 |
|
|
Story by
EtsyLabs,
Vanessa
Published on December 27, 2007 in How-To |
Photo by Vintage Salon Hairdryer Chair Revamped into Mod Artpiece/Light by sugaredup |
We're launching a new series of how-tos in the New Year, "Shop Makeover." After the hustle of online shopping during the holiday season, and after a bit of a breather and time with the family and friends, it's eerily quiet. As we return to our shops, we may find ourselves thinking "what now?"
The best thing about New Years is that it provides a demarcation point in the flow of life: out with the old, in with the new. So we're asking our sellers to join us in a New Years resolution: it's time for Shop Makeover! We will reassess and evaluate shop presentation, branding, organization, wording and all those things you've been meaning to do but putting off because of the peak selling season.
This Shop Makeover series of how-tos will set conversation topics and provide useful tips for sellers on how-to revamp their photos, tagging systems, banners and avatars, reorganizing shop sections, and better titles. Please let us know what other things you'd like us to cover in the comments below.
Also, we'd like to feature some sellers who undertake some of the most dramatic and wonderful makeovers. What we need you to do is take some screen shots of your shop to show your "before" so that we can compare them to your "after." It's going to be a learning process for everyone and we need some brave souls to share their experiences! Let us know in the comments below!
| Tags | branding, HOW-TO, New Year, photography, presentation, Seller Handbook, Shop Makeover Series, Your Shop 101 |
|---|
90 comments Login to add your own!
art2theextreme
I am new to Etsy and do need a makeover... I do not even have a banner. Something must be going right for me though.. tomorrow is my 1 month open date and I have sold 23 things!
I would be happy to have critique!
SoCalledMommy
This will be great. I'm pretty new to Etsy too, and I'm doing well, but who doesn't want to improve?
I think item descriptions and announcement suggestions would be great.
foolingnobody
i'd love to participate in this as well!
i haven't been on etsy long...
i'm getting a new computer soon so i'm excited to see how much this will change the look of my shop (i'll have access to better photo programs etc.)
i would love advice on shop announcements and item descriptions as well! also price points - i'm having a hard time with those! since i'm new i'm still trying to figure what to charge - so that it will cover shipping, taxes, etsy charges, pay pal charges, and the cost and time spent on a project... PLEASE HELP!
JoyfulAbode
How great! I'm really looking forward to all of the tips.
I'm in the process of a pretty big makeover, since I'm making the switch from hobbyist to business owner, both mentally and legally.
cozycottagecreations
Oh Yeah!!! This is exactly what I need! I've been thinking a lot about how to step up to the next level - but where to start?
I'm most interested in how to create a recognizable brand, as well as photos, descriptions and pricing!
I'm ready for an overhaul! Thanks for all that you do to help us build our shops and put ourselves out there in the best possible way!
WildArtDesigns
Ah, this is just the makeover I have been dreaming of! I look forward to the great tips to help us all be better "marketers". Thanks!
karlita
I'm very interested in reading all of the tips, it's a great idea!! I'll be settting some goals for 2008 myself. Etsy made me have fun in my craft again and right now i'm thinking how i can improve my shop and expand. Any tips are always welcome :)
Qute
I'm very excited about and looking forward to reading this series. Yet another great idea from Etsy - thank you for all that you do. You rock! =)
TheBrassHussy
I am looking forward to reading this series as well. If you are still looking for brave souls for the makeover, I am willing to participate in the befores and afters. Thanks!
hobocampcrafts
THis sounds like a great idea! I would love to take part somehow. We are defenitely entering the mode of To-Do for the upComing Months- ToDO For next year and What Not to DO! Now if Etsy could just give/help the Shop Owners with a makeover..hmmmm :)
nantucketmermaid
I will be looking forward to any help I can get. I am new to etsy, but I'm having fun so far and have alot of new ideas to integrate in the new year...bring it on!
krazykatedesigns
These will be wonderful articles to explore and learn from!
knwarren65
Fabulous idea! I have to admit I've been struggled on Etsy and I'd surely be open to some great advice and tips! Can't wait to see what's in store.
EyePopArt
PicturesofLily
ooooh yeah! My New Year's resolution is to improve on branding my shop. It's something I struggle with. I just got a new logo from the fabulous bennyandroo, that I'll begin using very soon. I'll be taking my screen shot, just in case.
thanks guys.
JuliaCatherine
Great idea. im always looking for new ways to improve and better my shop.
selflesh
Looking forward to this!
I'm always trying to think of new ways to improve the look of my shop. I probably change things around too much. I hope to find a system/look that I like, so that I can be consistent.
Thanks Etsy!
xo
>s
krotondo
this sounds wonderful! i would love to hear stories from shops that have changed their names... and how-to tips/considerations for changing your shop name.
