Trace Design's "Top 10"

Hi! I'm Tracy of Trace Designs and while I'm somewhat of a newbie here on Etsy, I thought I'd share the most valuable lessons I've learned during my first year. If you missed #'s 1-5, please follow this link . Otherwise, here are the final 5!

6. Go Viral
This should really be a subheading for #5 from my last post but I really thought this
was important to emphasize. DO NOT discount the power social media marketing
can have even by participating only just a few minutes a day.

Social Media has been a huge success for my shop. It can be quick and easy if done
correctly;  and best of all its free!

I get the majority of my traffic and subsequent sales from Stumble Upon, Twitter,
and Facebook. Those are my big 3 but there are many, many more for you to try.
Find what works for you and go for it. Remember to measure your traffic or you’ll never know what has been successful and where you’re just wasting your precious
time.

7. Do not Undersell Yourself
First of all, you’ll go out of business, that is obvious, but also your customers want
quality. Quality materials cost money. The quality time and effort you put into your
work should cost money. Always pay yourself for your efforts, you deserve it and it
will show through your pieces. Your customers love a deal, yes, but they also love
quality work and artists who value themselves as well as their products.

Here’s a great post on pricing, by Norah, with regard to charging for our time.

8. Set Achievable Goals
What are you working for? How many sales do you want to make? How many views
do you want to get? Setting (not too easy or flimsy) achievable goals is a great way
to stay motivated and focused. When you hit your goals, celebrate, then make new
ones! Without goals, how can you feel successful?

One goal of mine? Keep my shop stocked with at the very least 75 items at all times
in order to have a great selection with varying price points! Something for almost everyone!

9. Share those Goals with the World
Tweet it, yell it, write it, blog it! It will keep you honest and on track. Not only
that, you’ll be amazed at how many people (friends, strangers, etc) want to
see you succeed and will help and support you every step of the way. Having a
strong support system behind you makes all the difference in the world. Its very
motivating!

10.
Join a Well Established, Active Team
This may be the best thing I ever did for my business. Not only does my team, the JETs
(Jewelry On Etsy Team)  promote each other daily (woo hoo!
more marketing) but they’re an endless source of valuable information (woo hoo!
professional development), inspiration (woo hoo! creativity), and of course, a whole
lot of laughs (hooray for sanity)!

Thanks for reading,
Trace