Twitter is a great way to connect with potential buyers and spread the word about your shop. The key with Twitter (and all social media) is that it is less about explicitly trying to promote things, and more about forging connections, sharing interesting tid-bits, and having fun!
We polled sellers for their top tips on using Twitter, and here’s what they said!
Getting Started
First, you’ll need a Twitter account. Use your shop name so that it is easy for people to find you!
Learn the basics, such as how to reply to someone (@), how to retweet (RT), and how to use hashtags (#). Twitter’s Help Center answers these questions and more! Waterwaif has a good tutorial for getting started on Twitter that you may want to check out as well.
Be sure to connect your Twitter account to your Etsy shop to make it easy for people to follow you!
Say What?
Figuring out what to post on Twitter is the most important aspect! Luckily, it’s an easy answer — things that you find interesting, and that you think your followers will find interesting. Here are some of sellers’ top tips for creating an engaging Twitter stream:
Keep it real: Be a real person on Twitter. People will investigate what you make and find your shop if you are real and interesting to them. — fernfiddlehead
Post on topic: I post links and info that are related to my subject —art and nature — and I have a great following. I have had many folks contact me about freelance opportunities, speaking engagements, workshops, etc. as a result of tweeting. — maryrichmonddesign
Know your market: Don’t just follow those with other Etsy shops (though that’s nice, too). Follow those who are in your target market. For me, that means pregnant ladies, new mothers and breastfeeding mamas. Since my passion is birth and babies, it’s also genuine and I love interacting with my followers. — WildMotherArts
Ask questions: These could be about your shop or items (Do you think I should make these in blue or red?), but other more personal questions are good too (Anyone have some good tips on toilet training?). The key on Twitter is interaction. — WildMotherArts
Create your niche on Twitter: For instance, I post mothering and breastfeeding affirmations. I love writing them, and I know that people have often followed me to read them. — WildMotherArts
Funny stuff: A good tip is to engage your followers with humor. This may not work for everyone, as comedy is a great risk. — LostRoadVintage
Share your style: When I find an awesome treasury that fits my style, I tweet it! Over time my followers have come to know my taste so they look forward to my tweets. It’s a win/win/win because Etsy gets some potential new buyers, I increase my credibility as a ‘fashion and lifestyle source’ and my followers find cool new stuff! — michemozaix
Connect
Social media is all about connecting with others. Think of Twitter as a conversation. Ask questions, respond to people, and most of all, have fun! When you are having fun and sharing things that interest you on Twitter, it shows, and others are more likely to be interested as well!
Be responsive: Engage with your followers! It really turns me off when someone only uses Twitter to post promotions for their shop and then completely ignores any “@” messages directed at them. Respond to people who reply to your tweets. Reply to other people’s tweets that interest you. Retweet other people. In other words, have conversations! I’ve made several purchases from people whose work wasn’t even my style, just because I talked to them a lot on Twitter and liked them. — starless
Take an interest: I think the best way to get followers is to be interested in what they are talking about. Find people talking about topics related to what you do or what you are interested in, and respond to their tweets, answer questions, show interest in what they share. The whole mass I-follow-you-you-follow-me is not always so effective. Instead, focus on increasing communication with your target market. — FlourishCafe
The @ test: Look at your Twitter feed and see if most of your tweets start with an “@” — that will give you an indication of how much you are actually communicating with people or whether you are mostly just tossing tweets out into the Twitter-sphere. Also, take a scan to see how many of your tweets contain links to your shop — it shouldn’t be too many or you’re probably being spammy. Most of my views from Twitter come from people clicking the link in my profile, not from tweeting links. But people don’t come and check out your profile until they are interested in what you do, and they’re more likely to be interested in what you do if you show interest in what they do. — FlourishCafe
Talk back: Also, talk to people and reply to other people’s tweets. People like to know they are being listened to. Twitter is in large part about networking, so don’t just wait for others to start the conversation!
