1.07.2009
Tagging... revisited
I know there was a post about tagging long ago and far away, but I think tagging is so important that it deserves another post. I know we'd all like to sit back and let Etsy bring people straight to our shop, but get real guys, your shop is exactly that, your shop. Etsy isn't going to stand at the door, calling for customers, or are they?
There seem to have been many complaints lately about Etsy's search function, but if you ask me, I am okay with it. Sure, sure, I know how to navigate it, but I'm almost always able to find what I'm looking for provided the sellers tag correctly. Has Etsy created a tagging system that, essentially, brings people straight into our shops to do some shopping? Perhaps they have. It's wise for new and old sellers alike to search through the catagory for items you sell and see what sub-catagories there are. It's wise to use these for tagging instead of creating your own tags as they are hard wired into the system to be chosen while searching for items to buy.
The Storque has published an article about tagging and you can read it HERE. Tagging everything, using all 14 tagging options, and tagging well is very important - don't ignore that part of your shop.
Oh, and by the way, make sure that each and every one of your items has the following tag "AREtsy Team" - this allows people to search by team and Etsy has asked that we add "team" to our team name when tagging... you can be flagged if you don't (but who would be that mean?).
1.05.2009
Helping Hands
The AREtsy Street Team really is an amazing group of crafters. We're a great resource for new and old sellers alike. If you have a question about selling on Etsy or promoting both on and off of the site, I'm sure someone on the team has an answer.
Where do so many of us get this information? How do we know how things on Etsy work. It's not like some of us were sent an email with all of the answers when we signed up and others were not. Easy, almost everything you need to know about selling on Etsy can be found here.
How many of you know about The Etsy Seller Handbook? Don't worry if you haven't, it's just been presented in its current format in the Etsy Storque. As more and more members join Etsy and the AREtsy Street Team, I've noticed that there are a lot of questions going around that can best be answered with this handbook. I challenge all of you (even if you think you've read this already) to take some time to read through this before 2009 gets too far along. I think you'll learn some new things along the way.
I can't wait for The Storque to do something for the Teams along these lines. Perhaps they could showcase some of the very active teams and interview the group on what works for them and what they all do to get the word out about Etsy and each other. With that, what are some of your favorite benefits to being part of this, or any other Etsy Street Team?
Where do so many of us get this information? How do we know how things on Etsy work. It's not like some of us were sent an email with all of the answers when we signed up and others were not. Easy, almost everything you need to know about selling on Etsy can be found here.
How many of you know about The Etsy Seller Handbook? Don't worry if you haven't, it's just been presented in its current format in the Etsy Storque. As more and more members join Etsy and the AREtsy Street Team, I've noticed that there are a lot of questions going around that can best be answered with this handbook. I challenge all of you (even if you think you've read this already) to take some time to read through this before 2009 gets too far along. I think you'll learn some new things along the way.
I can't wait for The Storque to do something for the Teams along these lines. Perhaps they could showcase some of the very active teams and interview the group on what works for them and what they all do to get the word out about Etsy and each other. With that, what are some of your favorite benefits to being part of this, or any other Etsy Street Team?
1.03.2009
New Year Resolutions
Happy New Year, AREtsians - I hope you all are ready to head into 2009.photo above found in thewishingwell's etsy shop
We all claim to set resolutions for the new year. Perhaps yours is to get into shape, to save money, be more organized, cook at home more, or perhaps to just take more time for yourself. Have you considered resolutions for your shop? Some people call them goals, but goals require me to reach and endpoint and I honestly find resolutions are easier to follow. Don't get me wrong, goals are good too, so whichever you prefer, how about take some time to think about them.
Back in October I spent some time browsing clothing boutiques and galleries in Little Rock. I saw things no different than what I make, other than some higher quality materials (nicer glass beads, more unique findings, silver wire, etc) which a price tag WAY higher than I had my items priced. I first thought that there was no way these things sold, so I checked online for similar items. Guess what guys? These things sell, and they sell fast. I made it a point that my shop would begin to showcase new items, items made from unique supplies and higher quality metals, and one of a kind items.
Perhaps this would also work for your shop. What can you do to make a better profit without putting too much more time into your work? I think of it as working smarter, not harder. If I can work with better items in front of me, perhaps I can make twice as much as I was making before?
