Drumroll, please…
So, the winner of the poll I put up for you to be able to vote for the next challenge is finished – and the Handmade Biz challenge is the winner! I think the timing of this is reeeeally good, because if you have a crafty or creative business, right now is is when you should really be putting work into your shop to be ready for the holidays. I’m planning for it to be a 6 week series, which will take us right into the beginning of November. In the last challenge (the blog redesign challenge) I used Lori’s blog throughout the whole thing to demonstrate how to make some changes. I won’t be making direct changes to anyone’s shop in this series … BUT I think it would be a lot of fun to offer this to any of you who have an online handmade business:
I will be giving individual shop/site critiques each week in the series!
Each Friday, I’ll be addressing one particular aspect of running a your own biz – and also offering a critique of one shop/site, addressing that topic specifically. And I’ll pick a different shop/site each week. The tips, just like in the last series, will be directed at that site in particular, but I’ll also be writing it for others’ benefit as well.
Soooo – if you have your own creative biz (such as an online handmade goods shop, or vintage clothing shop, or website where you offer services, etc.), fill out this simple form and I may pick your shop for the critique one week! And, of course, I’ll give a shout out to your site to send you some traffic, as well. Just copy + paste this into your comment:
My name is:
My business’ name is:
My business is about:
My Website is:
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
Leave your comments below, I can’t wait to check out your sites! :)
my name is: amy
my business’ name is: The Little Red Owl
my business is about: selling vintage finds and handpainted, upcycled furniture at reasonable prices
my website it: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thelittleredowl
one or two particular areas i would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: i have just opened my shop recently and i would love to learn how to better reach my target audience and how to properly price my items. i am also new to facebook (i have a page for my business only) and i would love to get a better handle on that as well. thx! love the blog!
My name is: Bettie Infante
My business’ name is: WineableGifts
My business is about: Unique hand painted glassware, specifically hand painted wine glasses, flutes and martini glasses proudly made in the USA.
My Website is: http://www.wineablegifts.com My Blog is: http://www.wineablegifts.com/Blog/
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: How to generate more traffic and how to use social media to benefit my business.
My name is: Carson Riutta
My business’ name is: Bluebuttonpress
My business is about: Handmade paper goods for your correspondence, celebrations and memory keeping
My Website is: http://www.bluebuttonpress.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Shop cohesiveness and taking great pictures of my products. Oh and tagging effectively.
Thank you for this opportunity. Even if my shop isn’t chosen for a critique I’m very much looking forward to your series. The blog redesign series was so helpful and well done.
My name is: Betty Morales
My business’ name is: Betty’s Block
My business is about: handmade items made from a variety of materials
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bettymorales1
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
I would like to increase the traffic in my shop and make it more attractive to customers. I would also like help pricing my items.
I love this idea, especially because I’m usually the one doing the critique-n’ from my blog, Marketing Creativity! I regularly run brainstorming sessions and group programs, and I always secretly wish I could have one done on my shop. This would be awesome! Please consider:
Lisa Jacobs
The Energy Shop
I create gemstone jewelry and tap into the natural attributes of the stones. Each piece is like a positive affirmation for your wrist.
http://www.energyshop.etsy.com
I appreciate the opportunity! All the best, Lisa
**The areas I would like to focus on is how to find more customers and, in general, what improvements could I make?
What a great series ahead! I’m looking forward to it.
My name is: Lauren Myers
My business’ name is: Color Hug
My business is about: I design paper goods for color lovers such as greeting cards, wedding stationery, calling cards and art prints.
My Website is: http://www.colorhug.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Writing better product descriptions and styling products in more interesting ways for photos.
Hi April , what a great series &we can all learn from each other ! Thanks for doing this :) I’d love to follow alOng . It’s been a while since I’ve refreshed my shop & it’ll do a world of good with change. Another pair of eyes looking at it objectively is what I need :) thanks again !
My name is :lakshmi
Business name : Studio Lakshmi
Business is about : bright , colorful paintings , illustrations , surface design on canvases , art prints & other paper goods ( to be added soon )
My website : http://www.studiolakshmi.etsy.com & http://www.studiolakshmi.com
One or two areas that I’d like helP with is reaching my target customers , and if my product descriptions/ prices resonate with them .
