1.12.2009

Do you use the Etsy Forum Section?

Lately I've been seeing several posts from people about how they aren't sure Etsy is for them, they aren't getting any sales, should they close their store and on and on. Immediately I go look at their store to take a look around. :-) Some of these stores are great, others aren't, but that's for another topic!

One of the first questions I ask when I see these posts are "do you post in the forums much, especially the promo section?" If they say no, then I respond back!!

Etsy has created these forums for a reason...for us to use them to help make our stores great! I will admit when I first got started on Etsy I wasn't too familiar with this area, but once I found it, I found a world of information and help from some great stores. And I also discovered that once I started posting in the forums fairly regular, I also got some increased traffic to my store. I have met some great people, made some great friends and have found some amazing crafters, designers and artisans!

All the forum sections are interesting and can help your shop. Especially the promo section. Here you will find a lot of "lurkers" or "shoppers" who are looking for deals, new items and more. You don't have to be offering a sale or some give-away in order to post in the promo section. Go take a look around and see some of the things that are being posted. Familiarize yourself with this section and use it daily if you can. I can personally say that posting to this section has helped my sales. Posting every time in this section doesn't guarantee a sale, but it does keep your business name out there, it gets your store looked at and the best part--its free advertising!

The success of your store is entirely up to you. Etsy is giving you a chance to promote and advertise your store for FREE in these forum sections...use it!!! You can't just open the store and expect the sales to come rolling in, it does take a little work!!! ;-)

Blessings, Dawn



9 comments:

  1. Thanks for your blog, Dawn! Your advice is great and you have helped me think of new ideas to help improve my shop, artichokey.etsy.com. Keep the great ideas coming!

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  2. Great blog and I'm totally with you! How can you make a business grow if you don't spend time advertising and promoting! Thanks for sharing this valuable point of view!

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  3. Great post; I discovered the forums a few months ago and it has increased traffic in my stores.

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  4. Well said! And thanks for the reminder...better go make my daily post over their...;)

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  5. I have spent some time in the promo section - but I haven't ever had any sales from there - But I have purchased from there. So, I at least know that it works from one side! LOL

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  6. Etsy forums are really valuable, I have found out about picasa there (i had no clue) and a local fellow etsian hosting an outdoor event. I try to get in there as much as possible and post.

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  7. I know by posting in the forum, I've gotten more traffic. And at least one sale I know of for sure, because she told me she'd seen it in one of my posts and kept her eye on it. Thanks for the blog and the reminder.
    http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
    http://KayzKreationz.etsy.com

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  8. Plus, too, I forgot to say after reading one thread I found out about your great blog and you gave me some very good ideas about a logo, which I'm working on now. Thanks.

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  9. I find myself too bashful to post in the promo section..I tried it a few times but got a very lukewarm response. Sometimes I wonder if it's hard to be seen in a place where everyone else is trying to promote themselves too. I too have found the forums to be an invaluable resource, and find that networking/finding advice has been the most helpful aspect of the forums for me. Plus, I found your blog there!!

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