A question (or two, or ten...) about etsy and online shopping in general.

I had every intention of posting this morning, but then...it never happened.(I hate it when that happens. Makes my day not feel quite right.) I'm at a point of doing a lot of soul searching about what direction I want to take my blog, and my Cottage Industry. I guess I am trying to find the center of my creative passion, and focus more on it...fine tune it...you know?

I think this girl got me thinking about all of this. And this girl as well. And I am so glad they did. I am feeling inspired about my blog, and writing, and creating, and baking, and...well, everything, in a way that I haven't felt in quite a while.

So, I have a question for those of you who shop online. For handcrafted things. And for one of a kind types of things.

Do you typically go straight to etsy when you are looking for custom or specialized themed things like party invites, banners, and decorations, or when shopping for unique gift items like jewelry, and home decor items? Or, do you google an item on a website? Would you just as soon make a purchase  from someone's blog (or website) than be directed to an etsy shop?

Do you have an etsy shop? If so, do you do anything extra to market it?

I'm getting ready to launch some fairly big (for me) changes here on my blog, appearance wise, and I am also contemplating adding a new line of items for sale. Currently I have an eensy-weensy-oh-so-teeny-tiny etsy shop, (So small in fact, that some of you might not even have been aware that I had an etsy shop!)and I sometimes wonder if anyone goes there, except through my blog. If that's the case, I may as well sell my things right here from my blog...right? Wrong?

See? I have a lot of questions buzzing around in my head these days and I am searching for direction.I'd love to hear (to read!) your two cents worth!

Comments

[Heather @ At The Picket Fence]

Hi Tracey!

I always head to etsy first to find unique items. I've purchased everything from jewelry, to pillows, to printables to a prom corsage through etsy. I've always loved etsy, but since blogging I am even more mindful to go there first when I am needing to make a purchase. We are big etsy supporters since most of our sponsors are etsy stores, so I might be a little bias. ;)

I'm going to share your post on our FB wall to see if it will get you more responses. :)

[LisaInCT]

I, too head straight to etsy. I do not have my own etsy shop, so I can't help you with suggestions there. However, I think you need a large etsy link (with photo) on your sidebar, in addition to listing it on the menu bar.

And... I tend to prefer a finished item vs. purchasing a pattern or print out. (But that could just be me!)

Looking forward to changes here and an expanded etsy shop!

[Cathy]

You ought to ask the people who make a purchase how they come to your shop. Did they come via your blog or by a search on etsy or elsewhere? The responses will tell you whether etsy itself is sending enough volume to your store to make the fees you pay them worthwhile, or whether you could be doing it on your own.

I personally like etsy but find searches on the site to be a waste of time. I shop etsy shops that I've found through blogs or been referred to by some othe means.

[Barbara]

I start at etsy, I even recently bought a bed for my daughter from etsy. I don't have my own etsy shop so I can't help you there. I've also had people from etsy do custom things for me when I've found similar things in their shop that I like.

[debbie @ happy little cottage]

Hi Tracey,

With the popularity of your blog, I would do both. You have more of a chance of customers finding you that way.
I do have an etsy shop, and also have a blog. In looking at my stats, most of my views come directly from etsy. It took a few months for my shop to get going, but I stuck with it. Adding new items is crucial, as well as making sure your tags and titles are SEO friendly.
Good Luck!!

[Dawn Edmonson]

Hi sweet friend, you will do so AMAZING on Etsy!! For one thing, Etsy has a massive audience ~ and if you advertise your shop on your blog with a widget up front and center and always post when you add something new, you will do wonderfully Tracey! And by the way, I'm so the same way Tracey...I love so many different things I don't want to be pigeon-holed for any ONE thing! Sometimes I wonder if it hurts me but then I think, I don't care...because I love creativity in so many different forms and THAT is what makes me so happy! The assembly line, cookie cutter thing of making the same stuff ALL of the time is just not me ~ You know I wish you nothing but the best, hugs and love, Dawn

[Carin]

Tracey,
for my 2 cents, I typically do a google search, and see where the visual leads me. I don't like to be boxed in to one source, I feel like i might miss something. I think your blog is well done ~ sourced.....AND etsy is a great vehicle to sell from. I have purchased from both, so I would think you are right on track. You Go Girl ! Good Luck, i'll be watching ;) Carin

[Jennifer M.]

I would say that 99% of the time I find Etsy shops through blog recommendations. I might do a little bit of browsing once I'm there, but not too much. I enjoy seeing what people have for sale on Etsy while visiting their blog. My only complaint about the process is sometimes it's not easy to get from the blog to Etsy. I wish everyone would make it easy.

[Nicola]

I tend to buy from 'Not on the High Street' for gifts and my local shops for creative materials etc. I have a tiny Etsy store (in fact it's empty right now) but sell very little through it. Most of my sales come through my facebook page. I'd love to sell more directly but for now I'm happy with what I'm doing. I couldn't manage a huge demand for my work.

[Pamela Knopf]

I think that your have such a following on your blog that you should increase your etsy shop and advertise it on your blog. I do shop etsy for handcrafted items and it is my "go to" place when looking for unique gifts. I also LOVE your blog. I believe you will be successful ANYWHERE you go and with ANYTHING you do. Your creativity is awesome and very unique. Just my two cents...

[Diana]

Hi,

I just had this conversation with a friend. She said that she was paying too much to etsy so she is going to focus on her blog and thru facebook.

I love your blog and I read it every morning!

Hope this helps

[Jessica]

Okay, so here is a thought...why not try both. Etsy is pretty inexpensive. So try both. If you think that most of your customers come from your blog...where they have seen your products, then adding your shop to your blog may be the way to go. But, for 2o cents per item posted, you could keep them on etsy too, and just see what happens? I'm not sure what kind of money you have to put into putting items up for sale through your blog, though. I would actually be interested to know. I just opened up a small shop, and would love to be able to offer the same items through my blog. Good luck...I just found you via At The Picket Fence!

Jessica @ Mom 4 Real