Sharing the Etsy Love

If you haven’t noticed, I haven’t written in awhile. Now I could spin all sorts of excuses as to why not, but the truth is I got all wrapped up in my own worries and problems and forgot about why I first fell in love with Etsy. It’s a community. There is always someone willing to answer your question, give advice, congratulate you on successes and help you through defeats, as well as help you find that perfect coffee mug that will make your Grandma’s day. If I had only opened up to people about what was worrying me and asked for help, I wouldn’t have been as stressed and maybe it could have answered others questions as well. 

So in that spirit I give you my top ten ways to share the Etsy love! There are many ways to share the love but these are my favorites! Do you do things a bit differently? Please leave it for us in the comments! These are in no particular order!

1. Shop other shops. 

Sounds simple right? Well it is, how many times have I gone to a store to find that oh so perfect gift only to not be able to find just the right thing? Etsy is full of wonderful readymade products and hundreds of shops willing and ready to make your custom items as well. Now I am not saying don’t ever shop in a store, but try Etsy first! 

2. Answer questions on the forums. 

You don’t need to be an expert seller to give your two cents! Maybe you have an idea no one’s suggested, or just read an article or blog that could help, either way share what you know if you can. You could end up helping someone learn something new or solve a problem they couldn’t fix on their own.

3. Favorite items and shops you like. 

There are many different theories on why or how to favorite items so follow what makes the most sense to you. This is also a great way to share the love if you don’t have a lot of money and can’t shop Etsy, it’s almost like a shopping spree! You can favorite any item you like and you don’t have to worry about money!

4. Make treasuries. 

This is kind of an obvious one but it’s a good one to remember and if you do it right, it won’t take up too much time. Make treasuries about anything and everything. Have a favorite book / show? Need a gift for your brother? Don’t quite know how to say thanks? Have a craving? These could all make great treasuries! Make sure to follow Etsy’s rules and tips here as well!

5. Suggest projects and ideas. 

Have you ever browsed a shop and thought something was missing? Maybe you think that the person who makes custom knitted stockings could do really well with a line of knitted banners. Or perhaps the handmade pendants you stumbled upon would be a big hit with a group you are involved in or know about? There are many examples of this light bulb moment but the key here is to reach out and tell the shop owner. Be polite and straight to the point, and don’t say you’d be interested in buying it if you aren’t. Not everyone takes outside ideas but maybe they would be happy to hear what you think and it could be something that would be really successful for them! 

6. Join Circles. 

Be in circles, join other’s circles, be good to your circles. Another obvious one but someone recently reminded me of their importance and I thought I would remind you too. Again don’t just join circles willy nilly but if there is a shop you really like or someone who’s thread posts always inspire you, join their circle, chances are they will be a wealth of great finds and may help you towards your next purchase!

7. Suggest your favorites. 

This is a great business principle. (think “Miracle on 34th Street”) Say someone would like to place a custom order for something you don’t do or can’t because you are booked solid at the time, what do you do? You could simply tell them no and go on with your day, but what if you took customer service a step further? You would have to make sure it was a quality choice, but suggesting someone you know does great work could help the customer, the other shop, and you! Many shoppers would be grateful for a suggestion from an expert if they can’t get their first choice and it may help you be their first stop in the future! The other shop may repay you the 

kindness in the future as well.

8. Talk about Etsy. 

To anyone and everyone. Now don’t just be the person who talks about Etsy when it doesn’t even make sense in the conversation, but if you are talking to someone who talks about looking for something they could find on Etsy, tell them! Even if it’s not something you sell in your shop, slip them your business card and say, “This will take you to my shop, but you can use the search bar to find that item, Etsy’s great!” It’s a great way to share the love and can help people come to your shop too.

9. Be gracious and polite. 

In everything you do and say on Etsy (and let’s be honest everywhere!) Maybe someone says something rude about you or your shop but biting back at them won’t win you any fans and can even turn people off. Plus, in this age many people just don’t realize how what they say comes across. So even if someone gives you a tip that makes no sense, put a smile on your face and type a quick thank you and that you will keep it in mind. Sometimes people have bad days and when they wake up the next day, your kind response may be what they need to hear. 

10. Join teams and be involved! 

Like our great team! Teams are a great way to get and give support and answers. There are teams for pretty much anything imaginable and you can always start your own. Once you join some teams, make sure you are active. Posting links to your items are great but make sure you are looking at other’s items and the other threads the team has. Maybe someone needs help with something you just figured out, this is a great way to share the love and maybe make you a new friend!

I know some of these may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and I ask that you remember that these are just my views and ideas and that all of us are on a path of understanding and that this isn’t the end of my learning but just a stop along the way. I’ve highlighted some of the reasons why in the end sharing the love can help you, but I haven’t laid them all out. I don’t want people to think they should do any of these things just for the payoff they get, but for how they can help others. We could all be more generous with our time and talent and the payoffs we get should be the icing on the cake, not the reason we bake!

Ok, I’m going to step off my soapbox now, have a good day and don’t forget to share the love. 

Love,
Jenn