my answers for success.
How do I get Found?
There are 14 ways to get each of your items found on Etsy. Some of you might have guess it already, TAGS! Each of your items needs to be tagged properly in order to be found by Etsy shoppers. You have spots for 14 tags so make sure to use those tags wisely. Here's a terrific article to get you started: Guidelines & Tips: Tagging on Etsy.
New to Etsy and not sure what tags are? Check out these tagging FAQs.
Choices, Choices, Choices
I often get asked, "Do I need to have a few pages of item listings in order to sell?" Not necessarily! It's true you do need to have stock to sell in order to make sales, but giving your customer's too many choices can be detrimental. Too many choices can overwhelm a buyer–this is what Barry Schwartz calls the Paradox of Choice. Schwartz challenges the assumption that the more choices you have the better off you are. For example, if a consumer is given too many choices they may feel overwhelmed and choose none. Narrowing your shop down to your best designs might just increase your sales!
When thinking about your product lines, you may want to consult with this blog post, Broaden Your Target Audience with Tiered Product Lines, from the Shop Makeover Series.
How Does my Shop Compare?
Newbies always want an opinion on their shops over all appearance. When you are new, you're so engulfed in your own shop it's hard to take a step back see what might be missing. Here's my suggestion: head on over to the Poster Sketch tool. This is a Flash tool that allows you to prepare a collection of Etsy items that only you can see. Pop in one of your own item listings next to some of the top sellers in your cateogory. (Need help finding them? Check out Pounce: Just Sold.) How does your item look compared to the others? Do you stand out? If so, is it in a good way? Are your photos just as crisp and clear? Don't wait - try it out now!
Will hanging out in the Etsy Forums bring me sales?
In answer to this question I wanted to share this exciting experience (mentioned in the Talking Shop Storque article) had by Etsy seller, Paperbullet, as posted on the Etsy Forums here: "Hi guys! a while back etsy admin adam posted this thread in the forums. I was a little hesitant about responding to it, but I'm glad I did! I got picked and my story was aired on Friday. Here is the link to the streaming version–first time I've been on the radio. It's surreal." Staying connected to other community members can shed light on opportunities, tips and connections, not to mention support! So perhaps you won't get direct sales immediately, but you may have a more fulfilling Etsy experience. See what's going on in the Forums today!
Best,
Danielle
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