Excited for this new series. I have no business for you to critique — just a beautiful new blog design — at just a few weeks old, I can’t still say that, right? I still get a silly grin on my face every time the site comes up. So, you should come over and take a look at it and tell me if you think the designer knows her stuff. :D
My name is: Sara Lombard
My business’ name is: Lilly Queen Vintage
My business is about: My shop which contains a collection of Shabby Chic items which were hand painted by me. You will also find Vintage items, Retro Chic pieces, and some jewelry.
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LillyQueenVintage
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Get more views and more sales.
My name is: Chas
My business’ name is: Empire Silk Screen
My business is about: Limited edition original prints
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmpireSilkScreen?ref=si_shop
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: mainly getting search traffic both inside and outside etsy. Cheers!
My name is: Shermin
My business’ name is: The Luxe Connection
My business is about: Luxe Favor Bags
My Website is: http://www.TheLuxeConnection.Etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: My bags come in a few color and size variations. I’d like to learn how to list these variations for my bags in a way that is intuative and easy for customers while also reducing confusion and multiple rounds of convos (which also takes a lot of time)
Hm, Shermin, your link doesn’t seem to be working?
This is such a great idea and I look forward to learning from you, April. :)
My name is: Shayna
My business’ name is: ShaynaMade
My business is about: Creative Design & Print Studio
My Website is: shaynamade.etsy.com / http://www.shaynamade.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Advertising & getting more sales. :)
My name is: Lauren
My business name is: Daisy Cottage Designs
My business is about: custom crochet hats and blankets for babies and children.
My website is: http://daisycottagedesigns.blogspot.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I think the area I’d most like to hear about is how to bring in buyers from the web rather than Etsy, etc. Bringing in buyers to Etsy not only helps an individual shop but helps others by drawing attention to the great site!
This is a fantastic idea! I’d love to be considered
My name is Mollie Doyle
My business name is TheBottleGarden
My business is about handcrafted housewares made from recycled glass
My website is http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebottlegarden
I would love to learn about how to connect with my target audience and the platforms to do so (ie social media, blogs) and how to price items to make a living while still offering fair prices for my customers.
Thank you in advance for any info you share!
My name is: Heather
My business’ name is: Brezomayo Designs
My business is about: Adding handmade beauty to everyday life in a practical way
My Website is: brezomayo@etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I recently re-opened my shop after a 3 year hiatus. I would love a general critique!
What a great idea!
My name is: Dana Lang
My business’ name is: Tumblestone Handmakery
My business is about: Jewelry design & creation.
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumblestone
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
I just opened my Etsy shop this week and would like any help at all to improve it. I try to keep up on the blog, it’s difficult though being short on time. I’m looking for SEO help and anything really! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
My name is: Arielle Bartow
My business’ name is: Arielle’s Custom Jewelry
My business is about: OOAK Handmade Gemstone Jewelry
My Website is: http://www.ginfish.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I actually JUST finished a complete shop overhaul and redesign, so this would be perfect for me! I’d like to know how to improve titles and SEO
Thank you for posting in the forum and for your consideration! :)
My name is: Megan Gillis
My business’ name is: Megan Gillis Jewelry
My business is about: I make handmade sterling silver jewelry
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
I would like to learn about improving descriptions.
Hi Megan – I think you forgot to leave the link for your shop!
My name is : Reshma Sandell
My business’ name is : Ahkriti
My business is about : Indian Inspired ethnic jewelry
My website is : http://www.etsy.com/shop/ahkriti
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I need advice on how to get my target audience and see a steady increase in sales at my shop.
Thank you so much for your time!
My name is: Angie
My business’ name is: Angie Beadz
My business is about: Handmade Bracelets and jewellery
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/angiebeadz
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
Ive been open on my etsy shop for nearly 1 year and would like to somehow improve it, I dont get many views never mind sales!!!!
Ive tried most things people suggest, SEO, tags, titles,photos, blogging etc,, but nothing, i dont know what else to try.
so this would be a fantastic opportunity for me (fingers crossed and all that)
Thank you!
My name is: Corina La Due
My business’ name is: Reverse Clothing (for now, this name is being used by another company so I’ll be changing it soon)
My business is about: I make reversible, vintage-inspired clothes for women.
