June 2, 2009
I'm always on the look out for new ways to promote, and promote for free (or at least for cheap). It's quite a challenge, but I'm up for it. Have a look at these six ideas below, I hope at least one is new to you!
1. Be More Than Just a Pretty Facebook
I bumped into a great forum post about promoting your shop with Facebook by Etsy Seller, briguysgirls, so I asked her to pass on some words of wisdom, and here they are:
"Making onesself 'tangible' in an online venue can be difficult. Setting up a simple Facebook business page or Fan Page is one way to overcome this hurdle. A Facebook Fan Page allows people to opt-in to get updates with photos, comments about your shop, and you can send messages to each fan at once regarding special deals or sales! (This is one of the biggest ways I have generated extra business into my shop). Most importantly, fans can comment on your work, and you can respond, allowing you to interact with potential customers.
For more detailed information on how I have been using Facebook to stimulate my shop's steady growth, and for some answers to general FAQ's and common concerns, please take a look at these Forum threads; How I am Promoting with Facebook and My Facebook Fan Page Experience. For a simple tutorial on how to set up your own facebook business page, check out this helpful blog post by another Etsy seller, Veganosaurus."
2. Create an Oddity
Take a note from those crazy viral videos and get some attention by being a little crazy. Creating something wild for your Etsy shop can get you some attention. How about creating and listing a gigantic felt hot dog? Even if this curiosity wouldn't sell to your regular customers, having a quirky piece way to grab more views (and maybe even some press!).
Want some inspiration? Check out Garth from ExtremeCraft's Guest Curator blog posts on The Storque.
3. Challenge Yourself to a Challenge
Giveaways are great - but how about a contest that challenges your followers creativity? These type of challenges are more interactive, fun and personal. Think about entering a challenge, or even setting one up yourself with your shoppers or other sellers! Here are a few challenges Etsy sellers are currently having:
Monogram Cuttlebug Challenge
PaperMacheArtisan's Webshow Challenge
10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge by members of the Etsy Greeting Team
4. Be Cooperative
Spots for our next cooperative ad in Bust Magazine will go out Thursday, June 4th at 1pm E.T. These spots are $96 each, a fraction of the investment you would have to make on your own to appear in a magazine of this size. If Bust is not the market for you, then organize your own cooperative ad! Get together with your Etsy Team or other Etsy Sellers you've made friends with and create your own "deal"! Think about spliting online and offline ads or even promotional material to send out in your packages and give away at fairs.
P.S. On an Etsy Team? Maybe Etsy can give you a hand with your Team advertising! Etsy's Team Grant Program is getting a facelift and will be back in action very soon. Keep your eyes on The Storque for news coming soon!
5. Be animated!
Etsy has just launched A Handmade Moment video contest! Etsy wants promotional videos, and since our community is creative, artistic and unique, we're turning to you. For the next few months we will be accepting submissions for :15 and :30 (second) videos promoting Etsy and the handmade movement. This is your opportunity to express your passion (or is it an obsession?) for Etsy. Check out the article for guidelines and FAQs. My suggestion? Be one of the first to add a video and get noticed!
Need some help? We have a whole series to help you get started in video on Etsy's blog.
6. Have a Yart Sale
It has been almost a year since the first unofficial "Yart Sale" on Etsy. Yart sale? What exactly is a "Yart Sale," you may ask? The term Yart is an artistic spin on the traditional yard sale: Art + Yard Sale = Yart! Join other sellers for this year's Yart sale, June 10th to June 14th. Find out more in this Storque post.
This is the perfect way to move the pieces that aren't flying off your virtual shelves to make room for new designs!
xo,
Danielle
P.S. Want to nominate yourself or a fellow seller for our upcoming Pearl Gift Guide? Post your nomination to MaryMary's Forum thread here.
