Search results (tags) for: "writing"

Seller How-To: 5 Tips for Item Descriptions

2009-11-11T16:48:00-05:00

Do you have writer's block when it comes to crafting your Etsy item listings? You're in luck! Optimize your shop with the following five tips for effective and descriptive prose in your product listings. You'll have a way with words in no time!

1. Create an inverted pyramid. The most important information about your item should be first in your description — not only because shoppers want the details on your items as soon as possible, but also because it's a smart way to optimize the way your description displays in Google search results.

Tip: Always use the Google search results preview.

2. Short paragraphs and bullet points are your friends. Visitors to your shop might be looking for a specific size or material, so make it easy for them to glean that info from your descriptions by cutting out superfluous language and making good use of bullet points. Think about your descriptions as a way to answer your buyer's questions (within reason, of course). Here's a forum thread, 20 Questions Your Buyers are Asking, to help you get an idea of what those questions could be.

3. Keep an eye on your web analytics results. (Find out how to set that up in the Seller FAQ.) Keep a list of the keywords visitors searched for when they found your shop and write with these keywords in mind. Remember that your tags are keywords used by Etsy Search, but your most important tags and materials should also be scattered throughout your descriptions so that internet searches (through Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc) can find you too! These sites are more likely to pick up keywords from your descriptions rather than your list of tags.

4. Just like a good therapist suggests, use "I" statements. Speaking in the first person will help you connect with your visitor on a personal level — and isn't that what they are looking for when they come to shop on Etsy? Show a bit of your personality! Think of your item descriptions as you would when meeting a new friend: you want to be polite, but you also want to be your natural self.

5. End with a link. Did you know you can copy and paste Etsy URLs in your descriptions and they will function as a hyperlink? Use this to your advantage. If your visitor has read your item description and is not biting, don't let them float away off the computer, to another website, Etsy shop or back to their search results. Instead, give them a link to learn more about you, see your entire shop, check out your policies or even a link to send you a conversation.

Want more tips? Check out these links:

Writing for an Online Audience | Seller Handbook

Etsy Success Tips: Make Your Shop Work for You

2009-09-10T10:15:00-05:00

Caroline, who runs the successful Etsy Shop Paloma’s Nest, has some expert advice for sellers. Read on to find out some of her tips!

Etsy sellers are known for the time, love, and energy they dedicate to their craft — using quality materials, originality, and great attention to detail. Buyers come to Etsy for a special shopping experience, and your shop is your window to the world. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward so buyers like what they see and come in for more. This post is to encourage you to use the tools Etsy provides to make your shop a success!

Photo by TammysTreasureChest

So, Who Are You, Anyways?

Your Etsy shop is loaded with great products...but is it loaded with great information about you and your business? Your Shop Policies, Profile and Location sections are the perfect places to share this information — they tell your buyer about who you are and what type of shop you have. Part of the process of buying handmade is knowing from where and whom your purchase is coming. Buyers LOVE to know the story behind a product, so share a little in your Profile section!

Basic Shop Policies help to legitimize your online shop, and they can reassure customers that they are making a secure transaction with a reliable seller. After all, this is a business you are running, so be sure you are coming across as a professional. Try your best to not leave these sections blank. For more help with Shop Policies, check out this post: Service Tips for Sellers: Creating Policies That Work. These posts delve into crafting a Profile page and other text bits of your Etsy shop.

Photo by kittybblove

More Than One

Are you ever disappointed when an item you’ve been admiring is sold, or the link you are using is no longer active? Don’t let your lack of inventory be the reason your customers can’t find you! If your designs can be remade (and you are willing and able to create like-designs or multiples), or you are selling supplies, be sure to take advantage of the “Quantity” feature when listing your items.

Many sellers like to list each and every item, one at a time, and then simply relist it when it sells; while this method does give you a fresh listing each time, there are many sometimes overlooked benefits to listing larger quantities of your item at one time.

Some of these benefits include:

Your links stay active — both in your buyers’ Favorites lists, and in blogs and other sites all over the web that may be linking back to your Etsy shop listing.
You can see long term stats on your listing, such as views and hearts, which can be tracked over time and give you valuable information about your product and any marketing efforts (such as Showcase slots). This will also be relevant to your Google Analytics.
You won’t “miss” a sale because you didn’t relist another item quickly enough.
If you're featured in a high traffic area, such as the homepage of Etsy, your item will remain featured until you're sold out. Higher quantity means more sales and more happy shoppers.

Photo by KeysAndMemories

The “Top Three”

The top three spots in your shop carry a lot of weight here in the interconnected world of Etsy. Many Etsians love to shop by searching through other members' lists of Favorite Sellers. Ever notice the three photos that show up next to the avatar on these Favorites lists? They are the first three items (the last three you listed) in your shop — NOT necessarily your "Featured Listings."

Make sure these three most recently listed items are representative of the variety of items available in your shop, or you may be missing out on catching your target audience...if you sell mittens, hats, and scarves, don’t let three hats sit in the “top three.” Mix it up, so it is clear you offer more than one style of items. Take care to notice this each and every time you renew or add a new item listing. It serves as a mini snapshot of your shop.

Photo by Canemah

Photos Photos Photos

Images are your most powerful tool as a seller. Luckily, Etsy offers sellers many opportunities to display multiple images of your product in your shop. Take your “good” photos a step further, and ask yourself if they are living up to their potential as important marketing tools for your shop.

