SarasTextureCrafts writes a blog called etsyprofiles.blogspot.com where she highlights interesting Etsy profiles. So we thought it would be neat to integrate her post into the Shop Makeover Series. Document your progress and comment below!
Often overlooked a Seller’s Etsy profile page is a very important marketing tool and if well written could help improve your shop’s sales.
Taking the time to write a good profile page is a key opportunity as a Seller to reach out to your customers and entice them into your store by giving them a glimpse of the person behind the business and the items you are selling. Whilst Etsy advises that the basics of a good profile should “contain your personal shop policies regarding shipping, returns, accepted payment methods and custom orders in your item listings, shop announcement and/or public profile,” there is no hard or fast rule about how you should present it. There are ways in which you can strive to write a great profile page and maximise your opportunity to sell, while also providing crucial info.
Enlisting the help of fellow Etsians, I set out to explore some options that might be useful:
The first paragraph is key.
If you watch a film, you can usually tell within the first 10 minutes whether you want to keep on watching. Well, it’s that same thing with profile pages… your first paragraph is the key to keeping your customers reading. “It’s your quick-ticket to advertising your shop and yourself. Take advantage of this opportunity to GRAB the reader,” says Baggavond.etsy.com.
Get friends and family to read your first paragraph — does it spark interest? Raise positive questions? Or make them want to read more?
Follow this with a clearly defined layout.
Not all buyers have the time/want, or need to read your entire profile each time they visit. So as Heather from babyannequilts.etsy.com suggests, try “breaking up the information with titles. That way your buyer can skim down the page to look for the heading they’re interested in, without reading through the whole thing to find the answers to their questions.” Heather’s profile page is a very good example of how to do this.
Next make your profile text easy to read.
It is important to be as clear and concise in your wording as possible… you want to keep their attention once you have got them past the first paragraph! It is also worth remembering that Etsy is a global market place, so English is not necessarily everyone’s first language.
And finally, write in a friendly and approachable manner, remembering to keep it professional.
Etsy has a real community spirit about it, which is very unlike other Internet selling forums, and this is one thing that buyers really enjoy! Like many Etsians, artsyclay.etsy.com says that she likes nothing more than “to feel like I’ve come to their cosy little shop, and am sitting down in front of the fireplace, having a hot cup of coffee or tea and visiting with them in a neighbourly way.” So don’t be afraid to write a bit about yourself, or your business. Do remember to keep a professional edge to your profile though… after all you are a business, whether you sell the extra bags you knit whilst sitting in front of your telly, or you are a full time operation! Buyers must feel that you take your products and business seriously. So striking a balance here is key.
All of this is great, but what do I include? Well, let’s have a look…
Firstly, tell me something about yourself.
Adding a short biography can give buyers so much information about you as an artist. Feel free to tell me a bit about your background, where you come from and how you started your business. Tell me about what inspires you and your craft passions. Jamy Hills, from BrassMonkeyDesigns.etsy.com, is a shining example of how you can use this information to grab a reader’s attention.
Secondly, tell me something about your business and your products.
Give your readers an idea of what you are setting out to achieve. What is your mission/why are you selling me this?
You could include:
- Is your business a part-time venture, full-time or a charity?
- What sort of products do you sell?
- What is the idea behind your products?
- What’s special about them?
- How do you make them?
Take a look at Karina’s profile from KreatedbyKarina.etsy.com. She works very well at selling me her products in a professional and yet friendly way. Remember, although you want to be informative you do not want to scare your reader off at this point with a hard sell!
Add simple shop policies. Listing your policies clearly and simply will give your customer the confidence to buy from you. So remember to read them through when you have finished… Have you answered the majority of questions a customer will want to know?
Have you listed policies on accepted payments, shipping terms, aftercare and return details, custom or wholesale order information including manufacture times? Another top tip here, from BCharmer.etsy.com, is to add a sentence or two on the appreciation of feedback.
Then … Think again about your products.
Do you need to consider adding additional information? For example, if you sell clothing/footwear or jewellery it is worth adding your sizing details here, or if you sell bath and beauty products, add your disclaimer.
And Lastly! Remember that what reads as a great profile is entirely personal to the reader, so don’t worry about competing with your fellow sellers; write something that you feel comfortable with publishing and unique to you.
Lots to think about? Yes, I think so.
A well written profile page is something we should take our time over and use to try and capture the essence of what we are all about. Lori of heartworksbylori.etsy.com helps to explain, “there is a little piece of me infused in each of my creations and the recipient of it carries that with them. Handmade creations are personal and made with hands…and those hands do so with great energy and joy.” Your profile page is where you get to show that energy and joy to inspire potential buyers.
