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<title>DIY Craft Photography</title>
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<title>DIY Craft Photography</title>
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<title>10 Easy Ideas to Dress Up your Food Photography</title>
<link>/10-ideas-improve-food-photography-for-cheap/</link>
<comments>/10-ideas-improve-food-photography-for-cheap/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Composition & Techniques]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[food photography examples]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[food photography tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[ideas for food photography]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=517</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Photographing food is often about more than just food – it’s about evoking a feeling. The props you surround your food with can be used to suggest the warmth of home on a winter’s day, or the breeziness of the beach, or the adventure of a vacation. Browse this list for ideas and inspiration for...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/10-ideas-improve-food-photography-for-cheap/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Photographing food is often about more than just food – it’s about evoking a feeling. The props you surround your food with can be used to suggest the warmth of home on a winter’s day, or the breeziness of the beach, or the adventure of a vacation. Browse this list for ideas and inspiration for your next food snapshot.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Add texture with placemats and tablecloths </h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/caffeine-coffee-drink-164588-1024x683.jpg" alt="Coffee mug on a white tablecloth" class="wp-image-1893" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/caffeine-coffee-drink-164588-1024x683.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/caffeine-coffee-drink-164588-300x200.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/caffeine-coffee-drink-164588-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>This decorative tablecloth adds interest under the dishes.</figcaption></figure>
<p>This seems like an obvious place to start, but what might be less obvious is what you can do with them: you can <strong>roll them</strong>, <strong>stack them</strong>, <strong>layer them</strong>, <strong>ruffle them up a bit</strong>, <strong>lay them flat</strong>, or just let them <strong>peek in from around the edge</strong> of your photo composition. A tablecloth or a placemat doesn’t have to just lay flat in the background, nor does it have to fill the frame or be perfectly aligned with the edges of the photo. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Show the raw ingredients</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" width="914" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/anise-aroma-art-277253-914x1024.jpg" alt="Salt and spices in spoons" class="wp-image-1888" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/anise-aroma-art-277253-914x1024.jpg 914w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/anise-aroma-art-277253-268x300.jpg 268w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/anise-aroma-art-277253-768x861.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 914px) 100vw, 914px" /><figcaption>It’s a bit messy but it certainly catches the eye!<br></figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>Herbs and spices, chocolate chips</strong>, or a <strong>dusting of flour </strong>can serve as authentic props and add interest to shots of ready-to-eat food.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Invite some friends</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Orange-Mango-Sunshine-Drink-Homemade-Healthy-Orange-Juice_-683x1024.jpg" alt="Three glasses of mango orange smoothie with straws and a tablecloth in the background" class="wp-image-1883" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Orange-Mango-Sunshine-Drink-Homemade-Healthy-Orange-Juice_-683x1024.jpg 683w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Orange-Mango-Sunshine-Drink-Homemade-Healthy-Orange-Juice_-200x300.jpg 200w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Orange-Mango-Sunshine-Drink-Homemade-Healthy-Orange-Juice_-768x1152.jpg 768w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Orange-Mango-Sunshine-Drink-Homemade-Healthy-Orange-Juice_.jpg 1560w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption><a href="https://www.findingveggiejoy.com/orange-mango-sunshine-drink/">Orange Mango Sunshine Drink by Finding Veggie Joy</a></figcaption></figure>
<p>We often shoot beverages and plated food as a serving of one, so showing multiples of the same thing can be an eye-catching but easy way to take a more interesting photo. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Leave something out</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-breakfast-cooking-2179942-1024x683.jpg" alt="Off-center bowl of banana and oats" class="wp-image-1889" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-breakfast-cooking-2179942-1024x683.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-breakfast-cooking-2179942-300x200.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-breakfast-cooking-2179942-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mdsn.design/">mdsn.design</a> <br></figcaption></figure>
<p>Who says you have to show the whole thing? Pushing the subject out of the frame can add interest with minimal effort. The viewer’s imagination can fill in the rest.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Surround it with something sparkly!</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="682" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-bowl-delicious-1333746-682x1024.jpg" alt="Bowl of bananas and seeds surrounded by large shiny pieces of confetti " class="wp-image-1884" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-bowl-delicious-1333746-682x1024.jpg 682w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-bowl-delicious-1333746-200x300.jpg 200w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banana-bowl-delicious-1333746-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure>
<p>This shiny confetti isn’t food, but it’s an effective way to dress up a simple shot. Shiny plates, shiny cookware, shiny silverware can also be used to add interest to food photography. Metal surfaces in general tend to complement food nicely, evoking the look and feel of cookware and kitchen appliances.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Show the process</h2>
<p>Tools of the trade, your kitchen, and even your own hands can be used to add interest to your food photography. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfectly neat – they rarely are in a kitchen – focus on the food and let the background become a bit blurry. (This effect is called a <a href="https://digital-photography-school.com/17-beautiful-images-with-shallow-depth-of-field/">shallow depth of field</a> – it’s often achieved using a <a href="https://amzn.to/2GI6UFB">50mm lens</a> but it can also be <a href="/photoshop-tutorial-fake-a-background-blur/">faked in post-processing</a>.)</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bakery-baking-bread-890520-768x1024.jpg" alt="Sugar cookies on a baking tray with baker's hands and tools in the background" class="wp-image-1886" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bakery-baking-bread-890520-768x1024.jpg 768w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bakery-baking-bread-890520-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oleg.magni/">oleg.magni </a></figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Add a little garnish</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="648" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bake-baking-berry-302474-1024x648.jpg" alt="Stack of pancakes with raspberries and green leaves" class="wp-image-1887" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bake-baking-berry-302474-1024x648.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bake-baking-berry-302474-300x190.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bake-baking-berry-302474-768x486.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>Garnish is one of those “easy wins” that’s also easy to overlook. After all, not many of us put little garnishes on our day-to-day food. But adding little green leaves is an easy (and inexpensive) way to fancy up your food before you photograph it. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Give it personality with people</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="684" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/chips-close-up-cuisine-2092508-1024x684.jpg" alt="Plate of tacos and rice in front of a seated person" class="wp-image-1891" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/chips-close-up-cuisine-2092508-1024x684.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/chips-close-up-cuisine-2092508-300x200.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/chips-close-up-cuisine-2092508-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chitokan/">chitokan</a></figcaption></figure>
<p>You don’t have to pose with your food (that might come off a little odd) but populating the background with people can be an effective way to tell a richer story through food photography.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Make it an action shot</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="685" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/blur-bread-cake-397913-685x1024.jpg" alt="Syrup being poured onto a stack of waffles" class="wp-image-1890" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/blur-bread-cake-397913-685x1024.jpg 685w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/blur-bread-cake-397913-201x300.jpg 201w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/blur-bread-cake-397913-768x1147.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" /></figure>
<p>Showing the syrup mid-drip, the pancake mid-flip, the tea mid-pour or the stir fry mid-toss adds instant drama and interest to food photos. You may need an assistant and a bit of planning to pull it off, but the end result may be worth it.<strong>Plates of all sizes and colors</strong> – your local Goodwill or World Market is a great place to find a variety of plates. Glass plates can look upscale or old fashioned; bold bright colors often look summery, dark and rich colors often look warm and wintry.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. … or all of the above!</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/barbecue-bbq-berries-1667580-683x1024.jpg" alt="A busy scene shot from an overhead perspective showing many kinds of fruit and crackers on plates, cutting boards, and bowls" class="wp-image-1885" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/barbecue-bbq-berries-1667580-683x1024.jpg 683w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/barbecue-bbq-berries-1667580-200x300.jpg 200w, /wp-content/uploads/2019/04/barbecue-bbq-berries-1667580-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@rawpixel?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels">rawpixel.com</a> from <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/flat-lay-photography-of-fruit-platter-1667580/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels">Pexels</a></figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Great Food Photography</h2>
<p>These are just a <em>few</em> of the great food photographers and food photography blogs out there. Leave a comment and let me know who <strong>your</strong> favorite food photographer is!</p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com/">Edible Perspective</a></li><li><a href="http://www.dessertsforbreakfast.com/">Desserts for Breakfast</a></li><li><a href="http://www.thetarttart.com/2012/07/lambs-quarters-frittata/">The Tart Tart</a></li><li><a href="http://lovintheoven.com/">Lovin The Oven</a></li><li><a href="http://pinchofyum.com/">Pinch of Yum</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gregdupree.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=0">Greg Dupree</a></li><li><a href="http://yossyarefi.com/">Yossy Arefi</a></li><li><a href="http://whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday.com/">What Should I Eat for Breakfast Today</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">Bakerella</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sarkababicka.com/food/">Sarka Babicka</a></li><li><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/50-best-food-blog-photos-of-2012">BuzzFeed’s 50 Best Food Blog Photos of 2012</a></li></ul>
]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>5 of the Best Selling Wood Crafts on Etsy (Plus a Tour of Successful Woodworking Shops!)</title>
<link>/best-selling-wood-crafts-on-etsy/</link>
<comments>/best-selling-wood-crafts-on-etsy/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:30:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[best selling etsy crafts]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[best selling etsy shops]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[great etsy shops]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[wood craft ideas]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[woodworking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[woodworking ideas]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1748</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Wooden crafts are so beautiful to me. I love the wood’s inherent character and uniqueness – no two can ever be exactly alike. And I’m not alone! Lots of people these days prefer natural, handmade wooden crafts over mass-produced, environment-harming versions. If you’re good with wood, you might find a big market for your wooden crafts on Etsy. A lot of...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/best-selling-wood-crafts-on-etsy/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wooden crafts are so beautiful to me. I love the wood’s inherent character and uniqueness – no two can ever be exactly alike. And I’m not alone! Lots of people these days prefer natural, handmade wooden crafts over mass-produced, environment-harming versions.</p>
<p>If you’re good with wood, you might find a big market for your wooden crafts on Etsy. A lot of search traffic to this site includes terms like “best selling wood crafts on Etsy”, which makes me think a good number of people are curious about either buying or selling wood crafts.</p>
<p>This article is a small tour of just some of the thousands of fantastic wooden crafts out there on Etsy and what you can learn from these featured shops.</p>
<p>Get inspired!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1749" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109423550/wooden-dinosaur-toy-set-waldorf-wood?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=wood+dinosaur+toys&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1749" class="wp-image-1749" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/imagination_kids_dinosaur_toys.jpg" alt="imagination_kids_dinosaur_toys" width="520" height="381" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/imagination_kids_dinosaur_toys.jpg 526w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/imagination_kids_dinosaur_toys-300x219.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1749" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109423550/wooden-dinosaur-toy-set-waldorf-wood?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=wood+dinosaur+toys&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">Smiling dinosaurs</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Imaginationkids?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ImaginationKids</a></p></div></p>
<p>PS: I’m not a woodworker myself, so if I got something wrong about your craft please leave a comment so I can correct this article.</p>
<p>PPS: I selected these shops myself and I don’t know the owners of any of them. I’m sorry if I overlooked your shop or another great shop. Etsy is huge, and I’m just an Etsy addict who loves to feature shops that catch my eye. (Leaving a mean comment will not get your shop featured.)</p>
<h2>Painted Wooden Signs</h2>
<p>Wooden signs are awesome: you can make them say whatever you want and there’s <em>no</em> shortage of things to say. They can be very inexpensive, too: just grab some wood (reclaimed, recycled, brand new, scraps from a previous project, anything works), think of something to say, and paint it on! Competing successfully with the bigwigs would require finding a unique angle, such as personalization or saying something they’d <em>never</em> print on a sign sold at Target.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/trimblecrafts?ref=l2-shopheader-name">TrimbleCrafts</a> <strong>(17,000+ sales)</strong> has so many funny signs I don’t know where to start! This shop is a great example of how to combine craftsmanship with a well-developed sense of humor. Something I love about this shop is how many of the signs are pretty similar in size and style, leaving buyers more free to focus on choosing a message and colors (and probably allowing for more predictable shipping containers and weights for the seller).</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1769" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nice-normal-family-trimble-crafts1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1769" class="wp-image-1769" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nice-normal-family-trimble-crafts1.jpg" alt="nice-normal-family-trimble-crafts" width="520" height="423" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nice-normal-family-trimble-crafts1.jpg 569w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nice-normal-family-trimble-crafts1-300x244.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1769" class="wp-caption-text">Many of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/trimblecrafts?ref=l2-shopheader-name">TrimbleCrafts</a>‘s painted signs are clever and funny like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/84496968/remember-we-are-normal-family-wood-sign?ref=shop_home_active_13">this “Nice, Normal Family” sign</a>.</p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrowBarDsigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">CrowBarDsigns</a><strong> (1600+ sales) </strong>makes made-to-order signs for homes and bars using reclaimed wood and weathered-looking paint. I like this shop because of its casual sense of humor. Whereas a lot of signs are inspirational and uplifting, this shop makes signs I actually laugh at. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f600.png" alt="😀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p><div id="attachment_1750" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/124696386/wooden-sign-bar-sign-humorous-funny?ref=shop_home_active_7"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1750" class="wp-image-1750" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paddle_crow_bar_dsigns.jpg" alt="paddle_crow_bar_dsigns" width="520" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paddle_crow_bar_dsigns.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paddle_crow_bar_dsigns-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1750" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/124696386/wooden-sign-bar-sign-humorous-funny?ref=shop_home_active_7">Funny sign</a> made from reclaimed wood by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrowBarDsigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Crow Bar Dsigns</a> (I see what you did with your name there, <em>Dsigns</em>. Well done.)</p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ASign4Life?ref=shop_sugg">ASign4Life</a> <strong>(1300+ sales)</strong> Of course, if <em>you</em> get into sign-making you can make ’em say whatever you want, be it serious, sentimental, inspirational, hilarious, commemorative, or any of the above. This shop has wonderful photos, which caught my eye, and even though the shop is just over a year old its been selling signs at a rate of about 1 a day!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1753" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170293018/choose-your-letters-large-hand-painted?ref=shop_home_active_19"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1753" class="wp-image-1753" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/family_sign.jpg" alt="family_sign" width="520" height="348" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/family_sign.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/family_sign-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1753" class="wp-caption-text">Awesome idea and beautiful execution: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170293018/choose-your-letters-large-hand-painted?ref=shop_home_active_19">big wooden Scrabble tiles</a>! Custom tiles made and sold by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170293018/choose-your-letters-large-hand-painted?ref=related-1">ASign4Life</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesummeryumbrella?ref=l2-shopheader-name ">The Summery Umbrella</a><strong> (3,200+ sales)</strong> goes beyond signs (though they do sell signs, too) to also offer cut-outs and other cool shapes to decorate with.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1770" style="width: 580px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/summery_umbrella_shark.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1770" class="wp-image-1770 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/summery_umbrella_shark.jpg" alt="" width="570" height="380" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/summery_umbrella_shark.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/summery_umbrella_shark-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1770" class="wp-caption-text">I love this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158681288/shark-reclaimed-wood-sign-33x12x05?ref=shop_home_active_10">shark</a> cut-out sign by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesummeryumbrella?ref=l2-shopheader-name">The Summery Umbrella</a>!</p></div></p>
<p><strong>How to succeed with wooden sign-making</strong></p>
<p>The most successful sign-makers on Etsy have an <strong>excellent sense of typography (fonts) and composition</strong>. They know how to put words into a rectangle in a way that pleases the eye and puts emphasis in the right places. They’re pretty clever when it comes to choosing what to say. I found plenty of signs decorated with stretched out Comic Sans, and if you have no idea why that’s horrifying, you may have an uphill battle building a successful Etsy business out of sign-making. But if you’re great with text and graphic design (and marketing your shop), there’s always room for fresh talent!</p>
<p><strong>Just beware…</strong></p>
<p>The painted wooden sign category on Etsy is <em>saturated</em>. Thank a low barrier to entry (paint words onto wood, done!) and a pretty much endless variety of things to say. Signs can be heavy and awkward to ship, so costs could end up being a concern, too. Sign-making suffers a little bit from “I could make that myself” syndrome, though the best signs are clearly the result of a talented eye and a steady hand.</p>
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<h2>Laser-Cut Wood Crafts</h2>
<p>Laser-engraved and laser-cut wood is a little off the beaten path as far as handmade crafts go, but the results are professional and stunning to look at. This woodcraft category definitely does not suffer from “I could make that myself” syndrome, and there is some truly unique stuff out there. It’s also a pretty untapped market (and what few artisans there are in this space seem to be doing well with hundreds, if not thousands, of sales) and potentially a lot more lucrative than sign painting.</p>
<p>Here are a few laser-cut wood craft shops to inspire you!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLaserCo?ref=l2-shopheader-name">TheNorthwoodCo</a> <strong>(2000+ sales)</strong> Ornaments, cufflinks, and more – all carefully cut from wood and embellished with a laser. This shop opened in 2014 and, with over 2000 sales since then, is making more than 1 sale a day!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1755" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183328583/rock-n-roll-cufflinks-plectrum-cufflinks?ref=shop_home_active_7"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1755" class="wp-image-1755" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/laser-cut-cufflinks-the-laser-co.jpg" alt="laser-cut-cufflinks-the-laser-co" width="520" height="389" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/laser-cut-cufflinks-the-laser-co.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/laser-cut-cufflinks-the-laser-co-300x224.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1755" class="wp-caption-text">Tiny engraved text laser-cut into <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183328583/rock-n-roll-cufflinks-plectrum-cufflinks?ref=shop_home_active_7">wooden cufflinks</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183328583/rock-n-roll-cufflinks-plectrum-cufflinks?ref=listing-shop-header-1">TheLaserCo</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValekRollingPins?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Valek Rolling Pins</a><strong> (18,000+ sales) </strong>is a great example of a laser-cut woodworking shop serving a distinct niche. Serving a niche is a good thing – it means you’re a specialist and an expert in what you do. If you do one thing fabulously well, there’s little need to try to do everything. Through specialization, Valek is <strong>the</strong> shop for customized rolling pins.</p>
