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Shop Makeover Series: Introducing a New Line
Story by contrary, EtsyStore
Published on January 14, 2008 in How-To 		Photo by

alyssaettinger

As part of our Shop Makeover series, we're sharing some tips and tricks for organizing your shop. You can think of this as introducing a new line or just using the sections function of your shop to better entice customers.

One of the fastest ways to give your shop a makeover for the New Year is to create and introduce a new line in your shop.  You can create a new look and line by utilizing these handy steps:

Change and reorganize your shop sections.

  • You can get creative with the names of your sections, but remember that your customer should be able to intuitively and easily navigate your shop without being confused by section names that are too abstract.
  • Organizing and naming your sections by category, function, size, shape, color, price, style, gender, age, etc. are all great ways to help your buyers navigate your store; just remember to name and organize in a cohesive theme that your shoppers will understand. 
  • An interesting way to make your sections stand out is by manipulating the text.  Changing the names of your sections to all capital letters or putting a space between each letter of the section names will make them stand out from the crowd.

Offering a new design or upgrade a previous line with new price points.

  • Been itching to create a new design?  Now is the perfect time to make one and coin it your “New Line for the New Year!”  Surprise your shoppers with something fresh to look at and keep them coming back to see what new designs you'll come up with next!
  • A new line could be a variation on a current design or even something as simple as offering your best sellers in new colors. If you offer a lot of items within one style or medium, try coming up with a new item using the same medium and style but with a new twist or function!
  • Try introducing a new line of items that are at a different price point than the rest of your items.  For example, if you make a lot of high-end items with pricier price tags, try introducing a smaller scale (that still fits in with your current line) line of items with a lower price point to match. The same goes if you tend to make and sell things at the lower price end of the price spectrum; go ahead and make a few more exclusive items.  Different and varied prices can attract a new range of buyers. Someone who buys small at first is likely to come back and buy more higher priced items once you have built that initial trust during the first transaction (for more on this see Beth's pricing series).


We can't wait to see your new lines and sections! And don't forget to check out the other posts in this Shop Makeover series. Please comment below if you have questions and tips of your own.

Remember to take your before and after screenshots. Upload them to flickr and share the link here.  At the end of the month, we'll be choosing the most radical Shop Makeover success stories!

Tags Etsy Labs, HOW-TO, inventory, lines, marketing, New Year, niche, organization, pricing, sections, Seller Handbook, selling, Shop Makeover Series, Your Shop 101
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29 comments     Login to add your own!

Jan. 14, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. EarthBabyDesigns

I'm surprised you would suggest using all CAPS or s p a c e s between letters in the sections. I find both practices annoying and unprofessional.

Jan. 14, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. fenrislorsrai

I so disagree with that using caps or odd spacing. Nothing will drive me from a shop faster than the seller using all caps or random spacing/punctuation.

Big thumbs down on that tip. :(

Jan. 14, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. EtsyStore

Thanks so much for your feedback an opinions! I think the bit about the text in shop sections is a matter of personal likes/dislikes, but manipulating the text does make it stand out.

This one should be a personal choice.

Thanks again!

Jan. 15, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. blondechicken

This article came at a perfect time, as I'm launching a new line tomorrow! As an artist, I look at new lines or series as a way of really exploring an idea.

Aug. 20, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. zombuki

I always find all caps annoying everywhere but here, it's hard to get that side text to stand out and when it is all caps my eye finds is faster ... so I converted, though I use it sparingly. I know ... what's next? StIcKyCaPs?!

Sept. 29, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. MonasMane

didn't even think of that. I am coming up with new designs all the time.

Nov. 12, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. RubyStudios

I see playing with text as another way to individualize your shop. It can project a fun personality. I think the text still needs to be recognizable and easy to navigate, though, but that mixing it up a bit adds interest.

Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. potterygod

I wish I could put my items in order in the shop!

Nov. 13, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. woodponddesigns

great article - very helpful. Thanks

Nov. 22, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. JeByJa

I personally dont mind all caps. it actually catches my attention sometimes.

Dec. 13, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. 4gibsongirl

Thanks for the insight! This article is helpful!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. HModine

Thanks for the tips!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. msddesign

I like all caps as a hi-lighting technique. Spacing between letters, not so much. I've also seen some randomly mixing cApiTaLs and LOweRcAsE and I really don't know how I feel about it. Maybe it would set the tone for stuff that's targeting a young, trendy audience, or even children's goods. Just some thoughts...

Jan. 16, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. PDXfabricdeli

I like caps as attention grabbers maybe for one section only. It takes a little creativity to come up with section names in such a limited space. I have seen section names with tones of stuff, how does that happen?

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. MONNY

I so appreciate all caps. Then I won`t need my glasses!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. jbirkemeierphoto

I make coaster sets with 4 coasters to each set. Do you think it would be wise to sell the coasters individually and offer a mix-and-match feature, too? Thanks for any input. This was a really helpful article.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 4 p.m. onelevel

Very good article for a new-comer like myself. I didn't think about CAPS or no caps in setting up the store. I really only thought that would matter in a conversation. I like CAPS, easy on the eyes!

jbirk-you might want to have a mix and match set I haven't looked yet at your coasters, but I know it would hold my interest if I had a wider selection. Just an opinion. Vicki

Jan. 21, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. hempandmore

Thanks tons!

Jan. 27, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. Alokele

Although lower price points do attrach more hits, I feel that the bottom line is what will the overall cost be "Including Shipping".

Feb. 4, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. CARRYANDCUTE

I didn't think about not using all CAPS in my store name. As a new-comer I thought it was a good idea. Then I thought maybe it looks like I am screaming. Now I think that maybe it will generate more hits. I guess I just will just have to see what happens. Thanks for the article.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. MyJunkyTrunk

Really great advice! I'm new to Etsy and can use all the help I can get, so thanks for sharing.

Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. valentinevixen

Just starting a new pus size line of clothing.....thank you for all the tips.

Feb. 28, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. A2SeaCreations

I so appreciate all the work you guys put into giving us tips and advice. Much appreciated!

April 15, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. chris903

I like all the advice. I need all the help I can get! Thanks for sharing with us newbee's.

May 1, 2009 at 9:41 p.m. MarieTHarrisStudio

Your articles are always so helpful. Thanks much.

May 9, 2009 at 3:32 a.m. daxdesigns

As a newcomer to Etsy I've found this very helpful in thinking how I might structure my store. The idea of having different pricepoints seems a constant message in what I have been reading so far. Thanks for the advice.

May 12, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. WanderlustBling

I love this. I just created a new line of Portuguese Tile jewelry last month, so it was good to see I did some things right!

July 31, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. Tina669

great article - very helpful. Thanks

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. KabiDesigns

Thanks ^_^ Wowww Great Article

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