How do you promote your etsy?

[MissMouse]

I'm finding it incredibly difficult to promote my etsy store.
It seems like on ANY forum ANYWHERE it's frowned upon to even mention that you actually sell your art.
It's seen as "fishing" for sales, when really people are just saying that they have one.

So, how do you promote your store?

[SewMantra]

I empathize with your frustrations - it is a hard business and I encourage you not to stop promoting. I tell you, promoting is what gets you noticed. You are right, there are many places out there that do not like it when you mention you sell art - not sure why the 'artist' is still so taboo, but work with the system and beat them at the game.

I've outlined some ideas below. I'm not sure how much time you have to dedicate to this crafty pursuit, but in the beginning plan on dedicating about 80% of your time to PR, Marketing, Promotion, etc. I know it seems counter intuitive - but from my research and peer feedback, this is realistic in order to get something like this launched.

Suggestions for Promoting:

I'd like to know if you have a blog. If not, start one. They are free, easy to use and it is a great way to begin communicating with your audience.

Another way to promote is to hold a couple of giveaways. I'd also promote them on your blog and post them on sites like http://etsygiveaways.blogspot.com

You can checkout your local community for artist/crafter groups - most places have meetup groups (www.meetup.com) and almost always there is something art related on there for what you do. If not, start one, you may find a lot of people to connect with you had not even known before.

I'd also recommend visiting your library. I found a ton of great information about crafting, starting a crafting business, etc. In those books you will find promotion ideas.

The last thing I'd suggest is to guest blog on craft sites. Start with ones that are smaller and are looking for content and bloggers who will write up articles for free. I'd check out the sites Craft Corners and also RecycleART - - both publish your creations and will link to your site.

Hope these help. It's a learning process and one that does not happen overnight. I know because I'm in the throws of it myself, but never give up, you'll get there.

Bon Chance!
Martiel

[hempjewelryworld]

I'm trying to figure this out too, I made an etsy a while back and added some items but my shop never seemed to get any view from searches or anything.  In the 4 months that my first set of items were active I randomly made 1 sale.  I haven't really messed with etsy since until the other day I decided to add more items back to my store and try it again.

I figure facebook is probably a good place to promote it.  Either by saying something about it in your facebook status or making a facebook page about it or something.

[raphaele]

Hi,

Same here. It is really difficult to get your shop noticed and to make sales. Apart from all the good advice given above, I would suggest you join a couple of Etsy team and start getting active. After all Etsy is a very large community, and members are also potential buyers.

Being on Twitter is also a ggod idea.

[Ami_Mommy]

I use deviant art for everything pretty much. It's not frowned upon there to say you're selling. I even just found there is an etsy sellers group that you can submit your pics with listing link.

[Chris in VT]

I do not have an Etsy store as my website does just fine. However I do know a lot of crafters who have one.

So how do they promote sales?

They get out in front of the customers! They sign up for craft shows and sell. They will always have a customer who wants to order, so they give them a card with their store on it. They almost always get orders, and they can tell where the order is form that that's where they did a show. PLus, they make actual money on the weekend they're doing the show.

[Le-Chat]

Take a look in the sticky tread Advertising you Etsy shop:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=74656.180
for tips and advise. But especially consider the last post by BeaG. Make the most sense to me of them all.

[jennyandteddy]

Yes, I agree . It's very hard to get my etsy shop notice as well.
But doing a giveaway on popular blog for your target audience is very effective from my experience.
http://www.jennyandteddy.com/2012/09/the-power-of-giveaway/

[TwistMySister]

-do a giveaway on a blog that suits your target market

-do markets and have flyers advertising that you sell online on etsy, talk to people about it

-make a facebook page for your etsy and invite friends/family to like your page and share it

-join other forums and put your etsy shop in the signature on all your posts

-make a flyer for your shop and put it on notice boards in your main cities or towns

-be active on etsy, join some teams and talk in the forums!