If you just realized that you have clicked your refresh page button for your Etsy shop for the 10th time within the last hour, it is time to do something slightly more productive to get your online shop found again. Here are
3 Tips to Help Freshen Up Your Etsy Shop and Be Found Again
1. Add new items.
I know it has been said a million times. But really, add new items. If you are not selling, it is even more imperative to add new items in order to be found. Need to be convinced?
Scenario A
Someone is following your shop via Twitter, blogging, Facebook or just on Etsy in general. Think of this someone as your secret-admirer, internet-stalker type but in a good way. Then, you add something new to your shop. Now, this secret admirer will probably check out your new widget. Since they already like your stuff, they will most likely post it on their internet planet. In turn, their internet planet finds your shop. So now, you have connected with people who have not seen your stuff before.
Scenario B
Some Etsian is bored and is killing time by scrolling through the “Promote Your New Listings Here” threads which dot the Etsy Team worlds. (Yeah, you know you’ve done that once or twice). So now, you have something to add to those threads. Then, instead of someone else’s shop getting discovered by other bored Etsians, they are clicking on your link and checking your stuff out! Not to mention that your link creates a new relevant backlink to your shop which as we have discussed before is always a good thing.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
SEO Made Easy: The Importance of Being Earnestly Linked
When I started my online shop on Etsy, little did I know that I would also start a little online empire. For years, I owned a website which chugged along happily on a small railroad track in the middle of Siberia. Nevertheless, it got some people where they needed to go.
Then, I learned that in order to own a successful online shop, I would have to promote actively online. Thus my journey began and, I started to develop my little online empire. I joined Facebook, opened a fan page, I flickered, I followed blogs, and I even started my own blog (actually two, but I won’t bore you with the details).
“Why?” you ask. (A question I ask myself every day). Actually the answer is quite simple. I created my online empire so that I could create good links back to my online shop.
Then, I learned that in order to own a successful online shop, I would have to promote actively online. Thus my journey began and, I started to develop my little online empire. I joined Facebook, opened a fan page, I flickered, I followed blogs, and I even started my own blog (actually two, but I won’t bore you with the details).
“Why?” you ask. (A question I ask myself every day). Actually the answer is quite simple. I created my online empire so that I could create good links back to my online shop.
For those of you out there who think that the only reason you are blogging, facebooking, and twittering is so that you can create followers who will worship you and then buy your wares, I have news for you. That is only part of the reason you are doing what you are doing. The other reason is called back links.
Definition
What is a back link? It is a link to your website via a back door, not the front door. If entering your online shop via the front door is by someone typing your “www.shopname.etsy.com” or “www. yourownempire.com” on Google; then, entering your online shop via the back door is by someone clicking on a link from someplace else on the web to get inside your online shop. A back link.
Why do you need back links?
You need them to impress Goggle and get better SEO (search engine optimization for those of you who fell asleep during the first three lectures) for your website. Imagine Google as the new nerdy kid in school. He does not know anyone, and even the geek squad won’t let him sit at their lunch table. He is easily impressed with whom he perceives as the cool and popular kids. He wants to be friends with them. How does he figure out who the cool kids are?
Definition
What is a back link? It is a link to your website via a back door, not the front door. If entering your online shop via the front door is by someone typing your “www.shopname.etsy.com” or “www. yourownempire.com” on Google; then, entering your online shop via the back door is by someone clicking on a link from someplace else on the web to get inside your online shop. A back link.
Why do you need back links?
You need them to impress Goggle and get better SEO (search engine optimization for those of you who fell asleep during the first three lectures) for your website. Imagine Google as the new nerdy kid in school. He does not know anyone, and even the geek squad won’t let him sit at their lunch table. He is easily impressed with whom he perceives as the cool and popular kids. He wants to be friends with them. How does he figure out who the cool kids are?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
SEO Made Easy Part 3: Strategic Placement Of Your Keyword Phrase
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
I am sure that you have seen the forum posts which seem to come weekly from newbies.
OP (opening post): “How’s everyone's shop doing? Sales are sloooow for me.”
S1 (seller 1): “Slow here. But this month is always slow. Waiting for next month.”
S2 (seller 2): “Mine is GREAAAT!” Sounds like that tiger on the cereal box.
OP: “Really? I thought maybe there was a huge black out and no one can get online.”
S1: “Nah, it’s slow this time of year. Well, you’re here.” There’s always one in the bunch.
