Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Constructive Criticism (and a Giveaway)

Help!

I am in some sore need of criticism. Specifically speaking, I need to revamp my Etsy shop and am almost clueless as to how to go about doing it. What I would like from my readers is honest suggestions of what I could do to improve the overall look of the thing.

www.vanishingpearl.etsy.com

Please pop over and have a look. For everyone who leaves a comment, I'll put you in a draw for this simple button necklace in a recent color scheme. I have earrings to match, but no photo to show. (sorry) They will be included as well. Lookie!



Here is what I'm looking for. (I already had my banner redone a few weeks ago and am currently happy with it, but also welcome new ideas.)

1. Photo quality.
2. Background preference: solid or props? or other?
3. Overall feel.
4. Quality of description of pieces.
5. Tips on other information. Ex. shipping, repairs, etc.
6. Shop Sections.
7. Should I have a crap ton of tutorials for sale?
8. Anything else you can think of! The more info, the better.
9. Shop owners, I would also appreciate tips and techniques that work for you. :-)

Please, please comment. I'll be taking advice from now until August 7th. Shortly after, I will post the winner! Share with your friends and let them on the action too. International entries welcome. I'll ship anywhere.

9 comments:

  1. Oh, oh! That's just about all I've been working on lately. :) A well done Etsy store is sooo much work, so be prepared for the long haul. I'm about to go to bed, so I'll comment more later, but start thinking about your About page. Here's mine, which I threw together fairly quickly, but it still adds a great touch:

    Femailler's About Page

    Here are some links to what Etsy has to say about their new feature:

    Introducing an About page for your shop

    Tips for your shop's About page

    Like I said, I'll post more later, but get the creative juices thinking on that About page. :D

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  2. Thanks, Deborah! I had no idea there was a new feature, although I've noticed my shop has been synchronized with Google, which is nice. I also owe you that beaded ring. *sorry* Remind me what size to make it again?

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    1. Yeah it's a great new feature. How is your shop showing up in Google? My Google relevancy is definitely something I need to work on.

      And don't worry about the ring, I don't work at that place that doesn't allow metal jewelry anymore. Eww, I so did not like working there. XD But don't worry, I just sent out a piece I was supposed to make for a friend over a year ago, so I know the feeling!

      Oh, and my brother lives in Wichita Falls now. :)

      And another note on the shop, I think this product photo is pretty much perfect: http://www.etsy.com/listing/105761787/chain-of-memories-steampunk-necklace

      Well lit, nice contrasting (but not distracting) background. If you could have similar backgrounds in different tones that would contrast well with different pieces, I think that would work nicely. I would definitely stick with neutral background colors though, just for consistency. That's part of that whole branding thing that I'm still working on myself.. :)

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    2. The Google synch works for the product search/shopping option. Mine didn't show up for the longest time, and now it does!

      I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time completing commissions/favors/gifts for people that I know. It feels almost like homework and I procrastinate too much.

      If you ever visit your brother, give me a call! I'd love to visit for a while. :-)

      That necklace was photographed on the front porch of my old rent house. Too bad. It might be a bit awkward if I showed back up to take more pictures. Branding is a huge hassle, but I have to train myself not to go overboard, which is what happened to my craft show setup in the past. I'm really, really trying to simplify so that my work stands out more than the display itself.

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  3. I don't need to be entered into the contest, and I don't really have a critique; what I do have is two links for photography.

    1) This is a favorite:
    http://www.handmadeology.com/studio-quality-product-photography-with-a-12-set-up/

    2) A basic tutorial on macro photography:
    http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/digital-camera-tutorial-macro-photography

    I never put anything up for sale in my Etsy shop, but I did create policies and my favorite is the only rule to live by:
    I believe my customers are seeking beautiful jewelry and good customer service. I intend to live up to your expectations and my high standards.

    Let us know how your revamp turns out.

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    1. Thank you for the tips KJ! I've bookmarked them. I appreciate the advice and like your policy. :-)

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  4. I think you have a similar problem to me. Trying to make your shop look like a collection instead of a load of cool stuff in a shop.

    I've tried a few ways now. Having the same background on all the photos. Using the "arrange your shop" feature and putting all items the same colour together. And using the same feature to put all the same design together too.

    The latter idea seems to look nicer to me with my shop at the moment and I can also see what items I should be making to get a good range of colours in each designs too.

    Good luck on whatever you decide :)

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    1. I took a look at your shop. I think your photography has improved since the first few listings you sold. Mine is still cluttered and I'm slowly working towards the solid colored backgrounds (except for the pieces that are too big to be photographed with my small Modahaus). Thanks for entering!

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  5. Thankyou. I'm still not happy with my photography. I'm aiming for "front page" standard and I fall way below that. I'll get here one day fingers crossed.

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