Yep, It’s Time…

Many of you think that I was talking gibberish from February to March when we focused on Making Over Your Etsy Shop. You thought that I was just having you do pointless work in your Etsy store for no apparent reason. Right? I mean having your “About Page” filled out isn’t important, right? And making sure all your information sections are filled in aren’t important either, right? WRONG. I’m going to tell you why it’s more important than ever to have all of this filled out…

Etsy Item Format Has Changed

Yep, you read that right, Etsy’s item format has changed, and with that change it becomes more important that ever for you to make sure all those “details” are filled in on your Etsy profile. I’m going to show you a couple of screen shots from my own store to show you where these changes are and how visible they are to your buyers.

Here’s the Item I am Using

Firsthand Information Box

Well look what’s here! All those little blanks that you like to leave empty … namely the “materials” section of your item. Now they come right up with your item in the top right of your page. It’s the first thing buyers see: price, vintage or handmade, materials, feedback, & shipping options. Notice also that there is a nice button to “Ask a Question” right away? Also please make sure that you are signed up to either accept or not accept Etsy gift cards as it too shows in this box.

Add To Cart Button

There’s a good thing and bad thing about the new button. The good thing: it’s easy to see and it sticks out like a sore thumb. The bad thing: it will likely keep many people from reading your ad. This can be good and bad. In the case of my items they are all 2-3″ tall, some look at these and think they are huge, when they are not. If they do not read the description, they may be disappointed when they open their item.

Request Custom Order Box

I think this is great! If someone sees your item and let’s say they’d like it in a different color, or size, right at the top of the page, there are now two opportunities for that buyer to reach you; either through the “Ask a Question” button shown in the top box or directly under your picture with a “Request Custom Order” link. This only works if you have your custom orders turned on.

Note: To turn this option ON go to “Your Shop” link at the right top of  Etsy, click on it. Go to the lefthand sidebar under “Shop & Settings” you will see “Options,” click on it. It’s right there in front of you. Turn it ON if you want to be able to get custom orders from any/all of your items listed.

About Page Takes Center Stage

Just as you’ve been procrastinating over that About Page for some time … there’s no more time. Now at the end of every singe ad in your store, your Etsy customers are directed to your About Page where they can read more about you, your shop, and your process. And if you’ve been sporting a less than good quality picture, now’s the time to change that too!

I hope today’s post has been helpful in pointing out some of Etsy’s newer features in relation to your listings. Good luck & happy listing!