S2: Has disappeared. Just when OP and S1 were going to ask S2 “what’s your secret?”
Seller 2 checked their e-mail and found more orders waiting for them to fill. So they left the forums to get actual work done. They have figured out how to optimize their SEO by using an effective keyword phrase and properly placing it in their Etsy shop.
The Point.
Your effective keyword phrase needs to be placed in your Etsy Shop clearly and strategically. Clearly so that Google knows exactly what your keyword phrase is and strategically so that Google can easily find your keyword phrase.
Clarity.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone for an hour and never really understood what they were trying to say? What did you do? You walked away backwards and made sure they were not following you.
Your keyword phrase placement is like delivering a good thesis presentation. State what your intention is, state it again in the middle, and in conclusion, state the thesis again just in case people really did fall asleep in the middle of your Pulitzer prize winning speech. Repeating a point clarifies your point to your audience. Google is your limited attention span audience.
I am sure that you have seen the forum posts which seem to come weekly from newbies.
OP (opening post): “How’s everyone's shop doing? Sales are sloooow for me.”
S1 (seller 1): “Slow here. But this month is always slow. Waiting for next month.”
S2 (seller 2): “Mine is GREAAAT!” Sounds like that tiger on the cereal box.
OP: “Really? I thought maybe there was a huge black out and no one can get online.”
S1: “Nah, it’s slow this time of year. Well, you’re here.” There’s always one in the bunch.
S2: Has disappeared. Just when OP and S1 were going to ask S2 “what’s your secret?”
Seller 2 checked their e-mail and found more orders waiting for them to fill. So they left the forums to get actual work done. They have figured out how to optimize their SEO by using an effective keyword phrase and properly placing it in their Etsy shop.
The Point.
Your effective keyword phrase needs to be placed in your Etsy Shop clearly and strategically. Clearly so that Google knows exactly what your keyword phrase is and strategically so that Google can easily find your keyword phrase.
Clarity.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone for an hour and never really understood what they were trying to say? What did you do? You walked away backwards and made sure they were not following you.
Your keyword phrase placement is like delivering a good thesis presentation. State what your intention is, state it again in the middle, and in conclusion, state the thesis again just in case people really did fall asleep in the middle of your Pulitzer prize winning speech. Repeating a point clarifies your point to your audience. Google is your limited attention span audience.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
SEO Made Easy Part 2: Choosing an Effective Keyword Phrase
Since a keyword phrase is so critical to better SEO, I feel compelled to explain the steps of how to choose one first. Then, I will tell you briefly where it goes. If you missed part one, really, you should go back and read it.
SEO Made Easy Part 2
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
A Scenario.
You opened a new online shop. Your carefully crafted items are displayed showing off your newly honed product photography skills and amazing descriptive writing which even the seeing impaired can easily visualize. You have all your virtual ducks in a row: banner, announcement, profile, and policies all filled. You wait for customers to come rushing in, but all is quiet in the online front. Your views are low and your shop is like an ice cream store... in the dead of winter ... in Alaska ... during a blizzard. In disbelief, you keep refreshing your screen to see if new views have come in. Nope. Nada. So, you wander into the Forums and ask “is this website broken?”
Effectiveness Counts.
Using an effective keyword phrase means the difference between getting views from Google on your listings versus getting no views at all. What makes up an effective keyword phrase?
An effective keyword phrase includes:
1. general shop category (i.e. art, handmade)
2. specific item category (i.e. paintings, purses)
3. a unique selling point (i.e. textured, fabric)
Since presumably you have a good grip on 1 (where you are selling), and 2 (what you are selling), then number 3 will be our focus.
SEO Made Easy Part 2
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
A Scenario.
You opened a new online shop. Your carefully crafted items are displayed showing off your newly honed product photography skills and amazing descriptive writing which even the seeing impaired can easily visualize. You have all your virtual ducks in a row: banner, announcement, profile, and policies all filled. You wait for customers to come rushing in, but all is quiet in the online front. Your views are low and your shop is like an ice cream store... in the dead of winter ... in Alaska ... during a blizzard. In disbelief, you keep refreshing your screen to see if new views have come in. Nope. Nada. So, you wander into the Forums and ask “is this website broken?”
Effectiveness Counts.
Using an effective keyword phrase means the difference between getting views from Google on your listings versus getting no views at all. What makes up an effective keyword phrase?
