Team Interview- Advertising and Shop Promotion

Q: How do you advertise/promote for your shop? What has, and has not worked for you?


GoAgainstTheGrain- I have a twitter account and FB page for my shop both of which I think help me a lot, with twitter by far being the best so far.
I used to participate in the showcases on etsy, but that only yielded a few shop hearts. So I stopped spending money on it. I follow a lot of blogs and I make sure I comment on posts, leave my info, etc.
I've recently started collaborating with some other designers and blogs on things to help get my name out, hoping that helps!

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BlushPrintables- Twitter has been incredibly invaluable as far as promoting and advertising goes. It's connected me to some fabulous party planners who endorse my work, and have connected me with other party planners & designers. I've worked on several collaboration projects as a result, and have really gotten my name out there. I have more sales through email requests than I do through etsy!

A lot of work, too, has been through networking. I've worked with several party planners who have recommended my services to other planners, and it was like a domino effect from there. I won't lie, it's pretty damn cool to see your work on tv and on The Hostess Blog.
I second the word of mouth. I've had so many repeat customers, and those same clients have recommended me to their friends and family. A lot of clients have tweeted about me or posted their projects using my printables on their blogs endorsing my services, and I've gotten a lot of customers from that. It's pretty cool to get an email from someone saying, "I saw your work on such and such blog and wanted to know if you could make ____ for me!"

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Bowrene- Word of mouth and repeat business has been huge for me. I send business cards with all of my orders so that those who have worked with me before can find me again and also pass on the word to their friends. Facebook has been somewhat helpful, but as others have said, twitter brings me a lot of traffic!

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JessicaRaeJewellry- I use facebook and word of mouth - Facebook for me has been amazing!!!! I would say that 90% or more of my business is done via my fan page!

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FourHarpdesigns- I'm on Facebook and Twitter but get far more traffic from Facebook. As we get closer to the holidays I'm going to try running a FB ad to see if that brings any more traffic for holiday cards.
I recently had a $100 coupon towards Google Adwords so I tried running ads there. I did get quite a bit of traffic from it but no sales. I have my customers fill out an online form to give all the info for their photo cards and in that form I ask how they found my shop. About 95% are simply Etsy searches (the others are word of mouth) so I really focus on making sure my items are tagged well and that the main gallery image gives a good glimpse as to what the design looks like.

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SwishDesigns- almost all of my business is word of mouth, google searches, a few etsy searches, and party site referrals.

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BellePapillonDesigns- For me, it's pretty much all word of mouth! I do a little bit of posting on Facebook, but most of my business comes from a Mommies group that I am affiliated with. Up until now, I've been extremely busy just working on their projects, so there's been no need (or time!) for any outside advertising!

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Mary*Mule- I promote through my FB page and word of mouth mostly. My mom and sister have several of my products and they also keep my business cards handy. So if someone comments on their purse/coffee cozy etc, they share my card. My husband has also generated some business for me and my dad is already inquiring about me selling some things in the camp store where he works! I tried a FB ad once when there was a free code, and I saw an increase in shop views, but didn't notice any sales from it. My next tactic is to try a YouTube video. I have seen some Etsians talk about them, so I am going to give it a try. It's free, so why not?

Team Interview: Naming your shop

Q: How did you come up with a name for your shop?


MadasPlace and MadasPlaceBaby- A friend suggested the name to me. My son's name is Adam, and when you spell it backward you get Mada. I started my shop right after he was born as a way to keep myself busy since I didn't return to work.

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FourHarpDesigns- The name for Four Harp Designs comes from biblical imagery. In the Bible, the number four is used to symbolize creation (e.g. the four elements, the four directions, four corners of the earth). Occasionally I design logos for my shop with the number four inverted like a reflection. This is to symbolize that everything we are (creativity included) is a reflection of part of who God is. My creative side is a reflection of God's creativity. Harps, in the Bible, are an instrument of praise. I hope that my shop, my designs, my work can be used to bring praise to God as well. So from this, I came up with Four Harp Designs!

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GoAgainsttheGrain- Mine is pretty easy. I LOVE wood grain patterns, and I wanted to make sure I did tried to do things that were different and unique so that is how I chose Go Against the Grain.

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EmbellishedBayou- I definitely wanted something that incorporated my home state (Louisiana), so that's where Bayou comes from, and since most of the things I make are embellished in some way, "Embellished" was the perfect word to go along with Bayou! I like it because it's descriptive enough yet broad enough to allow it to encompass a variety of products.