MayaBella
I always love to get tips on how to make my shop better. I know I need to do way more organizing. I need to work on my descriptions. Cant wait!
Caprichos
Ha! I love it! I actually have been planning to completely overhaul my shop... And I will ne investing all I made in the holiday season to completely renew my business... I'd live to be a makeover... Contact me if there's something else I should do
Fable2
I'm new and determined but not too computer savvy so it's taking me awhile. I'll take any advice I can get; it could help me set up my not-yet-together store. Thanks!
RetroArtByJan
Great, I have been reviewing what I can do to make this a landing for all my customers purchases!! I am trying to see what eye catching Banner I can create, I also need to have a larger selection of my work here on Etsy. Keep me in the loop!
makemesmile
Great idea. I'd like to see suggestions on creating coherence in a shop. I've seen shops with different kinds of items, but still pulling it all together. And therefor being recognizable and memorable.
beadid
Yay! This sounds awesome. I feel like I struggle with my shop, and I know I really need to work on it. Plus I'm switching from a focus on beading to a focus on knitting, so I have to change up. I look forward to following this!
carriekim
This is nice timing b/c my shop stinks! seriously it doesn't at all reflect my pieces or the work i'm doing.
I think my biggest problem is photos. I have a mid range point and shoot digital camera and if I don't have sun light my photos look horrible. Horrible. Colors are wrong and just really dingy.
How do you make cute little symbols in your profile or announcement section? like little hearts or something.
I hope there's a lot about how to take better photos. I think I understand what's wrong with my pictures I just don't know how to correct it.
coffeecupquilting
I would love some articles about how to pick my tags. I'm always at a loss when I go to describe my pieces. I know what I would search for, but my blue might be someone else's azure!
aplanetnamedjanet
makingthings
I am looking forward to this series. I REALLY need a makeover!
HandMeDowns
I'd totally be willing to participate... I'm trying to plan some changes already on my own, but it would be great to have some support!!
kccreative
I feel you carriekim! I think my shop stinks pretty good, too. Same issue, pictures are not at all a great refelection of my abilities, I am definately not photo savvy!
Leannegraeff
Right on target - I can't wait to get all of the holiday's behind and begin fresh. I look forward to producing some new great stuff - and showing it well . Will look forward to your series!
CouturePony
I'm very new to Etsy--as a seller that is, I'm a long-time Etsy buyer. Since I'm just getting started on my store, I would love some ideas on how to do things right the first time.
One of my big questions is: vintage and handmade, should they be in separate stores or do you guys think it's okay to have both in the same shop?
I fear my handmade clothing and jewelry might get lost amongst my obsessively huge vintage collection, even if they have their own section.
Thoughts?
TiffanyTeske
I am always interested and willing to learn new things. A critique would be much appreciated. Happy New Year!
bagsbymelanie
I would love to have a make-over. Oh this isn't The Swan is it, hehehe
I am always trying to learn and make my shop better. I am game :0)
Mocahete
I would love a critique and advice to make my shop better.
Thanks so much!
littlegirlPearl
I would also like a makeover, mostly with my pics. They are definitely the hardest thing for me. That and my moving target of a model!
urbanbead
- New, better photos
- better organization
- fresh items / listings
- branding through packaging, logo, etc
Thanks for the post, this is a great new years resolution!
VanFleetStreetDesign
This is a great idea, Vanessa! If you still need people to volunteer, I would be interested in trying a makeover! Let me know what you need!
Thank you for the article, I'm glad I stumbled upon it.
bamdesigns
That is great- I have already been working on changing my store around. I have added a new banner which looks great and changed my avatar. There are still some new things I need to do.
valeriesgallery
I would love to take part in a make over. I have redone my shop a few times on my own, but would love some direction ♥
Vanessa
Pricing info can be found here!
http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/ti...
rawfish
yeah i've already started wiggling things around and switching avatars and banners. i also changed a few of my main photos to drawings + the item and i was looking for feedback about it, so this is a great idea!
tworiverssoaps
I'd love some expert advice as well. I really struggle with photos and writing copy for listings.
waternymph
This wuld be sooo helpful. I see shops with great eye appeal and I just can't seem to get it right! Pictures are a difficult one but I have learned some things look best against a background but in some shops - things look stunning with no background referance... Titles are another challenge - how to appeal in a quick glance?? My shop needs HELP!!
flyballbags
i was part of the etsy lab on improving my shoppe... it helped so much! since then, I've revamped it again and I'm really liking the uniformity of it all. I did submit my before and after shots... let me know if you need them again.
thanks!
diana
KellyLovesWhales
jakrandomart
Great idea. I would love tips to improve on my shop!
Thanks!
grayeyedscorpio
Fantastic! I just submitted a semi-pitch for a similar idea, so I'll be watching this series!
