Monday, August 15, 2011

New Etsy Relevancy Search Tips

New Etsy Relevancy Search Tips

New Etsy Relevancy Search Tips

Posted: 15 Aug 2011 07:17 AM PDT

Some of you are already aware of Etsy's new Relevancy Search and how it might change the way you need to list your items.  I will honestly tell you that I'm not always that keen on changes, but I usually adapt.  Here's a bit of information to help bring you up to speed and help your shop be successful…

  • Etsy has changed their default search from Recently Listed to Most Relevant.
  • Etsy believes this will help shoppers find exactly what they are searching for and you should think like a shopper as you title and tag you items.
  • Put the most important keywords and phrases at the front of your titles.
  • Use a variety of strong keywords and phrases in your titles and tags, and vary what is at the front of the title (be sure to always use the most important keywords and phrases, though). Don't name everything the same thing! Each listing is a chance for a buyer to find you, if you diversify your keywords you'll be found by lots of different searches. For example, you might start off a few listing titles with each of your strong keywords or phrases, then use other great terms on other similar items in your shop. Eg:
    Girls Dress – etc etc
    Children's Dress – etc etc
    Toddler Dress – etc etc  {From Etsy.com}
  • Recently Listed items do play some role in search results sorted by relevancy.  They want to keep it fresh.   Shoppers can still choose to shop by recently listed.
  • The top of the search page will show the last four Recently Listed items.
  • Use all your tags keeping in mind what a buyer might type in the search box.  Tags and titles will help determine your relevancy.
  • All tags will have equal value so it does not matter what order they are listed.
  • Recently listed items will also continue to appear at the bottom of the Etsy homepage, and the category pages will continue to be sorted by most recent.
  • You can find more information about this here.  I'm sure there will be slight changes as they receive feedback from sellers.

What are your thoughts about the new Relevancy Search? If you have found any ideas that have helped your shop, please share it in the comments.

I realize this might be a touchy subject, so please try to keep your comments kind, objective and relevant.  Thanks!

~Kim

5 Tips for Etsy Product Photography

Posted: 14 Aug 2011 05:52 PM PDT

1eetsy {August Blossoms camera straps}

Hello friends!

333 My name is Kristen Duke, and I am a portrait photographer in Austin, Texas.  I am also a big fan of all things crafty, some of which you will find featured on my site. I am often asked to photograph items for those with Etsy stores because everyone knows that a well photographed image is what sells.

I can offer a few tips for those of you out there who are struggling to get great images.   When photographing products for your Etsy store, think of these 5 rules:

5eetsy{Onsie by The Wishing Elephant}

1.  Be as close to natural window light as possible. Don’t have the window behind the product or you will get backlight/dark product images.  Stand at the side of the window and shoot your products with the window light shining on it.  Baby is facing the window and it is behind me, but I am to the side photographing.

4eetsy

{The Wishing Elephant}

3eetsy {3 outfits by La Tee da Kids}

2.  Have samples up close as well as pulled back along with something “average size” to compare the product to.  If it is a child's product, have that product in their hands or on them.  Think of magazine ads, having someone use the product shows it off so much more than just a sample.

2eetsy{Headband by Ruffles n Fringe}

3.  Design a background to make the product more interesting instead of just on a solid surface.  You can use fabric, scrapbook paper, tablecloths, even clothing laid out flat as a background. Below, I have a colorful quilt in the background.

4. Use a white poster board on the side of the product (but outside of view) to add to the window light, as if it is a reflector.  Anything white in the area will add more light to your setup.

5.  Always put your name, watermark, website on your images in case they get pinned (or taken without permission) others will always know to come back to you because your name is on the image.

01 copyXblog

If you try all of these tips and still aren’t getting the best results, I can help you with your photography skills as well! My book is written for the very beginner in photography, teaching steps to take your camera off of the auto and into the manual settings.  To learn more about it, click on Say NO to Auto:)

Photography help is always appreciated around here!  Thanks, Kristen!
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