Ask yourself these questions:

Are your photos consistent throughout your Etsy shop?
Do they lend a cohesive look to your brand and convey a strong sense of quality?
Pay attention to the various backgrounds or props you are using in your photos. Are they in line with your shop style and the story you are telling through your work?

Extraordinary images will build recognition for your shop. There are several great photo tutorials and tips offered right here on Etsy's blog; if you combine these tips with your own brand and vision, the photos of your work will stand out in a crowd, both on Etsy and throughout the Internet.

Best of luck with these tips and happy selling!

These tips were first published in the Etsy Success newsletter; sign up here for a plethora of more great tips and advice (and be sure to frequent the Etsy Seller Handbook Series for a collection of all our seller tips).

Vote! Which Notebook Would You Take Back to School?

2009-07-28T10:30:00-05:00

I'm not attending any classes this fall, but all the back to school buzz has me in the mood for a nice, crisp new journal. On a recent visit to my parents' house, I dug up my middle school diary (complete with an account of my first kiss and the devastating heartbreak shortly thereafter). Yes, my handwriting is just as bad now as it was then. Any journalers in our midst? Post in the comments and tell us what you keep track of in longhand. Make sure to vote for your favorite notebook or journal in this week's poll!

Last week, we asked our readers to nominate their favorite notebooks and journals. Now it's your turn to vote! On Monday we'll announce the winner, which, along with some of the top picks, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide and here on the Etsy blog. Show your favorite sellers some love and get out the vote!

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ | Back to School Showcase

Seller How-To: Optimizing Your Etsy Shop for Search Engines

2009-04-29T17:01:00-05:00

UPDATE: Please see the most recent information on this topic in our Help section. Click here!

We've been making some changes around the site that we hope will have a big impact. Over the past several months, we've implemented a series of changes to improve Etsy's SEO (search engine optimization). Improved SEO means that it's more likely Etsy pages will be found by people searching with sites like Google, Yahoo and other search engines. While we've done a lot of the work behind the scenes, Etsy sellers can also help maximize the impact of Etsy's SEO on their shop and item pages.

Meta Data: Understanding the Components

Much of this SEO work is done through meta data, which is part of a website's code that is read by search engines. Meta data for SEO has three main components: page title, meta description and meta keywords.

ABOVE: In this screenshot of the Jewelry Category, the meta page title is highlighted in orange in the web browser title bar.

The page title is visible on the site in the top bar of your web browser window. This also shows up when you add a web page to your browser's Favorites or Bookmarks. Ever wonder how a search engine gets the text for the link that is shown in results pages? That's right: it's the page title.

ABOVE: This screenshot shows how Google displays the meta page title and meta description for Etsy's home page in search results.

Both the page title and the meta description are displayed on search engine results pages. Search engines display just a short bit of text for the description, between 140-180 characters depending on the search engine. Meta keywords are generally not visible to someone viewing a web page, but they are used by search engines to help rank relevancy of pages in search results.

We’ve updated the meta data for many of the pages on Etsy: Category and Subcategory pages, the shopping features (like Treasury and Pounce), Etsy shop and item listing pages. Certain pieces of information you control for your shop and item listing pages can impact your shop's SEO. Below we'll explain how you can boost your Etsy shop's SEO.

Your Etsy Shop Pages

ABOVE: This diagram of jenniferladd's shop home page shows how Etsy uses parts of your shop text for the page title, meta description and meta keywords for your shop page.

The page title format on shop pages is: "[username] on Etsy - [Shop Title]"

You can partially control what appears here by using your Shop Title wisely. Your Shop Title is the text that appears in bold just below your banner in your shop. To edit your Shop Title, go to Your Etsy > Appearance. We recommend using this Shop Title to briefly describe your shop and the items you sell so search engines will pick it up more readily. You may also want to include your full name or your business name in your Shop Title if potential customers are likely to search for you that way.

The meta description is the short blurb that appears on a search engine result page to help people quickly learn what the page is about. For your Etsy shop page, the meta description is the first part of your Shop Announcement. We recommend you use the first 1-2 sentences of your Shop Announcement to describe your shop (what kinds of items you sell) and use welcoming language that will entice someone to explore your shop further.

Meta keywords are a less critical component to SEO, and various search engines use them differently to help rank relevancy of a page in search results. For Etsy shop pages, we have automatically pulled the Section Titles for the shop to be used as the meta keywords. We observed that many sellers use basic terms for their sections that translate relatively well into keywords. For example, it's common for jewelry shops to have Section Titles such as: bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings. To edit your Section Titles, go to Your Etsy > Sections.

Your Item Listing Pages

ABOVE: This diagram of an item listing page from FriendlyFairies shop shows how Etsy uses parts of your item listing text for the page title, meta description and meta keywords for your item listing pages.

On individual item pages, the page title format is:

   • For handmade items – "Handmade [Category] on Etsy - [Item Title] by [username]"
   • For vintage items – "Vintage on Etsy - [Item Title] by [username]"
   • For supplies – "Craft Supplies on Etsy - [Item Title] by [username]"

Once again, you can partially control the information that appears as the page title for your listing pages. You create your Item Title on the first step of the listing process. (To edit an Item Title, go to Your Etsy > Currently for Sale, and click the edit link by the item you wish to edit. Make sure to click "finish" to save your changes.) We recommend you clearly describe your item in the Item Title so search engines will understand what the page is about.