Get ‘em talking: Only three types of my tweets get retweeted:
1. Ones that are funny/ironic
2. Ones that contain an interesting link
3. Ones containing a compliment (the person being complimented often retweets it) — fibrous
Follow Me
Okay, well now that you’re tweeting, how do you get people to follow you? The tips above for creating an interesting feed and developing relationships will help more than anything! Here are some additional tips for spreading the word:
Drop the link: We’ve included a link to our Twitter page on our business cards, which we distribute and include in every order. We also sign off all our emails with it, and post it in our shop announcements, profile page, and listings on Etsy. — SPUNKbyCM
Let it ride: As far as gaining followers, I’ve found it’s best to just let it happen in an organic sort of way as opposed to following droves of random people in hopes that they will follow back. The quality of followers is more important than the quantity. It’s better to have 10 followers who are really interested in you and your work than 100 followers who couldn’t care less. — starless
Promotions
The old-school way of marketing where you are talking at customers is a thing of the past. Here’s how sellers are using Twitter to promote themselves:
Promos that work: We find that advertising our shop-wide sales, coupon codes, and new and upcoming products have drawn Twitter folks into our shop. — SPUNKbyCM
Create a buzz: Before I even opened my Etsy shop, I started tweeting about the process of creating a shop, what I was going to sell, getting a banner, a few sneak peeks of items I was making, what my packaging was going to look like, etc. This worked really well, and before I had listed even one item, I had nearly 50 hearts/admirers in my shop. You can do the same thing for a promotion you intend to have, or a new collection you want to unveil. Be creative! — WildMotherArts
Don’t just post your listings all day: If you do, people will unfollow you or just ignore you and you definitely don’t want that. — WildMotherArts
Post pictures instead of listings sometimes: This is now really easy on Twitter, and looks less spammy. You can often get potential customers really interested in items this way. — WildMotherArts
No spam zone: Finally, avoid being spammy! Of course you want to promote your business on Twitter, but alternate your promotional tweets with more personal ones, links to interesting things, links to other sellers’ items, retweets, etc. Your Twitter feed will be much more interesting and much less annoying. — starless
What are your Twitter tips? Share in the comments below!
115 comments
Sign in to add your ownjammerjewelry says:
Wonderful article, thanks for the info
207 days ago
BeatificBijoux says:
So many good ideas! Many of them I implement already, such as posting about different aspects of my life and work instead of just spamming listings, but there were a few gems in here I hadn't even considered...like posting just a pic instead if a listing link, and putting twitter addy on business cards. Thanks!
207 days ago
HausProud says:
Thank you for this. I have often felt like Twitter wasn't my medium but this has given me a nice guideline to give it another try.
207 days ago
aeliosdesign says:
Thanks so much for this article. I've been at it on twitter for a while, and do do some of this. Now I am looking forward to putting some of this new great advice to good use. :)
207 days ago
SoaperieMaindeNature says:
Thanks for the advice, great ideas.
207 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great tips, I always think its useful to not talk about yourself too much on twitter! Theres only so much me me me to go around!
207 days ago
galinesa says:
Спасибо за советыб ведь и раньшеб и теперь - самая большая роскошь - это роскошь общения - Сент - Экзюпери.
207 days ago
sparrowgrey says:
An extremely well timed and informative article. I've been meaning to start up a Twitter account for a while so this couldn't have come at a better time. Great advice!
207 days ago
MrRaccoonsempire says:
Great advice, new to twitter and appreciate the help!
207 days ago
ArtByJacy says:
Needed this, thanks so much!!
207 days ago
Iammie says:
Thanks for the tips. :)
207 days ago
MadeMerriShop says:
Very helpful, thank you!
207 days ago
rozzie says:
Some really great tips in here! :) @rozzielee
207 days ago
SparrowPrimitives says:
Great tips. Thank you for sharing :) x
207 days ago
SparrowPrimitives says:
Great tips. thank you for sharing :)
207 days ago
laurenpowersphoto says:
Thanks for the tips - Twitter is a great way to interact with people and find new customers - @LPowersPhoto
207 days ago
Stilltreejewellery says:
Great advice! It's so easy to lose your way with the abyss that is social media. Thanks so much :)
207 days ago
LittleAmaryllis says:
Thank you! Pair this article with the Twitter critique yesterday, and I have learned some great tips!
207 days ago
StudioLantz says:
Thank you so much for this help on how to. Great information!
