Tip 5. Getting Views; paid advertising.

Photo courtesy of Mandiraebaker.etsy.com

Again, I need to preface this post by advising you to have stellar photographs and a well defined craft before you delve into a listing frenzy. The following suggestions are for sellers who are ready to invest in advertising.

So, you're serious, you want to do this as a career & business even. If selling what you make is your long term goal you'll need some kind of advertising budget. Any business, big or small, needs to attract attention. Etsy has a few arenas for paid advertising, my number 1 choice is Listing often followed by the Main Showcase. I cannot personally recommend the category showcases or storque showcases but there are a few people that swear by them.

While Etsy has a few inexpensive options there is a whole world of outside advertising to consider;

1. Lots of people swear by Google Adwords

Benefits include pay per click (you don't pay unless someone clicks into your Etsy shop) and the ability to see how many people are looking at your ad. You can set your budget but be careful, the clicks add up really fast. I've tried it and wasn't overly impressed but there are many sellers that love it.

2. Buying banner adds on cool blogs.

I've done this with Modish and while there isn't a way to track your views, sponsors get a spotlight and it seems to be pretty good exposure for a minimal price. To learn more you can contact Jenna through her advertising link .

3. Buying pop up adds on random blogs & target blogs.

Project Wonderful is all the buzz in the Etsy forums however there is a split between how well it works. I encourage you to check it out (and report back) if you're looking for more blog ad options.

4. Buying space in online & email news letters.

I have had the most success with this arena, the trick is finding news letters that speak to your demographic. I like the Portland Picks personally, though it is a bit of an investment.

5. Buying print ads.

I've read from some top dollar sellers that print ads are the way to go. I did get a LOT of business from a very tiny photo in the Parent's magazine feature and I think having your shop name in ink can do a lot for reminding people they want to buy from you. Since print can be really pricey you may want to team up and buy a slot with a few other sellers who compliment your work. Also, research their target market, a cheap ad in a tire magazine is not going to sell a lot of your jewelry.

6. An indirect way to pay for advertising is to send press releases and samples of your work to local and national magazines, blogs, newspapers, news stations, craft shows and the likes. Many of these publications will have contact information on their website and there is nothing better than a free write up (even if it costs you a few samples).

Personally I really don't recommend sending business cards and paper fliers to mail boxes or craft shows. Junk mail is junk mail, even if it features your incredible work. If you want to use the mail to get the attention of new buyers I recommend the Sampler. They send actual merchandise to a targeted market of people seeking new and interesting handmade items.

I'd love to hear more about what you have and haven't tried, I think finding good affordable venues for paid advertising is something we all struggle with. I am always looking for new venues to stretch my ad dollar.

Comments

[HL]

Thank for your excelent tips, and generosity!