Monday, March 31, 2014

Items Of The Hour For 3/23-3/29

Items Of The Hour is a weekly thread on the Strategic Promotion For Success Team. Each day 4 items are chosen to be promoted by the other team members.  The purpose of the thread is to bring in new views and hopefully some sales.

Shops can promote the 4 items any way they choose.  Team members can promote by adding the 4 items to their favorites, making a treasury,  sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest , other social media, and any other way they can think of.  Team members who have promoted the other shops have an increased chance of their shop being chosen for the next round.










Please Join Me Here: Items Of The Hour


PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER : 

Hi I'm Amy. In my shop I offer a variety of crocheted items and occasionally I list vintage crochet & knitting pattern books. I enjoy working on custom orders. My customers often come up with the best creative ideas; and sometimes offer me the challenge of creating something I've never done before. It’s always satisfying to take a piece of yarn and create something new from it.
   

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Teammate Tips: Tagging Your Items

One of the best things about belonging to an Etsy team is the benefit of learning from each other's experiences. Whether you are new to Etsy or have been around awhile, other sellers can provide some helpful ideas.

A task that many Etsy sellers struggle with is how to tag their items so they will be found by as many potential customers as possible. But where to begin? I opened a discussion thread to see how other Strategic Promotion for Success team members tackle this task. 

"I think when you tag an item you are going to list, you need to step back, take a look at your item, and ask yourself if you were the buyer, what would you look for. What is unique about this item? What is it made of? Is it for a special season or occasion? What does it remind you of?"
-Meirah from Home for Glass Lovers


But how do you narrow it down to just 13 words or phrases?

Cherry Berry Bracelet
"I think the best way to tag your item is how you would search for it."
-Michelle from Donkey and the Unicorn

Tags: rave edm dance party, spring summer, easter basket, lightweight, ooak unique, one size fits, hot neon pink berry, teen tween girl, woman wife mother, stretch bracelet, beaded jewelry, eps team,cherry berry bead






It's a good idea to always use words related to:
  • colors
  • relevant occasions, seasons or holidays
  • keywords from the item title
  • material the item is made of 

Knit Baby Booties
"I try to think like a buyer.That is when I added tags like 'baby shower gift' and 'newborn gift set.' These don't describe my items, but do describe what they might be used for..." 
-Barbara from Babywear by Babs

Tags: etsykids team, knit baby booties, baby girl gift, baby newborn set, new baby gift, baby shower gift, baby girl clothes, yellow baby booties, purple flower bootie, Easter gift, spsteam, easter baby shoes




Chicken Bracelet
"I do try to tag colors and anything that seems unique. Right now I have a bracelet that reminds me of barbed wire, so 2 tags are quirky bracelet and odd bracelet." 

Tags:southern illinois, feminine, spsteam, boho, country, sophisticate, colorful fowl, gift for her, whimsical hen, rooster jewelry, earthy barnyard fowl, multi strand jewelry, collectable bracelet






 Although you may not use them as tags for all of your items you could occasionally use:
  • team tags
  • shop name

Still stumped?

"You can try search on Etsy too. Start typing a word to the 'Search for items and shop'' and the most popular words are coming up automatically. "
-Ildi from Ceraminic

Like a search on Etsy, you could also try a search in Google to see what type of keywords come up automatically that may be relevant to your item. There are also a number of websites like jaaxy and wordstream whose entire purpose is to help people find popular and appropriate keywords. In addition to paid subscriptions, these types of sites usually offer a free trial or a set number (usually 30) of free searches you can perform. Another helpful free tool is TagWars

Still looking for more ideas about tagging? There are actually a number of Etsy teams such as Etsy Relevancy SEO and Stats that are devoted to SEO and they have some very helpful discussion boards.

Many thanks to the following shops for participating in the tagging discussion and sharing their tips and ideas:

BabywearbyBabs
HanjiNaty
Ceraminic 
Serendipitini
CharmedBaublesNBeads 
amydscrochet
AhimsaOils
GumpasteGarden
DonkeyandTheUnicorn
Homeforglasslovers


If you'd like to contribute your expertise in an upcoming "Teammate Tips" post on the SPS blog, stop by the SPS Team discussion board and search for "SPS Blog" to find future post topics.



PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER :

My name is Ellen and I LOVE to design and create things. I find it deeply satisfying to start with nothing more than an idea and finish with a tangible, beautiful, functional piece of work. I enjoy learning new techniques that I can incorporate into my creations. I practice a variety of different art forms, but find I always have at least one knit, crochet or sewing project in progress.


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Meet our Members! -- Carol from Barn Shop Antiques

The SPS Team is an international team of artists, artisans and creators working together to promote their finest work!

Every week we are happy and proud to introduce a member of our outstanding team! They come from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and artistic horizons, but they all have one thing in common : they are driven, creative, dynamic, and dedicated to their Etsy business and to their team, SPST!


******************************************

Today we are pleased to introduce Carol, a treasure hunter who loves to find special vintage and antiques items that will make your heart sing! Carol opened her Etsy shop, called "Barn Shop Antiques", in January 2011.

In Carol's shop you will find a wonderful selection of vintage and antique items, ephemera, books, as well as decorative and natural items. 

Let's meet Carol and learn about her Etsy venture and the challenges vintage sellers face in the Etsian world.


BarnshopAntiques


Why do you sell on Etsy? As a hobby or full-time job, etc.

I sell full time on Etsy because of my hobby. My husband and I love finding vintage and antique items. Going to an auction is date night for us!


Where do you find your vintage items? How do you select them?

We mostly find vintage items at auctions, flea markets, tag sales, and thrift stores. I have been known to spot a black sea globe as we passed a tag sale at 40 mph. and make my husband go back for it! 

We also find treasures in barns that we have cleaned out. Sometimes we choose the items because we know they are in demand, other times the items seem to choose us, and we only learn about it after research, like with some of the dug bottles that have so much fun history to them.


How did your Etsy adventure begin? 

My daughter and I both enjoy decorating our homes with vintage items and antiques. We heard about Etsy from vendors at the Brimfield antique show in Ma. My daughter started her shop first, ItchinStitchin and then helped me to start one as well.

What is the challenges or difficulties specific to vintage selling on Etsy?

Packaging breakable items that need to travel long distances is a challenge...and calculating shipping costs that vary and are constantly changing can be difficult at times.



Are you a buyer on Etsy as well? What do you usually look to buy? 

I do enjoy buying on Etsy. Usually I buy gifts for loved ones. It's a great venue for unique gifts. 

What is the one thing you would like to change most on Etsy to accommodate your business?

Etsy is very accommodating for my small business and although I realize that change is inevitable I wouldn't mind having a breather with no changes at all for a little while!

How do you use Etsy Teams to help you promote?

The teams on Etsy are great. I play promotional games and make treasuries, it's a great way to give and receive. 



Thank you Carol for your generosity !

Visit Carol
's shop today at www.etsy.com/shop/barnshoantiques!



******************************************

If you are a member of the SPS Team and wish to be featured on our Team Blog in the series of articles 'Meet our Team Members' do not hesitate to contact our Leader, Natalie!


PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: 



 
My name is Natalie. I am a French-Canadian gal, but I live in South Korea. My passion is called "Hanji" : sumptuous Korean paper made of mulberry pulp. Hanji has been used for a thousand years in Korea to create decorative or ceremonial objects. For me, it is essential to offer useful and practical objects, that can enjoyed on a daily basis. Tissue cases, pen holders, jewelry, fridge magnets, hair accessories: let the beauty and unique character of Hanji paper make our everyday life objects irresistible!


  
 Delicate Rainbow Hanji Paper Dangle Earrings OOAK Striped Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight

   
www.etsy.com/shop/HanjiNaty

Follow Natalie's Blog For The Latest Updates To Her Shop:


www.hanjinaty.com


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Selection of Weekend Treasury

Dear Readers,




PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR CAPTAIN: 

Hi, my name is Ildi. I really enjoy the process of making pottery: I sit down at a table with clay and try to make something that I have an imagination of. I want something and the clay wants something but in the end I can work until I am most satisfied with the outcome.