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReverseClothing
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I need more views and possibly better item descriptions. A checklist for item descriptions that relates to clothing (especially on etsy) would be ideal.
Thank you for considering me!
I am interested in a shop critique. Such a kind and generous gesture.
My name is: dawn
My business’ name is: Modern Vintage Studio
My business is about: jewelry upcycled and vintage
My Website is: http://www.etsty.com/shop/ModernVintageStudio
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are SEO tag listing and titles.
Thank you!
My name is:Beatriz
My business’ name is: BBB’s Designs
My business is about: Mostly handmade stuff, for women and kids.
My Website is: BBB’s Designs
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
I have been open on my etsy shop for nearly 1 year and would like to somehow improve it.
I need advice on how to get my target audience and see a steady increase in sales at my shop.
Thank you very much!!!
Hi Beatriz – I would need an actual website address to be able to check out your site. If you stop back by, be sure to leave your website address, not just your website name. Thanks!
OOOOPS! Sorry.
Thank you very much!!!
My name is: Elizabeth Najim
My business’ name is: Miss Lizzie’s Boutique
My business is about: travel photography, oil paintings, paint wooden letters
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MissLizziesBoutique, http://www.facebook.com/MissLizziesBoutique
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: photography, SEOs, maybe improve descriptions? more views/favorites, and better idea of target market, i have a feeling i am all over the board here…
Thank you!
My name is: Jillian
My business’ name is: Gimme Paws
My business is about: I make adorable furry handcrafted accessories, including hoods, ears, paws, tails and more! I try to infuse my designs with whimsy and fun to bring joy to my customers.
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GimmePaws
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I would like to get a better idea of how to market to the right customer base. How to pitch to bloggers and use other social media.
My name is: Victoria Tickner
My business’ name is: Purple Wyvern Jewels
My business is about: Handmade jewellery and personalised bookmarks.
My Website is: http://www.purplewyvernjewels.co.uk and http://www.purplewyvernjewels.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I would like to learn how to effectively market my sites to bring in more views and how to best turn those views in to sales.
My name is: Tina Raewyn
My Business’ name is : TRaewyn
My Business is about: Handmade Clay Jewelry and a little Mixed Metal Jewelry (all very earthy).
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TRaewyn
The areas I need to learn about: Keeping a theme running through my shop via the type of photography, Better Descriptions and ‘What is it that I sell’? (I find it hard to explain). Any help appreciated – I know I have beautiful items – but how do I get the world to notice?
My name is: Athena
My business’ name is: NatureGoods
My business is about: hand-crafted items and photography inspired by nature
My Website is: http://www.NatureGoods.Etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: marketing without using social media (I just don’t have the energy for it) and writing compelling item descriptions. I have trouble pitching my items with a “you can’t live without this!” slant.
My name is: Courtney
My business’ name is: BookCraft
My business is about: Crafting Storybook Weddings! – I sell storybook inspired wedding & home decor
My Website is: http://www.BookCraft.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
Getting noticed by/approaching bloggers and the ways utilizing social media to grow my biz (been trying but it doesn’t seem to be very effective…)
My name is: Stephanie
My business’ name is: String Beard Craftery
My business is about: Handmade Crochet wearables and Accessories
My Website is: http://www.stringbeardcraftery.etsy.com AND http://www.stringbeardcraftery.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: A.) Good ways to drive traffic to my Etsy shop without spending hours online. B.) Tagging and describing my items for the best SEO possible.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this!
I would love a shop critique!
My name is: Jen Anderson
My business’ name is: Jen’s Tangled Threads
My business is about: Crochet slippers, baby blankets, doilies (for now)
My Website is: http://jenstangledthreads.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: SEO tags, descriptions
My name is: Hanna
My business’ name is: Tashinka Beading Heart Jewelry
My business is about: Making unique jewelry pieces
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TashinkaBeadingHeart
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
How to reach my target clientele. I’ve recently raised most of my prices to appeal to the clientele I would like to have and that I think would be interested in my pieces, but now, how do I find them? Or, how do they find me? So, basically, promotion is my big concern – where to promote and how to get there? I’d also love to know if any one goes out to sell their handmade goods in retail stores in their local area, and if so, how is that going?
Thanks for consideration! Love your blog!
My name is: Beth
My business’ name is: AneksiDesigns
My business is about: Making interesting and wearable silver jewellery.