For listing pages, the meta description is taken from the first portion of your Item Description. You create your Item Description on the first step of the listing process. (To edit an Item Description, go to Your Etsy > Currently for Sale, and click the edit link by the item you wish to edit. Make sure to click "finish" to save your changes.) Remember: search engines only display the very beginning of this text, just 1-2 sentences. We recommend you use the first part of your Item Description to draw in potential shoppers: describe your item briefly and use engaging language to encourage them to want to find out more.

Meta keywords on item listing pages are taken from the listing's tags. You tag your listing on the second step of the listing process. (To edit the tags on a listing, go to Your Etsy > Currently for Sale, and click the edit link by the item you wish to edit. Make sure to click "finish" to save your changes.) If you're using your tags wisely for Etsy's on-site search already, then most likely you'll be in pretty good shape with your tags for SEO. For more help with tagging, check out Guidelines & Tips: Tagging on Etsy.

These are a few easy ways you can help bring more targeted traffic to your Etsy shop from search engines by improving the SEO of your shop and item listing pages. Search engines are complex, and there are several other factors that contribute to how high your pages rank in search engine results. For more insight on some of these other factors outside your Etsy shop and item listing pages, you may want to read Shop Makeover Series: Google PageRank Tips for Your Etsy Shop.

Seller Handbook | Shop Makeover Series

P.S. These exercises are also published in the Etsy Success Mailing List. Sign up here to get helpful tips delivered to your inbox twice a week!

Do You Love Etsy's Blog? Be Our Summer Intern!

2009-03-30T14:20:00-05:00

Hello faithful readers!

We are desperately seeking Susans! We at the Etsy Blog are looking for a summer intern to work with us May through August here in Brooklyn. We're looking for someone who is very detail-oriented (find the errors on the job page, please!) and creative. Most of all, we want to work with someone who is passionate about Etsy and blogging.

Because we are a small team, you'd have a big impact and be kept pretty busy. If you're interested, please check out the description here and send your resume to this address. (There's a little homework assignment at the bottom of the job description, so make sure to send it along with your resume!)

Unfortunately, we can only take candidates who are in New York or would be located here for the summer. Yeah, we know about the internet and working remotely, but trust us, it'll be a much better experience for the intern (and for us!) if you're able to work face-to-face with our team and with the other Etsy admin.

We are excited to hear from you!

— Vanessa, Alison, Eric, Tara

Etsy's Guide to Blogging

2008-10-09T10:49:00-05:00

Starting a blog can be a little intimidating. Where should you start one? What should you write about? How do you get people to read your blog? I popped over to the Etsy Forums to gather tips from some Etsy bloggers. I knew I would find nuggets of blogging wisdom to share, and I was not let down. Read on to hear the Etsy community's tips, plus some of my own!

"Open Book" photograph by nicholasbartle

Getting Started

Recycledideas says: I chose Blogger.com because it's free and requires no familiarity whatsoever with HTML, which is perfect for me; although I like learning new languages, I really have no interest in talking to computers in their language. http://newfoundlandnews.blogspot.com

I like Blogger, too. It's free and pretty user friendly. Some other popular blog publishers are: Typepad, LiveJournal, and Wordpress. You're going to need to choose a layout, and if you don't know html, these publishers have templates for you to choose from. You can also search for free layouts on the internet or hire a designer to create something original for your blog. There are even some blog designs you can purchase from Etsy graphic artists!

When thinking about naming your blog ...

elanknits says: Have your blog name the same as your shop or brand name so you're easier to find. http://elanknits.blogspot.com

Many Etsians preferred simple designs, without too much flair. A lot of bells and whistles can drive away your readers.

fenrislorsrai says: Many folks read at work and nothing will get you off their reading list faster than music announcing that they are slacking at work! If you want to have a music player, set it to play only when someone clicks on it. http://fenris-lorsrai.livejournal.com

Once you have your blog set up ...

melsdolls says: The first thing any new blogger should do is claim their blog on Technorati. Technorati is the largest directory for blogs, and having a presence there is essential to your blog's success. http://pinkcrabcreations.blogspot.com

and...

poshdoodles says: My tip is for those who use Blogger to try Google's free analytics tool: http://www.google.com/analytics.

It can tell you:

How long people stay at your blog. (If they only stay a few seconds, you may need to rethink your approach.)
How people find your blog — where they come from and what keywords they're using, so you can see what promotional sites work best for you.
What entries people are reading.

And loads more. If you are keen to promote and expand your business, stats really help. http://poshdoodles.blogspot.com

Computer Ring by Sypria

Creating Interesting Posts

I think most Etsians in our forums discussion would agree that your blog should not just be about the work you sell. If we wanted to read that, we would just have a look at your shop! Your blog is a place where you can connect on a personal level with your readers (and potential customers). Write about your process, your inspiration, your favorite restaurant, your exciting family news.

Stockton says: Blog about your work and the things that inspire you ... but also write about others' work! Not only does it make your blog more interesting, but it draws in a bigger readership as you start linking to other sites and blogs. http://www.stocktonandco.com/blog

(Stockton features this button for TorontoCraftAlert.com on her blog.)

melissakate says: Mention Willie Nelson and Taxes :) That brought a lot of viewers my way!

