Real Promoting

[Sandra Murdock]

So, I am wondering what others do to promote their etsy stores. I know networking here and on indiepublic is one way that many of us promote. I also have my shop listed on our local community website and keep a blog there to try to generate local business. I just ordered business cards so I can give those to community members who seem interested. What else do you do?

[Luis R]

Well, I haven't sold tons of things like many etsyers but I have generated tons of interest, by posting blogs and visiting forums. a woman from etsy recently apparoached me about adding my banner to her myspace page in exchange for her banner on mine. I didnt have a myspace for my business, so I created one. With the thousands of people on myspace I figured someone wil stumble across it, sure enough I made my page, exchanged banners with the youbg lady and in 48 hours received about 4 friend requests from people who are interested in my work. The thing with myspace is, it is not a forum geared towards crafters, so when someone shows interest it is purely out of your work. Some people hate myspace, but I say if it can generate interest than I will do it. Also try joining smidge.net, I just signed up to donate a set from my jewelry collection, they do giveaways each month and my donation will be one of the giveaways around November, this will also generate interested through word of mouth, which is extremely powerful, the person that wins the set I have donated will then go on to tell her friends, family, and those who want to see what is being given away that month will come across my ad and link to my page, again generating interest, and interest eventualy turns into business. . . hope this helps.

[RockerByeBaby]

smidge.net huh? interesting... ill have to check it out!anything new to get the ord out!

[RockerByeBaby]

ummm... not sure you gave the right site up there... cuz it sent me to some generic search engine... and said some vulgar things, haha

[Smidge]

The site is actually http://www.smidge.ca

Thanks for mentioning us! :)

[RockerByeBaby]

I set up a myspace page for my site... added friends and other etsy-ers to my "top list" and have offered to exchange banners for advertising... I dont have money to sped on advertising so I try to utalize the free things that I can... my myspace is www.myspace.com/rockerbyebaby feel free to add me as a friend!

[Stephanie Higgins]

1. Visit the promos section in SHORT intervals (10 to 20 minutes), at least 2 to 3 times per day. It's very similar to listing your items - it works best to spread them out, rather than hanging out here for hours on end all at once.

Spread out your visits, if you can. I find the mornings when people are waking up or getting to work are good - that's when they are checking emails and may pop in for a visit. Late afternoon and evenings are good too - when people are getting home from work.

2. You don't always have to start a NEW thread. Specifically look for threads that pertain to YOUR shop. For example, if you sell baby bibs, look for threads related to babies or new moms and post there.

3. Try to posts when the threads are "young". I personally don't USUALLY bother posting to threads that are past the 1st page (or 2nd page at most). Otherwise, your post just gets "lost in the sauce" and rarely gets seen.

4. When you do start a new thread, try to use an interesting title that will attract viewers. I also find it helps to use general titles that other's can post to as well. For example, "Back To School Items - Show Us Yours" - as opposed to "I Just Made A Great New School Tote".

5. It's nice to actually take the time to look at and comment on what other's post. It's a great way to get noticed as well (and hearted). You never know when someone is going to remember you and refer you to someone.

6. When you post something to a thread - I find it helps to title it, not just put a link. Try to use an interesting, catchy title, that will make people want to click the link.

7. Accept the fact that threads usually die young here. Again, this goes back to visiting often and in short intervals. Expect your posts to sink quick. I find it's better to start a new thread as opposed to continually bumping old ones - (no offense intended to bumping threads).

[Marilyn]

I just started a MySpace profile for my crafts not too long ago and am surprised at how much exposure that has given me and introduced new customers to me. Consignment opportunities too! I also promote on my blog and LiveJournal.

[Melanie]

I'm very new to etsy and I've only been on this site for a few minutes, but I did just order some neat viny lettering for my back car window. I'm so excited at the thought of advertising every where I drive! LOL!

[Sandra Murdock]

These are all great idea. Melanie, where did you get the vinyl lettering from? That sounds like a good idea.

[gypsywoman]

Melanie, where did you get the vinyl lettering, they would look good on my pt cruiser.
Peace, Jean

[Loraine]

Mmmm, the list is big, huuuge!
craigslist is literally one of the biggest contributors to my sales.

www.craigslist.org and it's free

Utilize facebook, myspace and literally any site where you can network.

Wish you much success!!!

[Sandra Murdock]

Which section do you list under on Craigslist. Because I listed there once under creative services and got no response at all.