My Website is: http://www.aneksidesigns.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Definitely marketing – how to get my products out there and seen. I do not think I am very good at this, and any advice would be so welcome!
Many thanks for offering such a great opportunity.
My name is: Cinders
My business’ name is: Cinders Jewelry Design
My business is about: Bohemian, Victorian and Steampunk jewelry, 100% cruelty free and handcrafted.
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CindersJewelryDesign
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
Enticing people to buy. I get a lot of compliments, favourites and views but few sales in comparison.
How can I appeal more to my target audience and gain more exposure?
Thanks April! ♥
My name is: Elizabeth Hong
My business’ name is: Hyperbole Hong!
My business is about: Providing one of a kind, quirky designs through handcrafted embroidery and jewelry craft for equally unique peeps!
My Website is: sales through etsy.com/shop/hyperbolehong, blog through: hyperbolehong.tumblr.com. and other site: hyperbolehong.com – all about my biz
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
How can I make my items (through descriptions, photos, etc.) appealing to more people without losing my personality in the mix, or is sterilization a good thing….and, do I necessarily need to spread myself throughout all of social media(add facebook,twitter, wanelo, blog and site…or are a few strategic postings enough).
Thanks for taking a look!
My name is: Alyssa
My business’ name is: AlyssaMakesMosaics
My business is about: Making pre-made and personalized mosaic tiles from polymer clay, often catered toward Greek (sorority and fraternity) organizations
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlyssaMakesMosaics
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
Advertising? How and Where? I don’t even know where to begin! And writing better descriptions. My pieces can stand alone, but often times work as embellishments are other objects. Can I clarify or give better examples?
Woo! this is ingenious! I so much love to be in – would be my first ever blog feature – so exciting:
So let’s cut to the chase:
Name Olya
bussiness – etsy shop called oBocreations. i sell hand painted jewelry from Switzerland.
website – http://www.obocreations.com (but for now it is redirected to my etsy shop) i am working on a separate one.
the topic i suggest is a challenge of a turning a hobby to a business. how do i combine it with my daily job and compete with those who are doing full time?. They can devote 8-12 hours per day to Etsy shop vs me spending this doing other things. Seems a catch 22 – to quit my job i need my business to pick up – yet how to do that if all i have is the night?
one of the aspect is setting priorities and here comes the question of what they are. As a small business especially as starter you face the need to address so many different aspects – set up online shop, make description, photos, SEO, dig into forums, promote, get social media, make packaging, find bloggers etc etc etc. So remembering i only have few hours before i collapse to sleep – where should i start?
I hope you find it interesting. I would really appreciate the opportunity to be featured.
Hi Olya! I tried clicking your link but it doesn’t redirect to your Etsy shop. Could you provide me with your Etsy link?
Hello April – here is direct link to my Etsy shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/oBocreations
I hope you will have a look! I Thanks for your interest Sorry for broken link – something went wrong there.
Olya
My name is: Bessie Young
My business’ name is: BessiesCreations
My business is about: Unique handmade items. Crocheting, wood working, jewelry making, etc.
My Website is: http://www.bessiescreations.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
How to get noticed, how to use social media to grow my business, and ways to reach my target market
Thank you so much for your willingness to help!
My name is: Julietta (Julia for short) and Mariya
My business’ name is: Julia’s Fit
My business is about: Creative Home Furnishing. We love to create traditional, whimsical, eclectic mix of beautiful things for the home. Pillow covers are our favorite category.
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/juliasfit
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Photos and stories. Photos are our number one weakness. Since we both have full-time jobs, we try to experiment on weekends, but that’s not barely enough time. Goal #1 is to improve our photography by far.
Stories are another things that we need to work on. Every item has a story that needs to be told. We are looking to find an approach that works for us and doesn’t make us feel like we’re “bragging” when we describe our items. We think that by improving these two sides of the business, advertising won’t be that much of a problem than it is now.
My name is: Viktorya Wheeler
My business’ name is: d.Kei
My business is about: Visual Kei/Gothic clothing and jewelry
My Website is: http://dkei.etsy.com, http://www.facebook.com/ddotkei
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Marketing. I know that my pieces are geared towards a specific audience, and I need to learn how to tap into that and turn listing views into sales. I also have trouble with item descriptions. I don’t want to sound cheesy or boring.