T-shirt design by HonkyTonkTees

InkspotWorkshop says: I like coming up with weekly features; this way I can anticipate topics each week. For example, I have a weekly feature called iCANDY, where I feature my favorite Etsy sellers. I also have a feature called Bespoke Corner, where I feature different custom work, not necessarily every week, but definitely each month. http://inkspotworkshopblog.blogspot.com

LittlePaperDog says: Show work in progress. I love seeing how people create such amazing stuff. http://LittlePaperDog.blogspot.com

LittlePaperDog working on her tea towels

lookmamamadeit says: People LOVE tutorials and are always searching for them. If you can make and post a tutorial or two, and name it and tag it properly, it will keep bringing traffic to your blog. All kinds of tutorials, I guess!

As on Etsy, try to be original, professional, and to have good texts and photos. I advise non-English native speakers, like me, to try to blog both in your language and in English, and to use a good spelling tool.
http://ameninabrinca.blogspot.com

notagoose says: Have contests. People LOVE contests. Honestly, I'm sure there are legalities involved that you may want to look into, but I'd just do these random contests for piddly prizes and people flocked. For example, I'd have people design banners for my site, then post them and have people vote on their favorite. The ones who made submissions would invariably post a link to my blog on their site begging their readers to come vote for them, and those people would end up subscribing to my site.

EyePopArt says: Try a poll now and then! I just posted one on mine at http://eyepopart.blogspot.com

SunshineandRavioli says: I would suggest posting lots of good pictures. I prefer blogs with lots of eye candy, and I'm sure I'm not alone ... more great pictures, less words. There are too many great blogs out there to visit to be able to spend 20 minutes reading one post. http://sunshinenravioli.blogspot.com

Print by BluLima

Staying Motivated

larsandaddie says: I carry my camera with me almost everywhere — having pictures to post keeps me motivated to update. http://larsandaddie.blogspot.com

This is a great tip! In addition, if you have a Flickr account, set up the "Post to Blog" function. This motivates me to blog more. I upload a photo and then can easily create a blog post with it.

Diffraction says: Chances are you won't feel like blogging every single day, but you must really have a new post for your readers. So on the days you are feeling very productive, schedule two or three days in advance. This feature is available on most blogging platforms and enables you to take a breather if you need it, without letting down your readers.
dif-fraction.blogspot.com

TotusMel says: I've made blogging part of my morning routine so it's never hard to do. http://totusmel.blogspot.com

tizzalicious says: I stay motivated by having a few theme days, like on Sunday I feature a Cute Craftster of The Week, an Etsian with a shop full of cuteness. I also stay motivated from the nice comments I get (ask questions in your posts!) and from seeing how many visitors I had on my stats. http://blog.tizzalicious.com

talkproof, one of tizzalicious's "Cute Crafter of the Week"

Building a Readership

DirtySanchez says: My best advice is to be a blogger, not a crafter who has a blog. My blog has been going for well over six years now, and it covers everything — family, work, beekeeping, soapmaking, random inspirations, the whole nine yards. To gain and keep a readership, the blog needs to be interesting for everyone, not just other crafters.

susansheehan says: Put your blog link in your shop announcement, in all email signatures and on forum signatures. Join blog rings or collective groups. Can't find one? Start one of your own. I started flaminghot.wordpress.com as a way to get flameworkers blogging and provide a way to generate traffic to their sites.

TheBrassHussy says: My best blogging tip is not about your own blog, but to find other blogs that interest you and comment on them. The blog owner will probably check your profile out and could buy from you or include you on their blog. Which I think is a great way to bring in traffic to your blog.

sewbettie says: To gain readership, participate in the blog community. I try to visit about ten new blogs a week and leave a comment. They almost always come check out my blog and I come across new ideas, inspiration, and resources. You can find new blogs on the Etsy Forums or by clicking the blog links on your favorite blogs. http://craftyourselfrich.blogspot.com

That happens to be my very favorite blogging tip (I give it often!): Participate on other blogs. For more blogging inspiration, check out TeenAngster's series on the Storque — News from the Craft & Style Blogosphere.

RenewedResources says: I am using Scoutle and Entrecard to help bring in folks to my blog. http://etsysupplyshoppe.blogspot.com

There were a few mentions of Entrecard, which I had never heard of! Great tip!

I hope these ideas motivate you to get started blogging or to update your blog today! If you have any additional tips (or questions) please post them in the comments below.

For more how-tos about selling on Etsy, see the Seller Handbook.

Team Tip: Is Blogging Important?

2008-08-25T14:41:00-05:00

Blogs can play a vital role in marketing your Etsy Team on the web. Many people choose to buy handmade to support artists. A good blog gives your customer base a glimpse into the lives of the artists they're supporting. Sneak peeks into studio spaces, interviews on artistic beginnings and techniques make for interesting content. You can promote your colleagues and Teammates easily with a blog, and relevant tutorials, tips, tricks and other useful information will keep readers checking in often.

Blogging doesn't come naturally to everyone, so it's best to pick someone on your Team who enjoys blogging to be responsible for posting often. There's no harm in starting a blog to see how it works for your Team, and delegating posting responsibilities will ensure the blog gets updated regularly. Here are some simple steps your Team can take to set up a blog and maintain it successfully.

