Image is everything when you're setting up shop to sell handmade goods online. Putting extra time and effort into the details can mean consistent sales and the difference between rock star reviews and so-so reviews.
Check out these tips to help get your Etsy shop successfully selling right off the bat.
BRANDING
Take some time and brand your shop. Choose a shop name and logo that is clever and memorable. On Etsy, this means creating a unique and eye-catching banner and avatar. Create a theme that is relevant to the feeling you want to portray with your shop. Etsy is filled with designers offering custom or semi-custom graphic kits if it's something you need help with. It would be a good idea to carry these designs over on to your business cards and maybe even your shipment packaging.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Great photographs are a must, so post the best photos that you can. Your aim should be to create clear and clutter free product photographs. Since your potential customers cannot see the merchandise in person, your pictures need to do the talking. Do this by starting with a neutral backdrop and, whenever possible, natural diffused light - a tripod wouldn't hurt either. You do not need to be a professional photographer or have professional equipment to take good photographs. There are loads of tutorials and tips online if you need help getting started.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Slow and steady wins the race. It's better to consistently list items in your shop whether it be daily or weekly. By using this strategy, the newest listing are higher up in Etsy searches which is a way to build your shop presence. Using this method will keep your shop visible to potential customers.
PRICING
Having fair but competitive pricing is important when selling handmade goods online. Coming up with that price can be hard to do. Thankfully,
TITLES, DESCRIPTIONS AND TAGS
Start by giving your item a precise and descriptive title. Think about what words you would use to search for this item and use those words. A good rule of thumb for creating product descriptions is to describe the item as you would to a person who cannot see the item itself. Use some of the descriptive words from your title. How does it feel? Does it have a texture? What is the color, style, material, motif? Too much information is definitely better than not enough information when it comes to this very important section of your listing.
The subject of tagging can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Creating a way for listed items to be easily searched and found is as simple as coming up with a group of relevant words. Filling out all of the 13 available tags on Etsy can be a cinch by pulling the keywords from your title and description.
JOIN THE ETSY COMMUNITY
Joining the online Etsy community can go a long way. Participate in forums by proving honest feedback and reach out to your favorite sellers for advice or help. Take advantage of the opportunity to join a few Etsy Teams. These groups of creatives can offer an unending stream of inspiration and support.
Be sure to check out our other Etsy blog posts: Etsy SEO in 7 Simple Steps and 4 Crafters Show How to Make Money on Etsy.
What tips do you have for selling on Etsy? Share with us in the comments – we would love to hear from you!
We can help you with your branding for selling on Etsy!