1. The first article, the guide to blogging, was extremely helpful. It has always been a mystery how blogs just seem to come out of nowhere and get super popular. I never really know what type of tools things like Technorati and Google analytics were. I didn't know there was a method to getting your blog noticed other than hoping people stumble upon it.
2. The second article also had some good resources for driving blog traffic. My only question would be, what do you do if none of the blogs feature you even after you've had reasonable communications with them? What is the next step after that, and how do you go about revising your message to ensure that it gets exposure the next time?
3. I really liked the article about kaboodle. Kaboodle is a different kind of shopping site that can be basically used for taste making. I like the idea of kaboodle because you can pair your items with other items, on etsy or not, that you think would be suitable for pairing.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Art of Promotion.
1. I really liked the article about selling local and how to find local sellers on Etsy. This is a cool feature, because not only are your items close enough for pickup, it can also be useful for finding nearby sellers to start teams with or exchange ideas. You can also find out about craft classes, local events, or even things like wholesale and supplier sources.
2. Circles are something I'm just getting into on Etsy. Circles are cool because they allow to discover things you might not otherwise see. It takes some of the work out of finding unique things. You also have a direct connection with other etsians, and they can in turn see what you pick, and what new items you list. This makes both shopping and promotion easier.
3. Bringing up some of the issues with social media is helpful for sellers. Promotion via networks like FB is fairly new, so many sellers just try whatever they can to promote their shop. It is important to make sure that your content is engaging, directed at prospective customers, and doesn't take up too much of their time. You want to ensure that potential customers want to read your communications and don't tune you out.
2. Circles are something I'm just getting into on Etsy. Circles are cool because they allow to discover things you might not otherwise see. It takes some of the work out of finding unique things. You also have a direct connection with other etsians, and they can in turn see what you pick, and what new items you list. This makes both shopping and promotion easier.
3. Bringing up some of the issues with social media is helpful for sellers. Promotion via networks like FB is fairly new, so many sellers just try whatever they can to promote their shop. It is important to make sure that your content is engaging, directed at prospective customers, and doesn't take up too much of their time. You want to ensure that potential customers want to read your communications and don't tune you out.
Art of Taking Photos
This set of blog articles was very extensive. It also included a lot of information, so I've chosen the three major points I find most relevant.
1. I did not know there were so many different resources for editing photos on the internet. I've had problems with the limitations of iphoto and similar programs, but I'm not experienced enough to successfully use editing features of photoshop. I found pixlr especially easy to use. I didn't do much editing on my photos, but I think I would use pixlr in the feature for that purpose.
2. The article explaining light and exposure was very interesting. I still do not feel comfortable evaluating light conditions on my camera, and usually just set it to auto. However, it is good to understand how lighting works to your advantage or against it. At some point, I would like to improve the quality of my pictures, and light is an important influence on the quality of your pictures.
3. I really liked the article about incorporating props into your listing pictures. It is helpful to see how the artist would style a certain item. Props also allow you to add even more of your personal style or voice into your items. Props can tell a story just as powerfully as a strong description.
1. I did not know there were so many different resources for editing photos on the internet. I've had problems with the limitations of iphoto and similar programs, but I'm not experienced enough to successfully use editing features of photoshop. I found pixlr especially easy to use. I didn't do much editing on my photos, but I think I would use pixlr in the feature for that purpose.
2. The article explaining light and exposure was very interesting. I still do not feel comfortable evaluating light conditions on my camera, and usually just set it to auto. However, it is good to understand how lighting works to your advantage or against it. At some point, I would like to improve the quality of my pictures, and light is an important influence on the quality of your pictures.
3. I really liked the article about incorporating props into your listing pictures. It is helpful to see how the artist would style a certain item. Props also allow you to add even more of your personal style or voice into your items. Props can tell a story just as powerfully as a strong description.
Art of Writing Descriptions
Picking your etsy name...
1. Picking a name is very important because you can't just change it later if you decide you no longer like it. You lose all your feedback and publicity when you switch over to a new name. Preempting this problem by finding an appropriate name upfront is important.
2. I think it is important to not to box yourself in with your name. It's good to do something that isn't specific for a particular type of craft. That way, you have the flexibility to sell a number of different things.
3. Looking ahead to the future by investigating domain name availabilities is a good idea. Doing this helps you to pick a name that you can branch out with. You will have continuity between webstore and etsy. This is good because it makes it easier for customers to find you anywhere on the internet and not just etsy.
