Negative is the new positive
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Original Post
Well you may have seen my thread called “negative comments only” I started it because I didn’t feel like I was getting much honest feedback about my shop when I asked for it. I didn’t need a pat on the back or for others to tell me they like this or that product. I needed to know what was WRONG; what would you say negatively about my shop.
And a week later and over 5000 posts, I think we’ve all learned a lot. We’re had some great constant sellers helping to keep the negativity going. I can’t say how many people have thanked us for the negativity and we’ve seen some HUGE shop improvements because of it as well, mine included. There were some very common issues that we discovered and instead of you trying to read through 5000+ posts, we’ve compiled a list of common mistakes and easy improvements!
1. Shorten your dang shop announcement!
A nice hello and welcome is nice, but if your shop announcement is too long, customers have to scroll to see your items. It seems strange but people don’t want to do that, they want to see your product.
2. Photos
Almost everyone needs improvement! Your pictures should be taken in natural light, preferably outside, or in a light box if that’s not possible. For close up shots please use that macro setting on your camera, you won’t believe how much better the detail will be. Use a variety of angles/shots so that customers get a good feel for the whole piece. Use consistent backgrounds! This will really make your shop look professional and flow together. The big suggestion was solid color cardstock for the background.
3. Use all your tags
You want people to be able to find your item.
4. Use your featured items slots.
It’s your one chance to get your best products bigger and right on top
5. Keep is short and sweet with titles
Cut out the ALL CAPS and 3 sentence titles people! Find a cute catchy name for your item and put all the rest in the description. Make sure you include what the item is for improved searching (for example if it’s the “kate bag” make sure you put “kate bag” and not just “the kate”
6. Invest in your banners and avatars
Sometimes your avatar is the first thing people see and if it doesn’t reflect your product or you well, people won’t want to click on it. It’s about personal style. Same with the banner, it’s the first thing people see in your shop, make it GREAT. Invest a little money or time in these and you’ll reap the benefits.
There are others, but I’d like to see how others feel about these common errors and others that they see often in others’ shops.
Thanks to all the negative comments only participants!
If you want to get in on it, we’re still going!
www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5592451
Posted at 10:41am May 8, 2008 EDT
Responses
littlebitwired, please come over to the "negative comments only" thread and we'll do our best to help you out!
Posted at 10:53am May 8, 2008 EDT
littlebit:
- you do a great job of explaining the techniques you used to make the item. That helps people understand why some of your items are more expensive.
- you have a great range of prices to appease every kind of buyer.
- your gray mary janes are probably adorable, but the photos are really blurry. Take them outside with natural light and use the macro setting on your camera to capture their texture.
-same goes for your hemetite ring.
-some of your items have really expensive shipping. You'd probably be better off working some of that cost into the cost of the item and lowering the shipping. The cost will be the same to the buyer either way, but they won't feel like they're throwing too much money at shipping.
Posted at 10:55am May 8, 2008 EDT
Thanks Stella. You've picked up things that I know were wrong but haven't made the time to fix. Hopefully the weather will be better on the weekend!
Posted at 10:57am May 8, 2008 EDT
It's crazy how much time it really does take to create a good looking shop!
Posted at 11:01am May 8, 2008 EDT
Thanks for the condensed version - lots of good tips!
Posted at 11:04am May 8, 2008 EDT
ok...let's get this new thread ROCKING people !!!
Posted at 11:05am May 8, 2008 EDT
we wont be mean....but PLEASE read the post before you post....then we can get down to what can be done outside of these basics to HELP YOUR SHOP !!! we love to help....so come in and say hi...we dont bite...HARD !!!
Posted at 11:06am May 8, 2008 EDT
BACKGROUNDS.... GREAT ONE = PRETTY CARD STOCK !!!
Posted at 11:07am May 8, 2008 EDT
COME IN AND MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE...THIS IS OUR NEW HOME AWAY FROM HOME !!! WE ARE HERE TO HELP !!! XOXOXOX BUNNIE
Posted at 11:09am May 8, 2008 EDT