I also have made the resolution to be more organized in all aspects of my shop this year. I did a good job of tracking sales, keeping track of sales tax, and so on last year, but this year perhaps I'll step it up. I want to create an inventory of my supplies. I know I won't run out of my favorites if I'm keeping a better eye on it. Also, I need to keep a better stock of shipping supplies (also will be included in my inventory) so I won't be faced with needing to ship out a custom item in the morning, but not have anything to wrap it in the night before.
So, AREtsy, what are some of your shop resolutions for 2009? Please share them in the comments section below so we can all be inspired to run the best shop possible this year.
11.18.2008
In the spirit of things
In case you have not searched around in AREtsy shops lately, you are missing out. Many of our team members have wonderful items for the Holidays. Of course we all have fabulous gift items, but these items would be perfect to decorate your home or yourself for this time of year.
Banners have been popular for the past couple of years on Etsy. Our very own StoriaHome makes a collection of wonderful banners for the home. She has one called "Believe" that is just perfect for this time of year. I don't know about all of you, but I still believe in Santa... no really... I do! :) While you're checking out her shop, look at all of the wonderful other Christmas decor she has. They range from traditional to cheeky - you don't want to miss her stuff.
Over at AshleighsBowtique - outfit your little ones with these adorable hair bows. She also has some hair bows for Thanksgiving - so hurry over so your kiddos can be decked out for the entire season.
PunkinHead has an entire collection of Snowfolk. These guys are made from repurposed vintage linens, sweaters, and other fun fabrics. They all need a new family to spend the holidays with - so won't you take one up today?
GlassBead always has beautiful items and this year she has some ornaments listed in her shop. I just happen to be a proud owner of one of these lovelies and I know they will look great on your tree as well.
ChrisMassingill never fails to dissapoint with her fun, whimsicle designs. She has added some holiday inspired items to her shop as well. This pin would make the perfect addition to your personal decor for the Holidays or you can easily add a hook to the back and hang it on your tree for Christmas day.
This list is only the tip of the iceburg as far as AREtsy Christmas items go. Search here for more ideas and let the shopping begin.
Banners have been popular for the past couple of years on Etsy. Our very own StoriaHome makes a collection of wonderful banners for the home. She has one called "Believe" that is just perfect for this time of year. I don't know about all of you, but I still believe in Santa... no really... I do! :) While you're checking out her shop, look at all of the wonderful other Christmas decor she has. They range from traditional to cheeky - you don't want to miss her stuff.Over at AshleighsBowtique - outfit your little ones with these adorable hair bows. She also has some hair bows for Thanksgiving - so hurry over so your kiddos can be decked out for the entire season.PunkinHead has an entire collection of Snowfolk. These guys are made from repurposed vintage linens, sweaters, and other fun fabrics. They all need a new family to spend the holidays with - so won't you take one up today?GlassBead always has beautiful items and this year she has some ornaments listed in her shop. I just happen to be a proud owner of one of these lovelies and I know they will look great on your tree as well.ChrisMassingill never fails to dissapoint with her fun, whimsicle designs. She has added some holiday inspired items to her shop as well. This pin would make the perfect addition to your personal decor for the Holidays or you can easily add a hook to the back and hang it on your tree for Christmas day.This list is only the tip of the iceburg as far as AREtsy Christmas items go. Search here for more ideas and let the shopping begin.
11.11.2008
Oh the weather outside is frightful...
but the sales on Etsy are so delightful!Okay, so perhaps the weather isn't so frightful yet, but you know it's just around the corner. I was just thinking the other day that Thanksgiving weekend marked the first bit of icey weather we got here in my part of Arkansas a couple of years ago and that weekend is just 2 weeks away! I don't know about the rest of you, but the impending turn of the weather is reminding me that Christmas is just around the corner. In fact, it's only 44 days away.
Yeah, I said it, it's only 44 days away.
There was a HUGE movement that swept the internet/indie/crafty industry by storm last year. That was the "Buy Handmade" pledge. I signed up to do it last year and tried my best, I really tried to adhere to it. Alas, I failed. Guys are hard to shop for. However, I'll do it again this year, with more gusto, with more determination, and with more time spent looking for the perfect gift on Etsy (hopefully within AREtsy).