An effective keyword phrase includes:
1. general shop category (i.e. art, handmade)
2. specific item category (i.e. paintings, purses)
3. a unique selling point (i.e. textured, fabric)
Since presumably you have a good grip on 1 (where you are selling), and 2 (what you are selling), then number 3 will be our focus.
Friday, January 21, 2011
SEO Made Easy Part 1: Get Your Online Shop Found
There is no EASY way to explain SEO. But if I can keep the chunks bite size, we may all be able to digest the myriad of tips and suggestions to a few chewable pieces.
SEO Made Easy Part 1
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
The Definition.
S.E.O. When I first heard the term, I was like “es - what - ti - oh” ? Then, I found out it was an acronym for “Search Engine Optimization.” Um, that’s nice, but what does it REALLY mean?
It means: how to make better (optimize) the way Google (a search engine) finds a web address online.
The Why.
Why is this important to you (and by you, I mean me), Ms. Online Shopkeeper?
Scenario 1: Imagine your potential customers searching on Google. Your shop comes up on the results as the number 5 link on Page 1. They click on links 1 through 4 on Page 1. They are frustrated since they are looking for something handmade. Links 1 to 4 are all commercially made wares. Then they click on link number 5. Well since you sell handmade wares, viola! The customers find you. They buy from your shop. They become big fans and lifelong clients.
Scenario 2: Imagine you are the last link on Page 3000. Yeah, it just does not have the same warm and fuzzy ending.
It’s all about being found first. The easier Google locates your shop and puts it on a page closer to number 1, the better for your shop’s visibility. Better shop visibility translates to more views for your merchandise. More views usually results in more sales. And, we all want more sales since we are selling stuff.
Lesson 1. Better SEO equals more sales.
SEO Made Easy Part 1
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
The Definition.
S.E.O. When I first heard the term, I was like “es - what - ti - oh” ? Then, I found out it was an acronym for “Search Engine Optimization.” Um, that’s nice, but what does it REALLY mean?
It means: how to make better (optimize) the way Google (a search engine) finds a web address online.
The Why.
Why is this important to you (and by you, I mean me), Ms. Online Shopkeeper?
Scenario 1: Imagine your potential customers searching on Google. Your shop comes up on the results as the number 5 link on Page 1. They click on links 1 through 4 on Page 1. They are frustrated since they are looking for something handmade. Links 1 to 4 are all commercially made wares. Then they click on link number 5. Well since you sell handmade wares, viola! The customers find you. They buy from your shop. They become big fans and lifelong clients.
Scenario 2: Imagine you are the last link on Page 3000. Yeah, it just does not have the same warm and fuzzy ending.
It’s all about being found first. The easier Google locates your shop and puts it on a page closer to number 1, the better for your shop’s visibility. Better shop visibility translates to more views for your merchandise. More views usually results in more sales. And, we all want more sales since we are selling stuff.
Lesson 1. Better SEO equals more sales.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Seven Basic Musts For Your Online Shop
Selling online is all about trust. You know you’ve thought about it. We are all basically buying from and selling to complete and total strangers. If you don’t get a warm and fuzzy of trust and happiness from an online shop you’re browsing, will you click and buy? Or click to go buh-bye?
So, how do you communicate that you are a trust worthy online shop? Is there a secret formula to this? Well, there is. Maybe it’s not a big secret, but what I have found is that people generally like to buy from shops whom they perceive to be organized. Whoa. What? Organized?
Yes, organized. Here's a real life example. Walk into a brick and mortar shop. Start browsing around. If you are not greeted, it’s minus 1 point. If there are no prices on the merchandise, another point lost. If the merchandise is not displayed ‘shabby chic random,’ but more like 'college dorm messy,' you will tend to walk away. Organization counts. Being greeted, having prices on items, and arranging the store to be pretty communicates being an organized shop.
Here's an imaginary phone call example.
You (happy): Hi, I was wondering when my widget will arrive?
Seller (confused): Widget? What? Huh? When?
You (now cautious): Um, I bought it last Monday online.
Seller: Oh, yeah (no he doesn’t). I guess I have to find my laptop under this big mess.
You (suspicious): Um, when should I expect it?
Seller (nervous): When I find it, I’ll mail it right away.
Yeah, not pretty.
Having an organized looking shop builds trust and building trust gets you sales. So, how do you communicate that you have it together (at least virtually) and that you are an organized online shop? Glad you asked.
So, how do you communicate that you are a trust worthy online shop? Is there a secret formula to this? Well, there is. Maybe it’s not a big secret, but what I have found is that people generally like to buy from shops whom they perceive to be organized. Whoa. What? Organized?
