I am writing this for the etsy bloggers carnival, and must really consider what I would call success on etsy at this time. I have 8 sales since March 2009 when I joined, so it is hard to get excited about that. Actually, I think my best etsy success is my blog. I am proud of myself for figuring out the technical details. I am not of the X generation and am not especially computer literate. Blogging was a real learning experience for me, and dealing with a digital camera, new programs, uploading, saving, putting pictures into my blog, all that cha-cha-cha. I still haven't figured out how to put OTHER people's pictures in my blog, so my blog is still a work in progress.
I can say though that through my etsy store I was invited to a Women's Expo on Long Island, which is now leading to other opportunites to sell my goods. My best sales event was the Expo, which I blogged about (please scroll down to "Nancy's Been to the Fair"). I think the Expo was far more successful than any etsy sale I have made because people were able to see my goods in person, to pick them up and feel the texture, the hand, and appreciate the piece live, and not just through pictures. I am slowly building a following through this blog and the Promotion Forum. I encourage and promote other etsians on this blog, in my store, and on the forum, and they are kind enough to do the same for me, for which I am grateful.
I am a single woman, I live alone and am currently unemployed, so I cannot give you any hints on how to juggle etsy, your job and your family, except to say, "Stay organized, make lists, and keep cool." "Yeah yeah, thanks a lot for the advise" I can hear you all saying. Well, that's how I cope when faced with many challenges. Of course, I'm naturally organized and making lists is part of that process. It's the staying cool part that can be hard. That could be me you see running screaming naked down the street in the middle of the night sometimes, but not so much anymore. With the help of much therapy, I am finally an adult at 58 years of age. My parents are SOOOOO glad. (Sigh - it's not easy being me.)
Anyway, that's my etsy bloggers carnival contribution for the 1st half of November. Thank you all for reading, thank you all for browsing my store, and please contact me if I can help you in any way.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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Hey Nan:
ReplyDeleteJust dropped by to say hi...and you have, statistically, twice as many sales as I do in both shops, so keep your perspective! =op
Though we both have much in common, I think the difference is i am lucky enough to have a pension, just enough, but my constant craft fairs and farmer's markets are still necessary...glad you have participated in one...may I suggest a few more, if you can possibly do it, before December, as holiday fairs are, generally, speaking, the most lucrative.
As always, good luck now and in the future!
I think that your blog looks great - look at all your widgets and stuff and it's a good read! Well done, that is a great success :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree that your blog looks great.
ReplyDeleteDon't get discouraged about Etsy--there's still the upcoming holiday season. The items in your shop look lovely.
Hi! Just found you through the Etsy forum thread and I'm following you now ;o) Your blog is beautiful and interesting . . . BTW I see that your grand-niece is named Madeline Marie - our 9th grandchild was born three days ago in Denver and they named her Madison Marie! And NOW we are expecting grandbaby #10 any minute now in Michigan. Life is interesting! Thanks for sharing so honestly on your blog . . . it is not always easy being so open, but it is such a joy to "meet" new friends who are not afraid to share themselves with others in such an inspirational way. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteBTW if you want to visit my blog, here's the link: http://mamaslittletreasures.typepad.com/mamaslittletreasures/
Also, you haven't been selling on Etsy long enough to get discouraged! It kind of comes and goes with the seasons, and this is a good time of year to really market your shop. I also found that there are certain people who are looking for what I sell and even though lots of people might like my stuff, not everyone is looking to buy that kind of item. Your shop is lovely, keep up the good work!
www.gossamerwingsstudio.etsy.com
i came here from Upaint blog, and i think your blog looks great and it doesn't look like that of someone's, who doesn't know the job.
ReplyDeleteits bright, colorful and not so crowded, and i like it!
i am also in my initial stages, so this looks like a mountain to me.
your story is an inspiration, and your creations are beautiful.
i am gonna follow you now onwards!
BTW i am jealous of your new sewing machine!
beautiful coasters!