Etsy’s online marketplace provides you with a medium and a pre-existing customer base, but it’s still difficult to make your store stand out—especially when you’ve just started. Just like any small business, an Etsy shop requires a marketing strategy, an appealing webpage, excellent customer service, and many more positive attributes. Here are four tips for starting a profitable Etsy store and turning your talent into a successful endeavor.
Photography Matters
Just like in a brick and mortar store, presentation is key. In fact, it’s even more important in an Etsy store, where the online format makes it so easy for your customers to click away and find your competitors. For this reason, you should focus on taking high-quality product photos. If your store features dimly lit, poorly composed, or out of focus pictures, your items won’t be attractive to customers. Show off your products’ quality with professional-looking photos.
You don’t have to spend all your money on classes or expensive equipment, but it’s a good idea to research basic photography principles. Look at your competitors’ stores as well to see what kind of presentation they incorporate into their items. Most of all, don’t be afraid to experiment. The only way to find the perfect background, angle, and lighting is to practice.
Craft Good Descriptions
Because customers can’t actually see your items—or turn around in the store to ask you—it’s important to make your product descriptions as useful and informative as possible. Try to answer any potential questions your customers might have, such as the product’s size, what materials you used, and customization options. It’s also smart to include shipping information. When writing your descriptions, pay attention to product keywords. These are the words and phrases people use to search Etsy, so be sure to include them in your product descriptions, tags, and titles. This will help your store show up when customers search for that product.
Pick Quality Suppliers
Your Etsy store will have expenses. One of the most important tips for starting a profitable Etsy store is to make sure those expenses don’t outweigh the money you’re making. One of the best ways to do this is to buy your crafting and shipping supplies in bulk. Online stores can be extremely helpful for this. From tools, to art supplies, to metal tins and containers of all shapes and sizes, you can find great deals for store owners and other bulk buyers online.
Focus on Customer Service
You may never meet your customers face to face, but the way you treat them can still make or break your Etsy store. Transparency, phenomenal communication, and quality service throughout the entire transaction are the keys to making—and maintaining—a happy customer base. Customers are a crucial part of helping your store grow. If they’re happy and leave you a positive review, others will see you and your store as a reliable place to shop.
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