My name is: Katie
My business’ name is: Anamorphicecho
My business is about: Crocheted amigurumi
My Website is: anamorphicecho.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: Pricing and SEO
My name is: Sarah Malone
My business’ name is: Sylvan Seas
My business is about: Nature and Wildlife Photography
My Website is: http://sylvanseas.etsy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
1. realistically pricing items
**2. how to market myself both on social media and outside of the lovely internet, without coming across as desperate or annoyingly pushy
My shop is a jewelry shop.
The jewelry shop is called Scorpion Moon Designs
I would like information on properly pricing my items.
My shop is a jewelry shop.
The jewelry shop is called Scorpion Moon Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScorpionMoonDesigns
I would like information on properly pricing my items.
My name is stange. Deganit means in Hebrew Corn flower. The name of my shop is common and a bit banalic and yet browsing the coments to your generouse offer in this blog post I haven’t seen one or any other candles shop. So maybe this makes your story and mine more interesting. Your blog is nice and interesting. A lot of fun. I have yet so much to learn.
Thanks in any case
Deganit
P.S
If you want to know some more about me, here is the link to my blog:
http://fullhalfcupoftea.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Deganit! If you stop back by, though – to be considered for a critique, I need a link to your shop, and I wasn’t able to find it on your blog. Thanks!
My name is: Sandy Tepper
My business’ name is: Step Originals
My business is about: Mosaic stained glass and sea glass belt buckles and embellished rhinestone bracelets and wrist corsages. Also sarong/scarf clips
My Website is:http://www.etsy.com/shop/StepOriginals
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I would REALLY love to learn how to reach my target audience. Living in L.A. you don’t see many people with belts. Actually, in L.A. you don’t see many people in clothes. I also need to expand my audience and get more views.
My name is: Ashley
My business’ name is: Bow+Arrow Art
My business is about: Hand-drawn cards & prints
My Website is: bowandarrowshop.storenvy.com
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
I would like to learn about and get MUCH better at organizing my business finances. I also want to know more about promoting my little shop (time & cost effectively of course).
Ps: I am actually launching my shop/re-branding on Oct 1 so I would have to be one of your later critiques. It’s ok if that doesn’t work for you but I thought I’d at least put it out there because I’m looking for all the help I can get with my new shop ;)
LOVE this idea! Just found your post on Etsy Success – just joined and am stocking my shop now :).
*My name is: Heather
*My business’ name is: One Sun Designs
*My business is about: creating photoshop templates – both for photographers (products for their clients) and for moms (fun stuff like Disney themed items) – that can be customized and printed to create unique items
*My Website is: http://www.onesundesigns.com, Etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/OneSunDesigns. Etsy is new, still adding items from my website.
*One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are:
~ networking and expanding my biz. I’ve had this business for about 3 years, but it’s been small, and now I want to grow it a LOT!
~ how to market on social media – I have a facebook page as well, but just haven’t managed to burst out and become the presence I want to be.
Thanks for your consideration!
~
Wow! I’m totally not surprised at the response you’ve got on this subject. Can’t wait to read what you think!
My name is: Yvette
My business’ name is: Abernathy Studios
My business is about: Handmade Love. I make dolls, bows, birdhouses, key fobs and other misc. stuff
My Website is: http://www.Etsy.com/shops/AbernathyStudios
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: I feel like my store is too much of a hodge-podge and I probably should have a main theme. I also don’t know how to promote myself other than sponsoring blogs. I currently sponsor on ShrimpSaladCircus.com but just now started. We’ll see how that goes.
My name is: Mirta
My business’ name is: mi+ed design
My business is about: a small line of paper stuff and decorations
My Website is: http://www.mipluseddesign.blogspot.com, http://www.alittlemarket.it/boutique/miplused_design
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: how to reach my target, pricing
You have SO many responses–totally understand if you can’t get to me or you are done with this topic! I love your shop–very etsy front page looking!!
My name is: Christine
My business’ name is: Midcenturyz
My business is about: vintage: 80s, kitsch, designer items
My Website is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/midcenturyz?ref=si_shop
One or two particular areas I would like to learn how to improve in my biz are: generating more traffic/sales, sticking out (in a good way!)