Spice up your Shop!

(Spice of Life by BeadKeepers)

You know that old saying? 'Variety is the spice of life!' Well, it's true. It's true about life & it's true about your Etsy shop!

For a shop to be successful it has to appeal to a diverse clientele. It is so easy for us to get stuck in a idea rut & miss out on sales & growing our businesses. Diversifying & expanding your shop can be done in several, simple ways. & should be done in every way that you can do & do well.

(Outside the Box by NewbyArt)

First, take a look at your existing product line. Let's say that you make scarves. Can you ad more available colors to your selection? Can you add more sizes (small, medium, large or shorter & longer)? Can you offer some different styles, for example: with or without tassels?

Making sure to vary your product line will lead to a better assortment in your shop. A bigger & better assortment will mean there is more likely something to turn a browsing customer into a buying customer.

& though I used "scarf makers" as the example, everyone can do this in their shop. Just look at what you are making now & consider the possibilities!

(Possibilities by BetsyWalton)

Now, let's talk materials (or presentation).

Let's say you offer original paintings in your Etsy shop. Why not offer prints of your work (& then different sizes)? Why not scale your work down & offer buttons, greeting cards or pocket mirrors? This will make your art more accessible to people who aren't looking to hang something on the wall but love your style.

Also, varying the presentation of your work will mean that you can list it in different categories across Etsy. Your shop will go from just being seen in the 'Art' category to being pulled up under 'paper items' & 'accessories' too. This will benefit your shop by making you versatile & more visible.

(I Spy with My Little Eye Necklace by Shupg)

& after you add more colors, more styles, more sizes & a variety of presentation options you will probably notice that you have expanded your price points from 'impulse items' to 'high end ooak pieces'. This is the most important part of diversifying your store front. This is the key.

You want to be just as appealing to the customer who has $5 & is impulse shopping as you are to the customer who has $100 & is looking for that one of a kind treasure. & by fleshing out your product line to the best of your abilities you should be able to achieve this more often, thus making your shop more successful overall.

(Reach for New Horizons Photograph by RealiDesigns)

So the next time you feel like you are in a creative rut, don't worry. Just take what you already love to make & expand your horizons!