207 days ago
sewZinski says:
Great article and advice. I would follow anyone that did all those "Do's " and look forward to reading their tweets in my stream.
207 days ago
VintageEye says:
I live on Twitter! I use it to connect, network & promote. It's my virtual office & my Tweeps are my office mates... think Talk Radio or The Mary Tyler Moore show! ;) I tweet about my own shop & events but I really love to promote the work of others. Great post!
207 days ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
¸.•*¨*•☆Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ☆•*¨*•. Grazie! Gracias! Thank you! fab info for everyone...and me... the Etsy Community is AWESOME happy sales everyone! xoxox
207 days ago
NutfieldWeaver says:
This is all great information but I'd like to know where I can get the decoder ring that will tell me what "#" means in twitter-ese.
207 days ago
thequilthaus says:
I now am motivated to start up a Twitter account - thanks!
207 days ago
LadyRSanti says:
It is still overwhelming! Every time a new thing like twitter comes out, it's like learning a new language to use it. I have had a twitter account for a while now but aside from clicking twitter buttons to post links, I know nothing, not really understanding the draw to it. I hear it's a lot about phones and apps but my cell phone only makes phone calls so it is worthless in a twitter situation. The sad thing is, I'd say it's a matter of teaching an old dog new tricks but I"M NOT OLD!
207 days ago
thewhiteout says:
We've used twitter (and instagram) to do quick games during art fairs like: "Get 20% off if you show up at our booth between 4-5pm #goldenhour"
207 days ago
MoonshineGlory says:
Very helpful article. I've been working with a Twitter for months now and just haven't been able to really get it going. I will be follow your advice. Thanks!
207 days ago
NaviWing says:
It also helps to acknowledge that Twitter isn't for everyone. I'm totally tech-savvy and love social networking, but Twitter is a complete waste of my time. If you can't be genuine and utilize a social networking tool with ease, don't use it.
207 days ago
Thesunroomuk says:
Good tips for newbies and those who have been at it a while Thanks!
207 days ago
Aristocrafts says:
I've been thinking about having a Twitter account for some time now and this is just what I needed to get started! Great tips, thank you!
207 days ago
morij says:
Thank you so much! I have wondered about how to use twitter now that i have one. This has given me a lot of great ideas!
207 days ago
fernfiddlehead says:
Hey Michelle -- Nice list and thanks for including one of my suggestions! :)
207 days ago
daniellexo says:
Such great tips! I love when my twitter followers share twitpics of their process, studio - even of their pets. I'd love to see more of these from Etsy sellers.
207 days ago
RedFernVintage says:
Man o man, I need to start a Twitter account!
207 days ago
AlisaDesign says:
Thank you!!
207 days ago
thewhiteout says:
Hey NutfieldWeaver: # is a way to start a topic. For example, if you want to send out some information about an event in your neighborhood you can say "Awesome weather to head outdoors and check out designers in Hayes Valley #CapsuleDesignFest" You just introduced a new topic!
207 days ago
littleshopofphotos says:
Great info! Thank you!!! I have a Twitter, but I must admit that I'm fairly clueless. Lol. Looks like I'd better spend some time learning how to navigate my Twitter acct!!
207 days ago
DCFabricArt says:
I will have my Etsy store up and running by the end of next week. This article is of great use to me - that and the 24 year old in the office who is my mentor when it comes to social networking.
207 days ago
SPUNKbyCM says:
Simple and easy Twitter guide...happy tweeting! Thanks for including some of our suggestions ^_^
207 days ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
So many great tips here ~ thank you for sharing them!
207 days ago
TheBloomingThread says:
i think im gonna give twitter a fighting chance. Im just not sure if its really "me". i think i feel more confident and genuine blogging...but this is a great place to start. thanks!
207 days ago
fibrous says:
Oooh, I'm famous! Great post you guys! And if anyone needs any more advice feel free to convo me or tweet me @fibrousarts
207 days ago
GoldenDaysAntiques says:
All great ideas! I need to get motivated to tweet more. I spend too much time reading on Twitter instead of talking.