Monday, March 24, 2014

'SOTD 2/24 - 3/1' by Amievoltaire

The SPST Shop of the Day is a daily thread in which team members promote the Shops of the Day by faving, tweeting, pinning, or by using other social medias. Members may be added to the Master List by participating in the thread at least 4 times during the week and posting their Shop name and link along with a brief description of your Shop. This is a great way to have your shop promoted and keep the cross-promoting going with our teammies. At the end of the week, I will create a Treasury with a few of the promoted items for the week to give you extra exposure to your shops! Enjoy.

Meet Strategic Promotions for Success Teamies Seller of the Day and those who promoted them! Stop by this weeks game SOTD March 3 - 8  and play for your chance to be featured next week :<)


A few lovely items from the SPSTeam SOTD features.


Pink & Purple Handmade Hanji Paper Dangle Earrings OOAK Striped Pink Purple Girly Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight - HanjiNaty
Pink & Purple Handmade ...
$12
Purple Scarf Chunky Long Handmade Knitted Scarf Women Teen Girl Raspberry Fuchsia Pink - SticksNStonesGifts
Purple Scarf Chunky Lon...
$28
Vintage lithograph Golden Pheasant - BarnshopAntiques
Vintage lithograph Gold...
$5
Crocheted Purple/Pink Cotton Baby Sun Hat - Newborn to 6 Months - BridgetsCollection
Crocheted Purple/Pink C...
$10.99
Lavender and Plum Beaded Cluster Necklace | Handmade Chunky Glass Pearl Beaded Casual Jewelry | Elegant Bridal Bridesmaid Wedding Necklace - TheValetGirl
Lavender and Plum Beade...
$25
Nightshade Floral Purple and Gray  Envelope Cross Body Bag with Shoulder Strap Lightweight - joliefemme
Nightshade Floral Purpl...
$14
Easter Chicken Tea Cozy/Quilted Cover for teapot/Embroidered Teapot Cozy/beige blue Tea Cozy/green orange Tea Cozy/red blue tea cosy/purple - Pamposh
Easter Chicken Tea Cozy...
$12.5
Knit baby hat, slouchy beanie, baby girl hat, cotton hat - TinyLoveGifts
Knit baby hat, slouchy ...
$18
Baby shower favor tags, custom shower tags, party favor tags - 25 tags - PaperLovePrints
Baby shower favor tags,...
$11.49
Long Jacquard Silk Scarf Hand Dyed in Shades of Red and Purple, Ready to Ship - RosyDaysScarves
Long Jacquard Silk Scar...
$29.95
Vintage Pink Transferware Plate or Platter Gateway by Royal Winton, Valentine's Day Decor - northandsouthshabby
Vintage Pink Transferwa...
$34.99
St. Patrick's Day Card - Handmade Card - Happy St. Patrick's Day - Pretty Card - Blank Card - Black Accents - Green Card - Hand Stamped - PrettyByrdDesigns
St. Patrick's Day C...
$3.5
Baltimore Ravens Inspired Knit Baby Booties Size 0 to 3 Months Made to Order - BabywearbyBabs
Baltimore Ravens Inspir...
$19
Stool 17"  high with Granny Square Crochet Cover Purple Upcycle Recycle littlestsister - LittlestSister
Stool 17" high wi...
$42.5
Pink, White & Gray Makeup Bag Small - MeresCrafts
Pink, White & Gray Make...
$10
My Princess Necklace - Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Initial Necklace with Swarovski Birthstone Charm - Tweens & Teens - HARLEYStripes
My Princess Necklace - ...
$32


PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: AMIEVOLTAIRE

Hi, my name is Angela. I have a passion for fabric and clothing design. Its like making your own puzzles with vibrant colors, patterns and textiles :<)

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Raluca's Fresh Finds for 3/9 - 3/15

It's time for my latest fresh picks! :)

Every week I will post a selection of my favorite items recently listed by our wonderful teammies to give you some suggestions for your shopping!

Make sure you check back every week to see what's new! Enjoy! :)




See you all next week!

For a chance to be featured in the Fresh Finds post please join me here :
http://www.etsy.com/teams/12274/strategic-promotion-for-success-team/discuss/14137338




PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER : 


My name is Raluca and I think babies are the most precious thing on Earth. I also like to make cute things and I have a passion for knitting inspired by my mother. I decided to combine all these things, put my talents to good use and this is how TinyLoveGifts on Etsy was born.

