If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that I am very keen on ArtFire. I think they should put me on the payroll (that's another post). I am a regular reader of the forums over there, and every day, there is at least one post from someone lamenting about having "0" sales. Trust me, I've been there. I don't have hundreds or thousands of sales, but I don't whine about it. I'm hustling every single day. I'm actively blogging. I'm constantly listing new products. I'm following blogs that I love. I comment on those blogs. I participate in giveaways. I host giveaways. I spotlight other artisans. I buy from other artisans. This is business folks! You can't just sit back and wait for the sales to come no matter how great your product is! I'm discouraged all the time. I bust my hump, but I keep my chin up and stay positive. We're living in a rotten economy right now coupled with a typically slow sales period. There will be some setbacks and some slow periods, but the key is to keep at it.
Do you have a blog? If not, get one and post something meaningful or insightful at least 2-3 times a week. Follow some popular blogs and actively read and comment on them. You'll pick up readers and followers for your blog thus bringing more exposure to your shop and your product. Participate in or sponsor a giveaway. People love, love, love (did I say love?) free stuff! Do you sample with every purchase made from your shop? If not, try it-especially if you have a new product launching or if you have a slow moving product that you want people to try out. Oh yeah, you must advertise! That's a must. Project Wonderful is a very inexpensive way to get your shop seen. Participate in sample boxes. These are just a few tips, but you get the point.
Okay, I'm jumping off my soap box. I just get a little frustrated sometimes by all the whining and complaining I read. In closing, don't speak about it, be about it!
6 comments:
Amen to that! I've similar things on the forums and that's a big reason why I don't surf the etsy forums anymore. So many sellers whining! I told them it's like dating; if you act desperate then you'll be treated like you're desperate. Be positive and actively participate in your business daily!
Patrice, You are so right! People think that all they have to do is list something and it will sell. I gave artfire a shot but gave up, only because I was not ready to promote it like you have to. The new shopping do-hicky that you have on your side bar may send me back over there. :)
FYI to anyone reading this with 0 sales. I won a giveaway and when the product gets to me and I love it I will buy more. That is why people have giveaways.
One of my biggest tips is do not promote only your items promote yourself. Let people get to know you as a person not just as the _______ maker.
Amen. Well squaked!
I wish it was all sit back and look pretty. I found out VERY quickly that the online world is HUGE and a place this huge needs lots of work.
Not to mention, if this were a Real brick store-you would be working 8-11pm selling, so really what can you expect from the internet? Internet shoppers have Variety unlike shop owners-it takes alot of work and stamina-
Ok Im giving you the soapbox back now :)
I agree with you! My sales at Artfire are very low but I have close to 1000 sales on Etsy. I work full time and I can't participate in forums all day like I see other sellers on Artfire and at Etsy do. It makes my promoting very hard to do on a daily basis. But I give it my all with what I can give on a daily basis and I will never give up! I think I can be found just about anywhere on the internet. :-)
Thanks everyone for validating my bitchiness, but more importantly, thank you for stressing the importance of working hard to make a business be successful! I love you all:-D
Hey Patrice!
I love your blog soooo much that I'm giving you the Proximidade Blog Award!!!
Go to Ozark Scents to find out what it's about.
BTW, great post, it is so true, ppl just need to focus on their work, and not on feeling sorry for themselves.
Have a great day
Post a Comment