Etsy's Handmade Blog
Your Shop 101: Marketing on a Shoestring Round-up
Story by daniellexo, EtsyStore, strumpfkunst
Published on November 1, 2007 in How-To 		Photo by strumpfkunst

This roundup of the Etsy Labs' Your Shop 101: 10 Minute Marketing, Promoting your Shop on a Shoestring! was originally posted on strumpfkunst's blog. The Your Shop 101 series is dedicated to bringing sellers useful info in how to improve their shops and get more sales.

Etsy is testing a new feature for users, called the Virtual Labs (it functions a lot like the Online Workshop). The Labs are split into chat rooms with some fun additional stuff, but the real added value comes from the frequent workshops and sessions.

I participated in my first one last night, concerning marketing on a shoestring budget. And it was fun! Okay, we spent half an hour beforehand throwing tomatoes, chicken, pencils, and racoons at each other (don't ask), as well as trying out all those buttons — but the real magic began when the session started.

Suddenly, Etsy Labs was in the house. Four Etsy admin were actually there, in front of webcam, talking to us! And while we were typing in the left-hand chat window, they could pick up on our questions and react! Honestly, I had a blast. :)

Here are the most useful tips to get your Etsy out there, as I remember them... sorry of they seem unorganized, they are - I remembered something new every couple of seconds. :)

Car promos
Etsy Labs has introduced cool new bumper stickers that are just $4 each — and it's a fun way to promote Etsy. I especially liked the one that said "Don't blame me, I voted for Etsy.com".

Of course, you can also choose to promote your own shop or site — or get a car decal from one of the talented Etsy sellers, for example Monster Promos.

Business cards
Those you need to have on hand at all times — and we are agreed that ones depicting your products are best to ensure people remember you. Check out my tips for Moo cards.

Wear your products
Well, if you can, at least. Having a sock monkey hanging from my neck looks kinda stupid — but I do carry my keychain on me at all times, and do get comments on that ... and then I just hand that person my Moo card.

Pictures, pictures, pictures
Like I have said numerous times, no matter what you do, pictures are key to your success. Great pictures increase your likeliness to make a treasury, and therefore make the frontpage. One of my sock dogs achieved that — and got more than 300 extra views in one hour. Seriously. Additionally, great pictures mean that you pop out when people search for products.

It doesn't matter how crappy your camera is — the key lies in natural light, no flash, using the macro setting, and an editing program like Photoshop. Here's some help on getting great pictures and working with Photoshop and Fireworks.

Etsy Mini
Use your Etsy Mini to display your products on communities and your own website — no hassle, since it updates itself... and a great way to get people into your shop.

Online promotions
There are many ways to get your name out there — here are the ones that I remember as being mentioned:

Be careful with some of these, though — you need to know their rules to handle them correctly. Most of these rules are to prevent what they consider spamminess.

On Flickr, you can have your shop address in your profile, but no link to the listing in the photo description. I usually upload the first photo of whatever I listed that day, and then publish it to approximately 6-8 flickr groups that are relevant.

Craftster allows your shop address in your signature, but don't ever add listings or your shop URL in any thread.

Blogs
Blogs are great... if you have readers. Check out my article on "To blog or not to blog" for more info.

BuyHandmade.org
Have you seen the new button on the lower right of my blog? Yes, I also choose to promote Etsy's newest initiative, BuyHandmade.org. Etsy combined forces with some of the greatest craft sites, and will be promoting to shoppers to disregard mega-chain stores this holiday season. I am excited about the initiative and hope to see loads of PR popping up in the next couple of weeks. Go on, sign the pledge!

The Storque
The Storque is Etsy's blog/e-zine, and it's written by us, the users, and admin. Do you have an idea for an awesome article? Then pitch it to them.

The Storque is great to get some recognition and participate in unsual ways. I wrote an article on the history of sock monkeys, and you know what? I can trace the adoption of two critters directly to this article. Most importantly, it's fun to do.

Street Teams
Etsy Street Teams are great to hook up with like-minded artists and artisans. Street Teams exist for almost anything — geographic reason, target market, products... You can find all of them here.

