[I’m thinking I need to post more pictures of cute kitties and puppy dogs, people like that shit right?]
Once upon a time when someone reached 100 sales they would post on the Etsy forums a “My first 100 and this is how I did it” milestones post. Technically these aren’t allowed and are considered promotional. Because I know the rules and will abide like the good little girl I am I will refrain, but I know that you my dear readers are hungry for knowledge and advice on your own business, so I’ll drop a couple of tidbits as I pass by:
(1) What you make >>>IS<<<< good enough. It just may not seem like it at first. Selling more intricate bead work pieces, I often felt a sense of despair at all of the charm on a chain pieces selling around me while my work sat there. The problem was, the charm on the chain stuff is popular with the general crowd, while my work has more of a niche. A niche can be good thing, but you have to figure out where it is and stick your stuff in front of it. I joined some forums and online community groups that I figured harbored members that would be more likely to be interested in my stuff. For example, the steampunk/gothic crowd tends to be interested in my evil eye rings, whereas the bridal groups tend to be more interested in my white rhinestone headbands. Think critically about what you make, and join some OFF-ETSY communities that share your tastes.(2) Interact with the blogging community. Yes I blog. I write these delightful posts that you all just LOVE and don’t simply skim over to find the juicy parts. [sarcastic laughter] But I don’t spend but 15% of my blogging time actually blogging. The other 85% of that time is spent reading and commenting on other blogs. This is significant. For starters, you’ll learn a lot of useful information [and entertain yourself with a lot of useless information and pictures of puppy dogs], but you’ll also get your name out there. A lot of blogs allow you to link to your site via you name, or to your own blog. If you leave an interesting and relevant enough comment, most readers who see that comment will click on your name out of curiosity. Presto! Leaving comments is a great way to get exposure for your web site and your blog. [Feel free to leave a comment on this post to grant yourself some of that delightful exposure. ;-)]
(3) Don’t get boring. I have some favorite shops on Etsy that I Just LOVE to check out again and again because they keep adding more awesome stuff to their shops! Always keep it updated and fresh. Add a new item at least once a week, preferably 2 or 3 times a week. New items grant a lot of exposure, and they show up in the right-hand side of all of your fans’ activity feeds. I know I click on those little thumbnails all of the time, and I am sure that your admirers will too.(4) Share the love. Make some treasuries. Buy some awesome shit from other Etsy sellers you admire. These actions get reciprocated, and they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
That’s all I got for now. You can check out my post on relevancy to find out how to get found in the searches, how to sell and market at crafts fairs, and one of my other posts on how to handle running your Etsy shop along with everything else you have going on.
Tagged: 100 sales, beading, bridal accessories, craft fair marketing, etsy advice, etsy sales, etsy tips, hair accessories, milestone, online marketing, selling on etsy, selling tips, wedding accessories
WOW! Congrats to you *shower confetti* :D
We are working towards 100 a month too!!
That’s awesome Jeanie! It is definitely a GREAT FEELING!
haha I clicked over because of a comment you left on my blog… case and point:) Pretty jealous… I am working my way up to 100, the new search changes have really put a damper on my sales though.
Haha Traci that’s awesome!
Have you checked out my post on making listings relevant? It’s what I’ve figured out for staying high in the searches anyway: https://megansbeadeddesigns.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/staying-relevant/
Saw your link via the Etsy forums, and I came over to read, and leave a comment.
It’s true. I think perhaps the first hundred are the hardest, because there is such a steep learning curve. The next hundred may be a tiny bit easier?
Congratulations on your milestone!
*sprinkles out some rose petals*
Amanda aka Absinthe Dragonfly
Congrats! Love your items. I’ve been with Etsy since 2007 and love it. Check it out: http://www.retrograndma.etsy.com
Awwwww thank you Amanda, I am definitely looking forward to the next 100!
Congratulations…
Thank you!!!
I found you from the Beading Daily Forums. I think you are spot on with your post. It really does seem like blogging is a very useful tool to get yourself out there! Your work is fantastic! Congratz on 100 Etsy Sales!
Marla
Thanks so much Marla!
(…and I think the BD forums are awesome! lol)
Congrats! 100 sales is a huge milestone.
Congrats and thanks for sharing! Sometimes it feels like banging my head against a brick wall, but stories like yours keep me going :)
Congrats to you! Thanks for your input about marketing…it can be so hard to get right and it is great to have people like you who not only understand, but you inform others. Sometimes I wonder if I should just hang up my hat but I read something like this and it puts me back into the positive!
Brandy
So glad I could help Brandy! …and thank you!
I just saw your post on the Beading Daily site and ran over for some tips, lol, I’m just in reach of the 20 sales mark and I can’t wait to join you at the 100! lol
And you’ve made a lot of really good points. I’ve shopped on Etsy for a couple of years, but I’ve only had my shop since July. I’m just now learning how to make Treasuries and they’re super easy to make and addictive! Plus it really gets your name out there to others. I’ve also started a blog :)
Thanks for the great tips and congratulations on reaching 100!!
[…] The Big 100 I made 100 sales in my Etsy shop. It’s kind of a big deal. (How I did it, and tips on how you can too!) […]
[…] remember when my MegansBeadedDesigns shop reached 100 sales and I wondered if it would get any easier to reach my next 100. While I wouldn’t say easier, […]