Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Tuesday's Tools - Help with Etsy Sales


We all want to be successful right? Sure some are just on Etsy because they just want to share their craft or collectibles. Others want to see sales and a cash flow. How do you do that? What is the secret?


I have done some research and found that several people that “know” all have their own opinion which I thought great, how does this help me? Here is what I have learned….no I am not a Successful Etsy Seller yet BUT I am working on it.

 
Tips that almost all of the Pros have common ground.

1. Good Photos

2. Description

3. Tags

4. Network

5. List often

6. Advertise

Now with all of this said we still have to work out our own plan. We are individuals with different shops and goals. What works for me may not work for you, however the above list is a consistent list with all those that are successful.

Things that you should do each week or month.
1. Have goals


2. Have a plan


3. Work to reach your goals

Here are some links for more reading about being successful.


http://www.etsywiki.com/index.php?title=Ms._Dynomite's_Formula_for_Selling_on_Etsy  

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/02/how_to_run_a_successful_etsy_s.html

Link to Free Advertising or reasonable advertising
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=4505

OK Let’s see some sales this week!










Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Team Spotlight! Lafe's Hidden Treasures!

Today we happily introduce you to Nancy of Lafe's Hidden Treasures! Look at these great place mats! A little slice of Americana!


1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

Nancy Davis, I don’t really have a nickname as an adult but as a child I was called “Gabby.” Not sure why though! Lol

Today I am a different person than a few years ago. Life is not always as you expect it to be. Raised as a farm girl in rural Ohio all of my life, a farmer’s daughter. Even though I moved to a small hometown, my heart is still on the farm.

I am not much of a social butterfly like I used to be but feel really comfortable on the computer.


2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

Not sure I have anything that is shock worthy! I used to play piano and sing in a Gospel group. We were together about 4 or 5 years. I love to ride on Mike’s Gold Wing, we ride everywhere we can think when it is nice. I also do some public speaking in high schools, driving schools and some court related sessions for teens. My content is “Choices.” When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle the choices you make last a lifetime and it’s their choice to speed, drink and drive, etc. Prom week is busy for me. Hopefully one teen will listen. In addition I do public speaking about Domestic Violence too. I could keep full time with my speaking if I wanted to travel all the time.


3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

Vintage, vintage and more vintage! Not only am I obsessed with vintage it seems to be a part of me also. I have always been fascinated with “junk” as most people call it. To me vintage is a part of history and my part of “recycling.” I also enjoy doing digital graphics.


4. How did you start with Etsy?

A friend of mine from Kansas was raving about these sites and one of them was Etsy. I explored every inch of Etsy and thought, “Wow, this is totally me!” My Mom made a few Annie dolls and the rest just fell into place.


5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to track your success?

I don’t consider myself successful yet. I am succeeding but not at the pace I intend on going. I use Web Analytics, lots of Google SEO reads, Etsy Storque and Timothy Adams blog. Not to mention other members of this group have really educated us.


6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

Not doing Etsy?? Is there such a thing? I do graphics, work in yard in warm weather, walk, and just be a daughter and other half to Mike.


7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains, so beautiful! My dream vacation would be Greece, it is so gorgeous there and the water looks so cool and calming.


8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

As far and Hearts and Hands United which has the most amazingly beautiful members, I want to do what I can to help. I try to network the team with blog and Facebook and I write Tuesday Tools for the our blog. The rewards of being a member of this team far outweigh anything I can contribute. So much help, information, understanding and the list goes on.


9. Where can we find you?

Your shop address - http://www.etsy.com/shop/LafesHiddenTreasures
Blog Address - http://lafeshiddentreasures.blogspot.com/
Facebook address - http://www.facebook.com/lafeshiddentreasures
Twitter
Flickr address


10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

My inspiration comes to me from several sources and sometimes I draw it from my inner being. Inspiring things are among us all the time we just need to take the time to recognize them as an inspiration. My family, my wild imagination, my faith and other Estians. God blesses me often.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tuesday's Tools


Tools today involve more help available for you from Google and other sites.  go to each site, explore and become familar with them.  These will help with SEO.  Remember that "Knowledge is Power."

Top Ten Tools For Google


Google Keyword Tool  -
Google Keyword Tool (Website Content Tool) -
Google's Wonder Wheel -
KeywordSpy.com -
FireFox RankChecker from SEOBook -
XML Sitemaps.com XML Sitemap Generator (use preset)

Google Webmaster Tools
Keyworddensity.com

SiteExplorer / Yahoo

Google Analytics

Monday, April 19, 2010

Friends of Hearts and Hand United!