One way to get people to your shop for the Holidays is to promote a sale or special of some kind. Many shops on Etsy are gathering together for the Artisans for the Holidays Sale taking place Thursday,November 27 (hey, that's my birthday, don't forget it... oh, and it's Thanksgiving) through Monday, December 1.. There is a thread in the Etsy forums with more information here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5903305&page=1.
If you think you can pull off their requirements - a bit of promotion and such - then go here and sign up for it: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5903349. Make sure to read the ins and outs of signing up listed in the first post.
If you are thinking a site wide sale isn't for you, please think again. I'd love to see a bunch of us AREtsy members join in on this. A few of us participated in the site wide "Yart Sale" this past summer, and I can't speak for everyone, but it resulted in a good handful of sales for me.
Original art above by bmacre at bmacre.etsy.com
10.11.2008
If Graphic Art is Your Thing...
then read on.
El Dorado Promise out of El Dorado, Arkansas is "re-branding" itself and needs a logo. They city has chosen a new themeline for itself, El Dorado: We Promise and they need something to go along with that and all the city has to offer.
Cindy Langston, the Marketing Manager for El Dorado Promise and El Dorado Forward, writes the following:
"We have chosen a new themeline for our city "El Dorado : We Promise" sends a message that we want people to come see what we have to offer. From an incredible arts community, to an eclectic downtown with a vibrant music scene to quality health and wellness facilities to a world-class education and free college scholarship program, we have a lot to promise.
I hope you will consider sending in a design. 1st prize is $1,000 and 2nd place receives $500. Of course the design will be seen in all our marketing material so it will get a lot of notoriety..."
You can read more about the city here: GoElDorado and ElDoradoPromise. If graphic design is your thing, don't delay. Entries MUST be postmarked by Oct. 22 to be considered. Please contact Cindy with questions (and where to send entries) at (870)863-6113.
El Dorado Promise out of El Dorado, Arkansas is "re-branding" itself and needs a logo. They city has chosen a new themeline for itself, El Dorado: We Promise and they need something to go along with that and all the city has to offer.
Cindy Langston, the Marketing Manager for El Dorado Promise and El Dorado Forward, writes the following:
"We have chosen a new themeline for our city "El Dorado : We Promise" sends a message that we want people to come see what we have to offer. From an incredible arts community, to an eclectic downtown with a vibrant music scene to quality health and wellness facilities to a world-class education and free college scholarship program, we have a lot to promise.
I hope you will consider sending in a design. 1st prize is $1,000 and 2nd place receives $500. Of course the design will be seen in all our marketing material so it will get a lot of notoriety..."
You can read more about the city here: GoElDorado and ElDoradoPromise. If graphic design is your thing, don't delay. Entries MUST be postmarked by Oct. 22 to be considered. Please contact Cindy with questions (and where to send entries) at (870)863-6113.
9.28.2008
Ready... set... go!
AREtsy artists seem to be everywhere this fall. As I've said before, we're staring straight at craft show season here in Arkansas and we've geared up, signed up, and stocked up on goodies to show off at a variety of fairs.If you are like me and love to do your Christmas shopping at a craft fair, or if you are also like me and love the tasty goodies at the fairs (as seen above), you can find us at the following events (event listed first and AREtsy members listed below each show)
Van Buren Fall Festival in Van Buren - October 11 - 12
Morning Star Studio
Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival in Bella Vista - October 16 - 18
Punkinhead
IdyllHands
Wooly Hands
Ozark Regional Arts and Crafts Show in Springdale and Rogers - October 17 - 18
My Curly Red
2BlondeBoys
Dazzle Daze in Conway - November 20 - 22
ChrisMassingill
Holiday Extravaganza in Bella Vista - November 22
MyCurlyRed
IdyllHands and WoolyHands
Punkinhead
AshleyArsenic
TutuCuteandMore
ForeverAndADay
TheWishingWell
SpiritBearBeads
Arkansas Craft Guild's Christmas Showcase in Little Rock - November 30 - December 2
ChrisMassingill
If you are a member of AREtsy and are participating in a craft fair/show this fall, please email knittinghands@yahoo.com and let me know. I'll add you to this list.
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