I hope that this article has helped you all in some way and I would like to thank each and every Etsian who has given me their tips and ideas… They have taught me a lot! Before I rush off now and work on my own profile page, as I’m sure you are just about to do too, I would like to leave you with a rather fun profile I found during my research — Lynne of skully.etsy.com…
Further Resources:
If you would like to explore a few more examples of profile pages working in action for sellers, then take a look at my blog http://etsyprofiles.blogspot.com, dedicated to the Etsy Profile Page.
77 comments
Sign in to add your ownbabyannequilts says:
Really great information!! Thanks for doing all the legwork for us. I'm off to double-check my profile...
4 years ago
twobeans says:
Thank you for the great tutorial, I'm working on my site a lot, a process like everything else right!? great info and tips
4 years ago
SarasTextureCrafts says:
Hi Guys... hope it helps! Sara x
4 years ago
Caprichos says:
Great Info! I recently changed mine a couple of days ago... and I feel like it really helps the buyer with understanding me and my store... feel free to look and give me comments!
4 years ago
skully says:
Thanks for the mention. I'm glad you like my profile.
4 years ago
Baggavond says:
Great article! Lots of valuable info...and thanks for including my shop and ChalkBoard Bag :-)
4 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Really awesome to be included in this article, and thanks so much for featuring my soap sample packages. Incredibly well-written, and informative---the end result of a lot of hard work, I can see!
4 years ago
BaDaBling says:
Excellent article. I hope my profile flows, and gives a sense of who I am as a seller. I am open to feedback. Thanks!
4 years ago
ornametal says:
Great article! Now I'm thinking of all the ways I can make my shop better... Thanks for the valuable info!
4 years ago
gardenjewels says:
Wonderful article Sara, great information here! Nice work~Thank you!!
4 years ago
planetcarolyn says:
thank you kindly for this guidance.. as i really need it! and i am now going to put into good use..
4 years ago
sharonm387 says:
love the article, as a newbie it was clear, easy to read and inspiring, will take all the advice onboard and look again at my profile, thanks so much!!
3 years ago
CaraErude says:
Thanx for the tips! Will be launching my website soon!
3 years ago
MagnoliaBlsm says:
I am just getting started with my Etsy account and this information was very helpful. I have lots of work to do!
3 years ago
Indivisualdesign says:
Such good advice here. Love you Etsy.
3 years ago
JewelryfortheGospel says:
We are brand new at this....and do not even have a picture yet. But there is so much infomation here, I will be returning, thank you.
3 years ago
PDXfabricdeli says:
Thanks for the good advise, I'll get cracking. I have some info out there and think it could be better.
3 years ago
WideEyedMusings says:
Yep, this is great. Man Oh man, I have work to do!
3 years ago
greenkeydesign says:
A lot of great advice. I need a cup of tea!
3 years ago
VsporaArt says:
Brilliant thanks for the light and inspiration.
3 years ago
SpiritBearCreations says:
I had to go back and read all that again--alot to absorb. Got lost on the etsyprofilesblogspot but hey, tomorrow is a new day.
3 years ago
ReedsQuilting says:
Thank you for all the great information, it was very helpful, lookng forward to improving my profile.
3 years ago
WabiBrookStudio says:
Thanks for the tips! I've been struggling with the writing of my profile. This info is just the inspiration I needed to stop procrastinating and get it done!
3 years ago
RockOnAccessories says:
wowzers! great info! thanks for the help!
3 years ago
MakeMeOver says:
I appreciate all this information! What a treat!
3 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Very Helpful, thank you!
3 years ago
FoxyGknits says:
This article just motivated me to enhance my profile. I am currently the featured seller on the etsy North Georgia team blog: www.etsynorthgeorgia.com and used much of what I had written there for my updated profile. I'd love feedback on whether you think it hits the target or is long, etc.
3 years ago
bonniblu48 says:
this was a wonderful article and, yes, i am off to work on my profile.....thank you for the time you put into it.
3 years ago
dollbabedesigns says:
Wonderful article! I'm going to really work on my profile more, and in the new shop I'll be opening! Thanks!
3 years ago
pammazochia says:
Excellent article.. thank you ...
3 years ago
KomfyKozy says:
Thanks. This helps.
3 years ago
WedunitJewels says:
Hi FoxyGknits, I have just read your profile and I think it's great. As far as I am concerned, I don't mind reading something a bit longer if it is interesting. Oh - and I love your shawls. Thank you to 'SarasTextureCrafts' for this article. I am off to do some more work on my profile too.
3 years ago
SunnyFace says:
thanks!
3 years ago
FleurRendell says:
a superb and splendid article..better go and work on my profile and policies...thanks a bundle.
3 years ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Just read this -- wow, very helpful. Have to take another look and do some editing. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
ateliermarla says:
This has been really helpful. Thank you
2 years ago
banfflines says:
Thank you. Your profile article is very informative.
2 years ago
ApplewoodHandwovens says:
Reading back as a refresher, always updating. Thank You... More suggestions making it easier thinking about what to write about myself and what I do.
