Sell Handmade Online – 12 Ways to Improve Your Shop

The HandmadeMarketing.org reader behind the wonderful blog “CrochetGal” recently shared a link to a post she wrote for 12 simple steps for improving your Etsy shop.  This seller can be found at Etsy’s CrochetGal, and can also be found on Flickr.

“Everyone wants an individual shop critique, but there are a few basic things that will apply to almost every shop,” the seller told us.  “I’m involved quite heavily in doing shop critiques on Etsy and helping other sellers improve their shops.“

Below is the list CrochetGal outlines on her blog:

1. Banner and Avatar.  CrochetGal challenges handmade sellers to take a closer look at their shop banner and Etsy avatar.  “Do they relate to your products in some way? Is the text clear and easy to read? Your avatar can be used very effectively as part of your ‘brand’, so select it wisely. I’ve kept the same avatar as long as I’ve been online,” she writes.  “People recognize me by my avatar. Others like to change theirs on a regular basis.”  CrochetGal points out there is no right or wrong way to do it.  “You just have to do what works best for you. I personally like to see an avatar that reflects in some way the product(s) that you sell, but that is my personal opinion,” she writes.
   Not sure where to purchase great Etsy banner?  Shop Etsy.com first!  There are many Etsy sellers selling custom Etsy banners.  Or, turn to the design team from HandmadeMarketing.org to spruce up your shop with a new Etsy banner.
2. Shop Title.  “This appears directly below your Etsy banner and is updated in the “appearance” section of your Etsy shop,” CrochetGal writes.  “The shop title is also known as your “tag line”. Use it effectively but keep it short,” she says.
3. Shop Announcement.  “Please don’t tell me your life history here,” she writes. “I don’t want to know.  I do like to see a short (few lines) about your shop and any current “specials” you may have.”  
   She suggests to be sure any links that are on your Etsy shop announcement are not broken.  Also, be aware if you do have an active link here, a potential buyer just may follow it and get distracted elsewhere.  “Don’t tell me about every team that you belong to here, unless you don’t want me to look at your product,” she also suggests.
4. Featured Items.  CrochetGal says this is a great place to show off your different styles of work.  “Use items from your earlier pages, but remember people can already see what’s on your first page.  A variety of items and prices is always nice.  Remember, when people “heart” your shop, these three items are their reminder! Keep them fresh,” she says.
5. Profile. CrochetGal suggests using your profile to tell a potential buyer about yourself.  She suggests asking yourself “How did you get started in your art form?”and “What inspires you?” as a guide for how what information to include in your shop profile on Etsy.  If you are searching for more suggestions for how to improve your shop profile, read our HandmadeMarketing article “Who Are You? – Use Your Profile to Drive Sales.”
6. Shop Policies. “This is one of the most overlooked sections by Etsians.  It is, by far in my opinion, the most important. Having good shop policies in place can help to avoid situations down the road. It is strongly recommended that every shop have policies in place for payment, shipping and returns/exchanges,” she writes.
7. Location. CrochetGal says your location is another very useful piece of information for potential buyers shopping on Etsy.  “Etsy is an international site, so please list your town (or the nearest larger town) , your state, and your country.  I’ve been to Paris but not to France, I love Melbourne but I’ve never been to Australia. Sydney is a beautiful stop in Nova Scotia (Canada). By putting your complete information in your location it makes it much easier for others to use the “geolocator” to find you! And you are looking to be found are you not?” she writes on her blog.
8. Shop Sections.  “Shop sections are a great way to organize your shop,” CrochetGal writes.  She suggests to use them to your advantage when selling on Etsy.com.  “You have complete freedom to choose how you want your sections to be set up so have some fun!”
9. Photos. Item photos when selling online are vital to success.  “Everyone wants a critique of their photos,” she writes. “Make sure that the photo is clear and crisp, and use as many photos as you can of the item. Inside, outside, upside down, you get the idea. Unless you are selling a rug, please don’t put your item on the floor. Natural light is best, and avoid a cluttered background. If you are unsure of a particular photo, have someone look at it and tell you what caught their eye in it. If its not the item for sale, its not a good photo.”
   Need additional more ideas?  Check out a recent HandmadeMarketing.org article about how you can take great Etsy photos using an e-book.  Shooting a specific item for your shop?  Read our guide to taking good handbag photos or our article about how to take better jewelry photography.
10. Tags.  “In my opinion, tags are one of the most misused and abused features on Etsy,” CrochetGal writes.  She says when selecting tags, handmade sellers should try to pick words they would use to describe the Etsy item to someone who cannot see it or “paint a visual picture.”
    “Don’t forget to include the color! Please make sure that the tags are relevant though,” she reminds sellers.  “Everything can be a gift, so “gift” is not a relevant tag. “Stocking Stuffer” is a tag that gets used during the holidays. As soon as someone can define accurately exactly what a “stocking stuffer” is then it will be able to be used. But until then let’s just leave it off.”
    Ever thought of using action words as Etsy tags?  If you need more ideas for Etsy item tagging, check out our list of popular Etsy tags.
11. Materials. “This is one of the most overlooked sections in an Etsy listing,” CrochetGal writes.  “Be as detailed as you can in your materials listing. There are 13 tags available for materials so don’t be afraid! Also, potential buyers can search by material so keep that in mind.”
12. Feedback. “Some sellers are concerned because they don’t have any feedback. Personally I enjoy buying from an “undiscovered” shop. However, if you are concerned about not having any feedback, I strongly suggest that you make a small purchase from a fellow Etsian,” CrochetGal suggests.  “Besides the feedback, you will also get to experience the thrill of making a purchase (and the steps involved).“

Thank you for the awesome tips to Etsy success, CrochetGal!

What do you think of these tips?  Do you have any to add to the list?

Share your thoughts with readers of HandmadeMarketing.org!  You can comment on this post, or go into more detail on what works to achieve success selling handmade on Etsy.com by submitting under our “Join” tab.  If our editors publish your tips, we’ll link back to your shop, website, or blog.