What types of things would your Team like to cover in its blog? Keep in mind your Team's goals and pick topics that members of your Team feel comfortable and knowledgable enough about to talk about every day: a type of craft, information on where your Team lives, or something that makes your Team unique that will be engaging for your target demographic. Remember, you won't want to be too personal (no gossip!), as this is a professional blog created to drive traffic to your Etsy shops. You want to connect with a specific group of people (your readers and potential customers!) by making the blog fairly specific and full of information, but keeping it broad enough that you can eventually have a pretty large readership.
Find your tone. What type of voice should the blog to have? For example, it can be an instructional blog, you can adopt a professional voice or you can really be yourself. Setting a tone and being consistent makes a blog easy to read.
Blog often. Blogs are an interesting medium because they can literally be up-to-the-minute information. No one wants to read a stale blog.
A wise blogger once told me "No one cares what you had for lunch today." (Unless your blog is all about food, I suppose...) Make sure you're blogging about things that engage your readers!
Include great photos! These could be photos of members' studios or workspaces, little snapshots of members' everyday life, in-progress shots of items, or photos of your Team in action. Photos can make a blog-reader feel like they're being treated to a behind-the-scenes tour.
Have actual content. It's not hard to distinguish between an interesting blog you'd like to revisit and a series of advertisements upon first visiting a blog.
Blog often. This is the most important tip.
Use widgets! Etsy, Twitter, Flickr, Amazon and other sites all have applications you can include in your blog's side bars to keep the page dynamic even when you can't update it. Etsy Minis are a great tool to get your work—and the work of people you admire—noticed without writing dull posts about your own shop over and over again.
Blog often! The more often you blog, the more people will check your blog.
If you find it's not working, don't let your blog sit around decaying! Remove your blog from the web—there's nothing sillier than a blog that hasn't been updated in eight or nine months.

Here are some useful places to get started with a Team blog, or spruce up your existing blog:

http://www.blogger.com — Free online blogging site
http://www.typepad.com — Inexpensive online blogging networking site
http://www.flickr.com/badge.gne — A photo widget that puts photos from your Flickr group onto your blog
http://www.twitter.com — Free mini-updating messaging site
http://www.wordpress.com — Online blogging tool
http://sethgodin.typepad.com — Marketing guru Seth Godin on how to get blog traffic
http://team.etsy.com/blogring.html — Ablog ring of Etsy Team blogs — New blogs are added monthly!

Blogging should be an enjoyable way to get to know your Team better, as well as attract fans (and buyers!) of your work. It's a way to let people meet your Team, and should highlight positive aspects of what you're doing and the things you learn along the way. Exchange links with other bloggers (especially other Teams!), include lots of Etsy Minis, read and comment on other blogs to increase your readership. Have fun!

For more Team Tips, please check the Teams Resource page. Also, we discuss the Team Tips, news and ideas in the Etsy Teams email list! Keep up the great work, Etsy Teams!

Etsy Finds: What Now?

2008-05-23T11:46:00-05:00

So you're graduating. Congrats!

Whether you look back on your years in school as a chore or the best of your life, now is the time to start writing down your experiences, because your memory will be long gone before you know it. (Trust me on this. I can barely remember my phone number at this point.)

A journal is the perfect gift for a new graduate...or simply buy one as a gift for yourself to cut out the middleman. This wooden journal by lacunawork is made from recycled paper and antique wood. Who wouldn't like to put their ideas and memories in a journal this beautiful?

Get writing today! Keep those memories alive for another time.

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox on the daily!

Fresh Shops: Flyinghousewife

2008-05-15T13:48:00-05:00

Remember your fourth grade penpal from the USSR that wrote you one letter politely inquiring about your school and then never responded to your urgent questions like Do they have Alf in the Soviet Union or what? Last week when I was searching for items to feature in the emails I write, I flew headlong into flyinghousewife: a cute new shop with one innovative idea: selling handmade, handwritten letters. Now you can choose from six flavors, ahem, topics of correspondance and in a few short days a totally engaging letter will appear in your unloved and underused mailbox. Voila, instant penpal!

I chose the one that promised to include a recipe for delicious-sounding lemon bars, and my letter from Joon arrived quickly, with the promised recipe and a ultra sweet letter that was written to me (not some canned paragraphs that could apply to anyone out there). In fact, flyinghousewife's letter made me immediately want to get out my stationary and write her back. And that is penpal magic, friends.

I'll let you know how the lemon bars turn out!

Have you seen a new shop with potential? Leave it in the comments! Also, check out previous Fresh Shops for more good stuff.

Etsy Finds: Chalk It Up!

2008-03-25T10:40:00-05:00

Back from Spring Break and back to the drawing board! Chalkboards, chalk cloth and other writable surfaces on Etsy...

Round Speech Bubble Chalkboard Magnet

By kasaa, $4.50.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Chalkboard Magnetic Coasters

I really love these. Nice design, multi-use little coasters. By purposedesign, $22.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Chalkboard Can Cozy

By bushelandpeckbaby, $4.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Chalkboard Coloring Mat Dragon Rocket

Portable chalkboard with drawings (by a talented 6-year-old) to color in. By jessicalevin, $15.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Chalkboard Journal

Journal with chalkboard cloth and cork paper cover. By suebleiweiss, $60.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Chalkboard Bag

I'm not sure how well it works with your black coat, but you have to admit this is really clever. By Baggavond, $24.50.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Antique Ivory Chalk/Cork Board

It's made from a salvaged window! I want this one for my ktchen. Click through and look at the piece made from a green door in the last photo on its listing page. By thenook, $50.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Bulldog Chalkboard

This is really what Etsy Finds are all about. You go looking for a chalkboard, and someone has made one in the shape of a bulldog. Genius. By Twiseasnice, $35.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Bulletin Board Hollywood Regency Parisian Rococco Style Frame magnetic chalkboard and magnets

This fanciest chalkboard on all of Etsy, right here. By vintageinspiration, $150

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Writing for an Online Audience: How-To

2008-02-25T15:53:00-05:00

Hi! My name is Deanna Roux, aka FancyFreeMe on Etsy. My last job was for a corporate communications department, in employee communications. I was assistant editor for an employee magazine and online publisher for an employee intranet. My experience granted me some valuable knowledge on the difference between writing for a print publication and an online audience. I have some helpful information to share that I think you can use for writing up shop listings and on your blog.