PearlyGrey
I am ready to take the business to the next level. This could be the jump start.
lilybirddesigns
I would love to do this. I am fairly new and I have a lot of variety in my shop. I would love to concentrate on consistency in my photos and better titles. Can't wait to start!!!
supastarr
Vintagemomcreations
Gosh Darn it.. Wish I had read this before I started the makeover!! I just re photographed almost everything in my shop.. with my new handy dandy light box!
Now off to finish.. and get myself a new banner!
APunkinCardCompany
I would love to be torn to bits and rebuit again! I would love to be inluded!!
Rip me to shreads!!
anniekdesigns
I think I would really enjoy this. My shop is very plain and boring right now and I need to add new items and spruce it up.
Right now I am selling only dog bone placemats other than Christmas stuff that did not sell.
I will be adding dog collars, market bags, dog clothing and other items for the holidays. A few for Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day and a big push for Easter.
My ultimate goal is to produce a collection of maternity clothing and sell on etsy.com. I will of course be making them myself and they will be my designs. This will probably not happen until spring to summer.
So I really need your help.
BabyBeJeweled
I really like this idea and was going to do this on my own already. But I am so willing to be a part of this do let me know. One thing though, I have done a tiny bit of revamping already as far as my banner and avatar and a few pics... if I were to be a part of it, could I go back to what I looked like before I did my own little revamping?
carolinabrie
Pictures are the hardest part for me. I've gotten better, but they still aren't nearly the quality I think they should be.
Also, I'm one of those people who has a variety of items in my shop and needs help with making it more cohesive.
I'm definitely looking forward to this!!!
sulablu
I would also love to get some feedback on my store. I do really well when selling "in real life" to friends, colleagues etc., it's online that is lagging. I tried ebay which was a dismal failure.
So, yeah, would love some crtique.
Chickibebe
I'd love ANY kind of critique. My shop is rough round the edges, but I think if my niche of folks can find me, I'll be golden!
OhMyMommyClementine
I have already started my makeover. I wanted to get all jazzed up for Valentines so I changed my banner to polka dots! I LOVE how it turned out but would love tips and critique as well! I don't mind being ripped apart if it's going to help me rebuild a more chic store! On your mark... get set...........TEAR IT UP! :)
AmandaKLockrowJewels
I started with my makeover by making a new banner and adding shipping to Canada.
I am working on figuring out new photos and ways to make the items look consistent and like they belong in my shop.
Enthral
I need help with presentation. I got a bust, a distinctive background for my photos and am trying to take "sexier" pics. Don't worry....nothing xrated LOL. But my pics still suck! And tags, I need to know how to use them better so that people can find me.
time2cre8
I think I might be beyond help... With such a variety of things in my shop, and with me always adding new and different things, I'm at a loss as to how to make my shop have any sort of cohesiveness.
I'll keep an eye on the threads, though. I've already been working on photos, and the ones I have now (while not the greatest) are miles better than the old ones!
Happy new year, everyone!
:-)
rosebettis
As a lampwork bead artist, I'm concerned that I'm getting lost in the crowd. I've been getting traffic to my shop, but only one purchase since 1st of Nov. Help!
sosuzi
great, i need to lose twenty pounds...
oh, right, the store... that too :-)
i want to make my stuff more marketable!
decor8
As a design blogger will no experience selling on etsy, I can only offer experiences from the customer side. With that, let me just say that your avatar needs to show your product or a terrific business logo and not photos of you, your kid, your dog, or anything else that has little to do with your products. I look at hundreds of etsy stores per week and the ones I take seriously and click on are the ones with the great avatars.
For instance, scrolling up in these comments, I'd click on lilybirddesigns, sosuzi, time2cre8, Chickibebe, nantucketmermaid, and maybe 2 or 3 others but that's it.
So I'm glad etsy is covering avatars. So important.
decor8
Oh and I have to add that all of you have such value and beautiful things to offer, avatars and banners can really make you or break you. Think of them as a real storefront. The avatar is the poster you are placing around town in cafes and such advertising your store. The banner is the storefront - the sign on the outside that makes people want to come in (or not). Your "featured items" across the top is your window display.
I can't wait to see where 2008 takes everyone - YOU CAN DO IT everyone!!
CarolinaCottage
This sounds great! I would love to have my shop critiqued.
paperpam
kylieB
Oh yes Please, I really would love some advice on how to make my shop more atactive to buyers.
paperflowergirl
i'm really looking forward to reading this series.
i have already been thinking a lot about my goals for the next year, but all help is very much welcomed!
fearlessfreak
I'd love to see these-get ideas for my own shop, help my friends locally get there up to snuff, and maybe even participate!
adorkable1
Okay, I made myself a NEW banner and avatar today, for the New Year!! I also re-named a few of my items. What do you guys think?
