Who Are You? – Use Your Profile to Drive Sales

It may surprise you, but some potential buyers may be more interested in who you are rather than what you sell.  A well-written profile may be the missing link to boosting sales for your shop.

When writing your profile about “about me” for your shop, go beyond boring “shop business” (as in payment methods, your return policy, zzzzz…) and think about what makes your shop different.

Below are some tips from our team about how to utilize your profile to market to potential buyers:

1. Make It Snappy. Hate to break it to you, but no one wants to read a long, drawn-out Etsy profile.  If you have list that is over 3 items (places you have lived, materials you like to work with, or things you like to do), consider writing a “from – to -” statement.  For example, “I have a passion for working with everything from metals to glass” rather than listing off a dozen materials.  Many times, our team finds drawn-out lists are a quick way to take a profile from overwhelming to just right.
2. Write With A Smile.  Sounds silly, right?  Try it!  Re-write you profile, but add a smile to your face the entire time.  Do a quick mental inventory of all that is great in your life and then begin writing.  If you have a boring profile, chances are you were bored writing it.  We all have amazing stories and passions to share.  Isn’t that what Etsy.com is all about anyway?
3. Focus on the Products.  Yes, the profile is about you as an artist, but why not spotlight a bit more about your products?  Our team loves to see handmade sellers utilize their profile to link to publicity they have received.  If someone writes about your craft, make sure potential buyers know about it!  Many times, linking to publicity is a good way to keep the focus on your items without the reader feeling the profile is an advertisement.
4. Speak Success.  When you re-read your profile, ask yourself if you sound a little, well, unsuccessful.  Our team often comes across Etsy profiles that convey an underlining message of a “not quite there” shop.  Focus on the items you have sold and the successes you have had so far.  Even if you are new to the handmade community, chances are you didn’t start your craft yesterday.  You have had family and friends who love your items, which brought you to Etsy to share your craft with the world.  Instead of “This may help me have a home business  I have always wanted”, try writing “Sharing my passion for design has always been a huge part of my life.”
5. Grab A Friend.  Pin down a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker… anyone… to have a quick read-over of your Etsy shop’s profile.  What do they think?  Does it sound like you, or like an ad?  Do they get a feel for your passion, or does it convey a “burned out” sense?  Does it make them want to browse through your items, or fall asleep?

How do you use your profile text to engage potential buyers?  What makes a great handmade seller profile?  What do you include in your profiles – and what would you never discuss?

Tell us your tips for writing profiles!  If we like your ideas, we will feature you in a future article on HandmadeMarketing.org.