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CashmereCuddles- The first few baby carriers I made were silk and cashmere, hence Cashmere Cuddles.

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ProsttotheHost- It was hard to think of my shop's name, since I also had to first think of a business name for party planning. I wanted something easy to say and that flowed nicely. Prost in German means "cheers" and obviously, hosting is an integral part of any party. But I had so many failed names that just didn't seem to fit.
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CarriedAwaybyPaper- I was actually browsing through a magazine and thought of it, there was a tagline that had Carried Away....and I added the "by paper" since everything (well basically) I have in my shop is made with some type of paper product or can be printed on paper

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JessicaRaeJewellery- About 20 years ago my neice was born and was named Ashlie Rae.... I feel in love with the name Rae and wished so much it was MY middle name. Im adopted and about 6 years ago I set out in search of my birth family. When I received my original birth records Im almost passed out from shock.... there it was my oringal birth name - *Jessica Rae * I just KNEW when I needed to come up with a name for my jewellery that I HAD to use it, it felt kismet! Also has a great ring to it IMO - JessicaRae Jewellery
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BellaMiaBowsnThings- Bella Mia Bows & Things was born soon after my daughter was. when my daughter was born, i used to sing her a lullaby in italian that i had made up with the words "bella bella mia"...and then i used to call her "bella mia" as a little nickname which in italian means "my beautiful one" (i guess thats a decent enough translation)...so when i had to pick a name for my shop i wanted to do something in honor of my daughter, but didnt want to use her name...so i came up with "Bella Mia Bows"....i added the "& Things" because i wanted to have the option of adding different things to my shop aside from just bows. good thing i did, since i added headbands, stationery, and scrabble jewelry.
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PersonallySpeaking- I wanted the name to identify that I do personalized items -- and I like a catchy title.... so I came up with PersonallySpeaking!
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DamaskDiva- Mine came from my husband...everytime we went somewhere and I saw something damask I just had to have it for our wedding. So, eventually, he just started calling me the damask diva and it kinda stuck.
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CupcakeDream- The store name was actually created for my baby blog, but I thought it worked well for both.
My daughter was an emergency delivery due to health complications. While I was waiting to go into surgery, I was scared, feeling alone and in tears. One of the nurses noticed I was having a hard time. She came over and sat down next to the bed and held my hand. Although she didn't say much, I do remember a phrase she repeated over and over again. "Soon all of your sweet dreams will come true".
Then I decided to use the word "Cupcake" because that is what I call my daughter. I like to play a game with her where I nom nom on her belly and tell her that I'm eating the strawberry filling. Then I nibble on her fingers and toes and say that those are her sprinkles. Then I kiss her cheeks and tell her that she is my yummy cupcake. She loves it!!
So, she is my sweet dream and my little cupcake. Hence the name "Cupcake Dream".
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Mary*Mule- When I first started, I was making tote bags, but I knew I didn't want my name to be too descriptive with "tote bags" in the name, because I knew I would eventually make other things. And I didn't want something generic like "Mary's Creations." I eventually just chose mary*mule because it is one of my husband's nicknames for me. Because he thinks I am stubborn like a mule. But I think he is really the stubborn one ;)

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Bowrene- My name is Breanna Irene, and when I was little and tried to say my whole name, it would come out "Bowrene" so that's been my nickname ever since. Simple yet unique!

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SwishDesigns- I started my business using the word "swish" because I like the way it sounded...and since I was doing so many custom monograms, I was always talking about swirls and swooshes and the like. Swish sort of evolved from that.

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2Birdstone- I came up with 2birdstone because I was on a major bird kick with designing my wedding items (I love birds, my husband is a pilot, etc.) and I wanted to create digital designs that were budget friendly, thus killing two birds with one stone. There is a defunct myspace band by the same name.

Team Interview- Product Packaging

A common topic I see on the etsy forums is about packaging. Some sellers like to package their products like a special gift, even going so far as to include a photo of their packaging in their listing, while others want to keep it minimal, yet ensure the product arrives without damage.

Q: What is your take on packaging? Describe how you package your products, and include a photo if you have one.

MadasPlace and MadasPlaceBaby- As far as packaging goes- I try to keep it neat but inexpensive. I've discovered that business cards are pretty versatile when it comes to packaging my items. I use them as cards for pacifier clips and toppers for the pacifier clip packaging.

I also use them as hang tags and care labels for other products. It's a great chance to further expand on branding, and since many of my items are gifted, it's a great way to ensure that my info gets passed along. Vistaprint's free business card offers really make it affordable for me to use business cards in this manner. I picked up an itty bitty hole punch at the craft store and ordered a tagger on eBay for around $5.

