Get Noticed – Promote Handmade Online

Michele Gallagher, the Etsy seller behind the shop craftychick101, has tips for handmade sellers who want to be seen in the handmade community.

“Shout it from the rooftops! If you want your shop to be visible in the vast sea of handmade products, you have to be vocal,” Michele tells HandmadeMarketing.org.

Michele advises that the more visible you are as a handmade seller, the more potential buyers and others in the handmade community will get to know you as an artist and recognize the work you do as your own.

“My main selling venue is Etsy (craftychick101) and from visiting the forums I see that a lot of people are content with re-listing their items to get seen,” Michele adds. “While this does help, re-listing alone will not get you the sales/visibility you need to become successful on Etsy, or any other handmade selling venue for that matter.”

Michele says she utilizes Twitter as her main form of advertising her handmade items.

“I currently have around 7,800 followers,” Michele (@craftychick101) says. “When I list a new item and Tweet the link, my views often jump to 50+ in a matter of minutes.”

Michele reminds sellers to be an active member of the Twitter community.  “I make it a point to follow other Etsy sellers as well as people in my target market and they often follow back,” said Michele.  “Staying active on Twitter has [resulted in] most of my Etsy sales.”

Michele recommends responding to other people’s tweets, asking questions about other seller’s shops, re-tweeting links to handmade products or shops you like.

Recently, Michele made the most of a business success utilizing Twitter.

“One of my greatest successes was when I was featured on the front page of Etsy,” she told HandmadeMarketing.org.  “Many of my Twitter followers noticed and tweeted to me to let me know. It felt great that they recognized my product and made the connection that the item belonged to me.”

Do you have suggestions for handmade sellers looking for some extra exposure?  How do you introduce people to your craft?  Have you had success promotion online?

Share your thoughts with HandmadeMarketing.org!  Tell us your tips and advice for selling on Etsy.com here.