<p>Decorate your dough with the original laser-engraved rolling pin! A clever idea well executed. Photographing embossed cookies along with the rolling pins was a smart idea, because I would have totally doubted the magic of engraved rolling pins. (Now I just really, <em>really</em> want one!)</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1756" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="alekRolli"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1756" class="wp-image-1756" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/personalised_rolling_pin.jpg" alt="personalised_rolling_pin" width="520" height="346" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/personalised_rolling_pin.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/personalised_rolling_pin-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1756" class="wp-caption-text">Customized laser-cut rolling pin lets you sign your name in the dough! Rolling pin by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValekRollingPins?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ValekRollingPins</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Elementsinspiration">Elements Inspiration</a> <strong>(</strong><strong>16,700 sales)</strong> Laser-cut wood crafts don’t have to be limited to finished, complete products. This shop’s specialty is in making little trinkets and embellishments that other crafters might purchase and attach to their own crafts. The variety in this shop is overwhelming! There’s really something here for everyone. (I wouldn’t be sad at ALL if <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191041145/set-of-4lasercut-wood-dr-who-tardis-15?ref=shop_home_active_6">these little wooden Tardis minis</a> showed up in my mailbox :D) This shop is a great example of serving a need: unique, quality embellishments made of wood for other crafters. The thousands of positive reviews make it clear that this shop is getting it right.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1763" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/251393445?"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1763" class="wp-image-1763" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wood-bees-6-elements.jpg" alt="wood-bees-6-elements" width="520" height="429" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wood-bees-6-elements.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wood-bees-6-elements-300x247.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1763" class="wp-caption-text">Little wooden <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/251393445?">laser-cut bees</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Elementsinspiration?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Elements Inspiration</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahMimoClocks?ref=l2-shopheader-name">SarahMimoClocks</a> <strong>(500+ sales) </strong><strong>**Undiscovered artisan!** </strong>My first thought at seeing these stunning clocks was <em>“wood can do that?!” </em>SarahMimoClocks takes laser-cutting and clockwork to a whole new level! This shop is another great example of choosing a niche and just completely owning it.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1758" style="width: 502px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106949917/sophia-clock-laser-cut-wood-wall-art?ref=shop_home_active_12"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1758" class="wp-image-1758" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sophia_clock_laser_cut_wood_clock.jpg" alt="sophia_clock_laser_cut_wood_clock" width="492" height="605" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sophia_clock_laser_cut_wood_clock.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sophia_clock_laser_cut_wood_clock-243x300.jpg 243w" sizes="(max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1758" class="wp-caption-text">Imaginative and detailed <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106949917/sophia-clock-laser-cut-wood-wall-art?ref=shop_home_active_12">Sophia Clock</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahMimoClocks?ref=l2-shop-info-name">SarahMimoClocks</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhDs?ref=l2-shopheader-name#">PhDs</a> <strong>(2500+ sales)</strong> makes beautiful laser-cut maps well-suited for historical sites, offices, and other high-end professional uses. Yet another example of choosing a niche and owning it.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1757" style="width: 529px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189621257/lake-norman-north-carolina-wooden-laser?ref=shop_home_active_8"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1757" class="wp-image-1757" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/phds_laser_cut_map.jpg" alt="phds_laser_cut_map" width="519" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/phds_laser_cut_map.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/phds_laser_cut_map-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 519px) 100vw, 519px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1757" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhDs?ref=l2-shopheader-name#">PhDs</a> makes many things, but I think her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhDs?ref=shop_sugg">laser-cut maps</a> are some of her finest work.</p></div></p>
<p><strong>How to succeed with laser-cut wood crafts</strong></p>
<p>The most successful laser-cutters seem to have chosen a niche to perfect their craft in. Whether it’s maps or clocks or little trinkets, the best selling wood craft shops have mastered their niche. Aspiring laser-cutters will need to master their machinery and software as well as having a good handle on design and composition. Interestingly, this is one of the few woodworking crafts that doesn’t really require a steady hand, since most of the work is done by the laser and you via the computer.</p>
<h3>Just beware…</h3>
<p>The equipment you’ll need to laser-cut wood is pricey and there’s a definite learning curve, but the possibilities are infinite and competition is relatively thin.</p>
<h2>Handcrafted Wooden Toys</h2>
<p>The market for handmade wooden toys exploded over the last few years as parents turned away from cheap crap made in questionable conditions overseas in favor of natural, simple toys from local artisans. Let’s meet some successful wooden toy makers!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Imaginationkids?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ImaginationKids</a> <strong>(12,000+ sales)</strong> caught my eye with their brightly painted toys. A lot of wooden toys on Etsy are sold unadorned or with a clear veneer, so the stuff in this shop really stands out! These toys also look hand-cut, rather than laser-cut like most others.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1771" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61641720/sun-stacker-waldorf-wooden-toy-orange?ref=shop_home_active_21"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1771" class="wp-image-1771" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sun-stacker.jpg" alt="sun-stacker" width="520" height="421" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sun-stacker.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sun-stacker-300x242.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1771" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61641720/sun-stacker-waldorf-wooden-toy-orange?ref=shop_home_active_21">Sun stacker toy</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Imaginationkids?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ImaginationKids</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlesaplingtoys">Little Sapling Toys </a><strong>(41,000 sales)</strong> is the reigning champion of sales in the wooden kids toys category on Etsy, and for good reason: their toys are gorgeous! And adorable. And many of them are rather clever, too. They’re just plain and simple toys, and many have the option to be customized with the child’s name.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1765" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/63108989/personalized-wooden-toy-camera-modern?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1765" class="wp-image-1765" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/little-sapling-toys-personalized-camera.jpg" alt="little-sapling-toys-personalized-camera" width="520" height="520" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/little-sapling-toys-personalized-camera.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/little-sapling-toys-personalized-camera-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/little-sapling-toys-personalized-camera-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/little-sapling-toys-personalized-camera-45x45.jpg 45w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1765" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/63108989/personalized-wooden-toy-camera-modern?ref=shop_home_active_4">Personalized toy camera</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlesaplingtoys?ref=l2-shopheader-name">LittleSaplingToys</a>. Start ’em off young. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f600.png" alt="😀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlewoodenwonders?ref=related-shop-2&ga_search_query=wooden+cars&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">Little Wooden Wonders</a> <strong>(8,800+ sales)</strong> makes personalizable wooden children’s toys with a cool twist: many of their toys are interlocking, like puzzle pieces!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1766" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116741998/elephant-puzzle-wood-baby-elephant-eco?ref=shop_home_feat_2"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1766" class="wp-image-1766" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/interlocking_elephant.jpg" alt="interlocking_elephant" width="520" height="346" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/interlocking_elephant.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/interlocking_elephant-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1766" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116741998/elephant-puzzle-wood-baby-elephant-eco?ref=shop_home_feat_2">Interlocking elephant puzzle toy</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlewoodenwonders?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Little Wooden Wonders</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HowellsProducts?ref=related-shop-2&ga_search_query=wood+toys&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">HowellsProducts</a> <strong>(8,200+ sales)</strong> picked a niche and owned it: toy building sets!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1767" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/natural-building-blocks.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1767" class="wp-image-1767" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/natural-building-blocks.jpg" alt="natural-building-blocks" width="520" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/natural-building-blocks.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/natural-building-blocks-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1767" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HowellsProducts?ref=search_shop_redirect">Howells Products</a> makes <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150848519/lowest-price-toy-building-blocks-27?ref=shop_home_active_2">simple building block toys</a> for kids at great prices.</p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmallthingsbyAmanda?ref=related-shop-21&ga_search_query=wooden+dollhouse+furniture&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery">SmallthingsbyAmanda</a> <strong>(3,100+ sales) </strong>creates adorable tiny dollhouse furniture. Etsy runneth over with building blocks and stacking toys, but dollhouse furniture seems to be mostly a lost art outside of vintage. This shop stands out with its sheer variety of adorable micro-size options. (I also wish I had a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196019710/dolls-house-pink-armchair-with?ref=shop_home_active_5">pink gingham lounge chair</a> in my own home!) If you’ve got a steady hand and love working “miniature”, then consider making little toys for slightly older kids!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1776" style="width: 367px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/249363318?"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1776" class="wp-image-1776" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dollhouse-furniture-smallthingsbyamanda.jpg" alt="dollhouse-furniture-smallthingsbyamanda" width="357" height="268" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dollhouse-furniture-smallthingsbyamanda.jpg 320w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dollhouse-furniture-smallthingsbyamanda-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1776" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/249363318?">Dollhouse furniture set</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmallthingsbyAmanda?ref=l2-shopheader-name">SmallthingsbyAmanda</a> – even the shop photos are tiny!</p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArksAndAnimals?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ArksAndAnimals</a> <strong>(10,000+ sales)</strong> found yet another great niche – little animals and play scenes! I’m a big dork for dinosaurs so this warmed my heart. I love this shop’s focused product line and clear name.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1780" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dinosaurs-volcano.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1780" class="wp-image-1780" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dinosaurs-volcano.jpg" alt="dinosaurs-volcano" width="520" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dinosaurs-volcano.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dinosaurs-volcano-300x224.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1780" class="wp-caption-text">The volcano ignites! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/98021336/dinosaur-animal-set-wooden-block-toys?ref=shop_home_active_1">Dinosaur toys</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArksAndAnimals?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ArksAndAnimals</a></p></div></p>
<p><strong>How to succeed making wooden toys</strong></p>
<p>The market is wide open, and if you can bring a unique perspective you’ll do even better. Think beyond baby blocks and wheeled cars, and you’ll have an easier time standing out. Most people shopping for wooden toys are looking for something “classic” or “natural”, so be sure to play up those points if they apply to your product. Personalization is also a big win.</p>
<p>You’d be competing with the big dogs (and every Chinese toy factory on the planet), but there’s a hungry market out there eager for quality. Bonus points if you have children (or know someone with children) to test out your toys and pose with them for Etsy shop photos.</p>
<p><strong>Just beware…</strong></p>
<p>Artisans making childrens’ toys their niche have a considerable responsibility to ensure their toys are safe. Make sure everything you sell is rugged and too big to fit into little mouths. Also, the top shops selling wood crafts are all clearly working with laser cutters. If you weren’t digging laser-cut wood crafts, you might find lasers unavoidable in the kids toys realm as well.</p>
<h2>Wooden Home Furniture & Decor</h2>
<p>If you like to dream big with your wooden crafts, you might find enjoyment in furniture making!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SereneVillage?ref=l2-shopheader-name">SereneVillage</a> <strong>(1,100 sales) </strong>sells rustic-looking farm tables, picnic tables, TV stands, and more – all made from reclaimed wood! It’s not furniture, but one of my favorite items in this shop is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181851704/custom-professional-food-photography?ref=shop_home_active_20">this decorative food tray</a> for food photography. This shop finds is voice in vintage-looking one-of-a-kind pieces.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1773" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/beach-table-serene-village.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1773" class="wp-image-1773" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/beach-table-serene-village.jpg" alt="beach-table-serene-village" width="520" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/beach-table-serene-village.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/beach-table-serene-village-300x224.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1773" class="wp-caption-text">Lovely <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196536500/end-table-wood-weathered-table-serene?ref=listing-shop-header-1">weathered end-table</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SereneVillage?ref=l2-shopheader-name">SereneVillage</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignedForUse?ref=related-shop-1&ga_search_query=wooden+bookshelf&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery">DesignedForUse</a> <strong>(320 sales)</strong> sells stained and painted crates! It might look like you’re getting a completed shelf, but you’re actually just going to recieve all the crates needed to build it yourself. While this probably saves on shipping and is a clever way to offer customization, it wouldn’t hold up in an earthquake prone part of the country! (A few nails of your own might help with that.) Still, I think it’s a neat idea and certainly easier than moving a full-size bookshelf every time you relocate.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/crate-bookshelf.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1777" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/crate-bookshelf.jpg" alt="crate-bookshelf" width="520" height="696" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/crate-bookshelf.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/crate-bookshelf-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shabbyshores?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ShabbyShores</a><strong> (780 sales) </strong>capitalizes successfully on the “shabby chic” beach cottage trend. (And if you think 780 sales isn’t impressive, consider the shop is only a year and a half old.) Everything in their Etsy shop has that same “well-loved” look to it. Something I didn’t realize as I initially explored this shop is that most of the furniture is actually small jewelry boxes! These pieces are so detailed, I originally thought they were dressers and nightstands.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1775" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shabbyshores_jewelrybox.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1775" class="wp-image-1775" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shabbyshores_jewelrybox.jpg" alt="shabbyshores_jewelrybox" width="520" height="521" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shabbyshores_jewelrybox.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shabbyshores_jewelrybox-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shabbyshores_jewelrybox-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shabbyshores_jewelrybox-45x45.jpg 45w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1775" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/214712103/beautiful-jewelry-box-distressed-wood?ref=shop_home_active_2">Beach chic jewelry box</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shabbyshores?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Shabby Shores</a></p></div></p>
<p><strong>How to succeed with home furniture on Etsy</strong></p>
<p>Pick an aesthetic and stick with it! The best-selling furniture shops on Etsy do one style and they do it well.</p>
<p><strong>Just beware…</strong></p>
<p>Reclaimed and “shabby cottage chic” is <em>everywhere</em> on Etsy. I’m sure there’s room for yet another mason jar rack, but if that’s not your style, don’t feel pressured to follow the crowd.</p>
<h2>Wooden home decor and accessories</h2>
<p>This last one is just a catch-all for all the cool wooden crafts on Etsy that are useful and/or beautiful but don’t fit into any of the previous categories!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatelierHandicraft?ref=search_shop_redirect">BatelierHandicraft</a> <strong>(715 sales)</strong> makes beautiful iPad stands, book holders, and other small wooden things that are useful around the house or office. This shop’s photography is beautiful, which help its simple but efficient products shine.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1772" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180378094/wooden-ipad-stand-square-holder-in?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1772" class="wp-image-1772" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ipad-stand.jpg" alt="ipad-stand" width="520" height="347" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ipad-stand.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ipad-stand-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1772" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180378094/wooden-ipad-stand-square-holder-in?ref=shop_home_active_2">Wooden iPad stand</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BatelierHandicraft?ref=l2-shopheader-name">BatelierHandicraft</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KidBizLetters?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav">KidBizLetters</a> <strong>(880 sales)</strong> sells beautiful monogram-style letters crafted out of 1/2″ Baltic Birch and painted your choice of colors. This shop caught my eye because I think the dying art of cursive and monogramming is super cool, and because these monogram decorations look really well made. I bet this shop does a lot of business around the wedding season! Customers love custom stuff, especially when it comes to keepsakes like this.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1778" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kid-biz-letters.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1778" class="wp-image-1778" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kid-biz-letters.jpg" alt="kid-biz-letters" width="520" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kid-biz-letters.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kid-biz-letters-300x224.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1778" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174032002/wood-monogram-circle-framed-letters-all?ref=shop_home_feat_4">Wood monogram circle</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KidBizLetters?ref=l2-shopheader-name">KidBizLetters</a></p></div></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LifeUnscripted?ref=l2-shopheader-name">LifeUnscripted</a><strong> (548 sales)</strong> makes a variety of small wooden decor type stuff for the home, including coat hooks, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/102038280/shabby-pie-sign?ref=shop_home_active_11">word art signs</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93195733/bookends-for-nursery-bookend-boys-room?ref=shop_home_active_8">small bookshelves</a>, and even <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/94789014/old-fashioned-kitchen-stool?ref=shop_home_active_13">kitchen stools</a>!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1779" style="width: 530px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110936757/boys-room-decor?ref=shop_home_active_14"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1779" class="wp-image-1779" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/coat-hanger.jpg" alt="coat-hanger" width="520" height="316" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/coat-hanger.jpg 570w, /wp-content/uploads/2024/12/coat-hanger-300x182.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1779" class="wp-caption-text">A <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110936757/boys-room-decor?ref=shop_home_active_14">whale that doubles as a coat-hanger</a>. Or is it a coat-hanger doubling as a whale? Either way, it’s awesome. By <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LifeUnscripted">LifeUnscripted</a>.</p></div></p>
<p><strong>How to succeed with wooden home decor and accessories</strong></p>
<p>Offer customization, a variety of finishes, and a top-notch product. There is a lot of competition in this category from retail stores, but you can stand out if you’re offering something extra, like a choice of finishes, a quirky feature (like a built-in chalk-board!), or an engraved name. This stuff is essentially small home decor, so you’ll want to think like a home furnishings store and offer a variety of finishes to match different tastes and styles in home furnishings.</p>
<p><strong>Just beware…</strong></p>
<p>Nothing really to be aware of here, just make sure you’re making quality stuff and marketing the heck out of your shop. Find a unique angle wherever you can, like this artisan who makes a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188484621/ipad-stand-ipad-holder-tablet-stand?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=wooden+ipad+stand&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">kitchen-themed iPad stand</a> (which would look nice in a kitchen) or this one who makes an iPad stand in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155865695/ipad-stand-rustic-wood-ipad-stand-for?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_search_query=wooden+ipad+stand&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">shape of a cutting board</a>.</p>
<h1>That’s it!</h1>
<p>I hope you had as much fun looking at these handmade wooden crafts as I did finding, analyzing, and sharing them here. If you have a woodworking shop or know of a great one, please share it in the comments and tell us if you’ve applied any of the lessons from this article to your own shop!</p>
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</item>
<item>
<title>5 *More* Lessons from the Top 5 Etsy Shops</title>
<link>/5-lessons-top-5-etsy-shops/</link>
<comments>/5-lessons-top-5-etsy-shops/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2014 03:09:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business & Marketing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy lessons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[selling on etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[selling tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[top selling etsy stores]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1734</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Every so often, I take a peek at CraftCount.com, visit the top selling shops, and try to divine their secrets. As of this writing, the top 5 selling Etsy shops (overall) are: BohemianFindings (390,693 sales) clbeads (339,638 sales) yummytreasures (300,318 sales) shareliving (284,037 sales) yadanabeads (276,560 sales) So what’s new with these shops? All five of them were in...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/5-lessons-top-5-etsy-shops/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1742 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/5_more_lessons_from_best_etsy_shops_banner1.jpg" alt="5 more lessons from top etsy shops: tips for your online craft business" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/5_more_lessons_from_best_etsy_shops_banner1.jpg 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/5_more_lessons_from_best_etsy_shops_banner1-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p>
<p>Every so often, I take a peek at <a href="http://www.craftcount.com/">CraftCount.com</a>, visit the top selling shops, and try to divine their secrets. As of this writing, the top 5 selling Etsy shops (overall) are:</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BohemianFindings">BohemianFindings</a> (390,693 sales)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/clbeads"> clbeads</a> (339,638 sales)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yummytreasures">yummytreasures</a> (300,318 sales)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shareliving">shareliving</a> (284,037 sales)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yadanabeads">yadanabeads</a> (276,560 sales)</li>
</ol>
<p>So what’s new with these shops? All five of them were in the top 5 last time I looked, but, thankfully, there’s always more to learn about selling stuff on Etsy. (And no, I’m not going to waste time on tips like “sell beads” or “open your shop eight years ago” <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f609.png" alt="😉" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> )</p>