Let me begin by saying this – I’m not done learning. Times change, technology changes, and people's needs change. Things are always evolving and you have to keep up if you want to stand out.

With that said, here's where we were last I checked.

What’s in it for me?
People have little time and even less patience. Readers want to know “what’s in it for me?” in the first few seconds, otherwise they'll move on. Potential customers want to connect with you through your writing. Wow them with your art, but grab them with your voice first. And don’t wait until the end of your blog post to present a call to action (e.g. sign up, join, visit me, etc.).

[bowl by vesselsandwares]

Headlines and Titles

Shorter is better
- Susie’s Sassy Salsa NOT Sue Roberts Homemade Recipes Hot and Spicy Salsa - Hot

Words that pop
- Mohair Harry’s Skullcap NOT Black Hat With Hair-Like Fringe Around the Edge

Assign attributes
- Juicy Gemstone Choker NOT Watermelon Tourmaline, Ruby, Peridot, 14K Gold Filled 16” Necklace

Work a rhyme
- October 25, Blossoms Alive NOT My Garden is Still Blooming on October 25

KISS – Keep it Simple and Short
Yes, you need details, but don’t overwhelm the reader right to the nearest exit. Reserve space for sharing your personal views, techniques and inspirations. Go back and read what you wrote. Remove big words only used to impress and redundant information. Don’t drown your clever cut of meat with too much gravy.

[exemplary description by vesselsandwares]

Speed Bumps
It’s your job to slow the online eye. Give your reader something to stumble upon. Instead of using a large block of text, break it up. Use bullets to make a list easier to read. Use caps and/or boldface to make subtitles in your post pop. The use of whitespace will give the eye a break and it’ll make your blurb easier to read.

Write As If Your Audience Doesn’t Know Anything
You are the expert of what you create. You know the size, length, and dimensions. You know the materials and components. Your words should tell the story your photos can’t. Don’t make them search. A shopper wants to know if it’s sterling silver or plated; cotton or rayon; and porcelain or ceramic.

Things You Need

Word Processing Application: Type up your entries in Word or another application — it just helps to have an active spellchecker.
Camera: a digital camera is best for an easy snap and post.
Time: Don’t fake it — if you don’t have the time just put down the basics in a draft and fill it out later.

Things That Would Help

PFF (Proofreading Friend Forever): Have someone you trust take a peek for typos and general comprehension.
Photo Editor: Photoshop, Google’s free Picasa, or something like it — make your photos go from sloppy snapshots to pretty pics.

Ultimately, the challenge is not “writing.” The challenge is “taming the writer within.” So here’s your whip and here’s your chair. Now go tame!

So what do you think? Are you up for the challenge? Comment below with any tips you have to share!

For more information on writing for your shop, check out these helpful articles.

Shop Makeover Series: Crafting a Profile Page

2008-01-21T19:08:00-05:00

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.

Handmade Correspondence in the Twenty-First Century

2008-01-09T17:51:00-05:00

My grandmother’s refrigerator was always covered with handmade cards we kids had sent to her as thank you messages for presents. She and my mother taught us the value of handmade things – and how to return the favor by sending a hand-written thank you note in return.

In today’s world, sometimes buying a card, locating a pen that still writes, jotting a note, finding a stamp and getting to a mail box can seem like a lot of work, especially when a couple of clicks will send your thoughts and feelings around the globe in seconds. Who can even keep track of postal rates, after all?

Bicycle Card Set by vanessakimball

Snail mail greetings on one-of-a-kind handmade cards have gone the way of the dodo, haven’t they? Not quite.

There’s a community of artists and crafters who are using the internet to both acquire unique correspondence materials - like handmade greeting cards - and to find friends with whom to exchange them. Upon receipt, members post photos of their handmade greetings to share the cards with others.

Cool Blue Leaves Personalized Stationery Set by crescentmoonpaper

But you don’t have to send something around the world to honor the dying art of hand-written correspondence. Perhaps you could write out your New Year's greetings on some handmade cards available from the EtsyGreetings Street Team. (Or anywhere else on Etsy!)

Personalized Stationery Set of 8 by InvitaPaperStudio

Further Resources:
History of Mail Art
Flickr.com/groups/LetterLovers
Nervousness.org
PostCrossing.com
EtsyGreetings.blogspot.com

Shop Makeover Series: The Fine Print

2008-01-04T11:06:00-05:00

The overall appearance of your shop is key to creating a professional looking and successful storefront on Etsy! Today's shop makeover will give you tips and tricks to making your banner, avatar, shop announcement, profile, titles, descriptions, and your message to the buyer more professional and as successful as they can be! See here for all posts in this series.

New Banner and Avatar
Your banner and your avatar are your shop identity, and will be the main image and brand shoppers associate with your shop. Look at it as the sign on the top of your storefront which will capture your buyers attention. Some people go for neon lights while others take a more subtle approach. You should choose a design that will complement the items sold in your shop.

