From Etsy to Beyond

About a year ago, I wrote up this post about how I was opening up an Etsy store. When I go back and look at that post, I cringe. Not only are the photos horrible, but I realize how little I knew about running any kind of business. I also wonder how I sold anything.

I'm far from running an award winning Etsy store, but I do feel like I've got a lot better footing than I did a year ago.

Here are a few nuggets that I've dug up this past year:

1. Not everything sells. I made some items that I thought would be a hit. And they weren't. Learn what people want and then make/find it! Believe me, this has taken me some time to figure out :) Try to offer an item that 10,000 people aren't already selling. For me, my favorite product has been the love birds! 

2. Take stellar photos. Become one with the camera. Learn basic photo editing skills. I've improved, but I've still got a ways to go! Let's just let the photos speak for themselves :)

3. Although some Etsy stores seem to explode with success, I think that most grow steadily. Be patient. I don't have sales everyday, but I'm consistently selling about 2-3 items per week. For the first six months, it was only about 1 item every week or so. 

4. Be wise about how you advertise. I'm still feeling this one out and seeing what works best for me. However, I do think it is important to advertise. Use a little of your profit and spread the word. Create a brand! Somehow, I figured out how to make a button. Don't ask me how!

5. If something isn't working, change it. I started the Etsy store with the name Dulcitas: Little Sweets for the Home. After a while, I realized that it was a hard name to remember and had no association with my blog. Although making the transition from one store name to another was not easy, I really do feel that it was worth it. It gave me a fresh start--allowing me to weed out products that weren't selling and also focus on creating a brand.

6. If you are in it for the money, beware. Although I enjoy seeing some (not much!) monetary rewards for the time and energy that I spend running the store, it is not why I do it. You have to enjoy creating. For me, giving to the Family of the Month is what ultimately motivates me to improve and create for Home for Hire {the shop}.

7. If you have been tinkering around with the idea of starting an Etsy shop, I'd encourage you to do so! I was incredibly afraid of falling flat on my face this time last year, and instead, it has grown into such a delightful adverture. There is a learning curve, but it is manageable if you are motivated!

8. This adventure hasn't into a full-time-running-wild-with-lace-paint-and-plaster-in-my-hair venture yet. Honestly, I'm thankful for that! I only do what I can manage while trying to keep a house somewhat clean, working two jobs, and spending time with my family. Although I wouldn't mind seeing it grow, I know that I would have to cut something from my busy schedule to manage it. Right now, I'm not ready to that. Maybe soon. Maybe never. We'll see :)

Does anyone else have any wise nuggets about selling on Etsy/running an online business?