Etsy Forums – Use Promo Threads To Increase Sales

Many Etsians jump on the Etsy.com forums each day hoping for an increase in traffic to their shop.  Some shop owners may find a benefit from utilizing the forums as free Etsy advertising.  Sellers may forget to make the most of this great Etsy.com resource!

Dawn Rhodes, from the Etsy shop shadesjewelry, sent us her thoughts on the use of the Etsy.com forums to increase business.

“Lately I’ve been seeing several posts from people about how they aren’t sure Etsy is for them,” Dawn said.  “They aren’t getting any sales, wondering if they should close their Etsy shop and on and on.  Immediately, I go look at their store to take a look around.”

One of the first questions Dawn asks when she sees these Etsy forum posts is:

“Do you post in the Etsy forums much? Especially the promo section?”

Dawn thinks the Etsy forums are created for a reason.  “Etsy sellers should use the forums to help make our stores great! I will admit when I first got started on Etsy, I wasn’t too familiar with this area,” Dawn told us.  “Once I found it, I found a world of information and help from some great stores. And I also discovered that once I started posting in the forums fairly regular, I also got some increased traffic to my Etsy shop. I have met some great people, made some great friends and have found some amazing crafters, designers and artisans!”

What forum categories does Dawn like most?  “All the forum sections are interesting and can help your Etsy shop,” said Dawn, “but especially the “Promotions” section. Here you will find a lot of “lurkers” or “shoppers” who are looking for deals, new items and more.”

Many Etsy sellers are not sure what classifies an appropriate “promo” post.  “You don’t have to be offering a sale or some give-away in order to post in the promo section,” Dawn explains.  “Go take a look around and see some of the things that are being posted. Familiarize yourself with this section and use it daily if you can. I can personally say that posting to this section has helped my sales. Posting every time in this section doesn’t guarantee a sale, but it does keep your business name out there, it gets your store looked at and the best part–its free advertising!”

Dawn is convinced posting in the Etsy forums increases a shop’s sales.  “The success of your Etsy store is entirely up to you,” she says.  “Etsy is giving you a chance to promote and advertise your store for free in these forum sections.  Use it! You can’t open the store and expect the sales to come rolling in.  It does take a little work!”

Thank you Dawn!  Dawn also shares great insight into Etsy tips on her blog. Check it out!

How have the Etsy.com forums helped you increase shop traffic and sales?  What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers thinking about joining in the forum discussions?  How do you keep from having your time consumed by the forums on Etsy.com?

Share your tips to snag free Etsy advertising with HandmadeMarketing.org.  If our editors like your ideas, we will feature you in an article – and cite your handmade shop as the source!