<p>Here we go!</p>
<h2>1. Sweeten the Deal: Discounts and Coupon Codes</h2>
<p>Check out the banner and header text of the top 5 shops: all five are offering some sort of discount and/or promo code to enter at checkout. When some of the first text a shop visitor sees is “COUPON”, “DISCOUNT”, or “SALE”, I’d bet there’s a pretty good chance this helps massage sales in the right direction.</p>
<p><strong>Exhibit A:</strong> ShareLiving’s epic 20% sale banner. I don’t know if they’ll make good on the “today only” promise, but this is pretty hard to miss.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share_living_20_percent_off_banner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1738" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share_living_20_percent_off_banner.jpg" alt="share_living_20_percent_off_banner" width="652" height="184" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share_living_20_percent_off_banner.jpg 786w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share_living_20_percent_off_banner-300x84.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px" /></a></p>
<p>You don’t have to get quite that over the top to get the point across, though. Check out YadanaBeads’s neat and tidy list of coupon codes:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yadana_beads_discount.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1736" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yadana_beads_discount.jpg" alt="yadana_beads_discount" width="639" height="200" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yadana_beads_discount.jpg 780w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yadana_beads_discount-300x93.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px" /></a></p>
<p>YummyTreasures goes a slightly different route. They don’t feature a coupon code in their shop message, but they do use the space to talk about their flat rate shipping and mail upgrades.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1735" style="width: 619px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yummy_treasures_flat_shipping_rates.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1735" class="wp-image-1735" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yummy_treasures_flat_shipping_rates.jpg" alt="yummy_treasures_flat_shipping_rates" width="609" height="189" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yummy_treasures_flat_shipping_rates.jpg 783w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yummy_treasures_flat_shipping_rates-300x93.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 609px) 100vw, 609px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1735" class="wp-caption-text">Flat rate shipping? Oooh!</p></div></p>
<p><strong>Lesson:</strong> Use the shop intro to welcome buyers and then immediately sweeten the deal with some coupon codes or discounts. Offer promotional codes and free or flat-rate shipping. I used to fill this section of my own shop with cutesy on-brand text, but after changing it to say *FREE SHIPPING* I got two sales in a weekend. Probably not a coincidence…? (After all, the “free shipping” business model has done wonders for Amazon!)</p>
<h2>2. Organize that shop!</h2>
<p>All five of these top selling Etsy shops have organized their shop into nearly a dozen clearly labeled sections. Even better, in some of the top 5 shops there is a section for Clearance or BIG SALE. Some customers just *love* a deal! (Says the lifelong clearance rack surfer!) For a real life example, check out YadanaBeads’s section called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yadanabeads?section_id=12584140&ref=shopsection_leftnav_10">2 dollars or Less</a>.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1737" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/shop_sections_shareliving.jpg" alt="shop_sections_shareliving" width="216" height="426" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/shop_sections_shareliving.jpg 216w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/shop_sections_shareliving-152x300.jpg 152w" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" /></p>
<p>Sections vary by shop, but there are a few constants across all five:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>10 or more sections</strong></li>
<li><strong>Lots and lots of items per section</strong> (okay, 1000+ might be more than you really need…)</li>
<li><strong>SALE section</strong></li>
</ol>
<p><strong> Lesson:</strong> Organize your shop into sections! Choose clear category names and don’t be afraid to use CAPS for important categories like NEW ITEMS or SALE.</p>
<h2>3. Have a lot of variety on offer</h2>
<p>Let’s say you sell socks. You sell men’s socks, size 10-12, in black.</p>
<p>You might eventually come to dominate the men’s socks market, but if you’re just getting started as a sock artist you would probably be more discoverable if you also sold women’s socks, children’s socks, socks in all the colors of the rainbow, or socks for people with big wide feet (tell me if you do!), or socks with funny pictures on them, or white socks for running, or clever socks that make it look like fish are eating your feet, or whatever you can think of!</p>
<p>And then once you found out that colorful children’s socks are actually your best selling products, you could focus your business on that specialty.</p>
<p>(I can’t talk about fun socks without plugging <a href="http://www.sockittome.com/">Sock it to Me</a>, a small craft biz in Portland, Oregon to which I owe about 50% of my sock drawer’s contents!)</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1739" style="width: 523px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/pink_argyle_socks.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1739" class="wp-image-1739" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/pink_argyle_socks.jpg" alt="pink_argyle_socks" width="513" height="342" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/pink_argyle_socks.jpg 750w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/12/pink_argyle_socks-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 513px) 100vw, 513px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1739" class="wp-caption-text">Besides, the world has enough basic socks.</p></div></p>
<p>These top 5 Etsy shops might all look like bead shops at a glance, but none of them specialize in any one type of beads. Heck, most don’t even limit themselves to beads: they also sell chains, spacers, charms, hoops, buttons, findings, cabochons (what the heck is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabochon">cabochon</a> anyway?) and more!</p>
<p><strong>Lesson:</strong> Don’t sell just one thing. I made this mistake in my own shop when I started out, and it wasn’t until I explored a few more designs that I found a design that makes up most of my shop’s business.</p>
<h2>4. Sell useful stuff</h2>
<p>It’s probably not a surprise that the top selling Etsy shops are all hawking supplies and other usable materials. After all, Etsy is a crafting community catering to crafters and stuff that helps crafters, well, <em>craft</em>, is probably going to sell pretty well.</p>
<p>However, I think the world needs artists, not just suppliers to artisans. The takeaway here shouldn’t be to become an Internet version of Michael’s or JoAnn’s, it should be to sell something that satisfies a need someone has. What need are these shops filling? Probably the need for a specific kind of bead, the need to avoid driving to a bead shop, the need to order a specific type or quantity, and so on.</p>
<p><strong>Lesson:</strong> Fill a need, even if you’re selling a finished product. My best-selling product is a plush betta fish that the buyer can customize to their liking. Most of my orders come from people who have just lost a beloved pet betta and want to commemorate the fish’s life with a lookalike.</p>
<p>If you’re selling clothing and accessories, try to fill a niche that your local department store isn’t filling. If you’re selling toys, sell toys that are customized or made with responsibly sourced materials or whatever applies to your product.</p>
<h2>5. Get those 5-star reviews</h2>
<p>Every shop in the top 5 has a 5-star average. A 5-star average helps encourage new buyers to make a purchase, and they also represent a transaction that is likely to result in repeated transactions in the future.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/5-stars.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1745" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/5-stars.jpg" alt="5-stars" width="145" height="29" /></a></p>
<p>Alas, you can’t exactly get 5-star reviews until you’re getting sales, but this does highlight the importance of earning those 5-star reviews and encouraging buyers to leave 5-star feedback when your shop is starting out. Do whatever you can (within reason) to earn positive reviews. The most important things are shipping quickly, delivering faster than promised, responding to buyer inquiries, and using a sturdy mailer.</p>
<p>Interestingly, the sales to reviews ratio (sales : reviews) doesn’t vary much by shop.</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BohemianFindings">BohemianFindings</a> (390,693 sales / 90,985 reviews) <strong>4.29 : 1</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/clbeads">clbeads</a> (339,638 sales / 140,058 reviews) <strong>2.42 : 1</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yummytreasures">yummytreasures</a> (300,318 sales / 139,962 reviews)<strong> 2.15 : 1</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/shareliving">shareliving</a> (284,037 sales / 112,715 reviews) <strong>2.51 : 1</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/yadanabeads">yadanabeads</a> (276,560 sales) <strong>1.84 : 1</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>The outliers here are BohemianFindings, which has to make 4.29 sales on average to win a customer review, and YadanaBeads, which must have a pretty loyal following leaving feedback for every 1.84 sales. The other three shops make about 2 and a half transactions per feedback left. Getting buyers to leave feedback is a topic for another post, but it’s essential that those who do leave feedback leave <em>very</em> <em>positive</em> feedback.</p>
<p><strong>Lesson:</strong> Expect to make at least 3 sales for every one customer review/rating. Make sure it’s a good one by shipping quickly, offer freebies (like free shipping and combined shipping), and encouraging buyers to leave 5-star feedback with a pack-in or other reminder system.</p>
<h2>That’s all, folks!</h2>
<p>There you have it – 5 more lessons from the top 5 selling Etsy shops! If you liked this article, check out my previous articles dissecting top Etsy shops and general Etsy know-how:</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="/top-selling-etsy-shops-handmade-2014/">10 Top Selling Handmade Etsy Shops (and what you can learn from them</a></li>
<li> <a href="/5-things-best-selling-etsy-shops-have-in-common/">5 Things the Best-Selling Etsy Shops Have in Common</a></li>
<li><a href="/maximize-your-5-etsy-listing-photos/">How to Maximize Your 5 Etsy Photos</a></li>
<li><a href="/10-questions-your-etsy-photos-and-descriptions-must-answer/">10 Questions your Etsy Photos Must Answer</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
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<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Samsung NX300 Camera Review and Sample Photos with Kit Lens</title>
<link>/samsung-nx300-review-and-sample-photos/</link>
<comments>/samsung-nx300-review-and-sample-photos/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:30:28 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Cameras & Equipment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mirrorless Cameras]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[My Equipment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[kit lens]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[mirrorless]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[NX300]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[nx300 lenses]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[nx300 sample photos]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[nx300 shooting modes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sample photos]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Samsung]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Samsung NX300 review]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[unboxing]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1676</guid>
<description><![CDATA[In this review: hands-on with the new Samsung NX300 mirrorless camera. This is my first mirrorless camera and so far I’m impressed. Samsung isn’t the biggest name in cameras right now, but after a weekend of pointing this camera at virtually everything in sight I think they really ought to be. Read on as I share...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/samsung-nx300-review-and-sample-photos/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><b>In this review: hands-on with the new Samsung NX300 mirrorless camera. </b></p>
<p>This is my first mirrorless camera and so far I’m impressed. Samsung isn’t the biggest name in cameras right now, but after a weekend of pointing this camera at virtually everything in sight I think they really ought to be.</p>
<p>Read on as I share my first impressions and sample photos with you in this big, long, <strong>super detailed</strong> review!</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_front.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="750" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_front.jpg" alt="samsung_nx_300_front" class="wp-image-1695" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_front.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_front-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p><em>Just so it’s clear, I was not paid or perked to write this review. I picked this camera on my own, paid for it myself, and am writing this review because I think the camera is awesome and wish a review like this existed when I bought mine! (It’ll also save me some trouble when friends ask me about the camera if I can just link them here. :D) </em></p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Samsung NX300 Camera Review: The Short Version</h1>
<div class="amazin-pros-and-cons-box" id="amazin-pros-and-cons-box-id-1985">
<!-- title (if any) -->
<h2 class="amazin-pros-and-cons-box-title">Samsung NX300</h2>
<!-- [ ][ ] -->
<div class="amazin-pros-and-cons-main">
<!-- left (PROs) -->
<div class="amazin-pros-and-cons-box-column amazin-pros-and-cons-pros-col">
<h3 class="amazin-pros-and-cons-box-label amazin-pros-label">Love</h3>
<ul class="amazin-pros-and-cons-pros-ul">
<li >Slimmer, lighter, and faster than DSLRs in same price category</li>
<li >Under $500</li>
<li >Fast boot up and write speed</li>
<li >Fantastic kit lens and photo quality</li>
<li >Manual mode and preset auto modes</li>
<li >Easy photo transfer over WiFi to computers and smartphones</li>
</ul>
</div>
<!-- right (CONs) -->
<div class="amazin-pros-and-cons-box-column amazin-pros-and-cons-cons-col">
<h3 class="amazin-pros-and-cons-box-label amazin-cons-label">Don't Love</h3>
<ul class="amazin-pros-and-cons-cons-ul">
<li >Short battery cable</li>
<li >Must charge battery inside the camera</li>
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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Samsung NX300 Camera Review</h1>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing the NX300</h2>
<p>First off, you might notice that <strong>this is a mirrorless camera</strong>, not a DSLR. The difference is in the design. Mirrorless cameras allow light to hit the sensor directly, rather than via a mirror inside the camera. The lack of a mirror makes the <strong>camera body slimmer and lighter</strong> (sweet!), and many mirrorless cameras shoot faster than DSLR cameras. but in order to preview the image you must look at an LCD screen on the back rather than through a viewfinder like you can on a DSLR.</p>
<p>To learn more about the differences, <a href="http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dslr-vs-mirrorless-cameras,news-17736.html">check out this DSLR vs. mirrorless comparison on Tom’s Guide</a>.</p>
<p>Bending/straining to look through a viewfinder isn’t my idea of a good time, so I would be using an LCD even if the camera had a viewfinder. The NX300 has <strong>a big flip-out LCD screen</strong>, which my back and neck are super happy for. Here it is at about 45 degrees (it can go all the way flat, too).</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_screen_tilt.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="750" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_screen_tilt.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_screen_tilt" class="wp-image-1709" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_screen_tilt.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_screen_tilt-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption>NX300 flip out screen action!</figcaption></figure></div>
<p>Mirrorless cameras used to lag behind DSLRs in terms of visual quality and lens variety, but they seem to have caught up in both regards, or at least they’ve caught up enough for my purposes (photographing crafts for Etsy, stuff for eBay, family vacations, pics of my dog, etc). More and more photographers are choosing mirrorless, so I wanted to try a mirrorless for myself.</p>
<p>I chose the Samsung NX300 over other mirrorless cameras like it for the following reasons:</p>
<ul><li><strong>Price point:</strong> Just under $500 for body and kit lens</li><li><strong>WiFi enabled:</strong> Still a rare feature on DSLRs, WiFi lets me transfer photos quickly and painlessly from camera to computer and/or smartphone</li><li><strong>Excellent reviews:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COZRKCK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00COZRKCK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=YUNLA3BJMPDES2TF">check ’em out on Amazon.com</a> (at the time of my purchase, this camera was also Amazon’s best seller in the compact system camera category)</li><li><strong>Huge flip-out touch screen on the back:</strong> It’s bright and beautiful, and faster to update than my smartphone camera’s preview (!). It’s also great for shooting low without bending uncomfortably.</li><li><strong>Rechargeable battery</strong>: I’d rather recharge than replace.</li></ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unboxing</h2>
<p>The box is pretty classy looking: thick dark-colored cardboard, well-packed, and the camera and cables come individually bagged. At least, that’s what it looked like as I popped it open as fast as I could to get at the prize inside.</p>
<p>This camera is <strong>gorgeous</strong>. Its body is made of a nice faux black leather and its dials are stainless steel. It has a wonderful heft in my hands. I have larger than average hands, but I don’t find the buttons to be too small.</p>
<p>Here are some manufacturer photos of the camera, since my iPhone 4S photos don’t look nearly as good.</p>
<p><strong>NX300 front (with detachable 18-55mm kit lens):</strong></p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="1000" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_front_side" class="wp-image-1685" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p><strong>NX300 back (with flip out screen action):</strong></p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_backside1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1025" height="802" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_backside1.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_backside" class="wp-image-1686" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_backside1.jpg 1025w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_backside1-300x234.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_backside1-1024x801.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1025px) 100vw, 1025px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>Attaching the kit lens was a snap: just hold it up and twist and it locked on. It’s very retro in its design and reminds me a lot of my Dad’s old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_AE-1">Canon AE-1</a> (also the first “real camera” I ever shot with as a kid).</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">User Interface</h2>
<p>I’ve used digital cameras for years and I was able to jump right into the NX300’s menus. Compared with some DSLRs I’ve tried, I think this Samsung has a better menu system. I didn’t even have to open the manual, I just turned the camera on and from the labels and buttons alone I could figure out how to start shooting.</p>
<p>Speaking of which…</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Shots</h2>
<p>Like most people with a new camera, as soon as I knew how to shoot a photo with it I immediately ran off in search of something remotely interesting to shoot.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_nx300_photo_dog_portrait.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_nx300_photo_dog_portrait.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_photo_dog_portrait" class="wp-image-1677" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_nx300_photo_dog_portrait.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_nx300_photo_dog_portrait-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>I think my first batch of NX300 pics turned out AMAZING, especially since I put <em>no effort</em> whatsoever into lighting conditions. It’s winter here in the Pacific Northwest and the sun sets pretty early, so I my first shots were indoors with desk lamps and computer monitors as my primary light sources.</p>
<p>My dog Gadget was just as curious about my new camera as I was! She was sitting fairly still for this shot, but being a dog of course she’s a rather fidgety and prone to sudden movement so I was impressed with the NX300’s ability to keep up with my rapid-fire shooting and focus adjustments. Gadget is usually a blur in low light on point and shoot cameras, so the fact that this shot came out clear at all is pretty amazing to me.</p>
<p>Every hair on her head is crisp and sharp, even at the smallest photo resolution. The blankets are softly out of focus. And the lighting – wow. The room was pretty dim, and I think this shot would’ve been mostly grain had I taken it with my iPhone or Canon PowerShot without a tripod and longer exposure time.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_closeup_shot_dog.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_closeup_shot_dog.jpg" alt="samsung_nx_300_closeup_shot_dog" class="wp-image-1699" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_closeup_shot_dog.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_closeup_shot_dog-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>The star of this next shot is one of my recent Etsy finds! (Blogging about Etsy entitles one to shop on Etsy, of course.) It’s a plush USA map ornament made by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoldyWorld?ref=l2-shopheader-name">WoldyWorld</a>.</p>
<p>Here, the ornament is backlit – the Christmas tree was probably the room’s brightest light source, and like the photos of my dog above, this shot also turned out way better than I expected. There’s no way I could have taken a photo like this without a tripod with my point and shoot, but the NX300 handled the low lighting with ease. I love the blurred background lights and the crisp rim lights on the edges of the ornament.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photo_indoors_christmas_tree_lights_ornament.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photo_indoors_christmas_tree_lights_ornament.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_sample_photo_indoors_christmas_tree_lights_ornament" class="wp-image-1689" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photo_indoors_christmas_tree_lights_ornament.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photo_indoors_christmas_tree_lights_ornament-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>My shooting frenzy resumed in the morning. Neighborhood landscaping provided plenty of interesting photography subjects.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_close_up_berries_nature_shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_close_up_berries_nature_shot.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_close_up_berries_nature_shot" class="wp-image-1688" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_close_up_berries_nature_shot.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_close_up_berries_nature_shot-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>And Gadget’s back, of course – she’s probably my favorite thing to point my new camera at!</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_dog_outside_daylight_sample_photo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_dog_outside_daylight_sample_photo.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_dog_outside_daylight_sample_photo" class="wp-image-1687" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_dog_outside_daylight_sample_photo.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_dog_outside_daylight_sample_photo-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>How about something tiny? Even with the kit lens, I was able to focus in on one HotWheels car, letting the other one fall out of focus. I was really impressed that I didn’t have to buy a different lens to achieve this effect. This photo (and all the other photos in this review) was taken with the 18-55mm kit lens!</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_focusing.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="342" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_focusing.jpg" alt="samsung_nx_300_focusing" class="wp-image-1697" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_focusing.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_focusing-300x102.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>Portraits of people look great with the NX300. Here’s a shot of my husband taken in aperture priority mode.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_portrait.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_portrait.jpg" alt="samsung_nx_300_portrait" class="wp-image-1702" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_portrait.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_portrait-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>And finally, a few small items that might be similar to handmade crafts you’d sell on Etsy. (These plush veggies are from IKEA.)</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_ikea_veggies_photo_sample.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_ikea_veggies_photo_sample.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_ikea_veggies_photo_sample" class="wp-image-1700" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_ikea_veggies_photo_sample.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_ikea_veggies_photo_sample-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>Heck, even glittery threads and fabrics look good! Both pumpkins are made with black fabric, but the camera captures the dark fabric’s details beautifully and without noise.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photos_plush_pumpkins.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photos_plush_pumpkins.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_sample_photos_plush_pumpkins" class="wp-image-1701" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photos_plush_pumpkins.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_sample_photos_plush_pumpkins-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Photo Transfer & WiFi Connectivity</h2>