As far as packaging the entire order goes, I chose a cute printed tissue wrap that coordinates with my shop's branding. I use it to wrap the items, and then seal it with a sticker with my shop name on it. The stickers are simply address labels from Vistaprint. I've also had postcards printed up that say "Thanks for ordering" and have info for my Facebook fanpage and both shop addresses.
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WeddingMonograms- When I package my invitation suites for mailing I usually wrap them in bubble wrap to keep them clean and prevent damage during shipping, and I always mail out in a priority flat rate boxes. I don't do anything fancy with packaging since my target audience is budget brides. If they are anything like me they prefer less "Froof" but enjoy the cheaper price on my items. I do include a short letter with each item I mail out thanking my customer for their purchase. Eventually I hope to include a few business cards with each order too.

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JessicaRaeJewellery- I use business cards as product cards and most of my pieces will fit onto one - if it doesnt I still include one. I wrap the piece with blue tissue paper and seal with an address label sized sticker with my logo on it. If there are multiple pieces to an order I will use a low adhesive label and label the back of each piece so if the person receiving the items wants to give them as gifts they don't need to tear open the packaging to see which one is for who!
Everything goes out in bubble mailers and if needed I slip in an extra piece of cardboard for protection :)
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FourHarpDesigns- I always like when I received packages that look like someone took the time to make them special. Although most of my sales are digital files, when I do send out prints I try to make them look nice. I place the prints in clear cellophane bags sealed with a sticker that says "thank you!". I mail them in flat rate boxes and if there is wiggle room in the box, I will pack it with filler to protect the prints and envelopes.
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ProstTotheHost- I wrap all my poms in tissue paper and sealed with a gold seal sticker, so when you receive it, it is like a present. Each package gets a clear bag of "goodies": instructions for pom fluffing, monofilament, a thank you, my business card and sometimes a freebie (1 in button or something).

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BellaMiaBowsnThings- I pretty much do the same thing as everyone else. The cards I use are usually postcards or business cards from vistaprint depending on the size of the hair accessory...for headbands I use plain white headband holders (like those you see in the store with the holes) and I put a sticker (vistaprint address label) over it.

Then I usually wrap it all in coordinating tissue paper and then seal that with a vistaprint address label that has my store name and my website site on it. I also enclose a business card, a thank you card, sometimes a coupon for a percentage off their next visit or a freebie (usually a clippie or a set of blank handmade cards).

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BlushPrintables- The majority of my sales are sent digitally, but I take special care to package my printed goods. I package everything in an ivory merchandise bag that I print my logo on. Prints are slipped inside the bag, and depending on what I am shipping, either a flat envelope or a flat rate box. I always make sure to include a hand written thank you note, too!

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mary*mule- I wrap everything in a piece of of tissue paper, and secure it with a piece of scrap fabric that I tie around it. I also tuck a business card or two under the ribbon. I also include a postcard with a coupon code for a future purchase. I upcycle cereal boxes into mailing envelopes (inside out) and mail everything in those. Since they are free, it really cuts down on shipping costs. My mom even saves cereal boxes for me now!

Team Interview: Selling in Person

We all know that Etsy is just one of the many venues for selling our products. Of course there are other online platforms, but some etsians also sell at craft shows, trunk shows, in boutiques, or consignment shops. And we all know that selling online is different than selling in person.


Q: Do you sell your products at other venues such as craft shows, trunk shows, in boutiques, stores, etc? If so, what do you like/dislike about selling in person vs. online?


A: PersonallySpeaking- While a lot of my sales are from Etsy, I do get quite a few from my Nestie friends, and a large amount from my daughter's dance studio. I've been making shirts for the competition moms/dancers/teachers for the past few years now.


I also work with a woman who runs a kiosk at the local mall. I offer products she doesn't stock, so she takes special orders for me.


Honestly, sometimes it's easier in person because any questions can be asked and answered real-time and the customer has a sample in-hand for sizing, color, etc.


My cupcake business has all been through word of mouth and I've had more orders in one month than I had this year from Etsy. I'm baking hundreds of cupcakes every weekend.

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JessicaRaeJewellry- Most of my sales come via word of mouth and my face book fan page - I only do a small number of sales through Etsy.
I recently had my jewellery in a local boutique and it did VERY well there, however the owner's lease was up and decided not to renew so I am going to be putting together a catalogue of sorts soon and applying to more boutiques since my last experience was so good!

