My Marketing Strategies Don't Work!

by Amy
(Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)

Jewelry by Butterfly

I've been selling jewelry online and showing at occasional venues for the past two years. I give out plenty of business cards and post flyers where ever I can.

Nothing I do is giving my business the boost it needs.

I've posted my link on various websites and also have a blog. I've only had one sale in the last four months on my website.

I'm very frustrated and don't know what I'm doing wrong. People tell me they love my work but I'm wondering what I need to do to give my business the nudge it needs.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks,

Amy
Jewelry by Butterfly

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My Marketing Strategies Don't Work!

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Don't you lose hope, Amy
by: Dita

Dear Amy,
Did you try Home parties? In my experience that went best. Last year in three home parties I could sell about $1500 worth of stuff - that just covered my material cost. I am trying very hard with writing in a web site: Bead-z-mommys-business.com.too.

Sales through Etsy is not smooth at all.

But hang in there, try to boost traffic to your web site. Don't you feel alone, at least I am with you trying very hard. Keep up the good work and your hope. With all the best, Dita.

Confused...
by: Anonymous

Im confused about your dillema..... I saw your etsy shop and it shows that you've sold 91 items....Didnt you state that you havent had a sale in four months? Your last sale was not too long ago this month, right? I also have a shop on etsy, for a while now and barely had any sales at all... and my prices arent as high as yours- for 91 sales, id say thats pretty good, right?

-Michelle (HarborAreaDesigns.etsy.com)

RE: Confused
by: Anonymous

Michelle,

I do a lot of trading on Etsy and I work with other sellers to make it look like we both made a sale. Its a good way to boost your sale numbers! Yes I did have one sale this month but all the other recent ones were trades =0)

Another good way to boost sale numbers is to have family members buy on the site and charge no shipping rather than just taking the item off your site. I hope some of this info may help you on your Etsy site =0)

Thanks,
Amy

Marketing Strategies
by: AriDesigns

How about selling at your place of employment?
I've had more sales (all custom) than at any of my shows combined. People enjoy buying from sellers they know and like. Once the word gets out, its a non-stop freight train! I hope you'll give it a try!!!

I Stand Corrected
by: Michelle

I totally understand now, Amy... I apologize for being quick to judge! I feel your dilemma. My marketing strategies dont work either! Ive had a shop on etsy since August of last year, and only had 6 sales- only half of those were my designs, the rest were beads and supplies. As a matter of fact, I make way more sales in selling just beads and supplies (I have two shops on etsy), than I do with my designs! I was starting to think that maybe my designs werent good enough, but then i had to check myself for even thinking that! I love my designs and so do many people on the social network sites i go to. I guess its just that we need to come out with something that hardly any one has seen before, something new and out of the norm, perhaps, in order to REALLY stand out to reach the success we both want. At least thats what it seems like to me. But yet Im still hopefull and I dont really worry or stress about it that much because I love to design jewelry and I love to play with my gemstones and anticipate the final outcome, masterpiece that stem from my heart and hands! This is how I maintain my sanity in this crazy world, this is how I meditate, and this is where Im happiest.:) Just give it time and remember how much you love what you do, give yourself YOUR undivided attention. Then things will come to pass when you least expect it.

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Submitted by: Michelle

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I totally understand now, Amy... I apologize for being quick to judge! I feel your dilemma. My marketing strategies dont work either! Ive had a shop on etsy since August of last year, and only had 6 sales- only half of those were my designs, the rest were beads and supplies. As a matter of fact, I make way more sales in selling just beads and supplies (I have two shops on etsy), than I do with my designs! I was starting to think that maybe my designs werent good enough, but then i had to check myself for even thinking that! I love my designs and so do many people on the social network sites i go to. I guess its just that we need to come out with something that hardly any one has seen before, something new and out of the norm, perhaps, in order to REALLY stand out to reach the success we both want. At least thats what it seems like to me. But yet Im still hopefull and I dont really worry or stress about it that much because I love to design jewelry and I love to play with my gemstones and anticipate the final outcome, masterpiece that stem from my heart and hands! This is how I maintain my sanity in this crazy world, this is how I meditate, and this is where Im happiest.:) Just give it time and remember how much you love what you do, give yourself YOUR undivided attention. Then things will come to pass when you least expect it.

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Don't give up!
by: Rachel

Amy,

I went to your etsy shop so I could make some suggestions for improvement but, to be completely honest, I didn't find a thing...everything looks wonderful! You designs are lovely, your pictures look great, and your pricing is pretty much spot on (IMHO).

I guess I'm not actually going to be much help because the only advice I can think to give is to just keep doing what you are doing and be patient...great things will come for you. Just don't allow yourself to lose hope or become too discouraged. (I know...easier said than done sometimes)

Michelle,

I'd say it's definitely not your jewelry because I think it is *fabulous*! One problem though...you seriously need to give yourself raise, girl! Your prices are way too low...especially considering how time consuming some of the techniques you use can be.