<p>Once I got my iPhone 4s, I found that I used my Canon ELPH point and shoot less and less. It’s not that there was anything wrong with the Canon, it was just SO MUCH easier to get photos off my iPhone than it was to take out the Canon’s SD card, crawl under my desk, copy/paste the photos over, and then (hopefully) remember to put the SD card back into the camera.</p>
<p>WiFi transfer isn’t a common feature yet on mirrorless and DSLRs, but <em>it should be</em>. <strong>Transferring photos over WiFi is THE BEST.</strong> Seriously folks, I’m ruined. Getting photos off the NX300 is fast, simple, and straightforward: set to WiFi and press OK. Done. <em>(Note: The computer has to be on and probably on the same WiFi network. Don’t count on doing this while away from home.)</em></p>
<p>You aren’t limited to WiFi, of course. There are <em>many</em> ways to get photos off the NX300:</p>
<ul><li>Connect it to your PC or Mac with a <strong>USB cable</strong></li><li>Remove the SD card and plug it into a <strong>card reader</strong></li><li>Upload photos over <strong>WiFi to your smartphone</strong> (works great on my iPhone 4S)</li><li>Upload photos over <strong>WiFi to your PC or Mac</strong></li><li>Upload photos directly to Facebook and other services</li></ul>
<p><strong>Normally, I’m pretty reluctant to put camera software on my computer.</strong> I’ve been burned by bad camera software in the past (especially in the early 2000’s) which was clunky, slow, had its own bizarre UI conventions, didn’t give me control over the photo destination, gave photos stupid names, tried (and failed) to be Photoshop, and other crimes not worth mentioning.</p>
<p>None of that has been true about Samsung’s i-Launcher.</p>
<p>The i-Launcher interface is small and elegant, it opens fast, and it doesn’t appear to have brought any unwanted junk onto my computer. It really exists solely to do the thing I want it to do, which is to <strong>copy files over WiFi into a folder of my choice on my computer’s hard drive</strong>. If there’s cruft here, I can’t find it. (Way to go, Samsung!)</p>
<p>Here’s what i-Launcher looks like on my Windows 7 64-bit computer.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/multimedia_viewer_samsung_i_launcher_nx300_review.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="798" height="483" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/multimedia_viewer_samsung_i_launcher_nx300_review.jpg" alt="multimedia_viewer_samsung_i_launcher_nx300_review" class="wp-image-1678" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/multimedia_viewer_samsung_i_launcher_nx300_review.jpg 798w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/multimedia_viewer_samsung_i_launcher_nx300_review-300x181.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>Photos go onto my hard drive, exactly where I want them to. They are organized by date and photo number.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_auto_backup_windows_7_64_bit_NX300_review.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="867" height="213" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_auto_backup_windows_7_64_bit_NX300_review.jpg" alt="samsung_auto_backup_windows_7_64_bit_NX300_review" class="wp-image-1680" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_auto_backup_windows_7_64_bit_NX300_review.jpg 867w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_auto_backup_windows_7_64_bit_NX300_review-300x73.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 867px) 100vw, 867px" /></a></figure></div>
<p><strong>Transferring Photos from NX300 to my Windows PC</strong></p>
<p>I’m on a Windows 7 64-bit machine and i-Launcher works perfectly for me. Initially, I installed the i-Launcher software from the CD but the camera and computer weren’t finding each other. I then plugged the camera directly into my computer via USB and lo and behold, the camera initiated installation of the WiFi sync software. Now, my PC and camera can see each other just fine.</p>
<p>Transferring photos over WiFi is lightning fast.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_uploading_over_wifi.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="750" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_uploading_over_wifi.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_uploading_over_wifi" class="wp-image-1693" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_uploading_over_wifi.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_uploading_over_wifi-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p><strong>Transferring Photos from NX300 to iPhone 4S</strong></p>
<p>The NX300 has a companion smartphone app, too. I downloaded the Samsung Smart Camera app onto my iPhone 4S. Connecting the camera to a smartphone is more steps than simply sending photos over WiFi, but it’s still pretty easy:</p>
<ol><li><strong>Set the camera to WiFi</strong></li><li>Touch the <strong>Mobile Link</strong> icon</li><li>Choose <strong>Select Photos from Smartphone</strong> or <strong>Select Photos from Camera</strong></li><li>On the smartphone, switch from my home’s WiFi network to the <strong>camera’s own WiFi network</strong></li><li><strong>Open the Samsung Smart Camera app</strong></li><li><strong>Select photos</strong> to copy to your smartphone</li><li><strong>Close the app</strong> to end the connection and return to your usual WiFi network automatically</li></ol>
<p>Here’s what it looks like on my iPhone as I select photos to sync from my NX300.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_iPhone_app_nx300.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="960" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_iPhone_app_nx300.jpg" alt="samsung_iPhone_app_nx300" class="wp-image-1708" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_iPhone_app_nx300.jpg 640w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_iPhone_app_nx300-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>This sync method uses “Near Field Communication” (NFC) technology, so the phone has to connect to the camera’s own little personal WiFi network to access the photos. Transferring is fast, and once it’s done the NX300’s photos are on my iPhone’s camera roll and ready to message, email, tweet, whatever!</p>
<p>I cannot overstate how awesome it is to just transfer photos with the flip of a switch and a couple screen taps. Living in the future is <em>everything</em> I hoped it would be.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Special Shooting Modes: “Smart” Mode</h2>
<p>The NX300 has a bunch of <strong>shooting modes</strong> (presets, really) that will look familiar to photographers coming from a point and shoot camera. These Smart options include:</p>
<ul><li>Beauty Face</li><li>Macro</li><li>Action Freeze</li><li>Rich Tones</li><li>Panorama</li><li>Waterfall</li><li>Silhouette</li><li>Sunset</li><li>Night</li><li>Fireworks</li><li>Light Trace</li><li>Creative Shot</li></ul>
<p>My favorite so far is <strong>Beauty Face</strong>, which actually takes <em>really</em> great pictures of me, even when the camera is in the hands of my very-non-photographer husband (he is loved anyway). It’s pretty rare I like a photo of myself enough to actually stick it on the Internet, so there you go – Beauty Face rocks.</p>
<p>(Sadly, Beauty Face does not detect dogs as having faces.)</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_photo_human_portrait.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_photo_human_portrait.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_photo_human_portrait" class="wp-image-1681" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_photo_human_portrait.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_photo_human_portrait-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p><strong>Macro Mode</strong> is another great shooting mode on the NX300. Just like macro mode on point and shoots, it’s good at focusing on a small object and letting the background become a beautiful bokeh.</p>
<p>This shot was taken in “Macro” mode and the subjects are two Monster High dolls sitting on a window sill.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_macro_mode_shooting_mode_sample_photo_two_dolls.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_macro_mode_shooting_mode_sample_photo_two_dolls.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_macro_mode_shooting_mode_sample_photo_two_dolls" class="wp-image-1692" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_macro_mode_shooting_mode_sample_photo_two_dolls.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_macro_mode_shooting_mode_sample_photo_two_dolls-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lens Variety</h2>
<p>It’s worth noting that the Samsung NX300 lacks the overwhelming (100+) lens variety offered by big names like Canon and Nikon. That didn’t worry me, though, mostly because that many lenses is complete overkill for me. I’m not going to buy buckets of lenses, I’m going to buy a couple that meet my needs and go from there.</p>
<p>Plus, the kit lens is really good. All the photos in this review were taken with the kit lens and I don’t feel a strong need to upgrade.</p>
<p>The NX300 has around 18 Samsung branded lenses to pick from. These are just some of them! <em>The following links are Amazon Affiliate links.</em></p>
<ul><li><strong>Professional standard zoom lens:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HV6KMQ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HV6KMQ8&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=DC2BLPMBGYNVS3GQ">Samsung NX 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 S Series Zoom Lens</a> (Yes, it costs more than the camera)</li><li><strong>Extremely high quality videos and super zoom:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W82I1K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004W82I1K&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=NTVU4S5XU4ZUOQBC">Samsung Movie Pro 18-200mm lens for NX Series Cameras</a></li><li><strong>Standard 30mm prime lens for portraits and low light:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FWLGIK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003FWLGIK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=42MBTDFAL6XNFF7R">Samsung 30mm NX Pancake Lens for NX Series Cameras</a> (I’ve got one of these on order!)</li><li><strong>Action shots with in-lens image stabilization:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4G67GK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B4G67GK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=MMJG5PS2RDXUN4PT">Samsung NX 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 OIS Zoom Camera Lens</a></li><li><strong>Wide scenery and 180 degree shots:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB2X7CA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FB2X7CA&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=SQMACMKWB5PP5PXJ">Samsung NX 10mm Fish Eye Camera Lens</a></li><li><strong>2D/3D stills and video:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C3WLMBY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00C3WLMBY&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=JKENUXIV36B7272A">Samsung NX 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D Camera Lens</a></li><li><strong>Ultrawide prime lens for wide scenery:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007261C6Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007261C6Q&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=7FW7JRT3VZUQDNPC">Samsung NX 16mm f/2.4 Ultra Wide Prime Lens</a></li><li><strong>Versatile 20mm prime lens for anything:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049E97XY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0049E97XY&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=JKTIDCONDGXFV5WY">Samsung 20mm f/2.8 NX Pancake Lens</a></li><li><strong>Telephoto with fast autofocus and precise manual focus:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007261AZE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007261AZE&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=R43XR2ZHFG2Y5PRA">Samsung NX 85mm f/1.4 Camera Lens</a></li><li><strong>Compact and lightweight portrait lens for low light and action:</strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D83S2BK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00D83S2BK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=SS43W5NKGUMPBGXE">Samsung NX 45mm f/1.8 Camera Lens</a></li></ul>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_lenses.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="851" height="567" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_lenses.png" alt="samsung_lenses" class="wp-image-1710" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_lenses.png 851w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_lenses-300x199.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px" /></a><figcaption>The Samsung NX camera and lens family as shown on Samsung’s site.</figcaption></figure></div>
<p>All of the above lenses are highly rated and well-reviewed at all price points. The right lens(es) for you depends on what you’re trying to achieve with your photography.</p>
<p>I want to see how Samsung’s prime lenses perform, so I ordered one of the standard 30mm prime lenses and I’ll add a separate review of that lens once I have a chance to put it through its paces.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gripes?</h2>
<p>Eh, not really. If I have anything to complain about it’s that this camera doesn’t have the following it deserves, which made me second-guess my decision to purchase it before I went ahead and bought it anyway.</p>
<p><strong>Battery & Charge Cable</strong></p>
<p>I love that it’s a rechargeable battery but for power users, having to charge the battery inside the camera could slow things down. (Ie: you can’t buy a bunch of chargers and charge multiple batteries simultaneously.) Some reviews complained of short battery life but I shot hundreds of photos and transferred them over WiFi before dropping to 1 bar (out of 3). For my needs, the battery it ships with has been sufficient.</p>
<p>The battery’s charging cable could have been longer -it’s about a foot long and the battery only charges inside the camera. On the bright side, it’s just a micro USB cable and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JZHE3PM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JZHE3PM&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=HCMQRZZRXVRT6MJN">10 foot micro usb cables are cheap</a> (and colorful!).</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_charge_cable.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_charge_cable.jpg" alt="samsung_nx_charge_cable" class="wp-image-1711" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_charge_cable.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_charge_cable-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Memory Card</h2>
<p>Oops, almost forgot – you’ll need to buy a memory card, as this camera doesn’t ship with one (and it has no internal memory of its own). For my NX300, I got a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB465IG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FB465IG&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=L7YBUYW53C4VNBKE">Transcend 64GB SD card</a>.</p>
<p>Card write speed is important (it affects how quickly you can take successive shots) and Transcend’s been a good brand for me. This is probably my 5th Transcend card in a decade and I’ve yet to have one fail. I really only get new ones to keep up with growing capacities and speed.</p>
<p>The 64 GB card promises <strong>over 12,000 shots on the 5.9MB</strong> <strong>setting</strong> (2976px x 1984px 3:2) and <strong>8,400 shots at 10.1MB setting</strong> (3888px x 2592px 3:2) and that’s really enough for me, but if you want more, check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EH5US4W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EH5US4W&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=IZE3HUWESSB4ZJ2B">gigantic 128GB Transcend SD card</a>.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB465IG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FB465IG&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=L7YBUYW53C4VNBKE"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="814" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/transcend_64gb.jpg" alt="transcend_64gb" class="wp-image-1704" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/transcend_64gb.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/transcend_64gb-300x244.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption>Holds 4,000-12,000+ shots depending on your settings.</figcaption></figure></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Remote Shutter</h2>
<p>AND ANOTHER THING! You can use the app as a remote shutter button! Here’s what the app looks like (screenshot taken from my iPhone 4S) along with the live feed from the camera (the NX300 was pointed at me).</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_remote_shutter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_remote_shutter.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_remote_shutter" class="wp-image-1712" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_remote_shutter.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_remote_shutter-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
<p>This isn’t the world’s most exciting shot. I can’t wait to use remote shutter somewhere practical, like on a vacation!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Samsung NX300 Reviews</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/nx300-series-dslr-interchangeable-lens-digital-cameras/#/better">Samsung NX300 manufacturer’s site and DSLR comparison</a></li><li><a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/nx-lenses/">Samsung’s NX Lenses page</a></li><li><a href="http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=5351&review=Samsung+NX300+mirrorless">Samsung NX300 Review on DigitalCameraReview.com</a></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B00COZRKCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416878331&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+nx300&pebp=1416878338629#customerReviews">Samsung NX300 Amazon.com reviews</a></li></ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shopping Links</h2>
<p>My NX300 came from Amazon.com, and prices and stock vary. Be sure to compare the prices on the various colors as sometimes one color is less expensive than the others. (For example, at the time of this writing the white one is the least expensive, but when I bought mine a week ago the black one was the better deal.)</p>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COZRKCK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00COZRKCK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=NX23XKNAHZDRUCUB">Samsung NX-300 Camera with 18-55mm Kit Lens in BLACK/WHITE/BROWN</a> (Amazon.com)</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/3109924011/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=UBVAIEHLS6MTMPFY">Amazon’s Best Selling Compact System Cameras</a> (for more popular mirrorless cameras)</li><li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=samsung+nx-300&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=">Samsung NX300 on B&H</a> (bhphotovideo.com)</li></ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Bottom Line</h1>
<p>I’m kicking myself for not getting this camera sooner! I could have been shooting great photos all summer! Better late than never, I guess, right? Happy birthday and Merry Christmas to ME! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Thanks for reading this far! If you have any questions, please ask in the comments and I’ll do my best to help!</p>
<p><strong>>>> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COZRKCK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00COZRKCK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=PAFF6ZYZWDACCKS5">See the Samsung NX300 on Amazon.com</a></strong></p>
<p>Okay, one more Gadget:</p>
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_outdoors_dog_sample_photo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="667" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_outdoors_dog_sample_photo.jpg" alt="samsung_nx_300_outdoors_dog_sample_photo" class="wp-image-1713" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_outdoors_dog_sample_photo.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx_300_outdoors_dog_sample_photo-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
<p><strong>Affiliate Disclosure</strong></p>
<p><em>Some links in this article are Amazon Affiliate links. Read DIYCraftPhotography’s <a href="/affiliate-disclosure/">full disclosure here</a>.</em></p>
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<item>
<title>Holiday 2014 Camera & Equipment Buyer’s Guide for Craft Photographers, eBay Sellers, and Bloggers</title>
<link>/holiday-2014-camera-equipment-buyers-guide-etsy-crafters/</link>
<comments>/holiday-2014-camera-equipment-buyers-guide-etsy-crafters/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:30:18 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Cameras & Equipment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[buyers guide]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[camera recommendations]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[camera reviews]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[crafting business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[equipment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[photography]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[recommendations]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1633</guid>
<description><![CDATA[My favorite time of year is here! I love cozying up inside when it’s cold outside, the sparkling decorations on everything, the emphasis on family and friends… and food – oh boy, food! This is ALSO my favorite time of year because it’s the best time to upgrade your photography and crafting supplies! Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, countdowns...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/holiday-2014-camera-equipment-buyers-guide-etsy-crafters/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="attachment_1654" style="width: 745px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/banner_holiday_shopping_guide_20141.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1654" class="wp-image-1654 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/banner_holiday_shopping_guide_20141.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/banner_holiday_shopping_guide_20141.jpg 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/banner_holiday_shopping_guide_20141-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1654" class="wp-caption-text">This 2014 craft photography shopping guide is up to date with the best in cameras, lighting, and other cool stuff to make your crafts look great online, just in time for the gift-giving season (and winter birthdays, for all of us winter babies out there who get an extra helping of gifts this time of year)!</p></div></p>
<p>My favorite time of year is here! I love cozying up inside when it’s cold outside, the sparkling decorations on everything, the emphasis on family and friends… and food – oh boy, food! This is ALSO my favorite time of year because it’s <strong><em>the best</em> time to upgrade your photography and crafting supplies</strong>!</p>
<p>Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, countdowns to Christmas and more, this is <em>the</em> season for bargain hunting for yourself and for the lovely crafters in your life! (And hey, there’s no harm in asking the <em>special someones</em> in your life for gifts that will help your craft business succeed in the new year :D)</p>
<p>This guide is all about<strong> the latest and greatest photography equipment for crafters. </strong>While this article (and this site, really) assumes you’re a crafter selling handmade stuff, the advice here holds true for anyone taking photos or making video for the web, be it for recipe blogging, selling on eBay, flipping stuff on Craigslist, showing off your pretty face on YouTube.</p>
<p>If your online biz requires taking great photos, this guide is for you!</p>
<p><em>Some links in this article are Amazon Affiliate links. Read DIYCraftPhotography’s <a href="/privacy-policy/">full disclosure here</a>.</em></p>
<h1>Best Cameras: Holiday 2014</h1>
<p>Hands down, the best investment you can make for your online handmade business is a good camera. Every camera on the market nowadays takes great photos – thankfully, we’re past the era of worrying about megapixels and talking more about lens quality, low-light performance, and extra features like WiFi connectivity.</p>
<p>If <strong>your budget is microscopic</strong> and you don’t have a smartphone camera and don’t anticipate one coming into your life soon, then you want the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJ60VW6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJ60VW6&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=UNRQE6XDKRENLZSF">Samsung ST150F Smart WiFi Digital Camera</a>. The photo quality is great, especially from something this size, but what really separates this camera from its competition are the extra features. The WiFi capability lets you upload photos quickly over your home network. Ironically, this camera also has an awesome companion app for iPhone and Android lets you see what the camera sees on your phone’s screen and operate the camera from your phone. But if you have an iPhone or Android phone you can <em>probably</em> get away with using your phone’s camera instead. <a href="http://www.ephotozine.com/equipment/item/samsung-st150f-5007/images">ePhotoZine.com has a gallery of sample images from this camera, check it out!</a></p>
<p><div id="attachment_1636" style="width: 306px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJ60VW6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BJ60VW6&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=JHUFFI7QIPRH4RF7"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1636" class="wp-image-1636" title="Samsung ST150 point and shoot camera" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_ST150.jpg" alt="Samsung ST150 point and shoot camera review" width="296" height="296" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_ST150.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_ST150-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/samsung_ST150-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1636" class="wp-caption-text">The Samsung ST150 owns the sub-$100 camera category with its quality photos, WiFi connectivity and remote control via app.</p></div></p>
