Advertising an Etsy shop

heartbreak_star

Hi all,

I have had some success selling little bits of handmade jewellery to friends and family, so I set up an Etsy shop.

What's the best way of getting the word "out there" so to speak?

My stuff is original, based on books, maps, films and games. I have put a link on FB and Twitter but at a bit of a loss now.

Any ideas?

HBS x

Yorkielass

I think a strong social media presence is really important, interacting with people on twitter about life in general means they're more likely to retweet about your business.

Offer promotions, e.g. a 10% off code on facebook & twitter to draw people in.

Also blog about what you're making. I've bought several things that people have blogged about too, they say they've bought them and wanted to share, but you could always see if a blogger would feature an item you sent for free if their blog fitted your profile.

Good luck!

heartbreak_star

Thank you! What a great idea re blogging

I will keep you posted.

HBS x

shmeeko69

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Hi all,

I have had some success selling little bits of handmade jewellery to friends and family, so I set up an Etsy shop.

What's the best way of getting the word "out there" so to speak?

My stuff is original, based on books, maps, films and games. I have put a link on FB and Twitter but at a bit of a loss now.

Any ideas?

HBS x

The fact that you have original stuff is a good thing. Why not start a community page within your FB account relating to what you're selling? I no a couple of people who've done this with products and services and seem to be doing quite well.

DigForVictory

I was mildly surprised to see a jewellers card up with those of plumbers and builders in the local chippy, but it cost nothing & did get my (bemused) attention.
Might strategic placing of business cards be a possible way forward?

heartbreak_star

Hm we have some "vintage" style bars and coffee shops, might be a way forward.

Will definitely try both those ideas too! Thank you!

HBS x

Ilona

Wear your own jewellery at all times, and when people mention how nice it is engage them in conversation, tell them you made it, give them a card for your etsy shop.

Or, a bit of bluff. Is there any way you can carry around a few pieces with you, in presentation boxes preferably. Get them out and say you are just off to a meeting with a shop owner in the hope they might give you an order.
Ilona

emmaglet

Hello!

Definitely doing something with Twitter and Facebook. Another great idea is to get in touch with "big" bloggers and send them an item to review, and offer their readers a discount code. I can give you a list of fashion, lifestyle and homewares bloggers I know who might be interested if you'd like - just PM me.

Get business cards - you can hand them out when wearing your jewellery, put them up in various places, etc.

Sign up for Google adwords and see if you get a free credit. Every once in awhile they send me $75 in free credit (via post).

Have your URL on all the forums you frequent (just in the control panel, not the signature) and people might click it.

Host a competition to get "likes" or "followers" on Twitter.

Can you PM me your store anyway?

heartbreak_star

Thanks Ilona - I did get a few orders by wearing the first one I made Never thought about a bluff though - like your style!

Emmaglet - PM en route

I intend buying a better camera with my profits btw!

HBS x

InsideInsurance

Whilst many of things are reasonable ideas I think most of them are better suited to having your own website rather than items your selling on Etsy.

Do you make things to order or are you making things first and then selling them via Etsy?

By spending all this time and effort you are really marketing Etsy and only in part your items. Of cause a user could go to your shop on Etsy but then go off course and explore the other similar items other sellers have.

Certainly use Etsy but don't do their marketing for them but drive traffic to your own site and only promote yourself in Etsy within their own ecosystem.

heartbreak_star

It's a little bit of both (stock and commission), but some of the stuff I sell is a mixed bag so Etsy is a good place to sell it for now. AFAIK there is only one other seller who does some of the things I do.

May look at my own site in the future though thank you!

HBS x