1. Take time to describe the technical stuff. Most people want to be reassured that it’s going to be high quality. Personally, I love it when sellers mention such and such paper, inks, printer. It reassures me that they are fussy about these things. Invariably , when I’ve been a bit disappointed by something I’ve bought on etsy it was from someone who didn’t do this.

2. Have at least two photos with the listing – the original image and an example of it framed on a wall or mantelpiece. If you can show the picture in context, in an environment, then that helps people to imagine having it on their own wall at home. (In addition, if something is part of a series, then why not take a photo of them all framed together on a wall. You might sell the series then!).

3. Don’t be shy. Other bloggers won’t bite! Contact some popular design/craft/art blogs. They will check out your shop and if they like what they see then they will blog about it. You might even consider sending an example. Perhaps a strange idea but if sending a $20 print gets them to write something enthusiastic and thousands read it then it’s worthwhile. (Recently one of my fave blogs Desire To Inspire bought a photo from a photographer called Erin Tyner, she blogged about it, others also blogged about it and I think 100 photos sold quite quickly.)

4. Keep up your own blog. Things that inspire you, mistakes you make, things you are trying, stories behind photos… It’s not essential but it helps. I know I’ve bought things before because I found an interesting blog and liked the sound of the person and what they were doing. (Posting comments on other blogs is also a form of networking because people get curious and click onwards but do it when you genuinely like something rather than just to get your name out there).

Hope that helps!

I’ve been working my butt off on doing online advertising. Blogging a lot helps, as well as posting many Flickr photos (to bring traffic to my shop).

Finally, it might not help sales, but creating new stuff helps me stay positive. And I also renew my items quite often.

I wish you the best of luck…I’m off to take your poll now.

I also love your adorable ‘Doodle Dollars’ gift certificate!

I guess it takes time to grow a business, so just keep enjoying & believing in what you’re doing & get the word out as much as possible. You certainly have the creative talent, so it’s just a matter of promoting it any way you can think of

As far as keeping the shop freshy-fresh…blogging is a good start. i think networking in general is a BIG thing. Do you network via Flickr in groups? Do you shamelessly hand out your business card every chance you get? i’ve heard the “list often” bit of advice from countless Etsians and try to stick to that. keep up the good work…there are always going to be slow times but things will get busy again and you’ll wISH you had a bit of downtime!

I like the gift cert. graphics!