Yes, organized. Here's a real life example. Walk into a brick and mortar shop. Start browsing around. If you are not greeted, it’s minus 1 point. If there are no prices on the merchandise, another point lost. If the merchandise is not displayed ‘shabby chic random,’ but more like 'college dorm messy,' you will tend to walk away. Organization counts. Being greeted, having prices on items, and arranging the store to be pretty communicates being an organized shop.
Here's an imaginary phone call example.
You (happy): Hi, I was wondering when my widget will arrive?
Seller (confused): Widget? What? Huh? When?
You (now cautious): Um, I bought it last Monday online.
Seller: Oh, yeah (no he doesn’t). I guess I have to find my laptop under this big mess.
You (suspicious): Um, when should I expect it?
Seller (nervous): When I find it, I’ll mail it right away.
Yeah, not pretty.
Having an organized looking shop builds trust and building trust gets you sales. So, how do you communicate that you have it together (at least virtually) and that you are an organized online shop? Glad you asked.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
5 Things You Can Do to Alleviate Holiday Shopping Stress (or Aaaargh! 45 Days until December 25th)
Did you realize that there are only 45 days Shopping Days until December 25th? Aaaargh! NO! Wait! Now is not the time to PANIC!
So, here are 5 tips which you can do right now to avoid complete gift shopping meltdown.
1. Make a List of the People you need/want to give presents to.
I personally LOVE making lists and checking things off them. My list could be as simple as
a) wake up... b) make coffee... c) feed dog .... See? I already feel very accomplished first thing in the morning. So, make a list of names of your people and don't even worry about filling out the "what to give" section yet.
2. Recruit a Helper.
Yes, did you notice? Even SANTA has elves! I absolutely love delegating. If you are not a control freak, this will make complete sense to you. Control freaks? Just remember, do you REALLY want to be wrapping presents on December 24th and miss out on all that eggnog again?
My helper is my husband. Every year, we have managed to draw a line down our list of people quite easily. I am in charge of all the girls since I know the 'girly' stuff. He is in charge of all the boys. And, he does know the boys stuff better than me. See? Easy peasy.
3. Do a little Reconnaissance.
Invest your time in a little investigation and it will go a long way in helping you save both time and money. We all know that meandering around a mall without a clue can be a drain on your energy, time and wallet. So I highly recommend sending a sweet and short e-mail to the significant other of the person on your list. You can also send an e-mail to their mother, brother, sister, best friend, aunt, whomever. I am sure this person will be more than happy to oblige and let you know what the person on your list has been obsessing over. If nothing else, you can find out if they still wear turtlenecks.
E-mail Tip: Send an e-mail with “need help” in the subject line and you’re bound to get a response.
4. Shop Online.
Shopping online is now extremely easy, sophisticated and user-friendly. So, yeah, go ahead, check out sites like Amazon (not just for books anymore) and Etsy (handmade and vintage marketplace). Be hip and cool. Take advantage of all the free shipping deals out there.
Yeah, alright. Sometimes there is nothing like touching and feeling things in person. But then again, if you do your homework and really READ the descriptions, find out the shipping times, return policies, and contact the seller if you have questions. Would it not be worth the hassle of driving to the mall, going in circles to find a parking spot, walking a mile to get inside the store, getting in long lines with aggravated people, going back outside to find your car, finding out someone backed into your car, having to call the insurance company and then the repair shop... well you get the picture.
5. It’s Not all about the Gifts.
So, you’re like, wait a minute, isn’t this advice about gift shopping? And, don’t you OWN an online jewelry store? What’s the catch? Well, although I do own an online shop, I would like to bring to the table this little notion called “charity.”
So here’s my take. Maybe this year, you can be considered a cool and hip HUMAN - not by how many new techno gadgets you found for under $9.99. But, for giving to charity and dedicating the donation to a person on your list.
Yeah , I know, sometimes it does take all the fun away from the shopping. But, listen to this ingenious idea.
Maybe you don’t can the whole list. Maybe you just donate for the people who are really HARD to buy gifts for. You know you have them on that list. We all do! It’s probably why we hate the gift list to begin with. It’s easy enough to buy a bright red scarf for your niece who will squeal and appreciate anything she receives, but not everyone reacts that way.