I honestly don't see how you can possibly be making a decent profit even based on your cost of materials alone...let alone the "cost" of your time. You are very talented...don't be afraid to charge for that because you've earned it! If someone doesn�t appreciate your skill and what goes into making your jewelry and they aren�t willing to pay you for that, they really aren�t a viable customer for you anyway. Let them buy cheapo mass-produced jewelry from Walmart and focus on those who know and appreciate the true value of your jewelry.

Your �bottom line� aside, I think your low prices may also be hurting your sales by lowering the �perceived value� of your work. You could use the finest materials in the world and have absolutely * flawless * craftsmanship, but seeing a low price will still give potential customers the impression that it must be �cheap� or flawed in some way. (people are weird like that)

I really hope that this didn�t come off sounding condescending in any way or too �preachy�. If it did, please believe that it wasn�t my intended tone and that everything was written with the utmost respect for you as an artist and as a businesswoman!

Best of luck to you both!

~Rachel

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Submitted by: Rachel

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Amy, I went to your etsy shop so I could make some suggestions for improvement but, to be completely honest, I didn't find a thing...everything looks wonderful! You designs are lovely, your pictures look great, and your pricing is pretty much spot on (IMHO). I guess I'm not actually going to be much help because the only advice I can think to give is to just keep doing what you are doing and be patient...great things will come for you. Just don't allow yourself to lose hope or become too discouraged. (I know...easier said than done sometimes) Michelle, I'd say it's definitely not your jewelry because I think it is *fabulous*! One problem though...you seriously need to give yourself raise, girl! Your prices are way too low...especially considering how time consuming some of the techniques you use can be. I honestly don't see how you can possibly be making a decent profit even based on your cost of materials alone...let alone the "cost" of your time. You are very talented...don't be afraid to charge for that because you've earned it! If someone doesn�t appreciate your skill and what goes into making your jewelry and they aren�t willing to pay you for that, they really aren�t a viable customer for you anyway. Let them buy cheapo mass-produced jewelry from Walmart and focus on those who know and appreciate the true value of your jewelry. Your �bottom line� aside, I think your low prices may also be hurting your sales by lowering the �perceived value� of your work. You could use the finest materials in the world and have absolutely * flawless * craftsmanship, but seeing a low price will still give potential customers the impression that it must be �cheap� or flawed in some way. (people are weird like that) I really hope that this didn�t come off sounding condescending in any way or too �preachy�. If it did, please believe that it wasn�t my intended tone and that everything was written with the utmost respect for you as an artist and as a businesswoman! Best of luck to you both! ~Rachel

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Standing out in the sea that is Etsy
by: Jessica Lauren

You have to remember that there is soooo much competition on etsy. Your techniques are good but u may want to start using more semiprecious stones, sterling, gold filled,etc. Prices at jewelry stores are very high. You should buy your materials in the jewelry district or online. You need to try to make your jewelry as unique as possible and also expressive of who you are. The few pieces that I have sold to random customers have been some of my most unique items.

You should do a lot of research on the styles of jewelry that other designers are selling and at what price points. A lot of etsy designers sell at very low prices for quality materials. I have actually lowered my prices for my etsy site because of this - however I think I will be bringing them back up soon.

A lot of etsy members add new products often so their pieces are featured more - or they refresh their pieces regularly. Also you may wanlt to try advertising on etsy. I have also found that my family and friends do not want to buy from etsy because they have to create an account - that is why I am working on a custom site. Also I created a buyer account so I can "buy" my own pieces that I sell at shows - that way the items still show up on the sold page instead of having to delete them.

I hope my suggestions are helpful
Best of luck!

Jessica
www.jessicalauren.etsy.com

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Submitted by: Jessica Lauren

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You have to remember that there is soooo much competition on etsy. Your techniques are good but u may want to start using more semiprecious stones, sterling, gold filled,etc. Prices at jewelry stores are very high. You should buy your materials in the jewelry district or online. You need to try to make your jewelry as unique as possible and also expressive of who you are. The few pieces that I have sold to random customers have been some of my most unique items. You should do a lot of research on the styles of jewelry that other designers are selling and at what price points. A lot of etsy designers sell at very low prices for quality materials. I have actually lowered my prices for my etsy site because of this - however I think I will be bringing them back up soon. A lot of etsy members add new products often so their pieces are featured more - or they refresh their pieces regularly. Also you may wanlt to try advertising on etsy. I have also found that my family and friends do not want to buy from etsy because they have to create an account - that is why I am working on a custom site. Also I created a buyer account so I can "buy" my own pieces that I sell at shows - that way the items still show up on the sold page instead of having to delete them. I hope my suggestions are helpful Best of luck! Jessica www.jessicalauren.etsy.com

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Posters!
by: Natasha Fraser

Your pieces are lovely!
One thing you could try is a poster with a photo of your best piece blown up to A4 size with your website in large text. I have displayed these in my local hairdressers, supermarkets, florist and any one else who will take them. I also display different ones behind my stall and pinned to the table at craft fairs. All my friends and family have a stack of business cards and leaflets on their desks at work. And I even get my little sister to hand out fliers to her teachers at school! I carry small leaflets in my hand bag at all times as you never know who you might meet.
At christmas time I sometimes set up a little stall in the canteen at my full time job work place. The men in particular find this useful for last minute Christmas shopping as it is so easy for them.

www.natashafraser.com