207 days ago
Parachute425 says:
I swear, I don't know where you people find the time!! I can't imagine adding the responsibility of tweeting to my day. Wonderful information here and I will keep it in my file for future reference should I decide to join you Twits. (I meant that in the nicest way.)
207 days ago
HealthyReflections says:
This is great information - thank you!
207 days ago
Waterrose says:
Thanks for the great tips.
207 days ago
Melissababycreations says:
Great article! Really informative! Thanks!
207 days ago
PonderingSeedsofHope says:
Thanks for great ideas. I already have an account for Twitter, but probably need to put more info. on etsy.
207 days ago
ArigigiArt says:
good article! Twitter look like new less grisly to me!
207 days ago
Liduvina says:
Fantastic tips!! Thank you!!! @liduvinadesign
207 days ago
everydayelegances says:
This was a great help to me. I'm technically challenged and was afraid to attempt Twitter. Now I'll give it a try. Thanks!
207 days ago
ADKaromatherapy says:
I love twitter it is my favorite website. Some of my best customers have come to me via twitter & I have made some really great friends there too! @adkaromatherapy :)
207 days ago
WillowGreen says:
fastantic tips- thx!
207 days ago
crookedsmilecreation says:
I've made many friends on Twitter and it's one of the main sources for interest in my shop. @CrookdSmileCre8
207 days ago
MichelleTourtillott says:
This was all great info and I started working on my shop, but I noticed that the shops that are in the article, some of them had a FAVORITES button on their front page. How do you get it on your own front page for people to favorite you?
207 days ago
FreshRetroGallery says:
Thanks for good info! I just started twittering. It could seem a little overwhelming, but I decided people are understanding of us newbies and you never know if you like something until you try it on. Tweet me hello or something new you learned today @FreshRetroGal
207 days ago
ArleenDesign says:
Helpful and interesting tips.Thank you so much for this article.
207 days ago
fromjoy32926 says:
Starting today I'm launching my little enterprise 'Cake Docks' which are totally individual Cake Stands, Cupcake Stands, Marble Cheese & Cheesecake Stands, Salsa & Dipping Docks & other stations. I am making them one by one from my vast collection of plates & items that coordinate well as a base to create each Dock. I will indicate what went into each piece. There will never be 2 identical 'Cake Docks' because items are randomly selected that match or blend well together. My collections span 35 years of collecting. I will always try to identify each part used. I've had such fun already holding things together until I find a perfect match-up. From classic to funky to whimsical to fiesta - I've got it all right here in my house. I'm now retired & following my inner artist. Pottery, Porcelain, Glass, Marble, Stoneware, Metals, Plastics & Resins. Today October 26 is 'Cake Docks' Launch Date. Please stop to say Hello & give me your feedback...Joy
207 days ago
sheronrose says:
Thanks so much for the great tips!!
207 days ago
dimdi says:
Thank you so much!!Great info!!!!
207 days ago
BSkjordahlStudio says:
Thank you for this clear and helpful article. Now I finally get it!!
206 days ago
ElanUnearth says:
Perfection!!! @elanunearth
206 days ago
AntoinettesWhims says:
Thanks so much for this, I have felt a little lost at twitter. This info will help!
206 days ago
designedbybettyshek says:
Thank you so much for all the useful tips !
206 days ago
jancashdesigns1 says:
I kind of gave up on twitter. When I list new items on my etsy shop, I click the post to twitter button and it goes to twitter. That's all I do. I never interact with Twitter but thanks to all this great information I think I will give it a try. Thank You!
206 days ago
piedrastudio says:
This is great, usable advice. Thanks!
206 days ago
Jewelrybynala says:
I try to be responsive on Twitter, but I find it can be a struggle once you gain a certain amount of followers. I do the best I can and then hope others will understand if I don't get back to them on every single mention and RT, as I understand when I don't get a response from them every time. Once you've been on Twitter for a while, you'll get a sense of who wishes to maintain an equitable give and take ...
206 days ago
AnimeHatmania says:
Great advice!
206 days ago
EightTreeStreet says:
I just started twitter a little while ago. Post my listings and also some decor info, just love to do that for fun. Not many followers, but hope soon. Thanks for the article.