Maybe they are difficult to shop for because they already own everything cool and new under the sun. Maybe it’s because they have really great taste, and frankly, you can’t afford them. Or maybe, it’s because they are just naturally crabby and no matter what you give them, they don’t appreciate it anyway. Remember last year when you took a whole weekend to find that special something for someone and you didn’t even get a half hearted “thanks”?
So, I recommend that you look at your list, highlight the “more difficult people to shop for," find a charity they would approve of, donate to that charity in their name! Walla! You just cut your estimated shopping time in half! So, get them off your list today and move on with the rest of your shopping!
See? Now you have more time to enjoy all that eggnog :)
If you have female types on your list who like shiny things... here’s my recommendations from Fine Heart on Etsy
Gifts Under $25
Gifts Under $50
Gifts Under $75
So, here are 5 tips which you can do right now to avoid complete gift shopping meltdown.
1. Make a List of the People you need/want to give presents to.
I personally LOVE making lists and checking things off them. My list could be as simple as
a) wake up... b) make coffee... c) feed dog .... See? I already feel very accomplished first thing in the morning. So, make a list of names of your people and don't even worry about filling out the "what to give" section yet.
2. Recruit a Helper.
Yes, did you notice? Even SANTA has elves! I absolutely love delegating. If you are not a control freak, this will make complete sense to you. Control freaks? Just remember, do you REALLY want to be wrapping presents on December 24th and miss out on all that eggnog again?
My helper is my husband. Every year, we have managed to draw a line down our list of people quite easily. I am in charge of all the girls since I know the 'girly' stuff. He is in charge of all the boys. And, he does know the boys stuff better than me. See? Easy peasy.
3. Do a little Reconnaissance.
Invest your time in a little investigation and it will go a long way in helping you save both time and money. We all know that meandering around a mall without a clue can be a drain on your energy, time and wallet. So I highly recommend sending a sweet and short e-mail to the significant other of the person on your list. You can also send an e-mail to their mother, brother, sister, best friend, aunt, whomever. I am sure this person will be more than happy to oblige and let you know what the person on your list has been obsessing over. If nothing else, you can find out if they still wear turtlenecks.
E-mail Tip: Send an e-mail with “need help” in the subject line and you’re bound to get a response.
4. Shop Online.
Shopping online is now extremely easy, sophisticated and user-friendly. So, yeah, go ahead, check out sites like Amazon (not just for books anymore) and Etsy (handmade and vintage marketplace). Be hip and cool. Take advantage of all the free shipping deals out there.
Yeah, alright. Sometimes there is nothing like touching and feeling things in person. But then again, if you do your homework and really READ the descriptions, find out the shipping times, return policies, and contact the seller if you have questions. Would it not be worth the hassle of driving to the mall, going in circles to find a parking spot, walking a mile to get inside the store, getting in long lines with aggravated people, going back outside to find your car, finding out someone backed into your car, having to call the insurance company and then the repair shop... well you get the picture.
5. It’s Not all about the Gifts.
So, you’re like, wait a minute, isn’t this advice about gift shopping? And, don’t you OWN an online jewelry store? What’s the catch? Well, although I do own an online shop, I would like to bring to the table this little notion called “charity.”
So here’s my take. Maybe this year, you can be considered a cool and hip HUMAN - not by how many new techno gadgets you found for under $9.99. But, for giving to charity and dedicating the donation to a person on your list.
Yeah , I know, sometimes it does take all the fun away from the shopping. But, listen to this ingenious idea.
Maybe you don’t can the whole list. Maybe you just donate for the people who are really HARD to buy gifts for. You know you have them on that list. We all do! It’s probably why we hate the gift list to begin with. It’s easy enough to buy a bright red scarf for your niece who will squeal and appreciate anything she receives, but not everyone reacts that way.
Maybe they are difficult to shop for because they already own everything cool and new under the sun. Maybe it’s because they have really great taste, and frankly, you can’t afford them. Or maybe, it’s because they are just naturally crabby and no matter what you give them, they don’t appreciate it anyway. Remember last year when you took a whole weekend to find that special something for someone and you didn’t even get a half hearted “thanks”?
So, I recommend that you look at your list, highlight the “more difficult people to shop for," find a charity they would approve of, donate to that charity in their name! Walla! You just cut your estimated shopping time in half! So, get them off your list today and move on with the rest of your shopping!
See? Now you have more time to enjoy all that eggnog :)
If you have female types on your list who like shiny things... here’s my recommendations from Fine Heart on Etsy
Gifts Under $25
Gifts Under $50
Gifts Under $75
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