Quit Your Day Job: An Etsy Case Study

I’ve referred to Etsy.com before. It’s the online store for crafts people. Here’s a case study of how one of their people has built their business online using that online storefront. It’s FancifulForm

This is a great case study. Here are some of the highlights. Lauren uses Etsy to earn extra money while putting himself through school.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?

I’ve always known that I would eventually make my living in some unconventional creative way…I just had no idea that I stumbled onto it so soon. In the fall of 2007 I discovered Etsy by accident while browsing the interwebz. It didn’t cross my mind to sell here until December of that same year. I have been painting since high school, but I had recently started taking a college painting class. After seeing the reactions of my teachers and fellow students I thought, “Hey, It would be really neat to see if I could sell my artwork.” I started up my first shop, and to my surprise by the next morning I had sold my first painting. It was a thrill to see that happen so soon (though, now I think I probably underpriced quite a bit). I eventually discovered that trying to produce paintings fast to keep my shop fresh seemed to dampen my creativity. So I decided to try something else.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?

Customers won’t purchase what they can’t see, or don’t see. This applies to photographs as well as the marketplace. You need the best pictures possible and to stay visible! There is someone out there who wants your items. You have to find them. You have to show them what you’ve got. I have found relisting, adding new items, and advertising on other websites to be very successful.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?

This may sound crazy, but I have found most everything to be successful in some way. Even if it’s just one sale or a few extra hearts, I feel anything is a success if at least one person views my shop. They may not have purchased anything today, but that doesn’t mean they never will. I guess the only truly unsuccessful promotion for me has been not to promote at all.

Check out the whole story at Etsy here. If you’re a creative person wanting to make money online, it may be just the type of outlet you’re looking for.

Related Link: How to get started online!