I learned it from watching YOU!

Last night I was busy writing tutorials for a publication and didn't get any jewelry made but that's okay. I was thinking yesterday about all the things I've learned about Etsy in the past 2 years, as a Buyer and a Seller. And so I thought I would take this opportunity to blog about some tips on running an Etsy shop. Now, keep in mind, these are my OWN OPINIONS and this in now way is THE WAY, or YOUR WAY. I am just giving you my thoughts on how I like to see a shop run. Although I'm talking mostly about a jewelry, shop- these tips can be used for any type of craft.

Okay, the following things are important in running a successful Etsy shop.

* Take GOOD photographs of your craft.
HOW?
*Natural daylight, No Sun, No Flash- I've tried a lot of different ways, and have found that this is the best way. I have tried the Light Box and am quite disappointed in the outcome.
*Neutral backgrounds- Jewelry gets lost on backgrounds with busy print.
*Photograph things like jewelry, on someone! It helps the buyer see the scale of the piece.

*Give credit where credit is due! If you didn't make the jewelry elements used in your designs, don't make it seem like you did! That's like fraud- Do you have to list every single bead supplier? NO- but do list what the beads are- what materials they are.

*Write good and clear descriptions. Add humor! It helps! Descriptions don't have to be 150 word essays, however.

*Write a clear and concise shop policy and put in the appropriate spot- SHOP POLICY. I don't want to read all about your shop policy in the description of each shop listing.

*VERY IMPORTANT: This is like the most important thing for me, as a seller. COMMUNICATION is KEY. I don't know about you, but I shop on Etsy because I like buying handmade things. But more importantly, I really like that I can have communication with the crafter. This is something you don't get when shopping at any other online venue. But if you are a seller, create an open dialogue. SEND A NOTE confirming the purchase!!! I want to know that:
1. You got my order 2. You are proud of your craft and you stand by your handmade goods 3. That you appreciate my business and 4. that you'll be shipping my purchase on such and such a date.
Zero Communication from a Seller is POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. This is just my opinion. But I think most people enjoy the communication.

*BLOG!! People like to know how your creative process develops. Blogging is easy and can be quite fun. Even if you don't always have a lot to say, a picture of what you're working on or a picture of your workspace is always interesting to a blog reader and can spark lots of dialogue between blogger and blog reader. This in turn creates a RELATIONSHIP, which in turn results in repeat business at your Etsy shop.

*Self Promotion is important and EASY! And doesn't take that much time.
-FLICKR- upload pics of your craft to Flickr and add photos to appropriate groups.
-Twitter- announce sales, blog giveaways, or when you Blog or list new items in your shop
-Blog
-Facebook- Start up a business page. Announce when you have sales, giveaways, show pics of your newest listings

*Always leave feedback! BUYERS AND SELLERS!! Not only does this help future buyers at etsy shops, but it helps boost morale between the buyer and seller, and can in turn result in future business at your shop.

These are just some tips I jotted down yesterday afternoon. Do you have any Etsy tips you'd like to share?? I'd love to see them, leave a comment on this post! I hope this was helpful!