<p><strong>For more control without the complexity of a DSLR and a price tag around $200 or so</strong>, you want the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQ4W3OE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HQ4W3OE&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=OEVMCK2DEF22CXZY">Nikon COOLPIX L830 16 MP Digital Camera</a>. This camera is like a point and shoot on steroids. The lens is powerful and high quality, and you don’t have to worry about mastering focusing or aperture settings to take great photos. You can just pick it up, point, and shoot! It’s too bad they called it “Coolpix” because the name makes it sound less sophisticated than it really is.</p>
<p>Unlike point and shoots, you can adjust the focus and get blurred backgrounds and sharp foregrounds, which is perfect for photographing small crafts and food. But it still has auto focus for those times when you don’t want to do fiddle with that stuff! This camera would also be useful outside of your crafting hobby. The Nikon L830 is an ideal camera for travel thanks to its compact size and super zoom. <a href="http://www.cnet.com/pictures/nikon-coolpix-l830-sample-pictures/">Check out some sample photos from the Nikon L830 camera over on CNet</a>.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1638" style="width: 415px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_coolpix.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1638" class="wp-image-1638" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_coolpix.jpg" alt="nikon_coolpix" width="405" height="308" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_coolpix.jpg 1500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_coolpix-300x228.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_coolpix-1024x778.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1638" class="wp-caption-text">Nikon Coolpix offers fantastic photo quality and an astonishing amount of zoom and control over focus. As a hybrid of point-and-shoot and DSLR, this camera is like the best of both worlds.</p></div></p>
<p><strong>If you’ve got a bit more budget and you want something that will walk, talk, and act like a DSLR without the bulk</strong>, you want the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COZRKCK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00COZRKCK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=P7JUWUYAL5G56Z6O">Samsung NX300 mirrorless camera</a>. This is one of the hottest cameras this season, and it’s the camera I bought myself this year. It is <em>superb</em>. (Read my full NX300 review here!) You get all the power of a DSLR but the body is slimmer and lighter than a similarly powered DSLR, plus awesome features like easy photo transfer over WiFi, auto “preset” modes in addition to manual shooting, and a great flip out touch screen on the back.</p>
<p>Those beautiful shots you see on Etsy and Pinterest where the background is softly blurred, where light sources become soft discs floating in shot, and where people and things look buttery smooth are the result of quality lenses, so use some of that leftover cash (this camera can be found for around $400) and grab a good prime lens.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1685" style="width: 371px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COZRKCK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00COZRKCK&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=P7JUWUYAL5G56Z6O"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1685" class="wp-image-1685" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side.jpg" alt="samsung_nx300_front_side" width="361" height="361" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/samsung_nx300_front_side-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1685" class="wp-caption-text">The Samsung NX300 owns the mirrorless category right now thanks to its fantastic line of lenses, spot-on design, and great extra features like WiFi photo transfer and a flip out AMOLED touch screen on the back.</p></div></p>
<p><strong>If you really had your heart set on the best DSLR you can get for around or under $500, </strong>then you want the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DBPKAAG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DBPKAAG&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=VGVJC2WBC2VKM2EL">Pentax K-50</a>. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard the name, Pentax tends to get overlooked in favor of the Big Two (Canon and Nikon). But the K-50 is awesome, and it’s got features you have to go up a price bracket for with Canon and Nikon, such as a weatherproof body design, full HD video capture, shooting up to ISO 51200, in-camera shake reduction, 6 frames per second, and Eye-Fi card compatibility for sharing photos over WiFi. Even better, the K-mount has a huge and diverse collection of lenses available.</p>
<p>These features just don’t exist in the similarly priced Canon and Nikon offerings, so unless you’re already invested in those lens families, give the Pentax K-50 a look!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1719" style="width: 385px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DBPKAAG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DBPKAAG&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=VGVJC2WBC2VKM2EL"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1719" class="wp-image-1719" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pentax_2014_k-50.jpg" alt="pentax_2014_k-50" width="375" height="417" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pentax_2014_k-50.jpg 1052w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pentax_2014_k-50-269x300.jpg 269w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pentax_2014_k-50-920x1024.jpg 920w" sizes="(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1719" class="wp-caption-text">The Pentax K-50 brings a top tier set of features into the mid-tier price range.</p></div></p>
<p><strong>But if you really want a “big name” camera (ie, Canon or Nikon), I think the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VGGFZU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007VGGFZU&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=AJNW4NSSJBNWRHKR">Nikon D3200 DSLR </a>is the way to go.</strong> Even though Canon and Nikon are lagging behind on extras like flip out screens and WiFi transfer, they’re still rated highly on image quality. Chances are, your favorite DIY, food, and craft bloggers are using this camera or a more expensive one from its family, or something from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=canon%20rebel&linkCode=ur2&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Acanon%20rebel&tag=diy07a-20&url=search-alias%3Delectronics&linkId=IIG7NPSKMELGN6NU">the similar Canon Rebel line</a>.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1635" style="width: 375px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d3200_side.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1635" class="wp-image-1635" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d3200_side.jpg" alt="nikon_d3200_side" width="365" height="338" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d3200_side.jpg 450w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d3200_side-300x277.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1635" class="wp-caption-text">The Nikon D3200 is my top DSLR pick. Amazing photos, features, and a huge lens family to pick from make the Nikon line my favorite of the ongoing Canon vs. Nikon battle.</p></div></p>
<p>When it comes to Canon vs. Nikon, I think the Nikon D3200 feels better in my hands (heavier, less plasticky) and I think Nikon’s menus are more intuitive.</p>
<p>Remember, with cameras like this where you can swap the lens you want to spend your budget on lenses moreso than camera bodies, so don’t be put off by the idea of buying an “entry level” DSLR. Even if you’re big into photography, it will take you a few years to outgrow this camera. All you’re missing out vs. cameras four times its price are sensor sizes and improved performance for motion and dark. If you’re photographing crafts (and family vacations) you won’t miss those features. Save the extra cash for a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S2PPT0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001S2PPT0&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=TXUOK7EP3DRVENMB">really choice lens instead</a>!</p>
<p>If <strong>photography, blogging, and crafting is what puts food on your table</strong>, then you probably already know what camera you’re lusting after. If not, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B0MZG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009B0MZG2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=YKWTNR7OBKZB5BH2">Canon EOS 6D</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FOTF8M2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FOTF8M2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=LJOOCWF7ZVZXVHJS">NikonD610</a> are top tier choices right now, depending on which lens family you’re already invested in.</p>
<p>These cameras offer superior noise control, multiple focus points, excellent detail shots, fantastic low light capabilities, and control over <em>everything</em>. They’re “full frame”, too, meaning capture more light and therefore get less electronic noise in the shadows of your photos. <a href="http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/02/07/full-frame-dslr-do-you-really-need-one/">Read more about full frame DSLRs here on Digital Camera World</a>.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1641" style="width: 365px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B0MZG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009B0MZG2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=7MREGVOK3JQ5YZW4"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1641" class="wp-image-1641" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/canon_6d.jpg" alt="" width="355" height="355" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/canon_6d.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/canon_6d-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/canon_6d-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1641" class="wp-caption-text">If you’ve already got some compatible lenses, go with the Canon EOS 6D <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B0MZG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009B0MZG2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=B624DJ3QLGZJEOCP">body-only </a>version. Alternatively, you can buy it bundled with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B0MZG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009B0MZG2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=WN6CCPHOP5QLHRWA">24-105mm lens</a>.</p></div></p>
<p><div id="attachment_1639" style="width: 379px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FOTF8M2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FOTF8M2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=XSHS3CDXWQOEBIHU"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1639" class="wp-image-1639" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d610.jpg" alt="nikon_d610" width="369" height="326" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d610.jpg 1500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d610-300x265.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nikon_d610-1024x905.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 369px) 100vw, 369px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1639" class="wp-caption-text">The Nikon D610 is Nikon’s competitor to the well-rated Canon EOS 6D. It is also available as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FOTF8M2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FOTF8M2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=XSHS3CDXWQOEBIHU">body-only</a> or body + lens bundle options, such as the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FOTF8M2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FOTF8M2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=7CUJK6RGCLHKEKH7">24-85mm lens bundle</a>.</p></div></p>
<p>These cameras are<em> complete and utter overkill</em> for many Etsy sellers. Unless your shop or blog is how you make your living and/or you have a lot of enthusiasm for photography, you don’t need a full-frame camera. But of you’ve been itching to make photography a serious hobby and you feel like you’ve outgrown their current camera, these are the kinds of cameras (and don’t forget lenses) that you see in the hands of event photographers and artists selling photography as art or stock photos. If you’ve got a bit of cash to spend, you’ll probably never outgrow a camera from this category!</p>
<h1>Other Photography Accessories</h1>
<p>Beyond a great camera, you can also give your craft photography a big upgrade by investing in lighting and staging tools.</p>
<p>If your lighting setup is less than ideal, lighting kit will take the guesswork out of improving it. You’ll also never have to wait for a “good lighting” day again. For large crafts and crafts shown on human models (also: family portraits and YouTube videos), you want the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005FHZ2SI&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=EXLXMAFIX26OF7RM">LimoStudio-Photography Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella kit</a>. This is Amazon’s best selling lighting kit and I think it’s great because it’s got everything you need in one box AND it can all collapse down into that tiny bag for storage. You get two umbrellas for nice light scattering, light bulbs ready to go, and adjustable stands for easy positioning. I tried to rig up a similar setup using a mic stand once, and it wasn’t nearly as nice as this well-reviewed kit!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1644" style="width: 344px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005FHZ2SI&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=EXLXMAFIX26OF7RM"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1644" class="wp-image-1644" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-photo-portrait-lighting-kit.jpg" alt="limo-studio-photo-portrait-lighting-kit" width="334" height="334" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-photo-portrait-lighting-kit.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-photo-portrait-lighting-kit-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-photo-portrait-lighting-kit-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 334px) 100vw, 334px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1644" class="wp-caption-text">LimoStudio-Photography photo portrait studio kit comes with everything you need to get good photography lighting indoors.</p></div></p>
<p>For smaller crafts, a table-top size shooting tent is all you need. There are a lot of these on the market, but I think the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OZRFR2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000OZRFR2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=4WNNA7HMUCVYEKQF">Square Perfect 1050 Platinum Photo Studio</a> is the best value and most well-rounded of the bunch. It comes with two tents (a big one and a small one), 4 colored backdrops for both tents, lights stands with light bulbs, front panels with a slit for your camera to poke through, and a fully adjustable tripod to set your camera on. The little tent fills with soft bounced light, creating soft shadows and a smooth white or black backdrop for your product.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1647" style="width: 346px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OZRFR2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000OZRFR2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=4WNNA7HMUCVYEKQF"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1647" class="wp-image-1647" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/square-perfect-lighting-tent.jpg" alt="square-perfect-lighting-tent" width="336" height="336" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/square-perfect-lighting-tent.jpg 1500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/square-perfect-lighting-tent-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/square-perfect-lighting-tent-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/square-perfect-lighting-tent-1024x1024.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1647" class="wp-caption-text">Square Perfect 1050 Sp500 Platinum Photo Studio is all you need in one convenient box: light tents, backdrops, lamps, stands, a tripod, and more.</p></div></p>
<p>For a reflective surfaces under your crafts, check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ND5GS2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008ND5GS2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=AJKQZDWRHJEDXPA4">LimoStudio Table Top Acrylic Display Table kit</a>. You get two tables, one black and one white, and the reflection effect is beautiful and professional. I tried to get this same effect with cloth and a mirror last summer and it didn’t go so well, so I’m thrilled to see more photography tables coming onto the market!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1645" style="width: 280px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ND5GS2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008ND5GS2&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=AJKQZDWRHJEDXPA4"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1645" class="wp-image-1645" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-acrylic-floor.jpg" alt="limo-studio-acrylic-floor" width="270" height="270" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-acrylic-floor.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-acrylic-floor-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/limo-studio-acrylic-floor-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1645" class="wp-caption-text">Get a beautiful reflection under your jewelry or other small handmade crafts with an acrylic reflective table.</p></div></p>
<p>If you need a completely seamless and scuff-free white background, you want the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001546KP4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001546KP4&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=B2YNTU3I7Y4DG2SH">MyStudio MS20CYC Seamless Cyc background</a>. Pros build gigantic rooms on this same concept for photographing things like cars, and this is just a scaled down version perfect for smaller products and crafts. Use this seamless half-bowl thing to achieve pristine white backgrounds that fade to gray without a wrinkle or fold in sight. Unlike photo tents, you won’t have to worry about wrinkles or seams, and you’ll get a much larger shooting angle.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1655" style="width: 442px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001546KP4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001546KP4&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=B2YNTU3I7Y4DG2SH"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1655" class="wp-image-1655" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/infinity_studio.jpg" alt="infinity_studio" width="432" height="295" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/infinity_studio.jpg 1500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/infinity_studio-300x205.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/infinity_studio-1024x701.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1655" class="wp-caption-text">Seamless Cyc background is perfect for smooth, fade-to-gray backgrounds behind your products.</p></div></p>
<p> </p>
<h1>More Great Photography Accessories</h1>
<p>Beyond cameras and photography equipment, here are a few more great accessories to boost your craft biz photos.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KNDCCE6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KNDCCE6&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=T6GENNLVFLSD55UT">Adobe Photoshop</a> is my software of choice for<strong> Etsy photos, shop banners</strong>,<strong> logos</strong>, <strong>website and blog art</strong>, <strong>patterns</strong>, <strong>label design</strong>, <strong>business card design</strong>, and <strong>pack-ins</strong> (such as thank yous to customers and a “birth certificate” for every plushie I ship). Adobe has moved to a subscription model for almost everything, but considering that a standalone Photoshop license used to cost around $2000 you can buy a lot of Photoshop subscription months before you even come close to the cost of buying the software upfront. Adobe has a combo deal where you get access to Photoshop and Lightroom for one monthly fee (linked). I don’t use Lightroom personally, but my event photographer friends swear by it.</p>
<p>(PS: Some people adore <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4OLCRO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N4OLCRO&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=O2L6RKNMDZWJXXDL">Photoshop Elements,</a> which is quite affordable and not on a subscription model. Being used to Photoshop I couldn’t get the hang of it, but if you’re starting from scratch you probably won’t be as annoyed by the differences.)</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photoshop_lightroom_creative_cloud.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1643" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photoshop_lightroom_creative_cloud.jpg" alt="photoshop_lightroom_creative_cloud" width="217" height="256" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photoshop_lightroom_creative_cloud.jpg 850w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photoshop_lightroom_creative_cloud-255x300.jpg 255w" sizes="(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px" /></a></p>
<p>Finally, an easy-to-overlook aspect of your crafting business equipment is your computer monitor! I love a nice big widescreen dual monitor setup and it definitely increases my productivity as I edit photos, update websites, and write for this blog… usually simultaneously! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> If you need a bigger and brighter monitor, you should look at the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058UUR6E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058UUR6E&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=JPV3RFU3JROQHISC">Asus VS278Q-P Ultrafast LED</a> monitor. It’s huge (up to 27″ wide) and and its “IPS” technology offers wider viewing angles than most LEDs. If you’ve ever slouched in your chair and watched your monitor become visibly darker or bluer, you know the importance of having a wide viewing angle. Asus is a reputable brand (I’ve used their parts in my PCs for years and own a couple Asus monitors myself) and this monitor is also one of Amazon’s highest reviewed and most popular monitors!</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1650" style="width: 431px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058UUR6E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058UUR6E&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=JPV3RFU3JROQHISC"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1650" class="wp-image-1650" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/asus_led_27_monitor.jpg" alt="asus_led_27_monitor" width="421" height="332" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/asus_led_27_monitor.jpg 413w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/11/asus_led_27_monitor-300x236.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1650" class="wp-caption-text">Asus’s fabulous 27″ LED monitor gives you more space to edit photos and browse Etsy for lovely things!</p></div></p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Where to Find Deals on Photography Equipment</h1>
<p>Your local stores will undoubtedly have photography equipment promotions Black Friday and beyond. Personally, I hate the crowds and getting up at 4am isn’t my favorite so I tend to do all my shopping online. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f600.png" alt="😀" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=761198&pf_rd_i=502394&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1959318602&pf_rd_r=1HKM9B3JEWHKGY0AH6GD&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_t=101&tag=diy07a-20&linkId=HD2KHZCNCFWFBNCA">Amazon’s Camera, Photo, & Video deals</a> is my favorite place to browse and shop this time of year. Pretty much everything from cameras to lights to backdrops gets discounted at some point between now and December 25th. I like to check here every few days, since they keep rotating the stock and adding new stuff. Have fun shopping!</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" style="border: none;" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=diy07a-20&o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=cegghol13&banner=1BZH0SMHRDHY9SP00CR2&f=ifr&linkID=5ZEWKORKXVAKNFNU" width="728" height="90" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<p><em>Some links in this article are Amazon Affiliate links. Read DIYCraftPhotography’s <a href="/affiliate-disclosure/">full disclosure here</a>.</em></p>
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<item>
<title>13 Product Photography Lessons from My Fake Etsy Photo Shoot</title>
<link>/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/</link>
<comments>/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2014 08:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Photo Inspiration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Photo Styling]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1567</guid>
<description><![CDATA[They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but people totally judge crafts by their photos all the time! Sure, tagging, titles, SEO, and relentless shop promotion have their own roles to play in bringing traffic to your shop, but all that hard work can be undone in an instant if your photos...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1588 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header.jpg" alt="13 product photography lessons from my fake Etsy photo shoot. Includes tips on composition, lighting, and more!" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header.jpg 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p>
<p>They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but people <em>totally</em> judge crafts by their photos all the time!</p>
<p>Sure, tagging, titles, SEO, and relentless shop promotion have their own roles to play in bringing traffic to your shop, but all that hard work can be undone in an instant if your photos suck.</p>
<p><strong>Photos sell your crafts.</strong></p>
<p>A couple weekends ago I put together a “pretend” Etsy photo shoot with the goal of demonstrating the best, most practical product photography lessons I’ve learned over the years. These photos were shot with a mix of my iPhone 4S and my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004J41T7Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004J41T7Q&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH 300 HS</a> (Amazon Affiliate link). The metal airplane is a yard ornament from my own garden (originally from McClendon’s hardware store).</p>
