I'm tired.
Tired of Etsy and tired of trying to figure out how to make it work for me and my teeny tiny shop. Just as I felt I had a little itty bitty future there, it all comes to a screeching halt.
I am fully aware that I am not the only one .....
There are sellers there, that are in a much bigger predicament than I.
Fortunately for me this is only a hobby.
I feel bad for those who need to make a living from Etsy and are now struggling.
I've tweaked and retweaked and fiddled and fumbled with my tags and titles.
No idea if what I am doing is doing me any good.
Just confused.
Frustrated.
Irritated.
Pessimistic.
Now I wonder if even having a sale is worth it. Would anyone even find me to bother buying? Do I have to always have a sale to make a sale?? Yes, I still get favourites....but not as many as I did when relisting was the key to it all.
More and more the markets are calling my name. But sadly as a side effect of Etsy's Relevancy change, I've been super unproductive. Unmotivated. Sure, I've tried a new technique out and succeeded. And I want to do more with it. But as for making things for my shop, I've made about 1 pair of earrings :(
I know I need to get making and stocking my shop if I want to be more successful, to reach a broader audience, to keep people coming back. But now in the back of my mind is 'is it worth it'?? If big shops can't be seen, how will mine? I will NOT sell on the other E. No Siree. And there really isn't any other avenue for me to sell through online.
Sigh. . . not upbuilding I know.
But sometimes it helps me to write it down and put it out there.
Any advice?? Tips??
Em ♥
9 comments:
I wish I could, but I have always found Etsy to be difficult to be found on. Now with the changes it is even worse! I'm hoping getting into more Galleries will be my solution.
Have you tried approaching a magazine about publishing your work? I love Belle Armoire and their staff has been super helpful and friendly to me. Have you thought about buying a spot in an online gallery for some exposure? I've done Paper-n-stitch and also indie fixx, but I'm sure you could find some others out there. Your work is gorgeous and your pictures are superb, so it shouldn't be too difficult.
Also, really start pushing your facebook page, ask friends and family to share the link on their walls and advertising for the Christmas season. Most importantly, don't give up, your work is gorgeous. Oh, and also don't stop creating, you never know when you'll finally create that design that really clicks with customers.
Good luck!
Let's just say I've been longing for my day job back. Etsy wears me out!
xoxoxox
It stinks doesn't it Judy! I hope you're new solution works out!! ♥
Jeanie - I have looked into it before, but it's like no one hardly sells anything on there....or people just don't leave feedback??
Marcie - thank you for your lovely comment and advice. I am not really good at selling myself lol...perhaps that's why I'm not getting far with selling my jewellery? I don't know.... I am going to have to try my local arts n crafts market and see what happens there for my next step. There really aren't any galleries around here unfortunately. ♥
Rochelle - I am hearing and reading lots of comments about going back to 'day jobs'. It's not looking good :( ♥
I totally get what you're saying. like I am so tired of Etsy routinely featuring the same "big" sellers on their front page etc. that's largely why I started doing my "Loving Today" series, where I try to help undiscovered talent. well your work is gorgeous, and you are fortunate to live in a country that is craft-friendly; I believe there are craft shows there in which you could participate? perhaps having your work in brick-and-mortar shops is a way to go? I find that doing custom work locally helps dissipate that "Etsy frustration". but DON'T let a period of un-motivation bring you down -- you ARE talented! hugs :)
Hey Em! The changes are a bit frustrating! I just am starting to change my titles today. So time consuming, but I'm hoping it helps. I agree with Marcie - try some online advertising. Her suggestions were great and I have a feeling you could come up with some great little ads.
BikBik - I am not sure of any craft shows around where I live, but there are little markets where people tend to sell home made things/produce, which is where I intend to sell my work hopefully in the future. Thanks for your lovely comment.
Erin - I've changed all my titles to have the 3 keywords at the beginning to suit my piece and I've changed tags and description and I'm sick of it lol...I don't know if I'm doing it right :(
I hear ya! I've been feeling the exact same way and I even had a major melt down day before yesterday. I just cried and cried and cried. Pitful really... but I guess all those hours tweaking and fiddling and trying to understand what's happening wore me out.
I think you've already gotten some excellent ideas - B&M stores and some fairs and markets. That's the way I'm going. (But I really really wish Etsy wasn't such a nightmare now... I could use the semi-security of the consistent sales I've gotten used to.)
Hugs dear.
/anna-karin
Thanks Anna!! I got quite depressed about it too and I'm only just starting to get some sales under my belt and now I feel like it's all over. I've had a couple of bad days, but it's out of my hands, so I can only try and stay positive and focused on other goals now. I wish you the best (and everyone else) with your Etsy store!
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