Have you started on your path and wondered “where do I go
from here”? There are so many things
that need to be done, it almost seems endless – however if you can hang in
there, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This isn’t so much about ‘how to’, but rather
some suggestions as to where to begin and how to keep going.
All throughout Etsy I’ve read of the trials and tribulations
of the newbies (as I myself am one), and the advanced trials and tribulations…and successes of experienced
sellers. There is a tremendous amount of
really good advice out there; some opinions may differ but then again, I’m sure
there isn’t only one good way. The
advice usually sounds the same, although it’s hard as a newbie to understand
exactly what it means until you actually start trying it for yourself. I have a very good idea of the work I have
yet to do, and I’m sure there’s plenty more I’m blissfully unaware of. A few months ago I wouldn’t have guessed that
I’d be blogging, tweeting, posting to a miscellany of other sites, liking and
sharing more than I’ve ever done before, faving, circling, following, and
treasury making. I’m working on it,
learning more every day and should be ready for Christmas….of 2013 (sigh)…or
2014 (groan).
So here are the important things to get started with:
·
Network - Grow your circle and join teams. These are the people inside Etsy who will
give your shop visibility, support you, share their knowledge and experience,
push you to the next level, and pick you up when you’re down (there’s always a
little group therapy going around).
There are teams for every cause, for every need, and some who do a
little bit of everything. Join more than
one.
·
Become best friends with your camera. Learn how to use it well, read the wealth of
advice that is available out there, and let it be your shop window….because
that’s all you’ve got. There are many
free applications available to complete the final tweaking of your photography.
·
Learn about SEO (Search Engine
Optimization). Sound intimidating? If you don’t know what it is, your buyers may
not find you. There is also a wealth of
information out there on the subject, look up SEO, titles, and tags. Understanding this is what puts you in front
of your customers, both inside Etsy, and out…everywhere on the web.
·
Use every opportunity to communicate within your
shop. Fill-in all your policies, the
about page to tell customers about yourself, and write clear and detailed
descriptions for all your listings which leave out any guesswork.
·
Promote like you’ve never promoted before! Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Pinterest, Wanelo….choose
your tools (there are so many more), some are better than others but you have
to experiment to see which those are for you.
Inside Etsy, Teams, treasuries and circles will help as well.
·
Stay creative, make new items, list them
regularly to keep things fresh, try to dream up something new and different to
stand above the crowd. If my earrings
aren’t going to make it, I might have to rearrange them into ornaments, or
string them on ribbon and call them garland!
·
And lastly, I’ll leave this one blank in case
the real Etsy experts have something else to add…because I’m sure there is.
Have courage, there’s a lot to learn and it’s not always
easy; but if you find a good team, they’ll always help when you need it and
celebrate with you when you succeed.
Happy Trails
~ Tasha