Profile
1. Your first paragraph is very important to a successful profile. If readers are just skimming, they are most likely to see the information earlier on in your profile, so this is a good spot for the most important details and a good first impression.
2. People take for granted simply being able to easily read and understand text. It's important to keep your writing professional and free of grammar errors. It's also important to remember that that not all prospective buyers will be stateside, so you must take care not to use any regional slang that would be hard for an international customer to interpret.
3. Finally, it's important to remember to write in a friendly and approachable way. Ebay is a community, and buyers value friendly, approachable sellers. This is especially important if you plan to do lots of custom work. You don't want to scare away potential buyers by seeming too strict or overbearing.
Product Descriptions
1. It is very important to tell your story with your products. Connection is important, and pieces with unique or relatable backstories are often of interest to customers. For me, backstory makes a piece have more meaning and be special.
2. It is also important to understand how placement of information and the structure of your descriptions are. It is important to put important details early, so that customers who just skim are more likely to catch these. Additionally, you should put your tags/keywords throughout the description as well, as this makes it easier for possible customers to find you on google.
3. I appreciated the example descriptions given in this set of blog articles. It's easy to imagine the concepts of good descriptive writing, but hard to do once you set down and try. Examples show the ways other sellers let their own personalities show through and enhance their listings.
1. Picking a name is very important because you can't just change it later if you decide you no longer like it. You lose all your feedback and publicity when you switch over to a new name. Preempting this problem by finding an appropriate name upfront is important.
2. I think it is important to not to box yourself in with your name. It's good to do something that isn't specific for a particular type of craft. That way, you have the flexibility to sell a number of different things.
3. Looking ahead to the future by investigating domain name availabilities is a good idea. Doing this helps you to pick a name that you can branch out with. You will have continuity between webstore and etsy. This is good because it makes it easier for customers to find you anywhere on the internet and not just etsy.
Profile
1. Your first paragraph is very important to a successful profile. If readers are just skimming, they are most likely to see the information earlier on in your profile, so this is a good spot for the most important details and a good first impression.
2. People take for granted simply being able to easily read and understand text. It's important to keep your writing professional and free of grammar errors. It's also important to remember that that not all prospective buyers will be stateside, so you must take care not to use any regional slang that would be hard for an international customer to interpret.
3. Finally, it's important to remember to write in a friendly and approachable way. Ebay is a community, and buyers value friendly, approachable sellers. This is especially important if you plan to do lots of custom work. You don't want to scare away potential buyers by seeming too strict or overbearing.
Product Descriptions
1. It is very important to tell your story with your products. Connection is important, and pieces with unique or relatable backstories are often of interest to customers. For me, backstory makes a piece have more meaning and be special.
2. It is also important to understand how placement of information and the structure of your descriptions are. It is important to put important details early, so that customers who just skim are more likely to catch these. Additionally, you should put your tags/keywords throughout the description as well, as this makes it easier for possible customers to find you on google.
3. I appreciated the example descriptions given in this set of blog articles. It's easy to imagine the concepts of good descriptive writing, but hard to do once you set down and try. Examples show the ways other sellers let their own personalities show through and enhance their listings.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Finding your Etsy Niche
Customer Care Tips
1. The customer care tips are very good about showing you where to find all the things you'll be using on a regular basis but just aren't familiar with their locations on the site. Its very helpful to be able to easily access utilities regarding payment, as cashflow will greatly affect your business.
2.It is also helpful to do the same visual explanations for paypal transactions. Even though it is now very commonly used, paypal can still be intimidating for new users, especially if you jump into paypal and selling all at the same time.
3. Being able to easily cancel orders is important. This is a courtesy to buyers who may select something by mistake. Additionally, it prevents your item from being tied up in a transaction that won't be successful.
Packaging and Shipping
1. Understanding different options for tracking is useful for sellers. Keeping up with tracking numbers means you can provide excellent service to customers. It also covers you in the event that an item becomes lost in the mail, because you have proof that you actually shipped it.
2. I really liked all the videos about creative packaging, especially the fabric folding. Not only do unique packagings make a great impression on customers, they're also good for saving money. You can be green and fully utilize all the materials you have at hand.
3. I love the idea of having packaging act as an experience for your customer. People no longer take the time necessary to write letters or send mail. Etsy purchases can evoke this type of excitement for customers.
Service Tips
1. Repeat customers are very important to your success. I've found on Ebay that I get a number of repeat customers, and they'll usually make larger purchases on later items. It's important to provide good service to every customer, because they have the potential to shop with you again in the future.
