Welcome to ChrisBeads!

A Blog about Bead addiction, crochet, knitting and life in general.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Does it Really Make any Difference??

Over the past few months, and in an effort to get more traffic to my Etsy and Mintd sites, I have been blogging, dropping and carding furiously. Does it make any difference? Is the lack of sales more because of the economic down turn? Will things improve? Anybody got a crystal ball handy?

I have noticed similar musings on a couple of other blogs so it appears that my experience is not isolated. There go my dreams of making a living at beading, I guess.

Back to the drawing board.

12 comments:

Anna said...

Hang in there Chris. I know I've only been on Etsy a few months longer than you and I will say that my sales this holiday were lower than last, but don't give up. I've got several things I'm going to do over the next year and hope that it will help as well. (More business cards, more social connections, clean up the blogs and dig into the jewelry niche more, those types of things.) I think a lot of it is the economy, but only time will tell for sure...

Gypsy Rose Creations said...

ive been asking myself the same questions chris. Ive tried everything.

Anonymous said...

I have been having the exact same thoughts. I have been focusing a little more on my youngsters lately because I am just getting a little disappointed in Etsy and sales online. The kids and I are having fun though :) Happy New Year!!!

Bonhomie said...

Thanks for the visit! Let's not give up hope yet.....it may be because of the economy but others I know are doing well. There's nothing to say that we can't do well, also!!

The Lone Beader® said...

Never give up on your dreams!

Also, thanks for stoppin by my blog and following! Happy New Year!

Janice said...

Don't get down in the dumps you all!! Create because you love it and then also work on finding your target audience. Maybe we can all encourage one another. I think linking with others is a good start - but don't link with other jewelers - try to find complimentary artisans to link with - fabric artists, potters, basket makers, etc. I also think it helps to do this locally - find local small businesses in your area and see if you can get a network going where you link or point to each other somehow.

GOOD LUCK IN 2009!!

Janice

Campbell Jane said...

Sales weren't what I expected them to be and I must admit I've had days that I felt the same way. I love it too much to toss in the towel yet though. I think of the alternative...a cubicle. Martha Stewart is supporting Etsy on her show but other than that you don't hear much about it. With a million + sellers you would think they could afford a bit more advertising in my opinion. Your creations are beautiful! Hang in there!
Peace & Love
Happy New Year

Frau Zinnie said...

I really think its the economy. Try to keep your spirits up! I think it's great that you're getting your name out there- continue to do so!! :)
~Jen

Summer said...

Don't give up! Your work is beautiful. You just need to give it some time. Even if you don't make enough to make a living on, you'll at least be able to support your hobby, lol.

I've seen sellers broaden their shop horizons to other places like 1000 Markets and Artfire. Maybe that's something to consider.

Did you know that there is an Etsy wiki? I'm sure others have known about it for awhile, but I just came across on the Art Business blog: http://tinyurl.com/85xtcq

Good luck!

Swapna said...

Do't get disheartened.. I love your work if it's any help.. don't let go of your dream..the rest will follow

Anonymous said...

I agree, biz is slow on Etsy it seems, but I think things will get better as the new Pres. tries to stimulate the economy (or at least I hope it works!), and people feel more secure about it all. Don't give up as they say, and I see from your next post, that you haven't.
Good!

Periwinkle Studio said...

Hang in there and know you are not alone!
Do what you love and the rest will follow. :)