Here is a screenshot of what my store looked like before:
http://www.freaksncream.com/otherstuf...
selflesh
In response to decor8...
I actually recently(ish) read an Etsy Storque article that had suggested having an image of yourself as your avatar. For years I didn't have an image of myself, I had a semi nice little lady logo, and then I read that...
Later, I hesitantly posted my face as my avatar.
OH NO! What have I done?
It seems as though she could right. We should have a logo, or image of the work we make... but isn't there something to seeing the human being behind it all? I could go either way. I'm sure an image of your work, or a successful logo might pull someone in a little faster than a face would...
I'm curious what others think about this.
I think I'll go fiddle around with making another work related avatar for the new year just in case.
Feel free to critique my shop. I'm sure it needs it.
Best,
>s
decor8
Hi S! :) You have a very pretty face by the way. :) I still think the work should be on the avatar though but everyone has a right to do as they wish. I'm just thinking in terms of sales and marketing and how you can pull in potential customers.
I do see your point about face-to-face value though, it's nice to see a person and put the warm fuzzy feeling into the transaction. I'm all for that. With that being said, perhaps Etsy would consider adding a space on the shop profile page where the seller can add their photo and any links to their blog, myspace, flickr space, website, or anywhere else they sit on the web outside of etsy - links that are live so I can click and look vs. now where I always have to cut and paste.
I do agree that seeing a face is nice, but when I'm searching for product, I don't click on the faces nearly as often as I click on a cute avatar with either a fun logo or a product. I'm on etsy to find things to buy but sometimes I stray and have no agenda. That's when avatars suck me in. I may not need a ring or a wallet, but because I see it on some avatar, I click and before long, it's in my cart. It's somewhat like watching the "recently listed items" on the front page.
mamamonkey
I just cleaned out my real life work space so I am ready to do this to my shop- so excited- off to take 'before shots'
mamamonkey
here is the before shots of my shophttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamonkey/?saved=1
selflesh
H (decor8),
Thanks for responding, and I hear you!
Very wise indeed.
I think your idea about including a photo (of oneself) in the profile page is a great idea!
Any thoughts about this Etsy?
With that, I'm now going to upload my new avatar!
Happy clicking.
;)
Thanks.
>s
shannonbutler
I think my shop probably needs a makeover pretty bad too. It is hard to convey the beauty of a 3 dimensional object through amateur photography-I wish I was selling more but maybe its just a slow season at the moment?
skymonkey
I would also love to be critiqued. I added my name to the original forum thread for this, too.
Thanks for the opportinity; I did take 'before' shots and am ready to go.
jakrandomart
Thanks for the tips. I am looking forward to the future posts in this series. I posted my before shot on my flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jakrando...
Dovecotedesign
A makeover would definitely be a good way to greet the New Year. I've changed my avatar and my banner (still a work in progress since I don't really know what I'm doing), but have no idea if I'm making my shop better, worse or neutral. Can someone tell me how to take a screenshot of my shop?
selflesh
Dovecotedesign,
If you are using a mac.
Apple, Shift, 3 will give you a screenshot of whatever is on your screen.
;)
>s
MagdaleneJewels
Ok - I'm game. Revamping is exactly what I have been doing during the holidays. I opened my shop in Aug with all my jewelry on black backgrounds. WOW - I thought it really brought out the colors - little did I know. At the suggestion from Ev of artisanimpact - they suggestion I reshoot everything on a white background. OMG what a difference in clarity, color - they look like completely different pieces of jewelry. I am half way there - so you can see my darkside vs. my lightside. I do have saved on my computer the original pieces that I redid. So if you wish to see the before's - let me know. And now I just bot Photoshop for Dummies, so I may just get even better!
niajane
I've recently given my shop http://www.niajane.etsy.com a makeover by getting a new banner and avatar. I got a custom package from the very talented Amanda at http://www.henryrabbit.etsy.com and I'm absolutely delighted with it!
ReFabulous
I posted my before and after photos in my blog:
http://hello-refabulous.blogspot.com/...
Better photos can be found over on craftster's board:
http://hello-refabulous.blogspot.com/...
joyceweaver
Thanks for the makeover suggestions & I took your advice! Last year my house flooded twice, I spent time in the hospital and totally ran out of money. Thanks to help from family & friends we are on the long, slow road to recovery and nearly done. I took advantage of what little free time I could muster around the holidays and revamped my Etsy shop - I put lots of colorful stuff up for sale, had a banner made by another Etsian (luckychelle7) and am promoting myself a lot more and have made a commitment to KEEP my shop up & running, looking great and seasonal. Thanks again!
Joyce Weaver
Previous Page
YES!! This is exactly what we need! As a new shop I'm constantly evolving all the while trying to maintain some level of consistency. I'm focusing on achieving better photography and more efficient tagging.