2. I think clear shop policies are an important overlooked aspect of customer service. Having a clear policy means that your customer knows upfront what type of things you can and cannot do. For instance, being clear about no returns if items don't fit. This would hopefully make buyers more attentive to their purchase, and will more than likely buy carefully.
3. Polite communication is a great way to provide service. Etsy is a community, and it's appropriate to thank buyers, keep them updated on their purchases, and foster a sense of community and positivity. I think generally the best concept is to communicate in a respectful way that is similar to how you'd like to be communicated with.
1. The customer care tips are very good about showing you where to find all the things you'll be using on a regular basis but just aren't familiar with their locations on the site. Its very helpful to be able to easily access utilities regarding payment, as cashflow will greatly affect your business.
2.It is also helpful to do the same visual explanations for paypal transactions. Even though it is now very commonly used, paypal can still be intimidating for new users, especially if you jump into paypal and selling all at the same time.
3. Being able to easily cancel orders is important. This is a courtesy to buyers who may select something by mistake. Additionally, it prevents your item from being tied up in a transaction that won't be successful.
Packaging and Shipping
1. Understanding different options for tracking is useful for sellers. Keeping up with tracking numbers means you can provide excellent service to customers. It also covers you in the event that an item becomes lost in the mail, because you have proof that you actually shipped it.
2. I really liked all the videos about creative packaging, especially the fabric folding. Not only do unique packagings make a great impression on customers, they're also good for saving money. You can be green and fully utilize all the materials you have at hand.
3. I love the idea of having packaging act as an experience for your customer. People no longer take the time necessary to write letters or send mail. Etsy purchases can evoke this type of excitement for customers.
Service Tips
1. Repeat customers are very important to your success. I've found on Ebay that I get a number of repeat customers, and they'll usually make larger purchases on later items. It's important to provide good service to every customer, because they have the potential to shop with you again in the future.
2. I think clear shop policies are an important overlooked aspect of customer service. Having a clear policy means that your customer knows upfront what type of things you can and cannot do. For instance, being clear about no returns if items don't fit. This would hopefully make buyers more attentive to their purchase, and will more than likely buy carefully.
3. Polite communication is a great way to provide service. Etsy is a community, and it's appropriate to thank buyers, keep them updated on their purchases, and foster a sense of community and positivity. I think generally the best concept is to communicate in a respectful way that is similar to how you'd like to be communicated with.
Art of Being Unique
9 Tips to be more...
1. Life experiences give you ideas and ways to be creative. You have to make sure to do and explore everyday so that you have these experiences to build on.
2. I think it's very important to jot down or otherwise document your ideas. Something that seems silly or little could lead to a great idea, and it's important not to forget about it.
3. Lastly, I think practice is very important. While practicing seems like work, or you really know how to do your craft, it's a great way to think of new ideas or new ways of doing things. Practicing also allows you to become more familiar with your own areas of strength or weakness.
A different thing...
1. Making videos is a great idea for product differentiation. I love knowing the store behind things I buy, and actually getting to see how something is made, and who made it, is extremely appealing to me. I think this is a great way to make your products stick in the customers' minds.
2. Photos are also especially important. This is similar to visual marketing efforts for boutiques. Presentation is very important, and photos are the only way you can do this on the internet. It's important to make sure that customers know exactly how the item looks.
3. Lastly, customer service is extremely important. Your customer is already paying more because they're purchasing a handmade item. This higher price also likely means they will expect a higher level of personal customer service. Customer service is also a way to show added benefit to the customer and allows you the opportunity to form an interactive, lasting relationship with them.
1. Life experiences give you ideas and ways to be creative. You have to make sure to do and explore everyday so that you have these experiences to build on.
2. I think it's very important to jot down or otherwise document your ideas. Something that seems silly or little could lead to a great idea, and it's important not to forget about it.
3. Lastly, I think practice is very important. While practicing seems like work, or you really know how to do your craft, it's a great way to think of new ideas or new ways of doing things. Practicing also allows you to become more familiar with your own areas of strength or weakness.
A different thing...
1. Making videos is a great idea for product differentiation. I love knowing the store behind things I buy, and actually getting to see how something is made, and who made it, is extremely appealing to me. I think this is a great way to make your products stick in the customers' minds.
2. Photos are also especially important. This is similar to visual marketing efforts for boutiques. Presentation is very important, and photos are the only way you can do this on the internet. It's important to make sure that customers know exactly how the item looks.
