glow marketing

To Etsy or not to Etsy?

January 21st, 2009

Etsy is an online community that helps artists promote and sell their handmade goods. The site is an excellent opportunity for smaller start-ups with the gift of craftiness.I see Etsy has an excellent way for Mom entreprenuers to test market a new product idea and create greater exposure for their company. It seems relatively easy to set-up an Etsy shop and Etsy is doing it’s part to drive traffic to the site. Recently Etsy announced it will hold another online baby shower which I think is brilliant.

Etsy is also an excellent source for really unique items retailers. As more and more kid and baby boutiques open, it’s harder and harder to stand apart from the competition. Offering unique and different products with limited distribution or exclusivity is a key element of standing out.

Unique and different products are CRUCIAL, so consider this part of your marketing plan and don’t worry about how small the mark-up is. Without unique products you are no better than all of the other sites and stores out  there. Good luck getting any kind of PR if you have the same stuff everyone else has.

Most importantly, Etsy offers Mom entrepreneurs an easy way to test the waters with a new handmade product idea prior to going into full steam production.  If you had experiences selling on Etsy, good or bad, please share!

Entry Filed under: Idea Sharing, Online Marketing