206 days ago
ClaudiaOlivos says:
Thank you for this! *tweet tweet*
206 days ago
SweetPeasCommuniserv says:
Thanks, I'm still trying to figure out twitter, I find it difficult to have a conversation with someone on there! I do comment on other tweets and retweet, but I don't know how to tell if someone tweets back to me! Clueless! :)
206 days ago
cursiveart says:
That's really brilliant. I've had some trouble with twitter, but I think this is going to help me engage my audience much more!
206 days ago
GothicGlassStudio says:
This is a great reminder of how to use Twitter more efficiently. Thank you. I am going to follow up on a few of the suggestions right now! https://twitter.com/#!/GothicGlass
206 days ago
WonderDesign says:
I've so much to learn!! thanks a bunch for writing these guidelines :)
206 days ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Fantastic advice on all points! I love just letting the group of followers grow organically - so much better than 'Look at me! I'm so popular!' lol
206 days ago
vintageurbanrenewal says:
On Fridays Twitter has something called "Friday Friends" where you can use the hash tag #FF and you can send shoutouts to your BFF's. I use it to send out thank you's to all the kind etsian's who posted one of my items in a treasury that week. I have made some great connections that way and it let's me thank people, since I do not have time to make my own treasuries.
206 days ago
alankarshilpa says:
Great ideas. I have to learn the @, RT, # and all that. So far I just tweeted when I had listed a new item. Getting involved is important. I learned that people care when you care for them. Thank you for your three bullet points - funny posts, compliments and the other? I forgot. Will go back to your post again. Dita
206 days ago
oneofakindhemp says:
The information you provided started improving my views almost instantly! Thanks so much ( :
206 days ago
fripperie says:
I resisted the idea of Twitter for a long time, thought it was just plain stupid. Finally registered reluctantly, but i've found that it suits me far better than i expected. I've gotten at least one faithful customer, made friends with other sellers who help keep me sane and are a valuable sounding board, and i've been able to teach a few people useful skills or aim them at good resources. I do tweet a lot about what's going on around the farm, process for my vintage pattern shop and for my handmade block print shop, interesting local events, as well as listings. Just when i think it's not connecting with anybody, someone will comment about how much they like reading what i tweet (and i'll fall off my chair in surprise).
206 days ago
ShoeClipsOnly says:
great tips, thank-you!
206 days ago
HappyBonesArt says:
Great tips! Thanks!
206 days ago
skybluesea says:
Great tips. Thanks so much :)
206 days ago
2ones says:
God Bless!
206 days ago
ForeverFiligree says:
Great tips....I just find all the social media very time consuming and taking away from my passion: making my products!! But unfortunately, if you're not involved in social media these days....you'll be left behind.
206 days ago
chocolatedogstudio says:
Ah HA, a concise guide to twitter! Finally...
205 days ago
etincellestudio says:
I was very reluctant to join Twitter, but 9 months down the road and 3,668 tweets later I am enjoying myself mad. It has allowed me to connect to great like-minded people in and out of Singapore, I just love it! A bit time consuming though... so when I need to be extra productive, I don't turn on my computer for the whole day, or don't open FB and T pages.
205 days ago
lucygalleria says:
I have being postponing to create an account on twitter. I feel it will add more time consuming to my facebook time. I have gotten sales and promotions from Facebook friends. I'll have to brake down and start twitting, since I can't isolate myself, I'll have to designate certain time and hours for that, so it will not take away from my production time. Great tips, thank you so much.
205 days ago
SandysCrafty says:
At work I use HootSuite to manage my Twitter account & schedule my tweets. Once set up it is a great way to monitor your account and even has reports you can create for free. I have found that scheduling tweets sporadically at different times of the day is crucial, you never know who is watching or when. Be creative too...and have some fun with it, more people will respond if you do.
205 days ago
Netamente says:
Very useful, thanks!!!
204 days ago
HanaMauiCreations says:
Thanks for the helpful advice!
204 days ago
spottyhen says:
Great advice, My twitter follows the golden rules, but it doesnt hurt to be reminded! thankyou xx
204 days ago
FlourishCafe says:
Wow, thanks so much for including me in this article! :)
203 days ago
Smokinmudproductions says:
Thanks for the information. I have been tweeting my shop but I think it's now time for an adjustment!
