Image found here
The other day, something possessed me to do a simple search of the word “jewelry” on Etsy. Curiosity got the best of me, I suppose. I was rather surprised when my little search turned up precisely 1,355,210 items called “jewelry”. Holy crap, that’s a lot. Now we all know how Etsy’s search is not exactly the most accurate, which is due in part to how Sellers tag (or mistag) their items. For instance ~ Something like a leather cord can turn up under jewelry, since it is a jewelry making component, however it should not fall under “handmade”, but we all know how that goes . . . I narrowed down my search by using the word “necklace”. That word turned up 548,489 results. Wowzers! Jewelry has always been an oversaturated category on the site, but I had no idea just how full it really is. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, it just explains why my views seem to be at an all time low. It really gives a perspective on how much the site has grown since I joined in 2007. A constant complaint by sellers is how a recently listed item gets buried instantly. With that many items on the site, I can see why this happens. Etsy offers some tips for Sellers on how to promote their shops in other ways, such as Flickr, Facebook, Twitter. Most of these, I have done. Some have been worthwhile, but others . . . not so much. Don’t get me wrong ~ I love this venue, but to say I am frustrated is putting it lightly. Although I haven’t tracked it, I would say that I have spent nearly as much time promoting my little shop as I have creating things to go in it. I’ve been tenacious and unrelenting about doing so, hoping I would see dramatic results. At this point, I can say I am officially beat. I feel like I’ve promoted my little heart out, only to find out that I am just another fish in a very big sea. It’s disheartening.
What do I do now? I love making jewelry; goodness knows I can’t keep all of it :) I love Etsy, too. If you’re a seller, how do you promote your shop? What works, and what doesn’t? How do you stay motivated when things are slow? Surely I am preaching to the choir here, but I would really love some advice, some tips . . . heck, I’ll even welcome criticism. I’ll take anything you got. Anyone?
2 comments:
I think the rest of us jewelry sellers can relate! (And most of us would agree that we are puzzled by the sudden and seemingly mysterious success of certain jewelry shops on Etsy). I go through phases. Some days, I am ready to promote, and nothing will stop me. Other days, I relax a bit and slip into mild indifference. I have found that focusing on other activities helps me not stress so much about sales - I am spending more time with Husband (which is always a good thing ;)); I've taken up cooking more so than before; I am looking into yoga; I am starting another jewelry making class in a couple of weeks. Oh, and I keep shopping for more jewelry making supplies! :) Don't worry, sales will come your way soon!!!
I feel you do a great job promoting your shop and that you are very savvy when it comes to marketing your product. It's one of those things where you talk about your jewelry to everyone you meet, handing out cards with your web address. Feels like a second full-time career, doesn't it?
Post a Comment