Take advantage of the entire 700px wide by 100px high space provided. You may want to include your shop name, photos of your work, or your shop slogan in your image. Here's a great tutorial we put together all about how to make your own banner using Photoshop. If you don't have Photoshop, you can download Gimp for free, which uses several similar features as Photoshop. There are also several free websites that allow you to make your own banner including puresilva, highpowergraphics, and bannersketch. If you are not confident with your 2D design skills, you can make a small investment and check out some of the many talented Etsy sellers who offer custom designed banners in their shops.

Another important thing to remember is that your avatar is the main image that will represent your shop when talking in the forums, commenting on the Storque, and participating in online workshops on Etsy. Many people choose to include an image of themselves or an item from their shop; when using a good image of your products, you are creating another way to advertise your shop and entice shoppers inside to see more! The image is only 75px by 75px, so it is best to crop a small area of a larger photo rather than trying to resize a larger image.

Shop Announcement
Your shop announcement is a great place to introduce yourself, welcome buyers and thank them for checking out your shop. You should also use it to announce a special sale or charity your shop supports or a craft fair you will be attending, and remember to keep it friendly and brief. Long announcements push all your items further down to the bottom of the page, and make shoppers have to scroll down to see your work. When a shopper clicks on your page it is very important that they can immediately see those three featured items at the top of your shop to grab their attention and keep them shopping! If you have lots to say, you can use your shop profile to post extra details, policies, and shop information.

Profile
Your profile is the place where you should include all the fine print (like your shop's buying, shipping, and return policies), as well as a bio about yourself and your creative process. Many people who buy handmade items enjoy the personal connection between the maker and the product. Let people know what inpires you, and what you enjoy about creating your work.

You should use your profile space to inform shoppers of your shop policies. It is important to make sure a buyer is informed of all the facts about your shipping methods, return and exchange policies, accepted forms of payment, and what you do in the case of a non-paying buyer. A great example of a thorough Shop Policy can be found in Stamp's profile. I can't think of anything she has left out!

Another importanct policy to consider is how you handle your custom orders. What's the turn around time? Do you have your buyer pay the full cost up front, half up front, or have them pay you when the item is completed? Definitely something to think about!

Titles
Important things to consider when creating your listing titles are as follows:

Can your shopper identify what the item is from the title alone? You may want to try to word your title so the first three words alert the buyer to the type of item you are selling. This way when shoppers are viewing your item in gallery mode, they can easily tell what type of item the photo is representing. If you are selling clothing, it is important to include the size in your title. If you are selling artwork, you may also consider including the dimensions of the piece.

Simple, straightforward titles look the most professional. It is important to keep your titles consistent throughout your item listings. Are the first words of each title capital or lowercase? Are your sizes written at the end or beginning of the title? Keeping these things consistent makes browsing easier and creates a flowing, branded, and professional looking shop.

Descriptions
Many people don't realize that, in addition to the facts, a brief story about your handmade object can create a dramatic impression on your viewer. Let the shopper know how you picture the item being used, or tell them a story of what inspired you to create the piece. Many people who appreciate handmade items also enjoy the story behind how it was made, who created it and where the idea came from.

Of course, it's also important to inform the buyer of all the facts. Color, size, dimensions, textures, materials used, washing and care instructions, fabrication process, and allergy alerts are essential. You may also want to consider if your item is for a certain age group or suggest it as the perfect gift for a special occasion.

Message to Buyer
This is your opportunity to make one last impression on your buyer. Be sure to thank your buyer for supporting your shop. You may also give them a coupon code good toward their next purchase. If you create a way to keep the buyer thinking about your shop after their purchase, they will be more likely to become a repeat customer. A friend of mine offers a special coupon to any buyer who send him a photo of themself with the item they purchased.

Be part of our Shop Makeover series: document your "before" and "after" with screen shots and post them on flickr or your blogs or whatever works best for you. Then share the links in the comments below. As we go through the different steps of the makeover, we'll hold Online Workshops in the Virtual Labs where we'll highlight great ideas that come from you and discuss further questions and share examples of what people are doing. At the end of the month, we'll all pick the most radical makeovers!

We'll be staggering the posts throughout the month of January, hopefully giving people enough time to participate. There's so much work to do! We kicked off the Shop Makeover series with the post about tagging, and this here is the second one, and here's the Intro too. Also, please post in the comments if you have any other creative secrets to hold onto the buyer's attention!

Thank You Notes: Artful Expressions of Gratitude

2008-01-01T17:04:00-05:00

My husband and I live very far from our family and friends. For us, the winter holidays are a whirlwind of traveling and visiting, gifts and fun events.   Though I initially welcome the quieter space of our little home when we return, it is not long before I miss all the people with whom we were lucky enough to share the holiday.

I've learned this is the perfect time to begin writing thank you notes. For me, the purpose of this little note is not solely to acknowledge a gift or kindness, but also to let that person know he or she is still in my thoughts.   I find the process of choosing (or making) just the right card and thinking about what I want to write brings that person close for just a little while longer.

Not surprisingly, the same kinds of feelings that accompany sending a thank you note are also true on the receiving end.   When that hand-addressed envelope appears in my mailbox, I'm always pleased to find inside a reminder of the good time we shared.

