Thursday, September 8, 2011

How To Make Money With Etsy.com

Etsy.com. Don't you wish you had invented it? It's a thriving community of down-to-earth buying and selling bliss, where everything is handmade (or vintage) and the industrial super powers get the cold shoulder. Brilliant.

And while you may have missed out on being the creator of Etsy, you can still get in and become a creator on Etsy where many others are doing very well. Use these simple steps to get you on your way...

  1. Know your craft - Some of you may be reading this with a very specific product or art form in mind, maybe even in hand. Others of you may have varying ideas of what you could create. That's fine. Good, even. Just know that, before you can go any further, you need to decide exactly what it is your are going to be making and marketing, and you need to start pumping them out. Write down your ideas and search Etsy to see what else is out there. Remember that you need to stand out. Read the article If You Want To Make Money From Home DO IT RIGHT and take time to focus on each point. Quality, originality, and personal charm will all help you to make it on Etsy. 
  2. Market your craft - Your Etsy banner needs to be GREAT. The photos of what you're selling need to be FABULOUS. Your descriptions need to be TO DIE FOR. Really. You are trying to convince people that they want what you have, and you cannot afford to do poorly, or even mediocre, here. It has got to be STELLAR. Got it? If you have a great product, but can't take amazing photographs then hire a photographer. This step is crucial. You also need to help people find your shop. You will make nothing if no one knows you are selling. Read How To Get Customers To Your Etsy Shop for more on this.
  3. Add a heaping scoop of customer service - Because this is what makes Etsy so great. It's getting buyers in touch with not only the seller, but the creator. The very person who put their blood, sweat, and tears into the product (That was figurative. Please don't bleed on your work.). You love what you do, and you want others to love it too. Take the time to add some extra finesse to the packaging. If you knit mittens then string them together with an adorable tag and warm note of warm wishes. You're an artist, right? Get a little creative and send your customers more than just their purchased item plopped in a box. Make them feel special. Talk with them. Assure them that you will do everything you can for them. This is why they are on Etsy and not at Wal-Mart.
Are you up for the challenge? Sign up to be a seller on Etsy here. It's quick and easy to do, and with such minimal start-up costs and a great foundation behind you, you can't lose.



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