I am part of the Etsy Plush Team and love the people in there — so much talent, and no competition. And we are currently preparing a surprise. :)

Newsletters
Having a regular e-mail newsletter is an awesome way to keep in touch with your customers. Just make sure that you have the recipient's permission to contact them — you can even ask for their okay in your confirmation mail after each sale.

I have chosen E-Newsletters Online for my newsletter, because they have an easy-to-use template ... and are free for up to 100 e-mails per month. And my newsletter is actually fun to read. Want to take a peek?

You can also just send a regular email, without all that software — just make sure to add all addresses as BCC (blind carbon copy), so that you aren't publishing all e-mail addresses to everyone else on the list.

E-mail signature
Every company has that — when you receive an e-mail, the employee's name, position, and phone number is usually added at the bottom to each e-mail.

You can do the same! Just search your e-mail providers help files for "signature" to learn how to set it up. Mine reads "Sock critters with attitude — www.strumpfkunst.de"... so whenever I send an e-mail, that person is reminded (or introduced) to what I do.
Tags How-To, HOW-TO, marketing, Online Workshops, promoting, promotion, Seller Handbook, selling, sock monkeys, strumpfkunst, Virtual Labs, Your Shop 101
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61 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 1, 2007 at 12:38 p.m. strumpfkunst

Brilliant banner, thanks! :) And of course, the workshop was great!

Anyone who hasn't joined a Virtual Labs session yet should do so soon - just seeing the Etsy crew on webcam was worth it... and the info was extremely helpful, everyone agreed!

Nov. 1, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. ahna

Hi- where can I find info for a Virtual Lab?
Thanks

Nov. 1, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. babastudioPrague

That's a great article - thank-you.

But there is just one thing I would add. Nowadays you more or less HAVE to use software to set up your mailing list as "opt in" (so that someone gets an email asking them to confirm) or most ISP spam blockers will throw it out immediately. It's a nuisance to do this, but vital if you have more than 100 or so people on the list (fewer than that and you'll probably not be noticed).

Nov. 1, 2007 at 2:27 p.m. mmmfiber

Thanks for the round-up! I wasn't able to log-in for the workshop (stupid day job) so I'm glad to hear a report!

Nov. 1, 2007 at 6:36 p.m. designchic

thanks guys, the workshop was great and has inspired me to start a blog. http://designchic.wordpress.com/

Nov. 1, 2007 at 8:01 p.m. estherly

Thank you very much for the report! It helps a lot!!!

Nov. 2, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. rainysunday

Here's another idea,
Donate an item to community/charity organizations who hold raffles or fundraising auctions. In addition to exposure at the event, this may get your name & info featured in their newsletter/website and possibly even the local newspaper. (Depending on the organization, your donated item may qualify as a tax write-off.)

Nov. 2, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. anandi

What a great, simple, well-written articles. All newbies should be required to read this before posting to the forums about why they have no sales :)

Nov. 2, 2007 at 10:05 a.m. Susiesplace

Great articles. Thanks for the help tips I will use them.

Nov. 2, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. PocoMutts

Thanks for all the great info! I was sad I had to miss the virtual lab but I'm sure happy you were there to relay the info! :)

Nov. 2, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. ragqueen

What a great article!

Nov. 2, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. ChristinaWard

Strumpf! Great article. Thanks for taking the time to layout a simple and effective marketing plan.

Makes me proud to have such talented and motivated folks as fellow members of the PlushTeam.

Nov. 3, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. CircaCeramics

Awesome; I'll definitely pass this info along (I love all of these how-to articles!!!)
-Nancy

Nov. 4, 2007 at 1:41 a.m. pixelmade

wohoooo I see my buttons there! ;)

Nov. 4, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. iragrant

Thanks Strumpfkunst:)

Nov. 5, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. BrassMonkeyDesigns

Oh my goodness...this was a VERY helpful article! Thank you so much for posting it!

Nov. 6, 2007 at 9:12 p.m. mizusugi

Great tips. Thank you!

Nov. 8, 2007 at 8:17 a.m. treasurechest

Ebay has a nice feature I don't see here. I can get an automatic email from a seller everytime they put up something new. Is there any way to do that here?

Feb. 28, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. raghousenternational

Awesome article! there is a lot to take in, but it is all great info.