I know that for many people the task of writing thank you notes is more chore than joy. This can be particularly true if your holidays are filled with many gifts and events, leading to a long list of thank you notes and some pressure to get them all done quickly.   Though etiquette may suggest you write and send these cards within a few days, I would like to encourage you to take your time.   The recipient will be as delighted to hear from you in three weeks as in three days. This is even more true if you are thoughtful about your choice of notecard and sentiment.

["Merci" card by moderncard]

Michelle from CicadaStudio was gracious enough to offer some tips on the art of writing the perfect thank you note:

First, grab yourself a fabulous EtsyGreetings thank you note and make sure your favorite pen has ink. Then, get a piece of scrap paper for an initial draft (you may not get another chance if your Etsy card is one of a kind!). Finally, get down to the business of writing!

Step 1

Salutation. This is easy! "Dear Aunt Sally"

Step 2

Thank the recipient of your note. Feel free to use adjectives to embellish! "Thanks so much for the lovely frame."

Step 3

Discuss its appropriateness and possible end use "I have so many pictures that I've wanted to display. Your timing couldn't be better."

Step 4

Try tying in the person somehow. Flattery will get you everywhere. "I've always loved the way you displayed your collection of family photos on your mantle."

Step 5

Say it again- it's okay, no one will think you're being redundant. "Thanks again!"

Step 6

Signature. "Your loving niece, _________"

That's all there is to it! Don't forget that thank you notes are not only for gifts, but for event hosts and favors given. You can even send one to someone for just being who they are.

[Thank you card by adorebynat]

Further Resources:
Members of the EtsyGreetings Team offer an incredible array of greeting cards, making it possible for you to send a thank you note that truly represents you. Our 350+ members are as diverse as they are creative. We feature letterpress, photography, watercolor, paper piecing, digital design and a host of other techniques for you and your recipients to savor. What we showcase below is just a glimpse of what is available to you here at Etsy!

The Team's blog can be found at http://etsygreetings.blogspot.com.

Seller How-To: Making the Most of Your Descriptions

2007-11-28T18:59:00-05:00

This how-to article is brought to us by freelance writer and jewelry maker, FrenchRoast. We couldn't have said it better ourselves!

Photos of your creations will catch a buyer’s attention. An imaginative description of your creations will help to keep their attention, hopefully all the way through the purchase.

Each piece listed in your shop tells a story. Connections to these stories and to you, the creator, are part of the rewards of buying handmade. Mass-produced pieces of art don’t have any meaning when you pick them up off the shelf. A product from Etsy, however, is a unique expression of your own creativity. But in order for a buyer to realize that, you need to describe the uniqueness of your art.

On top of that, the realities of buying online can further complicate your efforts to be a successful seller. Without being able to see and touch your creations, you have to make them come alive from a flat, lifeless computer screen. The buyer needs to be able to picture how their next purchase will appear in their home or on their body.

The best way to begin to write your descriptions is to ask yourself this: when I am buying an item from another Etsy seller, what sort of information am I looking for?

Once Upon a Time

More than creating a photo or painting, a bar of soap or jar of lotion, a pair of earrings or a pair of mittens, you are creating a work of art, an expression of your creative spirit. As you begin to tell your buyers about your piece, let your spirit shine through. Tell the buyer what inspired you as you created your piece. Was it a beautiful sunset? A memory of a wonderful vacation? An ode to a friend or family member? This makes your creation seem like an expression of you, a labor of love. Forging a connection with a buyer will keep them looking and keep them returning to your store.

Another part of the joys of buying handmade is knowing a little bit about how you created your item. Did you use any special materials? Old buttons from your mom? Scraps from your dad’s necktie? A painting technique learned from a friend? Did you use basic materials in an unusual way? Expressing this is part of helping a buyer understand why your piece is so special.

Lively descriptions of the colors and materials can help make your creation pop off the screen and into a buyer’s brain. Whether your item sparkles and glows, or is subdued and sophisticated, helping the buyer imagine how it might appear in real life means they are one step closer to adding it to their cart. It can help foster excitement about what they are about to purchase.

Now, the details. What are the dimensions, size, and/or shape of your piece? How long are your earrings or necklace? How big are your notecards or photographs? What size is the dress or hat? Can you do alterations? A buyer who receives what they expect is a happy buyer – and one who might return to your shop again and again.

If you’re having a sale or a special deal on an item or in your shop, be sure to include this in your shop announcement AND in each item description. Describe how your item is packaged. Especially for the holiday season, let your buyers know if the item might be a good gift for Grandma or your kid’s teacher.

Lastly, double-check for proper spelling and punctuation. Though your piece may be beautiful, sloppy writing can indicate a general lack of care or pride in your work. Type your descriptions in a word processing program, which can help check for mistakes. Then you can copy and paste your description from the word processor into the box.

Happy selling!

Recommended Blogs: West Coast Crafty

2007-09-20T16:23:00-05:00

We want to stay on top of what our crafty sisters and brothers are up to on the west coast and we'll often take a peek at West Coast Crafty, Susan Beal's blog. She's a consumate writer: she co-authored Super Crafty (check out the accompanying PDX Super Crafty blog too) and has contributed to crafty magazines and books all over the place. We're hoping she'll contribute something to The Storque sometime soon!

Susan has been writing West Coast Crafty since 2005, so you can dig deep in the archives. You can see the recent history of gallery shows, events, and happenings unfold as you scroll through. Or how about this post about a bio-diesel shuttle between Portland and Seattle? Get thee to the West Coast, ye backward Easterners!

Say hi to Susanstars on Etsy!