What I've Learned On Etsy (so far...)

Though my time on Etsy has been short (2 weeks to be exact), i'm proud to say that I have learned a few things. There is a wealth of information available to shop owners to help them to achieve their ultimate goals. Here is some of what i've learned thus far, this list is in no particular order:

1. Make sure your shop gives the best representation of you. Have bright, clear pictures that catches the buyers eye. Be sure to keep them free of clutter, only focusing on the product that is being sold. A great way to give your shop that polished look is to have custom designed banner. It makes it look more professional, and to me, it just seems to bring everything together. If you don't have the time or patience to try to create a banner yourself (like me), there are some very talented Etsians who can create one for you for a minimal fee. I used Erin Bradley Designs, very easy to work with and great products. Check her out here http://tinyurl.com/dbf3sf, or use Etsy's Bannerator here http://tinyurl.com/ntt88c.

2. Use your TAGS. Tags is what helps buyers find you and your products. Without them, finding your stuff would being like finding a needle in a haystack. Use any and all that relate to your products, even vague relations. Just use them, it will only help, 'nuff said.

3. Participate in the Community Forums. During my first few days on Etsy, I was like, okay, i'm not going anywhere near there (forums). I figured it would just further add to the confusion of Etsy, that was already paramount in my mind. Well let me tell you, when I finally did garner enough courage to venture over there, I was hooked. Not only do you gain exposure within the Etsy community, the wisdom and knowledge that lies within the forum boards is yours for the taking as well. I'm telling you folks, you can stare at your shops all day, but the forums is where the learning happens. It's a place to get advice from experienced Etsians, learn the tricks of the trade, and an overall nice place to hang out and make new friends. Warning though, once you venture over, you WILL BE hooked! Trust me, i've sat up until 3 am playing in the forums.

4. Etsy offers classes and workshops. The Virtual Labs are so cool. They offer everything from Newbie Chat (if your a newbie like me, you won't want to miss) to Chat with Matt (which by the way, was my first experience with this feature). It's an open forum in which you can interact with the speaker. Just totally cool in my opinion. You have to be logged on to Etsy to be able to participate.

5. Find and join a team. I don't have much experience in this area yet. Although I did join Handmade Louisiana (see them here http://tinyurl.com/lq7oxv), which seems to be a lovely group of artisan crafters from The Boot (Louisiana, LOL!). I joined right after they'd had a meeting. I had been following them long before I opened my shop, and was super excited when I found them on Etsy. I can't wait until the next meeting, which will be my first. Teams are another great way to learn through interaction. The goals of teams can vary greatly from your own personal set of goals, so it's good to find a team that best suits your needs.

Okay so my meager offerings are only a microscopic tip of the iceberg, but, I hope this helps somebody. I have so much more to learn (much, much more). I know I won't ever know everything about the machine that is Etsy, but, I hope to expand my knowledge base so that someday, I can be in his shoes http://tinyurl.com/6jpdnt, well not exactly his, maybe this cute little pair of wedges i've been eyeing, but you get the point. My aspiration is to become a Top Seller, and, with work, due diligence, and knowledge, I know it will happen. A Newbie Chat starts in about five minutes, so that's it for now.