2 years ago
EelKat says:
I feel that the profile is very important (that's why I've spent over 2 weeks working on mine, and still have not got it "quite right" yet! LOL) I always get disapointed when I go to someone's profile and find that they haven't filled it out yet, or have just stuck in a simple "I make ___." I want to know a little about the artist behind the craft.
2 years ago
divergentlayers says:
thankfully all is indeed temporary ~ including our profiles! xoxoxo to etsy
2 years ago
redeemdesigns says:
New to Etsy so thank you for all the great advice. I am now taking a deep breath, biting the bullet and writing about myself....i avoided the profile page because I don't like to put myself out there but you have convinced me of the wisdom of it and building the feeling of community I think is one what makes Etsy that little bit special...great work!
2 years ago
Tina669 says:
Very Helpful, thank you!
2 years ago
mgranade says:
Thanks for the tips!
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
I don't know how I missed this before, but I have been thinking about rewriting my profile lately. I am so glad I dropped by to read the article. Excellent! Thank you.
2 years ago
marlenedesigner says:
Marking
2 years ago
frankievintage says:
This was such a HUGE help! Thank you so much for gathering all this information and putting it out there for us to use! Muchly appreciated!
2 years ago
chichimai says:
great!!!
2 years ago
CharlieBlue says:
Thanks for the tips! I'm off to review my profile now.
2 years ago
CharlieBlue says:
Thanks!
2 years ago
Melindamilkshake says:
Thank you so much! This is a very helpful piece of the puzzle.
2 years ago
KarenKBrannon says:
Thanks so much for the detailed help with examples! I'm going to try to fit it together now!
2 years ago
PhotosAlegria says:
Appreciate such reader friendly information.
2 years ago
Domesticlady says:
Thanks so much for helpful info!
2 years ago
JuditBJewelry says:
Thanks for all the tips, truly amazing and really helpful!
2 years ago
SilkMari says:
...great tiips and a good guide on how to go about planning each section of your shop...thanks
2 years ago
caplonggruden says:
Thanks so much for this info.... sometimes it gets a little overwhelming .... the making and the marketing.... with your tips i feel i can accomplish a lot!!
2 years ago
falunique says:
THANKS,i have taken advice towards making my shop producing,i know this will start bringing great results.The only ones responsible for production are our attitudes,efforts,and dedication.
2 years ago
ArchGrafix says:
Did http://etsyprofiles.blogspot.com move or does it just not exist anymore?
2 years ago
ArchGrafix says:
Did http://etsyprofiles.blogspot.com move or does it just not exist anymore?
2 years ago
chanyeevon says:
Sweet and useful information! thanks :D
2 years ago
ifBEADScouldTALK says:
Excited to be part of a talented group of artisans. As a teacher, I encourage my students to explore their talents and to share with others. My prayer is that we all will do well this year. Keep on creating............kw
1 year ago
alicejdesign says:
Thank you and just what I need to know.
1 year ago
surikatus says:
Thanks, it was really useful!
1 year ago
MythWeaver says:
Thank you for these hints, i have found them a great help so far & am off for more reading. ruthie.
1 year ago
Rivival says:
Thank you for sharing this information. This is day two of setting up my shop so I needed the help.
1 year ago
TheJewelryCat says:
I am a newbie and this is very helpful. I don't want to bore my readers with details about me but I can see how customers want to know more about me. I plan to work on my profile over the weekend. Thanks.
1 year ago
disneydoe says:
Thanks so much for this. I just started and will now be revamping my shop
1 year ago
HMbeadedjewelry says:
Thank you that helps me alot and now I have a lot to rethink. You are great and so right about the personability of handmaking whatever it is you do and the time and love put into it. I hand make mine even my pendants are beaded and chains that is love - lol serious
1 year ago
hoosiermamma1 says:
Thank you for all your input. I hope it helps my shop.
359 days ago
BinkeeBabyClothing says:
Awesome article and great shop profiles as well. Enjoyed browsing the featured shop profiles in this article.
344 days ago
starrstores says:
i hope im doing this right! http://www.etsy.com/shop/starrstores lol wish me luck(obviously new!)
320 days ago
ZoeWithLove says:
Thank you for writing such an informative article! I've just opened shop and in the process of learning it all!
311 days ago
PETUNIAPV says:
Thank you! your article has been very helpful in organizing my thoughts as I plan to start a shop.
304 days ago
Designer52 says:
Much thanks to you for the info. Im a rookie and can use all the help you have to offer.
299 days ago
kat4526 says:
very helpful post...now i'm going to go and re-do my profile pages with everything i just learned...thanks!!
299 days ago
PrairiePrimitives says:
I just redid my profile page! http://www.etsy.com/people/PrairiePrimitives
220 days ago
tomsgrossmami says:
Thank you for the info!
196 days ago