Some of our favorites from friends who visit our weekly thread on Etsy!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Team project No. 1 - Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, pt. 6

We are running out of items for the first Team Project but don't worry, a new exiting Team Project is coming up, in a short while. And with it - lots of new items.
Today's single feature comes from Puttin' On The Dog Designs.



This is a lovely lace collar for your four legged friend.
The satin adds something old, the pearl bridal clasp adds something new, the concept of the collar was borrowed from HHU team suggestions and the last something blue - a ribbon that's been threaded through the lace.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tuesday's Tools Get YOur Shop Noticed

First I must say that I am certainly not a Pro, I just read and then read some more. It seems that the formula for success on Etsy is different for each Estian; however there are a few tips that seem to be on all of the power sellers lists.

1. Twitter it is the new way of spreading news and networking. Please see the article on our Blog that discusses Twitter.

2. Facebook almost everybody has Facebook. Let’s say you have 500 friends on Facebook, you post your new item, 500 more potential buying customers have the opportunity to see your product. Does it drive your sales? Not really sure but it does get you exposed and out there for all to see.

3. Blogging is another way to share your product with others. Hundreds of potential buyers have the opportunity to see your shop.
4. Get to the Etsy Forums at least 4-5 times a day. Yet another way to be discovered.
5. Esty Storque is a place with so much to offer, it is a learning tool. This will keep you up with what is going on in the world of Etsy. Post comments, get your name out there.

Now this list could go on and on but from my reading these five things are repeated in many articles about getting Etsy sales. Not to mention list new items daily, several times a day.
Etsy is so competitive as an Estian we cannot merely set up shop and hope someone happens by to see our products. Some of you just have that “item” that all the buyers are buying and then there are others of us that are struggling for a sale. Find a venue from the list above a try it for a month see what happens. What works for one may not work for the other BUT do something to network your shop. What ever you choose to do try it for at least a month or two before you say this doesn’t work.

Happy selling! Expect big things to happen in your store today!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Friends of Hearts and Hand United!

Some of our favorites from friends who visit our weekly thread on Etsy!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Team project No. 1 - Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, pt. 5

It's Friday again, and time to see some of the wonderful team projects from HHU members! The theme is a wonderful wedding tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue".

Today we have Trudy of ArtbyTrudy and Karin of KarinSF.

Enjoy!



Trudy made this wonderful ACEO for Debbie of LovelandBeads in her own style using Debbie's avatar - something borrowed. It is Trudy's firs ACEO - so that's something new! And who can miss this cute birdie - something blue!

Unfortunately for all of us - it has been sold to LovelandBeads, but check out Trudy's shop - her art will surely bring you sunshine!









Karin has given us two wonderful things! One old and one new!

Something old...

Romantic, feminine neck adornment composed of vintge embroidered tulle motifs. These dainty flowers have been embellished with freshwater pearls and secured to silk thread dotted with larger pearls. A sterling silver spring ring clasp and bead tips secure this charming unique necklace.

Lovely for a bride









Something new...

Creamy, lustrous, mother of pearl is the focus of this ultra feminine design.
A lovely, substantial carved flower pendant wired with sterling silver, dangles from the necklace of freshwater pearls strung onto silk thread. This romantic statement piece is finished with sterling bead tips and large toggle clasp.
A beautiful, fresh compliment to a contemporary wedding dress, yet equally charming with a summer dress or an ivory blouse.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Friends of Hearts and Hands United!

Some of our favorites from friends who visit our weekly thread on Etsy!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Team project No. 1 - Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, pt. 4

Another Team Project Friday on the Hearts and Hands United team blog!
Three beautiful items crafted from the romantic wedding theme of "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue".
Today's featured artists are Anika's Art, Jewels By Trish and Confections In Glass. Enjoy!

From Anika's Art comes these handmade Sea Fairy Earrings made out of vintage buttons that represents the old, the polymer clay represents something new and blue.













From Jewels By Trish comes this handmade wedding set of necklace and earrings made of white pearls and blue crystals.
The focal pendant have been "borrowed" from another necklace, the crystals are blue and the set is brand new. All you need now is something old, right?











Last but not least, from Confections In Glass comes this elegantly frosted pedestal bowl. It has been hand assembled from "previously loved" and new glass. Both the base of the blue bowl has a diamond pattern.