    
 

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Items Of The Hour For 3/16-3/22

Items Of The Hour is a weekly thread on the Strategic Promotion For Success Team. Each day 4 items are chosen to be promoted by the other team members.  The purpose of the thread is to bring in new views and hopefully some sales.

Shops can promote the 4 items any way they choose.  Team members can promote by adding the 4 items to their favorites, making a treasury,  sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest , other social media, and any other way they can think of.  Team members who have promoted the other shops have an increased chance of their shop being chosen for the next round.



Please join me here : Items Of The Hour     




PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER : 

Hi I'm Amy. In my shop I offer a variety of crocheted items and occasionally I list vintage crochet & knitting pattern books. I enjoy working on custom orders. My customers often come up with the best creative ideas; and sometimes offer me the challenge of creating something I've never done before. It’s always satisfying to take a piece of yarn and create something new from it.
   

Happy Birthday March!

It's time to Celebrate March and SPS Team members with March Birthdays!

A Big Happy Birthday to :

 Instant Design By Jenn G: March 25th


Sharing art & design is my passion. Although I'm a long-time fan, I just decided to get serious with selling on Etsy January 2014 & so decided to dive in head first.


 Poosac



I’m an Edinburgh-based illustrator and textile artist working from my home studio in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Creating art is my passion – be it a long-necked bear with dapper bow tie, wide-eyed doll with dangly limbs or miniature illustration. I’ve been creating weird and wonderful characters for as long as I can remember!

 

 Faerie Teas and Treasures: March 8th


Katy and Crowwolf work together as artists and as husband and wife creating beautiful, handmade Native American leathercraft, jewelry, seed bead design, herbal tea blends, dream catchers and more. Each piece is one of a kind and handmade with joy, love and a touch of Faerie Magic :)



Quinns Bin


Recently became a Grandma to Quinn and she inspired me to learn to crochet and my shop is a result of that!



'Happy Birthday March!' by Amievoltaire

Celebrating March Birthdays

Frog Ceramic Plate Green Dish Animal Spoon Rest St Patrick Day Gift - Ceraminic
Beautiful Aquamarine, White Jade, Silver Butterfly and Swarovski Crystal Jewlery Set, Necklace and Earrings, Handmade, OOAK - FaerieTeaAndTreasure
Handmade Hanji Paper Dangle Earrings OOAK Patchwork Blue Green Brown Hypoallergenic hooks Lightweight - HanjiNaty
Green freshwater pearl coins, Swarovski crystals combine in a pretty necklace for Spring - CharmedBaublesNBeads
London printed Shoulder bag. London Messenger bag. - Hermitinas
Emerald Green Scarf Chunky Hand Knit Scarf Long Thick Warm Knitted Winter Scarf Kelly Forest Green - SticksNStonesGifts
handmade table runner/crochet doily/four leaf clover patter doily/  table runner /four leaf clover/irish luck - emymade
The Envy of Oz Cluster Bracelet | Handmade Chunky Glass Pearl Beaded Casual Jewelry | Elegant Bridal Bridesmaid Wedding Bracelet - TheValetGirl
Personalized Birthday Cupcake Pajamas for Girls - DipsyDoodlebug
Handcrafted Card - Birrthday Card - Child's Birthday Card - Happy Birthday - Alligator - Turquoise and Yellow - Blank Card - Hand Stamped - PrettyByrdDesigns
Chunky necklace Green Clover Chunky Necklace - Green Gumball Beads Necklace - BubbleGum Necklace - Girls jewelry - St Patrick's day necklace - MyFlowerZone
Cupcake And Flowers Birthday Garland - amydscrochet
Teal necklace silver crystal women children gift OOAK Handmade Teal Jewlery - LadyBluesBaubles
Heart Trinket Box -Glass Mosaic Lid with Decorative Resin Flower - ReTainReMakeReNew
Vintage doily,crochet little center piece ecru color perfect  for house decor - AndrasVintagelane
Pastel Green Bracelet - Repurposed Vintage Glass Beads - ReTainReUse



Shopping for a March Birthday Gift? Click March

Have an April Birthday? Would you like to be included in next month's Birthday treasury? Play April!

PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER: 


Hi, my name is Angela. I have a passion for fabric and clothing design. Its like making your own puzzles with vibrant colors, patterns and textiles :<)