Tip 1. The forums are a great place to start.

The Etsy Forum Community may seem daunting and a little fast paced at times. If you've never been it is simply community place to list questions, comments, goofiness and sometimes drama. The forums recently got a make over, new and clearer categories were added with an emphasis on business, craft & marketing which appears to have made it a whole lot more user friendly. I am a strong advocate of visiting, reading and posting in the forums and I will tell you why:

• 1. Etsy users are genuinely helpful. You can ask advice, basic questions, look for honest and kind critiques and find camaraderie with others in your field.
• 2. Etsy sellers also shop on Etsy. There is a strong feeling of wanting to support one another and while begging for sales is not really the way to go being visible among a community of shoppers is a smart move.
• 3. Forum posters have their pulse on the industry. With so many designers in a small community you can get a real feel for what is people are looking for. Simply asking other sellers to give you their input on your shop (see the critiques section) is a great way to get an idea of what you're doing right and what needs improving on.
• 4. Etsy Admin is involved in the forums. While I still don't believe Admin tends towards favorites, being visible to the people who write the Etsy articles and choose the featured seller is a good idea. It never hurts if the powers that be know you exist.

Comments

[Barbra]

As usual, a wise, articulate posting!

[carrie]

Great advice...thanks!

[Gloria Wilson]

Your bloggings are very informative and well written. This one is a good post.Would like to see more about your success as a seller.

[Lisa Holt]

Thank you so much for all of your helpful advice. I remember so much of what I learned from you last year (even just while observing in the forums)and now I'm gearing back up for *more* of it! :)

Best,
~Lisa

[higneeexeloge]

Hello folks, I just went akross this awesome forum through google and I like the especialy "http://littleput.typepad.com/me/2008/01/tip-1-the-forum.html" form. I really like the design and the team does its job verry good.
I´m Andrew and I´m pleased to be here :)

Greetings

[Appeahped]

Hi! A good forum, glad to join you :-)

[Patchwork Underground]

awesome advice. i was always intimidated by the forums - but you're right - i should speak up and be seen! thanks for encouragement and information. =)