<p>Enjoy this <strong>meaty </strong>product photography tutorial!</p>
<h1>1. Shoot in daylight (or really good indoor lighting)</h1>
<p>Good lighting is 90% of the battle. Even an old or crappy camera can do some pretty amazing things given the right lighting.</p>
<p>My favorite natural lighting setup is bright but cloudy day, but it can be hard to wait around for the right kind of day to land on a weekend so I have a bunch of tricks for working with the lighting I’ve got. If you’re reading this from the North Pole in the dead of winter, <a href="/best-indoor-lighting-equipment-for-craft-photographers/">check out these great lighting setups that you can use indoors</a>.</p>
<p>If a cloudy day is a rarity where you live, read on for tips on diffusing that bright lighting.</p>
<h1>2. Diffused lighting looks better than direct lighting</h1>
<p>I think soft “diffuse” shadows look better than hard shadows, which sort of duplicate your object onto the surface its sitting on and become a distraction. (Hard shadows <em>do</em> add nice sense of depth which gets lost when you diffuse the light, but you’re better off without them if they’re becoming distracting.)</p>
<p>Here’s a visual guide to the difference between direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight:</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1570" style="width: 740px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1570" class="wp-image-1570" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting.jpg" alt="Etsy product photography tutorial and tips: direct sunlight vs. diffuse sunlight." width="730" height="511" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting-300x210.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1570" class="wp-caption-text">Direct sunlight creates hard, dark shadows, as seen on left. Sunlight that is filtered through a curtain or sheet of paper becomes much softer, as seen on right.</p></div></p>
<h2>How to get diffused lighting:</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Hang a white curtain</strong> across the window you’re shooting next to (this is the technique I use most frequently, see below for a photo of my setup)</li>
<li><strong>Wait for a cloudy day</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cover a window with tissue paper</strong></li>
<li><strong>Stretch a white sheet</strong> over your shooting area</li>
<li><strong>Use a light tent</strong> – <a href="/table-top-photo-studio-kit-reviews/">click here to see our reviews of many popular light tents</a></li>
</ul>
<p><div id="attachment_1571" style="width: 726px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1571" class="wp-image-1571 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting" width="716" height="550" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1571" class="wp-caption-text">Blocking some of the light with a curtain might seem counter-intuitive, but it softens the shadows and prevents harsh blow-outs. If you need to punch up the overall brightness/contrast a bit, you can do so in Photoshop or any image editing tool later on. Shown above is <a href="/simple-white-background-product-photography-setup/">my el cheapo $5 DIY white background product photography setup</a>.</p></div></p>
<h1> 3. Shoot a TON of photos</h1>
<p>I used to be a once-and-done photographer… back when I wasn’t a very good photographer. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f609.png" alt="😉" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Always shoot 4-5 times the amount of photos you<em> think</em> you’ll need. Some will turn out blurry or bad for reasons you didn’t anticipate. Having a ton to pick from helps ensure you have <em>something</em> useful. Pick the best and delete the rest later (or keep them forever and ever and keep buying larger hard drives, like I do :D).</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1572" style="width: 725px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1572" class="wp-image-1572 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos" width="715" height="448" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos-300x188.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 715px) 100vw, 715px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1572" class="wp-caption-text">It is virtually impossible to take too many photos for your Etsy listings.</p></div></p>
<h1>4. Keep it simple with a white background</h1>
<p>Products with a light grey background basically scream “feature me!” on Etsy, and while the look is overdone it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.</p>
<p>If it suits your product and you don’t mind a bit of conformity, shooting your product on a white background is easy. A simple sheet of poster board makes for a seamless, smooth white background. Prop it up against something, or have a helper hold it up for you.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1573" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white" width="728" height="559" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /></a></p>
<h1>5. Make your OWN background(s)</h1>
<p>I had this stained cabinet door laying around so I tried it out as a background – success!</p>
<p>Lots of top selling Etsy shops are rejecting the <em>oh-so-common</em> pale grey background, so don’t feel bad if it’s not right for you. Experiment and find something that <em>is</em> right for you and your product, or use a white background shot as your main shot and add more interesting backgrounds as your supplementary photos.</p>
<p>I’ve seen other crafters make great use of table tops, weathered door frames, painted walls, bricks, books, you name it. (<a href="/6-alternatives-to-white-backgrounds/">Read about 6 alternatives to white backgrounds here</a>.)</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1574" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood" width="701" height="538" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /></a></p>
<h1>6. Shoot close up or crop it</h1>
<p>Show off those tiny details, and don’t be afraid to leave some parts of your product out of the shot. You already know what my airplane looks like, so it’s okay to focus in its details for the remaining shots.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1575" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up" width="697" height="535" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px" /></a></p>
<p>Here’s another shot to show you the power of cropping. The wings and tail are cut off, but I bet you hardly noticed until I said something:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1584" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close" width="698" height="536" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px" /></a></p>
<h1>7. Don’t be afraid to experiment</h1>
<p>Try some weird and unusual shots. This goes back to the advice from earlier about shooting way more photos than you think you’ll need. As it turns out, I only ended up with ONE shot of the bottom of the plane, but if I were actually selling this product I’m sure a customer would want to see the bottom.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1580" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle" width="701" height="539" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /></a></p>
<h1>8. It’s okay to “fix it in post”</h1>
<p>Your job as a photographer is to minimize the amount of work you have to do in post (ie: don’t count on editing out complicated shadows), but you don’t have to avoid it entirely. Adjusting brightness/contrast is easy in Photoshop or any free in-browser editing tool. The punched-up result is usually worth the 5 seconds of effort:</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1579" style="width: 697px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1579" class="wp-image-1579" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast.jpg" alt="fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast" width="687" height="481" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast-300x210.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1579" class="wp-caption-text">Some photos benefit from brightness/contrast adjustments more than others.</p></div></p>
<h1>9. Include a human (or at least part of one)</h1>
<p>Boom! Now you know <em>exactly</em> how big this plane is.</p>
<p>I’ve seen quite a few Etsy shops featuring pretty items without ANY sense scale. Most people don’t like to read measurements and guess at the item’s size in real life- a picture can answer these questions in a single glance. This goes triple for jewelry!</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1576" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human" width="698" height="536" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px" /></a></p>
<h1>10. Closer is almost always better</h1>
<p>It’s tempting to shoot the product from the angle you normally see it from, but that will probably bore your viewers (see the first shot, below).</p>
<p>As I reviewed my Etsy photo shoot shots, I realized the far away ones I took were almost completely useless. Move in close and fill the frame with your product!</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1581" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close.jpg" alt="product_photography_tips_get_close" width="723" height="448" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close-300x186.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></a></p>
<h1>11. Showing it in use is a good idea</h1>
<p>This little metal plane is intended for use as a yard ornament, so after all those shots of it inside perhaps I ought to show it actually, y’know, <em>in my yard</em>:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1583" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_action_shot" width="422" height="562" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot.jpg 613w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px" /></a></p>
<h1>12. Choose a contrasting background / setting</h1>
<p>If you aren’t shooting against white posterboard or some similarly simple background, be careful to choose backgrounds that complement your product. You don’t want it getting lost or competing for the viewer’s attention. I shot a number of photos with the plane against my yard, mulch, and front shrubbery, and they all turned out useless – the plane just blends in. I’m glad I shot a variety, because the tree trunk shots (which I didn’t think would be anything special) totally stole the show.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1582" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background.jpg" alt="fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background" width="690" height="483" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background-300x210.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px" /></a></p>
<h1>13. Pursue on-the-spot ideas</h1>
<p>Don’t worry too much about planning your shots. Just start shooting and roll with what works. If you get a great idea for a shot mid-way, go ahead and pursue it.</p>
<p>I didn’t go into this photo shoot intending to put the plane into my husband’s hands, but when I saw him holding the plane for me between shots I was inspired! I loved the shot so much, I made it the header image for this post. If I were listing this item on Etsy, I’d definitely use it as one of the five photos.</p>
<h1>Bonus Tip: Have FUN with it!</h1>
<p>Just like how I draw better when I’m in a good mood, I shoot better photos when I’m in a good mood! It’s like magic.</p>
<p>It’s okay to make fun of your project a bit – shoot a few goofy shots and make yourself laugh, it’ll show through in everything else you shoot.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1585" style="width: 302px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1585" class="wp-image-1585" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun.jpg" alt="product_photography_tips_have_fun" width="292" height="224" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1585" class="wp-caption-text">Pro tip for having fun on a photo shoot: bring along a husband, lol.</p></div></p>
<h1>Related Reads</h1>
<ul>
<li><a href="/maximize-your-5-etsy-listing-photos/">Maximize Your 5 Etsy Listing Photos</a></li>
<li><a href="/product-photography-lighting-tips/">Product Photography Lighting Tips for Absolute Beginners</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-cameras-for-craft-and-food-photography/">Best Cameras for Craft & Food Photographers (and every budget)</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ultimate Craft Business Tips and Resource List</title>
<link>/ultimate-craft-business-tips-and-resource-list/</link>
<comments>/ultimate-craft-business-tips-and-resource-list/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2014 14:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business & Marketing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[craft blogging]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[craft business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy success]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[handmade marketplace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[marketing strategies]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[promotion]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[time management]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1532</guid>
<description><![CDATA[All you wanted was a little place to sell your crafts, but before you know it you’ve got a blog, a Facebook page, and a full-fledged small business to look after! Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. These 50+ resources and guides from the crafting community...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/ultimate-craft-business-tips-and-resource-list/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="color: #444444;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/50_best_craft_business_resources.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1594 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/50_best_craft_business_resources.jpg" alt="50+ Best Craft Business Tips and Resources from around the web. Collects the very best in marketing, social media, and time management tips that will help YOUR craft business succeed!" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/50_best_craft_business_resources.jpg 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/05/50_best_craft_business_resources-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p>
<p style="color: #444444;">All you wanted was a little place to sell your crafts, but before you know it you’ve got a blog, a Facebook page, and a full-fledged small business to look after!</p>
<p style="color: #444444;">Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.</p>
<p style="color: #444444;">These <strong>50+ resources and guides from the crafting communit</strong>y and <strong>small business promotion experts</strong> are the resources I turn to again and again for help with running my <em>own</em> craft business. How to manage your time, where and how to market, how much to spend on advertising, how to manage your inventory – it’s all here!<em> </em></p>
<p style="color: #444444;">Bookmark this list and refer back often as you build your own successful craft business. If you find it helpful, please share it with your crafty friends on social media!</p>
<p style="color: #444444;"><strong>Happy reading!</strong></p>
<h1 style="color: #444444;">Starting your Craft Business</h1>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1484065662/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1484065662&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Craft Business Power: 15 Days to a Profitable Online Craft Business</a> – hands down the best book for craft business owners (Amazon link)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.maggiewhitley.com/2012/11/handmade-business-in-31-days-series-recap/">Handmade Business in 31 Days</a> – All the bits and pieces that go into launching your very own craft business, broken down into bite-size chunks</li>
<li><a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/new-start-here/">Blacksburg Belle</a> – Utterly FANTASTIC website dedicated to helping crafters run small businesses</li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.createandthrive.com/10-things-you-must-do-to-have-a-successful-online-craft-business">10 Things you MUST Do to Have a Successful Online Craft Business</a></span></li>
<li><a href="/etsy-case-study-part-1-naming-and-opening-your-etsy-shop/">Naming and Opening Your Etsy Shop</a> – Our own guide to opening your Etsy shop the smart way</li>
<li><a href="http://www.imaginativebloom.com/2010/11/24/how-to-identify-your-ideal-customer-by-april/">Identifying Your Ideal Customer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.marketcollective.ca/5-key-areas-to-focus-your-time-on-when-starting-a-small-business/">Where to focus your time when starting a small business</a> – It’s easy to get overwhelmed; here’s a list of the 5 most important things to focus on.</li>
<li><a href="http://etsypreneur.com/five-important-attitudes-for-success-on-etsy/">5 Important Attitudes for Etsy Success</a> – How to combine your goals, vision, and attitude to achieve success</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yourcraftbusiness.com/Your-Craft-Business/pricing-handcrafted-work.html">Pricing Your Crafts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2012/12/think-twice-before-quitting-your-job-to-sell-homemade-jam/266295/">Think Twice Before Quitting Your Job to Sell Homemade Jam</a> – Keeping your expectations realistic can actually help your business thrive in the long run</li>
</ul>
<h2>Handmade Marketplaces</h2>
<p>Listing your crafts in multiple markets = more chances to get discovered! Just be sure to polish each storefront to a shine, no half-assing allowed.</p>
<ul style="color: #444444;">
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://www.aftcra.com/">Aftcra</a> – Prides itself on American-made handmade goods (no supplies or vintage items) and <strong>charges no listing fee!</strong></li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://www.artfire.com/">Artfire</a> – Vibrant craft community that offers a help number for sellers and <strong>free listings</strong></li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a> – The web’s best known handmade marketplace, but each listing costs 20 cents and recent listings are given search priority</li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://folksy.com/">Folksy</a> – A UK-run craft marketplace, pay per listing or subscribe with an annual fee</li>
</ul>
<h1>Marketing your Craft Business</h1>
<h2>Where to Market your Crafts</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://craftgawker.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CraftGawker</a> – User-submitted craft gallery</li>
<li><a href="http://www.isharecrafts.com/">iShareCrafts</a> – Another user-submitted craft gallery</li>
<li><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DeviantArt</a> – Free to join/post artist community, a great place to post photos of your projects</li>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> – Upload photos of your crafts, attach your shop or blog URL to your profile. Don’t #forget #the #hashtags.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Marketing Strategies</h2>
<ul>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://craft.tutsplus.com/articles/the-business-of-craft/how-to-get-your-product-on-the-front-page-of-etsy/">How to Get Your Product on the Front Page of Etsy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.craftypod.com/2010/02/08/how-to-ask-a-blogger-for-help">How to Ask a Blogger for Help</a> – Reaching out to other bloggers/crafters is a proven formula for success</li>
<li><strong><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://www.handmadeology.com/how-to-get-featured-in-thousands-of-etsy-treasuries/">Get Featured in Thousands of Etsy Treasuries</a></strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.seobook.com/archives/001792.shtml">101 Ways to Build Link Popularity</a> – Massive list of ways to promote your craft blog and business</li>
<li><a href="http://www.craftslaw.com/sales--marketing/ten-marketing-tips.html">Ten Marketing Tips</a></li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://crochetbusiness.com/the-2-hour-blogging-work-day-revealed/">The Two Hour Blogging Workday</a> – Fantastic walk-through of how much time to spend on promotion and social media for your business</li>
<li><a href="http://sketch-inc.blogspot.com/2013/08/etsy-tips-networking.html">Networking for your Etsy Business</a> – What social media sites to create accounts on + how to link ’em all together</li>
</ul>
<h1>Blogging for Crafters</h1>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lunarpages.com/id/Majoh">Lunarpages Web Hosting</a> – Simple WordPress installation and good customer support. I’ve used Lunarpages for over 8 years for multiple sites, including this one. Use promo code <strong>aff15off</strong> for a 15% discount on your hosting. <em>(Affiliate link)</em></li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogmarketingacademy.com/promote-blog/">10 Smartest Things You Can do to Promote Your Blog</a> – Don’t miss the “Rule of 100”</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/blog_design">Blog themes for sale on Etsy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://prettydarncute.com/premium-feminine-wordpress-themes-for-the-genesis-framework/">Pretty Darn Cute Designs</a> sells cute, crafting-appropriate WordPress themes for the Genesis framework (ie: you have to buy the Genesis framework separately to use these themes)</li>
<li><a href="http://crafterminds.com/2013/02/52-things-to-post-about-when-you-dont-know-what-to-post-about/">53 things to post about when you don’t know what to post about</a></li>
<li><a href="http://crafterminds.com/2011/04/10-most-overused-words-on-craft-blogs/">The 10 most overused words on craft blogs</a></li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/06/small-craft-business-tips-20-proven-types-of-blog-posts/">Small Craft Business Tips: 20 Proven Types of Blog Posts</a></li>
</ul>
<h1>Social Media</h1>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2010/09/9-creative-women-give-you-the-secrets-to-succeeding-with-social-media/">9 Creative Women Share Social Media Success Secrets</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jeffbullas.com/2014/04/11/10-tips-to-to-double-your-facebook-likes/">10 Tips to Double Your Facebook Likes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.indiemade.com/resource/social-media-share-photos-instagram-market-your-crafty-company">Marketing Your Crafty Company on Instagram</a></li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://craftytips.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/how-to-use-facebook-to-boost-your-craft-business/">Using Facebook to Boost Your Craft Business</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jeffbullas.com/2014/04/11/10-tips-to-to-double-your-facebook-likes/">Social Media Frequency Guide: Best times to post to social media</a> – Did you know the Eastern and Central time zones contain 80% of the U.S.’s population?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.jeffbullas.com/2012/08/06/5-tips-to-increase-your-visibility-on-flickr/">5 Tips to Increase Your Visibility on Flickr</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Pinterest</h2>
<ul style="color: #444444;">
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://blogs.constantcontact.com/product-blogs/social-media-marketing/pinterest-for-business/">25 Things that Make You Look Dumb on Pinterest</a></li>
<li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="http://craftytips.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/how-to-use-facebook-to-boost-your-craft-business/">5 Ways to Promote your Products on Pinterest</a></li>
</ul>
<h1>Legal Stuff: Sellers Permits, Business Licenses, etc</h1>
<p>This stuff varies by state, so try searching on Google for <strong>opening an online business in YourState/YourCountry</strong> to learn the specifics.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.craftslaw.com/">CraftsLaw</a> – a legal site for craft business owners</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stitchlabs.com/blog/make-taxes-easier/">Habits that Will Make Taxes Easier Next Year</a> – What to keep record of</li>
<li><a href="https://blog.etsy.com/en/2013/law-101-a-guide-to-setting-up-your-business/">Law 101: Guide to Setting Up Your Etsy Business</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/10539572/">Sellers Permits? Business License?</a> Etsy forum thread on the necessary business licenses</li>
</ul>
<h1>Motivation & Craft Business Management</h1>
<p>Feeling discouraged? Here’s some great pick-me-ups for you and your craft biz. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.createandthrive.com/the-3-ds-of-success">Three D’s of Success</a></li>
<li><a href="http://etsypreneur.com/the-hidden-danger-of-the-internet-opportunity/">The Hidden Danger of Excessive Opportunity</a> – How NOT to get overwhelmed and distracted</li>
<li><a href="http://www.launchgrowjoy.com/5-tips-to-market-your-etsy-store/">300+ Etsy Tips from Successful Sellers</a> – LaunchGrowJoy’s EPIC compendium of Etsy advice from sellers with thousands of sales</li>
<li><a href="http://www.servendesign.com/motivational-business-quotes/">111 Motivational Business Quotes </a></li>
</ul>
<h1>Humor</h1>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://craftfail.com/about/">CraftFail </a></li>
</ul>
<p>What great resources did we miss? Tell us about YOUR favorite guides and resources for running a craft business in the comments!</p>
<p><strong>PS:</strong> Did you like this post? <a href="/ultimate-product-photography-tips-list/">Check out our Ultimate Product Photography Tips List</a>. It’s the <strong>#1 most visited</strong> page on DIYCraftPhotography.com!</p>
<p><em>Some links in this article are Amazon Affiliate links. Read DIYCraftPhotography’s <a href="/affiliate-disclosure/">full disclosure here</a>.</em></p>
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<h2 class="amazin-featured-box-label">Related Reading</h2>
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<title>Etsy Listings: The Magic Number for More Traffic – Etsy Case Study: Part 4</title>
<link>/how-to-get-more-etsy-traffic-how-many-listings/</link>