3. Lastly, customer service is extremely important. Your customer is already paying more because they're purchasing a handmade item. This higher price also likely means they will expect a higher level of personal customer service. Customer service is also a way to show added benefit to the customer and allows you the opportunity to form an interactive, lasting relationship with them.
Entrepreneur's Life
Five Money...
1. I think it is very important to pay a lot of attention to how much money you'll really need to make. Things like insurance are very expensive, especially for the self-employed. Often times, these things are taken for granted in error.
2. Having a part time job is extremely important. Not only does this provide money to invest in your business, it also provides money to cushion you in case you have a really bad month of sales.
3. Last but not least, it is important not to burn your bridges. You should take care to leave employers on good terms. This is because you may want to return at some point, and also because they may be potential customers or know people who could be your potential customers.
7 Tips for...
1. I think getting your family involved in the business is a great idea. This gives them a way to be "investors" in your success without monetary risk. This is also good because it allows you to spend time with your family instead of strangers/employees during a time that you'll likely be very busy.
2. You give up a lot of personal time when starting a business. You have to be really committed to your success in order to make the time committment required.
3. I think making good use of your time is most important. Not only can you just get more done, you can also use leftover time for a part-time job with the intent of raising money for your business.
Starting a Part time vs...
1. The most important point in this article was making sure your idea has potential. It is important that a good idea be sustainable. If you are going to make Etsy, etc. a full time job, it has to be via products that will not just be popular for a year or two.
2. Finances are also an important aspect for deciding to go from part to full time. Even though having a great idea is critical, you must also be able to successfully support the idea financially. This could be by saving, or with an SBA loan, but you must be able to pay for the advertising, supplies, and administration needed for your business.
3. I like how this article also mentions how important it is to involve your family. When you're working from home, your career involves them also. Additionally, you're likely to be stressed out, and having a family support can help a lot.
You don't have to...
1. This article makes some great points about why it's smart to keep a part-time day job. The best point I think was that part-time employment takes the pressure off of you with regards to fast success. You still have a source of income, so the money pinch isn't on you.
2. Doing both just crafts part time can also be supplementary income during a regular employment. You can craft when you want, because you aren't completely dependent on that particular source of income.
3. Lastly, starting as a part-time operation also is easier in economic climates like the current one. Part time requires less start up capital. Less capital necessary just means less of a risk/investment.
1. I think it is very important to pay a lot of attention to how much money you'll really need to make. Things like insurance are very expensive, especially for the self-employed. Often times, these things are taken for granted in error.
2. Having a part time job is extremely important. Not only does this provide money to invest in your business, it also provides money to cushion you in case you have a really bad month of sales.
3. Last but not least, it is important not to burn your bridges. You should take care to leave employers on good terms. This is because you may want to return at some point, and also because they may be potential customers or know people who could be your potential customers.
7 Tips for...
1. I think getting your family involved in the business is a great idea. This gives them a way to be "investors" in your success without monetary risk. This is also good because it allows you to spend time with your family instead of strangers/employees during a time that you'll likely be very busy.
2. You give up a lot of personal time when starting a business. You have to be really committed to your success in order to make the time committment required.
3. I think making good use of your time is most important. Not only can you just get more done, you can also use leftover time for a part-time job with the intent of raising money for your business.
Starting a Part time vs...
1. The most important point in this article was making sure your idea has potential. It is important that a good idea be sustainable. If you are going to make Etsy, etc. a full time job, it has to be via products that will not just be popular for a year or two.
2. Finances are also an important aspect for deciding to go from part to full time. Even though having a great idea is critical, you must also be able to successfully support the idea financially. This could be by saving, or with an SBA loan, but you must be able to pay for the advertising, supplies, and administration needed for your business.
3. I like how this article also mentions how important it is to involve your family. When you're working from home, your career involves them also. Additionally, you're likely to be stressed out, and having a family support can help a lot.
You don't have to...
1. This article makes some great points about why it's smart to keep a part-time day job. The best point I think was that part-time employment takes the pressure off of you with regards to fast success. You still have a source of income, so the money pinch isn't on you.
2. Doing both just crafts part time can also be supplementary income during a regular employment. You can craft when you want, because you aren't completely dependent on that particular source of income.
3. Lastly, starting as a part-time operation also is easier in economic climates like the current one. Part time requires less start up capital. Less capital necessary just means less of a risk/investment.
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