I did my first artist market recently and was very happy with that experience. I love being face to face with my customers!!!

I have teamed up with local fundraisers a few times and really enjoed that as well - I was just asked to take part in a BIG one coming up in Sept Im excited about !

I also plan in the near future to hold an "open house" at my home/studio for locals to come in and SHOP :D I have also had many people ask though no one follow through as of yet regarding home parties :)

I like face to face - its more personal :)

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MadasPlace and MadasPlaceBaby- I sell at shows a few times a year, and I'm looking into boutiques. I love shows! It's great to hear feedback from browsers and buyers. It feels really cool when someone says "Hey, I saw you on Etsy/at another show." And it's super flattering when people say "Do you have a store? No? You should!" It's my long term goal :)

I like being able to interact with other crafters. I really like being able to interact with customers. I get great feedback on my fabric choices and even suggestions on what I could make or changes I could do to improve. The income potential for a good show is another benefit. I often take home more than I make in 3 months on Etsy.

There are drawbacks to shows, too. I have to work and work and workfor 6-8 weeks leading up to one, and it can be hard not to let Etsyfall by the wayside during that period. The weather can be unpredictable and hot and humid or cold and rainy. The days are long but it's totally worth it to me.

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EmbellishedBayou- I sell some of my products at a local consignment boutique, as well as by word of mouth through friends. I have also done one home show with my frames & tins, and got a few custom orders that way. I don't have enough stock right now to do a craft show, especially since a lot ofmy things are custom.

I think it's good to have a brick & mortar presence, because sometimes the true beauty and uniqueness of my products doesn't come through in a photo online. Some customers have to actually see the item to realize how cute it is! I love selling online, too, though, because I can reach a much wider customer base than just people in my town who tend to shop at certain places.

Team Interview: Wedding DIY

We are going to start a new weekly-ish series on the blog here. It will be a sort of group interview with the whole team. Hopefully we can learn a bit more about each teamie, and share some etsy business tips and ideas.
Since our team originated from the message boards on The Knot, The Nest and The Bump, I thought our first topic would be wedding related.

Q: What DIY projects did you complete for your wedding? (pictures should enlarge when clicked)

A: BlushPrintables- "I designed, printed and assembled all of our stationery products with the exception of our actual invitations. It got so overwhelming, and we had 300+ guests, so I drew the line on the invites! "
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JessicaRaeJewellry- "Everything paper for the wedding I DIY'd. Invites I designed, printed and assembled. Seating charts, Table centre pieces. Favors - Chocolate covered spoons drizzeled with white chocolate finished with cellophane that I tied off with a coordinating ribbon that said
FROM THE MR & MRS. I made the parents bouts and corsages. We wrote our own vows and hubby even designed my engagement and wedding band."

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2Birdstone- "I DIYed all our paper goods from invitations to programs to table numbers. I also dyed my crinoline blue. I started my Etsy shop shortly after the wedding creating stationery designs and dyeing crinolines."

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Personally Speaking- "We were married in a Destination Wedding in Cancun, Mexico on 8-8-08 (second marriage for both of us). I pretty much made everything for the wedding in Mexico - and we had 400+ guests at our new home for an At Home Reception when we returned from our honeymoon. We had 2 receptions at home to accomodate for the large number of guests. We had a brunch one day and a full-blown luau the next. Mexico Wedding: Invites, menu cards, photo scavenger hunt list for tables, sand ceremony design, table cards, centerpieces, seat signs ("mr ohland" and "mrs ohland"), printed undies... :) At Home Receptions: cake, cupcakes, centerpieces, invites, save the dates, etc."

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GoAgainsttheGrain- "The majority of my wedding was DIY, especially the paper stuff. I designed, printed, cut and assembled all my invites. Also did my escort cards. And our favors was a homemade cookie buffet! My mother in law and grandmother and I all made cookies! It was a big hit"

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WeddingMonograms- "I did alot of DIY for my wedding! My aisle runner, programs, bling shoes, monogram, veil, cootie catchers with crossword puzzles, favor boxes with cookies inside and my invites."


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Marymule- "I made my invites, programs, table numbers and seating cards. We also grew dahlias in my sister's garden and used them for the bouquets and men's bouts. I ordered mums in bulk online and we arranged our own table centerpieces. Our favors were also a homemade cookie buffet, made by my myself, my best friend, mom and MIL. Instead of a traditional guestbook, I designed pages for guests to fill out with info like how far they travelled, how they knew the bride or groom, etc. There was also a place for them to draw a self portrait!"