<comments>/how-to-get-more-etsy-traffic-how-many-listings/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2014 08:00:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business & Marketing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy Case Study]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy Listings]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy Traffic]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1304</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Welcome to part 4 of DIYCraftPhotography’s ongoing Etsy shop case study! We’re building an Etsy shop and sharing all the details right here. Etsy Case Study Part 1: Naming & Opening Your Etsy Shop Part 2: Writing Searchable Etsy Listing Titles Part 3: How to use Etsy Tags Part 4: Increasing Etsy Search Traffic with More Listings (You are here!)...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/how-to-get-more-etsy-traffic-how-many-listings/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_4_how_to_get_more_etsy_traffic_listings.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1557 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_4_how_to_get_more_etsy_traffic_listings.png" alt="What's the magic number? Here's how to get more Etsy traffic by (smartly!) adding more listings to you shop. " width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_4_how_to_get_more_etsy_traffic_listings.png 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_4_how_to_get_more_etsy_traffic_listings-300x148.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>part 4</strong> of DIYCraftPhotography’s ongoing Etsy shop case study! We’re building an Etsy shop and sharing all the details right here.</p>
<p><strong>Etsy Case Study</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Part 1:</strong> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="/etsy-case-study-part-1-naming-and-opening-your-etsy-shop/">Naming & Opening Your Etsy Shop</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 2:</strong> <a style="font-weight: bold; color: #4e7684;" href="/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/">Writing Searchable Etsy Listing Titles</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 3:</strong> <a href="/how-to-use-etsy-tags-etsy-case-study-part-3/">How to use Etsy Tags</a><em> </em></li>
<li><strong>Part 4:</strong> Increasing Etsy Search Traffic with More Listings <em> (You are here!)</em></li>
<li><strong>Part 5:</strong> Marketing Your Etsy Shop Outside of Etsy <em> (Coming soon)</em></li>
</ul>
<p>The basics are covered: the shop has a name, good titles, and some smart tags, but it hasn’t gotten over that “hump” that a lot of Etsy stores struggle with: getting past a handful of sales. Sales come from traffic, of course, and the topic of how to get more Etsy traffic is complicated. This week, we’re going to look at the traffic effects of adding more listings to the shop.</p>
<h1>More Listings = More Traffic, More Sales, More Everything</h1>
<p>Let’s say you have one small, red ceramic bowl in your shop.</p>
<p>You’ll probably snag a few customers looking for handmade ceramic bowls, but you’ll miss out on all the customers looking for large bowls, black bowls, painted bowls, white bowls, fish-shaped bowls, and so on.</p>
<p><strong>More things in your shop = more chances of something from your shop showing up in search.</strong></p>
<h2>Do you really need 100 listings?</h2>
<p>Helpful members on the Etsy forums often suggest 100 items as a baseline, but I think that’s overkill for a lot of shops. If you’ve got a unique, specific product that doesn’t have a lot of competition (in my shop’s case, that’d be my plush bettas) you can get found for that one thing just fine. In more saturated markets, like jewelry, it seems like you really can’t have too many listings.</p>
<p>You should, however, aim to fill up your front page. That means <strong>posting a minimum of 20 items</strong>. If there’s a magic number to Etsy listings, it’s at least 20.</p>
<p>(But don’t feel like you need to stop at 20 – aiming for 50, 75, 100, can only help).</p>
<p>Having lots of stuff on offer makes your shop look like a well-maintained, happening place, and customers like that. No one wants to send $20, $50, $100+ into a sketchy-looking place.</p>
<h2>What won’t work</h2>
<p><strong>Don’t make the listings identical</strong>. You’re going to have to vary the tags, titles, descriptions, and photos of every listing you post. It won’t do you much good to have two small red ceramic bowls, but having a blue large ceramic bowl and a small red ceramic bowl = twice the chances to capture the bowl buyers.</p>
<p><strong>Don’t worry too much about timing, just get ’em up</strong>. I added my 20 new listings over the course of three days and I saw no difference in the time of day posted. If there’s some magical time to post a new thing, I didn’t find it.</p>
<h1><strong>Etsy Shop Before</strong></h1>
<p>Before its makeover, the case study Etsy shop looked like this. (I think a tumbleweed just bounced through.)</p>
<blockquote><p>“But I offer 400 fabric choices! If only people would find me…”</p></blockquote>
<p><div id="attachment_1312" style="width: 668px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weird_little_friends_etsy_shop_makeover.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1312" class=" wp-image-1312 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weird_little_friends_etsy_shop_makeover.jpg" alt="weird_little_friends_etsy_shop_makeover" width="658" height="559" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weird_little_friends_etsy_shop_makeover.jpg 1028w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weird_little_friends_etsy_shop_makeover-300x255.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weird_little_friends_etsy_shop_makeover-1024x870.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1312" class="wp-caption-text">(Those little round guys are known as grubs, and the bettas are, well, bettas. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> )</p></div></p>
<h2>My Etsy Shop Mistakes</h2>
<p>The shop was sparse for a few reasons, which I now realize were <em>big</em> <em>mistakes</em> in my original shop strategy:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>I thought customers would want to customize the product</strong>, so I showed it once and told them how to choose a custom fabric</li>
<li><strong>I only sell two plush designs</strong>, wouldn’t it be weird to list a ton of the “same” thing?</li>
<li><strong>I was cheap</strong> and didn’t want to spend $4 when I could spend 20 cents!</li>
</ol>
<p>My hundreds of fabric choices are packed with keywords: flowers, pirates, skulls, rainbows, hearts, you name it, <strong>but my items are generic</strong>. I wasn’t capturing <strong>any</strong> of those searches! People looking for a “pirate plush” wouldn’t land on my customizable grub and think “oh, I want this with pirate fabric”.</p>
<p>These were big Etsy mistakes that I didn’t realize I was making until I started <a href="/top-selling-etsy-shops-handmade-2014/">dissecting successful shops</a>.<strong> Successful Etsy shops list a TON of similar-looking things!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Are you selling a customizable product?</strong> You should list those variations <em>separately.</em></p>
<p>If your thing can be made with “rubies” or “diamonds”, make two listings. You’ll catch searchers looking for “rubies” with the first listing, and searchers looking for “diamonds” with the second.</p>
<p>It’s okay to mention that the item can be customized, but listing them separately will bring way more traffic for a much bigger variety of key words.</p>
<h1>Adding More Stuff to the Etsy Case Study Shop</h1>
<p>Before I could add 20 items to this shop, though, I had to do a few things:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Have 20 variations of a product on hand</strong> (fortunately, I already had plenty)</li>
<li><strong>Photograph those 20 variations from 5+ angles each</strong> (this took about 3 hours – <a href="/simple-white-background-product-photography-setup/">here’s the $5 setup I used</a>)</li>
<li><strong>Write listings for each of the new products </strong>(I copy/paste a template listing but I still write a unique opening blurb for each individual product)</li>
<li><strong>Post each product to Etsy </strong></li>
</ol>
<p>This took me several hours start to finish – it ate up the majority of a Saturday.</p>
<h1><strong>Etsy Shop After Adding More Listings</strong></h1>
<p>Here’s the shop after the 20 items were added. The product hasn’t changed – but there are so many more keywords in this shop now.</p>
<p>Now I’m going to get traffic for words like “pirate plush”, “strawberry plush”, “graffiti fabric”, and “pastel bubbles”.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1315" style="width: 668px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_appearance_after1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1315" class="wp-image-1315" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_appearance_after1.jpg" alt="How to get more Etsy traffic: fill that shop up! Here's our Etsy case study shop after its listings makeover." width="658" height="751" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_appearance_after1.jpg 1028w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_appearance_after1-262x300.jpg 262w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_appearance_after1-896x1024.jpg 896w" sizes="(max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1315" class="wp-caption-text">Much better!</p></div></p>
<p>Isn’t it pretty? This shop looks much more alive now, and customers can see all the lovely varieties of plush bugs available.</p>
<h1><strong>Showing up in Etsy Search: Quantity and Variety</strong></h1>
<p>So, did it work? Is there more search traffic now? Let’s take a look.</p>
<p>Here’s the shop’s search data from February 2014.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1306" style="width: 790px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_before.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1306" class="size-full wp-image-1306" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_before.png" alt="etsy_case_study_shop_stats_before" width="780" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_before.png 780w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_before-300x150.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1306" class="wp-caption-text">Etsy lets you look back at earlier data, so it’s easy to compare “before” and “after” and see if major changes are having the effect you hoped they would. Here, we see that almost all the keywords being used to find my shop are related to bettas, even though I offer more than just plush fish.</p></div></p>
<p>In February, 21 people came to my shop by searching for these key words. Most of my traffic comes from key words about bettas and fish. That’s good – since I do actually sell plush bettas.</p>
<p>But it’s not helping people find my grubs. Grubs are kind of weird. Most people don’t search for “plush grub”. However, people who see grubs in real life usually love them and I’ve sold them for years to friends and co-workers. Getting them to show up in search is trickier.</p>
<h2>Are your products weird or hard to describe?</h2>
<p>Try to find other ways to bring customers to your product by using more common phrases.</p>
<p>No one searches for “grub”, but they might search for “plush bee”.</p>
<p>By listing a big variety of grubs, I can now use words like “yellow” and “snowboard” – these words are relevant to my product, and to searchers. Imagine someone searching for a cute gift for a snowboard-loving girlfriend. A snowboarding-themed grub could be perfect! That’s the kind of buyer I need to reach.</p>
<p>For tips on writing listing names, see <a href="/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/">Part 2 of our Etsy Case Study</a>.</p>
<h1>Results: How’d It Do?</h1>
<p>Here’s my favorite part of the Etsy case study: <strong>finding out what works!</strong></p>
<p>Here’s a snapshot of the shop’s stats 3 weeks after adding the 20 new listings.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1307" style="width: 790px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_after1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1307" class="wp-image-1307 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_after1.png" alt="etsy_case_study_shop_stats_after" width="780" height="390" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_after1.png 780w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_case_study_shop_stats_after1-300x150.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1307" class="wp-caption-text">Big difference: 2 pages of keywords, and much more variety within those keywords!</p></div></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Big improvement. Now I have a full 2 pages of search terms, and much more variety in those terms (ie: it’s not all plush fish anymore).</p>
<p>I waited another 2 weeks and checked my Etsy stats again:</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1549" style="width: 784px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_search_terms_keywords_study_part4_more_etsy_traffic.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1549" class="wp-image-1549 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_search_terms_keywords_study_part4_more_etsy_traffic.jpg" alt="How to get more Etsy traffic: vary your titles and tags so you capture a wider variety of searches." width="774" height="371" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_search_terms_keywords_study_part4_more_etsy_traffic.jpg 774w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_search_terms_keywords_study_part4_more_etsy_traffic-300x143.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1549" class="wp-caption-text">5 pages of search terms?! I’ll take ’em!</p></div></p>
<p>It should be pretty plain by now: more listings = more ways for shoppers to find you.</p>
<h2>Effect on Sales</h2>
<p>Alas, I didn’t make any sales in this time. More traffic is always welcome, but it’s definitely frustrating to be a new seller not selling any products. I’ll explore more ways to promote the shop and how to experiment with pricing to make sales in future posts (and I’ll share an update when sales do start picking up).</p>
<h2>Tags are Important</h2>
<p>You might notice that “kawaii plush” is my second most traffic-pulling keyword. I only thought of this tag recently – just two weeks ago – and it’s already my #2 keyword. Tagging matters so much. <a href="/how-to-use-etsy-tags-etsy-case-study-part-3/">Check out the tagging portion of this Etsy case study for more help with tags</a>.</p>
<h1>Increase in Etsy Feed Activity</h1>
<p>Another interesting thing that happened: people started adding my items to their favorites! It was slow at first: a couple favorites right after posting new listings, but then it started to snowball. By the end of this 5-week traffic experiment (as this post goes live), I’m now getting one or two new favorites <strong>a day</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_shop_case_study_feed.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1313" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_shop_case_study_feed.png" alt="etsy_shop_case_study_feed" width="702" height="828" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_shop_case_study_feed.png 702w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/etsy_shop_case_study_feed-254x300.png 254w" sizes="(max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Next Up: Shop Promotion</h1>
<p>Obviously, this shop is still in its infancy (but that’s why the case study is so exciting! You guys get to learn this stuff along with me :). But it’s getting real search traffic, favorites, and interest from real people on Etsy.</p>
<p>In the next part of this case study, I’ll explore a few of the most common ways to promote your Etsy shop <strong>outside of Etsy</strong> and I’ll share the results right here. Stay tuned.</p>
<p><em>PS: I realize that talking about the shop here on DIYCraft may be drawing traffic, too. That’s why the tagging and listing experiments were done before these posts went live. If you like my plushies or just want to see how I’ve set up my shop, please feel free to visit all you like. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </em></p>
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<title>How to Use Etsy Tags: 13 chances to woo a buyer – Etsy Case Study: Part 3</title>
<link>/how-to-use-etsy-tags-etsy-case-study-part-3/</link>
<comments>/how-to-use-etsy-tags-etsy-case-study-part-3/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2014 09:10:41 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business & Marketing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy Case Study]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[etsy tags]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[how to use etsy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[tutorial]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1504</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Welcome to Part 3 of our Etsy case study, where we build an Etsy shop and share all the details right here! DIYCraftPhotography’s Etsy Case Study Part 1: Naming & Opening Your Etsy Shop Part 2: Writing Searchable Etsy Listing Titles Part 3: How to use Etsy Tags (You are here!) Part 4: Increasing Etsy Search Traffic with More Listings Part...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/how-to-use-etsy-tags-etsy-case-study-part-3/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_case_study_part3_using_etsy_tags.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1520 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_case_study_part3_using_etsy_tags.jpg" alt="How to use Etsy tags to attract targeted buyers to your shop - Etsy Case Study Part 3" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_case_study_part3_using_etsy_tags.jpg 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_case_study_part3_using_etsy_tags-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p>
<p>Welcome to Part 3 of our Etsy case study, where we build an Etsy shop and share all the details right here!</p>
<p><strong>DIYCraftPhotography’s Etsy Case Study</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Part 1:</strong> <a href="/etsy-case-study-part-1-naming-and-opening-your-etsy-shop/">Naming & Opening Your Etsy Shop</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 2:</strong> <a href="/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/">Writing Searchable Etsy Listing Titles</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 3:</strong> How to use Etsy Tags<em> (You are here!)</em></li>
<li><strong>Part 4:</strong> <a href="/how-to-get-more-etsy-traffic-how-many-listings/">Increasing Etsy Search Traffic with More Listings</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 5:</strong> Marketing Your Etsy Shop Outside of Etsy <em> (Coming soon)</em></li>
</ul>
<p>Last week we showed you <a href="/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/">how to write effective, search friendly Etsy listing titles</a>. This week, we’re going to <strong>decode the secrets of Etsy tags</strong>.</p>
<p>Knowing how to use Etsy tags is an easy and effective way to bring more visitors and buyers to your Etsy shop, so we’re going to dissect tags and write some of our own.</p>
<h1>What are Etsy tags?</h1>
<p>Tags are words you write and attach to each of your Etsy listings. You get 13 Etsy tags total.</p>
<h1>How can Etsy tags help me get more sales?</h1>
<p><strong>Tags determine which search results YOUR STUFF appears in.</strong></p>
<p>If you only gave your items a couple generic tags, you probably aren’t showing up in a lot of searches. If you’re wondering why you aren’t getting much traffic from Etsy’s on-site search engine, poor tagging might be to blame.</p>
<p>When I was first setting up my shop, I just slapped in a couple one-word tags in my mad scramble to get the listing live so the sales could start rolling in. (Spoiler: the sales didn’t roll in.) Once I revamped my tags, I went from getting maybe one or two favorites a week to getting a few <strong>a day</strong>.</p>
<h2>The Magic of “Targeted Traffic”</h2>
<p>Which is better?</p>
<p><strong>A)</strong> 1,000 visitors but no one’s interested in what you’re selling</p>
<p><strong>B)</strong> 2 visitors and they both want what you’re selling</p>
<p>Of course it’s <strong>B</strong>! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Visitors who want what you are selling are “targeted” shoppers, and well-written Etsy tags bring them to your shop. The next section will teach you how to write Etsy tags that bring in targeted traffic.</p>
<h1>How should I write my Etsy tags?</h1>
<h2>Rule 1: Be Specific</h2>
<p>The more specific your tags are, the more likely your visitors are ready to make a purchase. Someone searching for “earrings” could have anything in mind; someone searching for “silver hoop earring” is much closer to making a purchase (as soon as they find the right item).</p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">The more words a searcher is using, the better they understand what they are looking for. </span></p>
<p>Consider the differences:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>rolling pin</strong> vs. <strong>embossed rolling pin</strong></li>
<li><strong>hat</strong> vs. <strong>Firefly Jayne hat</strong></li>
<li><strong>embroidery font</strong> vs. <strong>cute embroidery font</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The person who searched for “Firefly Jayne hat” practically has his/her wallet out!</p>
<p>YOUR tags should be like the latter. Use multiple words.</p>
<p>Vague terms are for shoppers who don’t know what they want yet. These people are just browsing. That’s fine, but you want the ones who are ready to buy.</p>
<h2>Rule 2: Use 2-3 word tags (long tail keywords)</h2>
<p>Remember also that you are just one seller in a sea of millions. If you tag your item “earrings”, well, I’ve got sad news for you – so did a million other people! You’ll never land on the first page for a search query like “earrings”.</p>
<p>No, you’re much better off tagging it as a “silver hoop earring”. There’s a good chance you can make it to page 1 for such a specific phrase – and you can dominate it, showing up for every single person who types that search string. (In SEO, this is often referred to as using <em>long-tail keywords</em>.)</p>
<p>Another example: everyone’s selling “car decals”, but you’re selling “zombie family car decals”. If everyone’s selling “pink scarves”, that’s okay, because you’ve got a “Crocheted Pinkie Pie infinity scarf”. You get the idea!</p>
<h2>Rule 3: Think Like a Shopper</h2>
<p>“Think like a shopper” means:</p>
<ul>
<li>Call it what your customers would call it</li>
<li>Use common terms</li>
<li>Use synonyms</li>
</ul>
<p>It might be really tempting to name all of your items cleverly. Naming your bracelets “Rosa”, “Emily”, “Olivia”, etc is cute, but it doesn’t work on Etsy. Not in tags or titles, anyway. (As a creator of “named” plushies, this was a painful lesson I learned the hard way.)</p>
<p>Buyers don’t know your naming scheme, they just know a general description of what they want. Buyers will type “long pearl necklace”, so meet your buyers where they are and use their language.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Rule 4: Use Etsy’s search preview</h2>
<p>See that Etsy search bar? It’s full of clues as to which search queries are <em>actually</em> being used by customers.</p>
<p>It’s almost Easter, so let’s look for an “Easter dress”. I type “Easter dress” into search but Ety’s all like, wait up a minute! Did you mean<em> toddler, baby girl, pattern, for girls, 3t, infant, for women…? </em> This is tag-writing <strong>gold! </strong></p>
<p>I now include as many “tested” tags as I can for every item I list. These are terms shoppers are using – you should use them, too.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_search_example_how_to_find_ideas_for_etsy_tags.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1508" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_search_example_how_to_find_ideas_for_etsy_tags.jpg" alt="etsy_search_example_how_to_find_ideas_for_etsy_tags" width="425" height="370" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_search_example_how_to_find_ideas_for_etsy_tags.jpg 425w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_search_example_how_to_find_ideas_for_etsy_tags-300x261.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px" /></a></p>
<h2>Rule 5: Use synonyms (and find a helper)</h2>
<p>After years of thinking of my plushies as “grubs”, I was surprised when a friend held one for the first time and exclaimed, “It’s a flea!”.</p>
<p>My husband thinks they look like whales with extra feet.</p>
<p>My mom thinks they’re just weird.</p>
<p>The point of this story: <strong>ask someone else to describe your item! </strong></p>
<p>Find someone who doesn’t know your business very well, drop the thing into their hands, and ask them to describe it. I guarantee they’ll come up with descriptive phrases you’ve <em>never</em> thought of.</p>
<p>If you’re running out of tag ideas, start using synonyms. Gold and brass are similar in color; many shoppers don’t know the difference between crotchet and knit; ceramics and pottery are the same thing, whales and narwhals have a lot in common, etc.</p>
<h2>Rule 6: Use all the tags</h2>
<p>This one’s a no-brainer, but since every tag is an opportunity to show up in search you really want to use all of them. Resort to synonyms if you need to.</p>
<h2>Rule 7: Vary your tags</h2>
<p>Don’t use the same tags for everything. Focus your tags on what is unique about each of your listings. If your shop is using just 20 unique tags total, you’re far less likely to show up in searches than if you are using 200 unique tags total.</p>
<p>Tags can be confusing to Etsy newcomers because they seem to repeat what’s already in the title and description (especially if <a href="/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/">you wrote an attention-grabbing listing title</a>).</p>
<h1>Let’s practice tagging!</h1>
<p>Okay, with all this in mind, let’s invent some hypothetical Etsy listing items and tag ’em.</p>
<p><strong>Example 1:</strong> You’ve made a Doctor Who “Tardis” cross stitch pattern and you’re ready to sell it on Etsy. (Can you guess what I’ve been looking for on Etsy lately? :D)</p>
<p>Good tags for your new pattern would include:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Doctor Who</strong></li>
<li><strong>cross stitch pattern</strong></li>
<li><strong>Tardis</strong></li>
<li><strong>Tardis cross stitch pattern</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Doctor</strong> <— Even if your pattern features just the famous blue box, your product is likely to appeal to people searching for other terms related to the show</li>
<li><strong>Whovian</strong> <— If your product is part of a fandom, feel free to tag it as such!</li>
<li><strong>embroidery pattern</strong> <— Use any and all synonyms that might apply</li>
<li><strong>Whovian embroidery </strong><— Again, it’s okay to repeat key terms</li>
<li><strong>Doctor Who pattern</strong></li>
<li><strong>geeky cross stitch</strong></li>
<li><strong>easy cross stitch <</strong>— Think of your product from an entirely new angle. How about difficulty level?</li>
<li><strong>Your name <— </strong>Use your own real life name or shop name as a tag, whichever is at the core of your branding</li>
<li><strong>Your shop name</strong> <— Use your own real life name or shop name as a tag, whichever is at the core of your branding</li>
</ol>
