Over 2000 Sales in Less than a Year... Learn How Kristin Did It

Approximately two weeks ago, I received a link from Timothy Adam to an interview he conducted with a fortunate Etsy seller, Kristin Purcell. During the interview, Kristin shared some of the things that help her bring customers to her shop. After listening to the interview, I had to make sure I wasn't imaging the number of sales Kristin's shop had. I went to Peaches 4 Me and yes, Kristin had over 2000 sales. In total awe, I had to share Kristin's shop with my readers and ask Kristin some of my own questions....

NM: Please describe your jewelry.
KP: I make modern and vintage style jewelry – I'm kind of partial to necklaces, being a necklace person myself. I draw inspiration from all around me. Nature is a heavy influence, especially trees and leaves. I love the look of botanical anything – jewelry, paintings – you name it!

NM: How long have you been designing jewelry for?
KP: I've been designing jewelry for a few years, although I've always been told I have a knack for putting things together.

NM: How did you begin making jewelry? What attracted you to it?
KP: Well, I am a jewelry lover for sure! I think that is what attracted me to it. Plus, I could never find exactly what I was looking for in stores so I started putting it together myself.

NM: During your recent interview with Timothy Adam, you mentioned you lost your job several months ago and have replaced your income with jewelry sales. Since joining Etsy in November of 2008, you've sold over 2300 items. You've also had several sales on Artfire. That is impressive! What were your sales like while you were still employed? What are they like now? What are the some of the key things you've done or changed to bring and increase sales?
KP: I started listing items in January, right before I lost my job. Sales were iffy, but I wanted to give this a chance. I figured, it was now or never. I started out making wall art and housewares. I began sprinkling jewelry in, but I was afraid to go with jewelry all the way at first because it is such a saturated market. Then I started noticing that most of my sales were jewelry items, so I took the plunge, so to speak.

As far as improvements, I have spent what feels like a lifetime on my photos. Still to this day, there are some I am not happy with. I just keep working at it. I think that, coupled with the fact that nature inspired items are trendy and sought after, has brought me the success I have enjoyed. I also work at promoting my shop many hours a day. I have never worked this hard or this many hours, but I am incredibly grateful for my success.

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
KP: I promote my shop anywhere and everywhere. I use paid advertising, mostly on Facebook, but I have used I-Promote on Artfire as well. I also have a fan page, which not only brings me sales, but allows me to interact with my customer, which I love. They are a super cool bunch of folks. I also do my fair share of renewing on Etsy. There is so much competition there, it makes it necessary for me to use that tool to stay relevant in the searches. You have to spend money to make money. I really believe that.

Also, through what I think is sheer luck of the draw, I've been featured in Etsy's Weekend Deals, on the front page and in Gift Guides.

NM: During the interview you also mentioned you heavily rely on Google Analytics to determine best listing times, as well as to gather other pertinent information such as traffic sources, search terms, etc. Is there a site or tutorial you can recommend for learning how to best use the tool?
KP: I recommend using Tim Adam's tutorial for Google Analytics. It can be found on his blog, I believe. The biggest tip for me was checking GA to see the times of day when I had the most traffic to my shop, and choosing those times to renew on Etsy and also, those are the times I choose to run my paid advertising.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy and Artfire? Do you sell your items at craft fairs?
KP: I also have a shop on 1000 Markets. I don't currently do any craft shows. The ones I know about locally are just not a good fit for me. Plus, I am really busy with online sales.

NM: What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
KP: I love my Mod Love Bird earrings. They are just so simple and so cute. They are my biggest seller as well. I wear mine all the time.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
KP: I do have a blog, but I regret to say, it's woefully neglected. :)

NM: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy, Artfire or elsewhere?
KP: I do belong to a couple of teams on Artfire. Also, I belong to the Pagan Team on Etsy. I am not terribly active, I'm sorry to say. I just get busy and overwhelmed at times.

NM: Is there anything else you would like to share with us? (A little more about yourself, words of wisdom, marketing tips, …)
KP: Well, one thing I will say is that you should use some of the tips I gave as a guideline. Not everything works for every shop. Also, I think improving photos is monumentally important. Don't try paid advertising until you are happy with at least some of your photos.

Another thing is trading – I cannot say enough wonderful stuff about trading. It's a fabulous way to get some of your products out there, and get some feedback. Especially if you're just starting out. I have made some wonderful connections by trading as well. My very first sale on Etsy was a trade. There are always trading threads going in the Promotions Forum on Etsy. It's worth a try. Plus, you get some great stuff! :)


Business Details

Your Name: Kristin Purcell

Business/Shop Name: Just Peachy by Peaches4me

Etsy Shop: www.peaches4me.etsy.com