Celebrate “Etsy Day” – April 24, 2009

HandmadeMarketing.org was excited to see a thread posted by Etsy seller Schugirl in the Etsy.com forums.  The seller is coordinating an unofficial “Etsy Day”.  Here are the details:

When:  Friday, April 24th

Where:  The seller hopes to take “Etsy Day” global!

Concept:  “So many people don’t know what Etsy is,” Schugirl writes.  The seller thinks a grassroots marketing blitz to raise awareness and create a buzz around handmade, and Etsy.com, would be great for exposure.

“The idea is to create a mystery about Etsy. We want to educate the public by throwing the word out there in mass numbers without telling them what it is, thereby getting people to notice it everywhere, wonder about it, talk to people, and eventually researching it on the Internet.”  After seeing Etsy in the community, the hope is potential buyers will check out the site online!

Materials:  Schugirl makes this part easy.  Sellers can pring a free car sign to promote “Etsy Day”.  Keep in mind, Schugirl says this sign is only to be used for “Etsy Day 2009″ or future “Etsy Days”.   Some sellers are even buy shirts, bumper stickers, car decals, etc.

However, Schugirl wants to ensure the “Etsy Day” movement is unified.   “You can do that in addition to printing our car sign.  We want everyone to be able to participate. We are strongest in numbers! And this car sign is the simplest method.”

The sellers outlines a few simple principles behind the effort:

• Promote Etsy.  “For this one day we are asking that you just promote Etsy, not your personal shop. United, we stand to gain the most!” Schugirl writes.
• Boost Sales.  “With the recession looming over us, we have a great opportunity to explain to people that there’s a need to go back to simpler times,” Schugirl writes.  The idea of supporting artisans and those who craft seem to be hitting home with the economic times.
• Participation. “Please try to spread this thread to as many fellow Etsians as you can. If you notice your state’s team not responding to the thread, send them an email with the link.  Let’s make this BIG!!!” Schugirl writes.

Want to see the buzz “Etsy Day” is getting on Etsy.com?  To date, there are three Etsy.com forum threads HandmadeMarketing.org found for this idea.  Here is the latest.

What do you think of “Etsy Day”?  Do you think the effort will obtain global attention?  Where do you think “Etsy Day” has weaknesses and strengths?

Share your thoughts with HandmadeMarketing.org!  We are able to continue posting articles because of our readers’ support.  Submit your handmade marketing tips, and if our editors like your ideas, we will feature you in a future article on the site!