<p>See how much we are recycling some terms? That’s okay. Re-using the most relevant terms helps make your item even more relevant for those tags, and captures variations in searches around that word.</p>
<p><em>Psst: For some real Doctor Who cross stitch patterns, visit <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GeekyStitches?ref=l2-shopheader-name">GeekyStitches’s Etsy shop</a> – I had so much fun browsing her shop while researching this part of the Etsy case study!</em></p>
<p><strong>Example 2:</strong> Let’s sell a finished product this time: a simple ceramic bowl. How much can you really say about a ceramic bowl?</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Bowl</strong></li>
<li><strong>Home decor </strong></li>
<li><strong>Handmade pottery <—</strong> What else is it?</li>
<li><strong>Ceramic bowl <— </strong>“Pottery” and “Ceramic” are two different words that mean largely the same thing to searchers</li>
<li><strong>Glazed bowl</strong></li>
<li><strong>Pasta bowl <— </strong>Think “what would this thing be used for?”</li>
<li><strong>Fruit bowl <strong><— </strong></strong>What else might this thing be used for?</li>
<li><strong>Wheel thrown pottery</strong></li>
<li><strong>Red bowl</strong></li>
<li><strong>Food bowl</strong></li>
<li><strong>Large serving bowl</strong></li>
<li><strong>Shallow bowl</strong> <— Describe its properties!</li>
<li><strong>Your name</strong> <— Using your own name ties your items together and helps people who know you by name find your products</li>
<li><strong>Your shop name <—</strong> Reinforce your branding by using your shop name as a tag</li>
</ol>
<p>Turns out, you <em>can</em> say a lot about a simple bowl! Tags should reference materials, creation processes, purpose of item, uses for item, and physical description. Try to cover your item from multiple angles.</p>
<p><em>Psst: For some really special handmade bowls, check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AderoWillard?ref=l2-shopheader-name">AderoWillard’s shop on Etsy</a>, who I also discovered while researching this article!</em></p>
<p><strong>PS: Don’t misuse tags.</strong> There’s no sense tagging your chevron pillowcase “Super Bowl 2014” . You might show up in more searches, but your people searching for “super bowl 2014” won’t be interested in your pillowcase and Etsy frowns upon tag abuse.</p>
<h1>Tagging the Etsy Case Study listings</h1>
<p>Time for me to put this new knowledge to use in the Etsy case study shop. I didn’t always do a great job of tagging my own Etsy items.</p>
<p>Here’s my “before”:</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1510" style="width: 674px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_tags_before.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1510" class="wp-image-1510 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_tags_before.jpg" alt="How to use Etsy tags. My "before" tags left much to be desired." width="664" height="98" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_tags_before.jpg 664w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/04/etsy_tags_before-300x44.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1510" class="wp-caption-text">My Etsy tags “before”: I wasn’t using all the tags available to me, and I could have been capturing a wider variety of search terms.</p></div></p>
<p>And here’s my enlightened “after”:</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1514" style="width: 659px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/plush_bug_etsy_tag_example1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1514" class="wp-image-1514 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/plush_bug_etsy_tag_example1.jpg" alt="How to use Etsy tags: use all the tags, use a variety of descriptive words, write multi word tags." width="649" height="150" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/plush_bug_etsy_tag_example1.jpg 649w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/04/plush_bug_etsy_tag_example1-300x69.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1514" class="wp-caption-text">My Etsy tags “after”: More synonyms, longer tags, and greater word variety. Oh, and I actually used all 13 available tags!</p></div></p>
<p>Much better.</p>
<h1>Even MORE help with Etsy tags</h1>
<p><strong>Another tag tip:</strong> Spy on your fellow crafters!</p>
<p>No, not <em>steal</em> – just take a look at how similar items are tagged from shops that are succeeding on Etsy.</p>
<p>I sell plush bugs, so I searched for “Plush Bug” and clicked an item at random. Scroll to the bottom of the listing page to see the tags:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tags_felted_ladybug.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1511" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tags_felted_ladybug.jpg" alt="tags_felted_ladybug" width="948" height="159" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tags_felted_ladybug.jpg 948w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tags_felted_ladybug-300x50.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px" /></a></p>
<p>Jackpot!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Did you notice the “Easter gift” and “Easter basket” tags?</strong> This shop owner is probably changing some of their tags to match seasonal demands. Smart!</li>
<li><strong>“Felt toy” and “wool toy”</strong> are good examples of smart synonym use</li>
<li><strong>“Ladybug theme”</strong> is interesting because the item is literally a felt ladybug, but someone interested in ladybugs as a larger theme might not know they want a plush, just a ladybug… of some kind.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Psst: The cute <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183109434/ladybug-felted-toy-natural-toy-for?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=plush+bug&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">felted ladybug featured in this example is from BossysFeltworks’s shop</a>.</em></p>
<p><strong>More tag tips</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Read what <a href="https://blog.etsy.com/en/2011/make-your-shop-more-relevant/">the Etsy blog has to say about tags</a></li>
<li>Take a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/search/?search_query=relevancy&sort=relevancy&search_type=teams&ref=teams_search">look at the “relevancy” teams on Etsy</a>. (Yes, there are Etsy teams dedicated to helping your products get seen!)</li>
</ul>
<h1>Go forth and tag your Etsy items!</h1>
<p>You’ll have to practice a bit before you can just bang out tags like a boss. Go ahead and re-tag one of your listings with all of this in mind:</p>
<ol>
<li>Be specific</li>
<li>Write two- and three-word tags</li>
<li>Think like a shopper</li>
<li>Test the usage of search phrases in Etsy’s search bar</li>
<li>Use synonyms</li>
<li>Use all the tags</li>
<li>Use different tags for each item you list</li>
</ol>
<p>Remember, you can edit a listing’s tags without re-incurring the listing fee.</p>
<p>Re-tag your items and then <a href="/how-to-get-more-etsy-traffic-how-many-listings/">check out Part 4 </a>for tips on driving more traffic to your Etsy shop. And if you read this far, thank you! I hope you found this exhaustive guide to tags helpful. If you spot an error or have an even better tagging idea, please leave a comment and say hello. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
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<title>Get Discovered with Search Friendly Etsy Listing Titles – Etsy Case Study: Part 2</title>
<link>/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/</link>
<comments>/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:30:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business & Marketing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Etsy]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1324</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Welcome to part 2 of DIYCraftPhotography’s ongoing Etsy shop case study! We’re building an Etsy shop and sharing all the details right here! Today we’re going to look at writing search friendly Etsy listing titles so your products can grab traffic from Google and Etsy searchers. We’ll look at successful Etsy shops, deconstruct the way they...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/how-to-write-search-friendly-etsy-listing-titles/">Read More</a></p>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_21.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1346" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_21.png" alt="Etsy Case Study, Part 2: Get discovered with search friendly Etsy listing titles. Everything you need to know to write great, searchable Etsy listing names for your handmade goodies!" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_21.png 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_case_study_part_21-300x148.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a>Welcome to<strong> part 2</strong> of DIYCraftPhotography’s ongoing Etsy shop case study! We’re building an Etsy shop and sharing all the details right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Today we’re going to look at writing search friendly Etsy listing titles so your products can grab traffic from Google and Etsy searchers. We’ll look at successful Etsy shops, deconstruct the way they write listing titles, and break it down into a formula for your own products. This technique is great, especially for new shops. It gets your items showing up in search and in front of buyers – exactly what you need to start making sales.</p>
<p><strong>DIYCraftPhotography’s Etsy Case Study</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Part 1:</strong> <a href="/etsy-case-study-part-1-naming-and-opening-your-etsy-shop/">Naming & Opening Your Etsy Shop</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 2:</strong> Writing Searchable Etsy Listing Titles (You are here!)</li>
<li><strong>Part 3:</strong> <a href="/how-to-use-etsy-tags-etsy-case-study-part-3/">Tagging your Etsy Listings</a><em> </em></li>
<li><strong>Part 4:</strong> <a href="/how-to-get-more-etsy-traffic-how-many-listings/">Increasing Etsy Search Traffic with More Listings</a></li>
<li><strong>Part 5:</strong> Marketing Your Etsy Shop Outside of Etsy <em> (Coming late May)</em></li>
</ul>
<p>If you caught our first post in this series, <a href="/etsy-case-study-part-1-naming-and-opening-your-etsy-shop/">Part 1: Naming & Opening Your Etsy Shop</a>, then you’re probably thinking about listing your very first Etsy item!</p>
<p>This is where things get interesting.</p>
<p>The vast majority of Etsy shops never make it past the initial “hump” of getting beyond a handful of sales. <strong>The good news:</strong> there is a 99% probability that your slow sales are <strong>not because</strong> there’s something wrong with your product. There’s someone for everything. (Seriously.) The challenge is in <strong>connecting</strong> with that someone (or someones) and <strong>marketing to them.</strong> That’s the bad news. Reaching customers is <em>tough</em>.</p>
<p>Behind every successful shop is a long story of hard work and perseverance. Sure, some shops get lucky – and sometimes lightning strikes in the middle of a sunny day. That’s okay, we’re going to build ourselves a lightning rod!</p>
<p>Today in our Etsy Case Study we’re going to talk about <strong>writing search-friendly Etsy listing titles.</strong></p>
<h1>Meet the Etsy Case Study Shop</h1>
<p>Before we go any further, I’d like to show you the shop I used for this case study (yes, it’s a real shop!). I used my own Etsy shop, a shop I started in 2009 to sell plushies. It has 19 sales (over the course of 5 years) and virtually no traffic (people visiting). No sales yet this year, and maybe 2 last year. <strong>This shop is basically dead. </strong>(I’ve been a bad shop mom. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f641.png" alt="🙁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> )</p>
<p>But that just meant it was starting with the same problems that most shop owners have – no traffic! No sales!</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Note: </strong>It’s not a “secret shop” or anything like that, and all the traffic studies featured below were conducted before I exposed the shop on DIYCraftPhotography (and subsequent tidal wave of traffic). The shop is named <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/WeirdLittleFriends">Weird Little Friends</a>. You can visit the shop and say hi. My plush love visitors. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p></blockquote>
<p>At the start of this case study (back in February), the shop <strong>had just two items</strong> and <strong>the names aren’t very good. </strong>The names aren’t <em>findable</em>. The products themselves are great, but standing out on Etsy requires a bit of linguistic wizardry when it comes to writing titles. Here’s how to write a great Etsy listing title designed to grab search traffic.</p>
<h1>What’s in a Listing Name?</h1>
<p><div id="attachment_1350" style="width: 802px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_item_title_make_every_word_count.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1350" class="size-full wp-image-1350" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_item_title_make_every_word_count.jpg" alt="etsy_item_title_make_every_word_count" width="792" height="144" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_item_title_make_every_word_count.jpg 792w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/etsy_item_title_make_every_word_count-300x54.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1350" class="wp-caption-text">Use all 140 characters to maximize your chance to show up in searches</p></div></p>
<p>Suppose you’re selling a plush fish on Etsy. You might be tempted to name it “plush fish” and be done with it.</p>
<p>(This is what I did for years.)</p>
<p><strong>There’s a better way to name your Etsy items. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Do these 2 things when you write your listing title:<br />
</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Use all 140 characters allowed</li>
<li>Pack it full of relevant terms</li>
</ol>
<p>Think of all the words and phrases that describe your item. Starting with the three most relevant words, work your way from left to right. A rough Etsy title “formula” looks like:</p>
<blockquote><p>Most Accurate Terms, Alternative Description Terms, Materials, Size, Who Its For, Color, Generic Description</p></blockquote>
<p>This naming technique will get your item showing up in LOADS MORE searches.</p>
<h2>Here’s a real world example:</h2>
<p>This little guy used to be a <strong>“Plush Betta Fish”</strong>.</p>
<p>Now he’s a <strong>“Plush betta fish, stuffed fish toy, kawaii fish, koi plush, flannel plush with safety eyes, personalized toy, blue, green, geometric fabric”.</strong></p>
<p><div id="attachment_1349" style="width: 554px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/retro_rings_betta_front.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1349" class=" wp-image-1349 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/retro_rings_betta_front.jpg" alt="retro_rings_betta_front" width="544" height="351" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/retro_rings_betta_front.jpg 680w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/retro_rings_betta_front-300x193.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1349" class="wp-caption-text">It’s not just a “plush fish”, it’s a “Plush betta fish, stuffed fish toy, kawaii fish, koi plush, flannel plush with safety eyes, personalized toy, blue, green, geometric fabric”</p></div></p>
<p>Whoa! That’s kinda long and convoluted! Yes, yes it is.</p>
<p><em>But it works.</em></p>
<p>Not convinced? I resisted, too. But once I did it, I went from 0 views a day to a couple a day plus some favorites and treasury additions. Whuatt?! I didn’t change the item or the photos, just the freakin’ <strong>name!</strong></p>
<p>Then I realized… all the best shops are doing it.</p>
<h2><strong>Successful Etsy Shops & Their Search Friendly Listing Titles</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThreeBirdNest?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Three Bird Nest</a> has over 77,000 sales.</p>
<p>Pick any item at random out of this shop and you’ll find a name like “<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176718358/crystal-beaded-headpiece-bohemian-chain?ref=shop_home_active_11">Crystal Beaded Headpiece, Bohemian Chain Headband, Adjustable Headpiece with Crystal Beading and Lobster Clasp in Teal (HB-188)</a>“.</p>
<p>That’s a long name, isn’t it? But look at all those phrases someone might search for: “crystal beaded”, “bohemian”, “adjustable”, “lobster clasp”, “teal”.</p>
<p>The search friendly Etsy listing title gets customers in the door, the incredible photo keeps them hanging around.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/crystal_headpiece_threebirdnest.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1353" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/crystal_headpiece_threebirdnest.jpg" alt="crystal_headpiece_threebirdnest" width="611" height="354" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/crystal_headpiece_threebirdnest.jpg 1018w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/crystal_headpiece_threebirdnest-300x173.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlesaplingtoys?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Little Sapling Toys</a> has over 22,000 sales.</p>
<p>How much can you say about a wooden teether? A lot, actually! Talk about materials and use generic terms like “toy” even though it’s technically a “teether”.</p>
<p>A typical listing has a name like: “<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61888016/baby-toy-california-state-wooden-teether?ref=shop_home_active_2">Baby Toy California State wooden teether personalized wooden toy</a>“. So cute, and so much more likely to show up in search than “teether” alone.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/california_teether_little_sapling_toys.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1354" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/california_teether_little_sapling_toys.jpg" alt="california_teether_little_sapling_toys" width="611" height="354" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/california_teether_little_sapling_toys.jpg 1018w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/california_teether_little_sapling_toys-300x173.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteMagickAlchemy?ref=l2-shopheader-name">White Magick Alchemy</a> knows it’s not just a candle, it’s a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126164756/dragons-blood-2x3-pillar-candle-pure?ref=shop_home_feat_3">Dragons Blood . 2×3 Pillar Candle . Pure Golden Seal Resins, High Magick, Protection, Luck, Love, Money, Clearing, Banishing</a>.</p>
<p>The long name gets the item showing up in search, and spellbinding photography (love the props) lures customers in to explore the shop.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/white_magick_alchemy_candle_dragon.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1355" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/white_magick_alchemy_candle_dragon.jpg" alt="white_magick_alchemy_candle_dragon" width="611" height="354" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/white_magick_alchemy_candle_dragon.jpg 1018w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/white_magick_alchemy_candle_dragon-300x173.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/janinekingdesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Janine King Designs</a> doesn’t call it a camera bag, she calls it a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182566371/set-mini-chevron-camera-bag-and-dslr?ref=shop_home_active_23">SET Mini Chevron Camera Bag and Dslr Camera Strap, Small Dslr Camera Bag Slr and Camera Neck Strap, chevron brown red blue (MTO)</a>.</p>
<p>Searchers looking for “DSLR camera strap”, “camera neck strap”, “chevron brown” will all have a good chance of finding this cute camera bag.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/set_mini_chevron_camera_bag_janine_king_designs.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1356" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/set_mini_chevron_camera_bag_janine_king_designs.jpg" alt="set_mini_chevron_camera_bag_janine_king_designs" width="611" height="354" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/set_mini_chevron_camera_bag_janine_king_designs.jpg 1018w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/set_mini_chevron_camera_bag_janine_king_designs-300x173.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></a></p>
<p>Getting the hang of it? Good! The next section will show you how to write your own search-friendly Etsy listing title.</p>
<h1>Writing Search Friendly Etsy Listing Titles</h1>
<p>I’ll admit it, I cringed when I learned this was <em>the way</em> to name Etsy items. I like minimalist names.</p>
<p>Love it or hate it, though, Etsy’s search algorithm gives preference to terms found in the title, so your title needs to be full of the best, most relevant terms you can think of.</p>
<h2>Finding Words for your Etsy Listing Title</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Make a list of single and multi-word phrases</strong> that describe your item</li>
<li><strong>List design characteristics:</strong> natural wood, aluminum, organic cotton, goth, futuristic</li>
<li><strong>Target an audience:</strong> who is it for? Baby, gift, vegan, husband</li>
<li><strong>Include special features:</strong> adjustable, personalized, non allergenic</li>
</ol>
<p>Still wracking your brain? Here’s a few more ways to find words for your Etsy listing title:</p>
<p><strong>Try searching on Etsy for some of your keywords:</strong></p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/search_keyword_necklace.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1326" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/search_keyword_necklace.jpg" alt="search_keyword_necklace" width="432" height="471" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/search_keyword_necklace.jpg 432w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/search_keyword_necklace-275x300.jpg 275w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Show it to a friend and ask them to describe it!</strong> I thought my “grubs” were simply “plush grubs”, but in the hands of a friend they’re “fleas” and “bugs” and “it’s almost like a fat little whale!”.</p>
<p><strong>The first three words are the most important three. </strong>Whichever words you use first in your title should be your best, most relevant words.</p>
<p>To use my example from above, “plush fish” becomes so much more: “Plush betta fish, stuffed fish toy, kawaii fish, koi plush, flannel plush with safety eyes, personalized toy, blue, green, geometric fabric”</p>
<p>The best way to get good at this is to keep practicing. It’s free to edit your existing listings, so go ahead and edit a few of yours with longer SEO-friendly names.</p>
<h1>Case Study Shop: Listing Title Improvements</h1>
<p>Here’s another example from our case study shop.</p>
<p>The other item was “Big Grub (Custom)”. This name had a nice brevity to it, but it wasn’t helping the item show up in search. Who searches for “grubs” anyway? Unless you’ve met met and are familiar with my brand and product, you probably don’t think to type “grubs” into Etsy, even if you would actually like my product if you saw it in real life.</p>
<p>The new name is “Grub Plush Toy, Kawaii Bug Plush, Stuffed Flea, Safety Eyes, Customized Plush, Cute Plush, Soft Toy, Snuggle Flannel, Colorful”.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_1359" style="width: 621px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blush_plush_grub_listing1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1359" class=" wp-image-1359" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blush_plush_grub_listing1.jpg" alt="blush_plush_grub_listing" width="611" height="341" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blush_plush_grub_listing1.jpg 1018w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blush_plush_grub_listing1-300x167.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1359" class="wp-caption-text">“After” the listing update: this item has loads of good keywords in the title now.</p></div></p>
<p>How’d it work out? Pretty darn good. Between this change and the change we’ll talk about next week (adding more listings), my shop went from 0-1 views a day to what looks like an average of 4 or 5 a day with some days coming in over 10!</p>
<p>Check out this pretty graph:</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/march_2014_search_results_improved.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1491" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/march_2014_search_results_improved.png" alt="march_2014_search_results_improved" width="774" height="356" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/march_2014_search_results_improved.png 774w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/march_2014_search_results_improved-300x137.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px" /></a></p>
<h1>One more thing to try</h1>
<p>Here’s a well-kept secret on Etsy: the Etsy ad keywords tool. Access the free tool here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search-ads/keywords">https://www.etsy.com/search-ads/keywords</a></p>
<p>In the Etsy keyword tool you can compare the cost to list an ad targeting various keywords. This gives you a sense of what words are considered valuable in Etsy’s eyes. In my case, I found that “insect plush” doesn’t even rank (few people are searching for it, if any) but an ad targeting “plush narwhal” is $5.00 per 1,000 impressions! My grubs are kind of narwhal-ish and might appeal to someone who likes narwhals. Rather than describing my item as an insect, perhaps I should pretend it’s a hornless narwhal. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Browsing the keyword tool is just another way to find terms related to your item.</p>
<h1>Etsy Item Title Do’s and Don’ts</h1>
<p>Quick tips for writing your search friendly Etsy listing titles:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Do</strong> put the most relevant words first</li>
<li><strong>Do</strong> use as close to 140 characters as you can</li>
<li><strong>Do</strong> consult a thesaurus/friend/search engine if you need help describing your item</li>
<li><strong>Do</strong> use similar words – “silver” and “grey”, “ocean” and “lake”, etc</li>
<li><strong>Do</strong> speak the language of your customer – if you insist it’s not retro, but 9 out of 10 friends think it’s retro, it’s probably retro</li>
<li><strong>Do</strong> use commas to separate search terms</li>
<li><strong>Do</strong> mention materials, color, size</li>
<li><strong>Don’t</strong> put completely irrelevant words into your title (that’s called “keyword stuffing” and it is frowned upon by Google and Etsy)</li>
<li><strong>Don’t</strong> use hearts, periods, squigglies, or other non-letter / non-comma characters</li>
<li><strong>Don’t</strong> use trademarked words</li>
</ul>
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