March 6, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. Nat34

I like the business card idea and the www.your store name.etsy.com. I wish there was a better way to encourage feedback from visitors to your shop.

July 10, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. Suzyeh

ahhh thanks!
This helped a ton just now, i have had trouble even networking!

Aug. 20, 2008 at 6:11 a.m. mbell34

this was a great help! thank you!

Sept. 30, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. delightworthyn

I always forget I am my best advertisement thanks for reminding me.

Dec. 29, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. TheFeltElf

Thanks for the banner!!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. prettygirlsboutique

Welcome to your pretty corner, the best items for your little princess.

Jan. 18, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. VirtuousCreations

Thanks!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. superpowerdesigns

gracias!

Feb. 2, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. funkymonkeythreads

Since I'm an Etsy newbie, these tips really help. Thanks for all of your support!

Feb. 13, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. EJPcreations

Such good suggestions!!!

March 7, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. Beachwalker

Thank you for the ideas. Well written article.

April 2, 2009 at 6:13 a.m. littlepinkpebble

great~!!

May 1, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. lovablekreations

So very helpful

May 8, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. PreciousLilJems

Great advice!

May 13, 2009 at 11:45 p.m. ibeautiful

Thanks for the tips! New shop much appreciated.

May 25, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. maggie16

thans for these wonderful tips! very helpful indeed! :)

June 1, 2009 at 4:20 a.m. ilovehearts

Great ideas! Thank you

June 3, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. jujubeedesigns

Wow! Great article! It's really awesome that everyone helps everyone else out! Thanks for these great tips! :-)

June 6, 2009 at 3:35 a.m. glutamatedesign

So much to digest.. very helpful
Thanks:)

June 8, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. burlapworks

hopefully some of these tips will help me get my first sale!! Thanks!

June 9, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ThePicketyWitch

Business cards are a great idea, if only I could remember to bring them with me! I always seen to forget them just when I need them!

July 2, 2009 at 2:15 a.m. JL67

Enjoyed this....thanks... :o)

July 5, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. Squintbags

What great ideas! I had no idea about the Etsy mini. You learn something new everyday!
Thanks!

July 20, 2009 at 4:26 p.m. jewelrybyfonda

Love the idea of an e-newsletter!

Aug. 2, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. PFullerArtWorks

Wow! Now I want to get into virtual labs for sure. I feel like I'm starting to know the marketing streets to success. Got to practice, practice. Thanks for all the good stuff!

HappyDays!!HappyHearts!!

Pamela Fuller

Aug. 29, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. myrtledovelove

Thanks for the cool ideas!!!

Sept. 30, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. HardLoveApparel

GREAT IDEAS!!!! WOW

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:03 p.m. janicesplace

This is great stuff, thank you!

Oct. 20, 2009 at 4 p.m. mykky

Will definitely try some of these out. =)

Oct. 20, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. Fussiepanda

Excellent tips. Just the right stuff for a beginner like me. Thanks alot!

Oct. 20, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. Handworks3

thanks. good info.

Oct. 20, 2009 at 9:03 p.m. Softshellbodyshop

As always, well done! Thanks a bunch:)

Oct. 20, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. jbeaudet

These look like some really helpful tips! Thank you Danielle!

Oct. 20, 2009 at 11:41 p.m. rachelsthings

Love the article, buy I couldn't load the "buy handmade" badge onto my blog, which is on Blogspot.They said it had illegal characters, what's that about?

Oct. 21, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. aggieray

Wonderful article thanks again for all this great information!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. Amievoltaire

So true - Marketing is time and effort - and a little luck.

Oct. 21, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. lucky0girl0racer

Great article!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. lichenwoods

I read it, I read it!!!! Now, I just have to do it!!!!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. SweetSukie

Thanks for putting this info into one place! Now I have to get off my butt and do it!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 8:44 p.m. LilAshleysCloset

Excellent article with all the highlights pointed out well. I feel like I just got an hours worth of info in 2 minutes, love it.
Thanks so much

Oct. 23, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. Lotusgill

Great Article. Thanks.

Nov. 2, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. BeadMeUpBobi

Fantastic articule, i have used the info and put it to good use. Thanks.

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