Sprucing up your Online Shop - Part 2

In my last column, we looked at ways to spruce up your online shop and covered avatars, banners, location, sections and profile. In this segment we'll take a look at some other areas that should be easy fixes which will both get more people into your shop and also add to a professional, cohesive look.

Is your shop current with new listings and info in your Shop Announcement area? One sure way to get me to click away from a shop is when it has a stale announcement up (such as a Valentine's Day sale in June) or if the last listing was 2 months ago. Try to keep relisting at a minimum (we all do it at times) and offer your potential customers fresh, new work as much as you can. There have been numerous threads in the forums on how many items is "too much" and my honest opinion is that if you don't list it, there's no way you're going to sell it, so keep on creating and listing!

Are you using your featured items options? Try changing your 3 (or however many each site gives you) featured items at least once a week to garner interest. Switch it up and include older and midway items in your shop since your newer items will be up on your first page anyway. One suggestion is to have a trio of complementary colors or items that tie together somehow. Whichever pieces you choose, make sure they have the wow factor!

Do your products have good titles and descriptions? Do your titles convey clearly what the item is that is for sale? Titles should both concisely say what the item is with a bit of detail, while enticing the buyer to click on your item description for more info. Descriptions should cover all the main characteristics of your item, such as what the item is, color/s, measurements, your work process, and a touch of humor doesn't hurt as long as it's not offensive. If your piece is one-of-a-kind and has a story, tell it! Some of the most charming descriptions in shops make me return again and again. While I might not purchase at the time, it's almost probable that I will put that shop into my favorites and return again in the future.

And that wraps up Part 2 of this series on Sprucing up your Online Shop! In future columns we'll look at feedback, shop policies, cohesiveness and the all important photography and lighting. And again, until then, keep on creating and I'll keep a warm kiln! If you have feedback on this series, I'd love to hear it, and if you have suggestions for future columns, send them my way.