203 days ago
Niftic says:
It's a wild marketing out there! Your tips are so appreciated! Guess it's time to get a little a more personal.
203 days ago
AbbyIris says:
Thanks for sharing! It really helps......
202 days ago
SilkMari says:
Thanks for sharing this info ... new perspective .
202 days ago
latenightdrawing says:
Good info, thank you!
202 days ago
grandmagrizzly says:
I've been hesitant to start a Twitter account because of all the rumors I've heard about how time consuming it is to monitor and respond. It is beginning to appear as though it will be much more difficult to be successful without social networking now-a-days. I do agree though that personal interaction is a vital link in successful marketing. I'm just going to suck it up and get to it!! Thanks for the great advice and inspiration to press on, wish me luck! Thanks also to SandysCrafty for the tip on HootSuite and sporatic tweeting, I'm off to their website now for more info.
202 days ago
janitza1 says:
Thanks, now social media doesn't feel so overwhelming.
201 days ago
Relogyyy says:
great info here!!! I'm looking for artistic people to follow on twitter. please follow @RElogyyy
200 days ago
blanshet says:
Very good minds in this article! Let's try to use information for real.
200 days ago
Gx2Outlawed says:
I've always been a bit technophobic when it comes to Twitter, I can put my mind to so many tasks regarding website construction and social networking yet twitter has always seemed to be in a different language to me! There also seems to be pools of people who prefer the realms of twitter and facebook and stay in those comfort zones - This article has given me the drive to give it another shot and hopefully start networking with a whole host of new faces!
199 days ago
waterwaif says:
Thank you so much for including me and my blog article in here!
199 days ago
ChantallCreations says:
Thank you so much!! I have never tweeted before so I hope I can do it correctly with your suggestions :)
185 days ago
GemdropsoftheFalls says:
GREAT advice. Wow. Thank you so much. We've found that responding to other people's tweets really starts a conversation with at least one person easily. Twitter is a wonderful asset for communicating all over the world. It's amazing to learn what other people face in their daily lives. You'd be surprised how much you can relate to another person.
177 days ago
HatsukoiMN says:
Thank you for all great tips. I just started twitter! And don't really do what should I do with it! This is really useful!
173 days ago
MesssieJessie says:
Best way to grow followers is organically, that way you don't get the chaff :)
171 days ago
WiseStamp says:
These are great tips! Another tool that we found very useful is linking your etsy shop to your email signature. You can read more about it on this website--http://wisestamp.com/goodies/articles/marketing/etsy-marketing-signature/ If you have any questions feel free to email us @ brittni@wisestamp.com Happy Selling! Brittni @ WiseStamp
154 days ago
daniellehartman says:
Just started my shop and I'm in the process of getting my Twitter going. Thanks for the tips, there's a lot of stuff I would have never thought of.
142 days ago
ckwok88 says:
Love the tips, esp. the one about posting pics. Great idea!
140 days ago
ThreeBlackCats says:
Thanks for all the great info. I am now *finally* going to make my first tweet today! It's my New Year's resolution. LOL
139 days ago
AsianArtAndQuilts says:
Thank you for this article, There's a lot of work and the need to research the "how to's" to succeed on Etsy or any online sales venue for that matter. Learning the business side of selling online, how to promote your shop and items , how to increase your traffic, how to make the best of social media, these are all as important as making a wonderful product. All this takes time and knowledge, maybe as much time learning and implimenting with these things, as production of your wonderful products. Just when I think I've caught on, I often find information on Etsy that is new and helpful. The help available on Etsy and also through the advise of other experienced of sellers in the forums is really priceless. Thanks Etsy for helping us to succeed, and thanks to fellow shop owners for their generous help! What a great place to be!!
128 days ago
QuirkMuseum says:
Thanks for the Twitter info. I have been meaning to post some photos on Twitter anyway.
121 days ago
martket from martket says:
great article! thanks so much! :))
81 days ago
Natasha from ElizabethsPearlz says:
Thank you for the dos,don't s and how to s of Twitter. This information is very useful:)
28 days ago