Negative is the new positive

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