<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>DIY Craft Photography</title> <atom:link href="/tag/publicizing/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>Product photography for handmade goods</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:53:29 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5</generator> <image> <url>/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-DIYC-site-icon-32x32.png</url> <title>DIY Craft Photography</title> <link></link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>10 Questions Your Etsy Photos and Descriptions Must Answer</title> <link>/10-questions-your-etsy-photos-and-descriptions-must-answer/</link> <comments>/10-questions-your-etsy-photos-and-descriptions-must-answer/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jan 2014 05:20:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Etsy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[checklists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[etsy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pinterest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[publicizing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=898</guid> <description><![CDATA[When a shopper views your products on Etsy, Pinterest, or your own craft blog, they don’t have the luxury of picking up your products, trying them on, feeling them, or asking you questions about them. Your photos and descriptions are doing the heavy lifting here! If your product photos and descriptions leave something to be desired, customers...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/10-questions-your-etsy-photos-and-descriptions-must-answer/">Read More</a></p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10_questions_your_photos_descriptions_should_answer1.png"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1288" alt="10 Questions your Etsy Photos & Descriptions should answer. Includes *real life* examples from successful shops!" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10_questions_your_photos_descriptions_should_answer1.png" width="441" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10_questions_your_photos_descriptions_should_answer1.png 441w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/10_questions_your_photos_descriptions_should_answer1-300x247.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;">When a shopper views your products on <strong>Etsy, Pinterest, or your own craft blog, </strong>they don’t have the luxury of picking up your products, trying them on, feeling them, or asking you questions about them.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Your photos and descriptions are doing the heavy lifting here!</strong></p> <p>If your product photos and descriptions leave something to be desired, customers are going to hit the “Back” button and may never return. Here are <strong>10 questions</strong> your Etsy photos and descriptions <em>must</em> answer to <strong>get customers clicking “ADD TO CART” instead of “Back”!</strong></p> <h2>1. Why is it special?</h2> <p><strong>Your photos and your description must tell a “story” about your product!</strong></p> <p>It doesn’t have to be a<em> long</em> story, just enough to <strong>illustrate your product’s place in a potential customer’s life.</strong></p> <p>When was the last time you saw a popular soda advertised by listing its ingredients? You’ve probably never seen that, because marketing is almost always about selling an aspiration or a feeling. If you’re using your product description text to describe the photo, you’ve missed an <strong>huge</strong> opportunity to touch the heart of a potential customer.</p> <p>Don’t describe your toy as a <em>“Pink bug”</em> when you can instead write: <em>“Wy is good at make-believe and keeping secrets, and he’s always up for a pretend tea party.”</em></p> <div id="attachment_906" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/questions_photos_and_descriptions_must_answer_tell_a_story.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-906" class="size-full wp-image-906 " alt="etsy advice tell a story in the description" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/questions_photos_and_descriptions_must_answer_tell_a_story.jpg" width="500" height="605" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/questions_photos_and_descriptions_must_answer_tell_a_story.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/questions_photos_and_descriptions_must_answer_tell_a_story-247x300.jpg 247w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-906" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/33252171/betta-plush-male-custom?">Betta plushie</a> is by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeirdLittleFriends?ref=l2-shopheader-name">WeirdLittleFriends on Etsy</a>.</p></div> <h2>2. Why is it better than others like it?</h2> <p>Chances are, you aren’t the only one making an item like yours. <strong>Here’s your chance to distinguish your product!</strong></p> <p>Demonstrate and explain your product’s competitive advantage. What makes yours better than others like it? Don’t bash others, just elevate yours by demonstrating its quality and unique features.</p> <p>Use your photos and descriptions to explain <strong>how your product will make your customer’s life easier</strong>, <strong>more convenient</strong>, or <strong>just more fun</strong>. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeStreetDecor?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Home Street Decor</a> gets it right with this listing for a chevron pillow cover. The item’s description points out a shortcoming in similar products (an “envelope” style back) and plays up Home Street Decor’s hidden zipper.</p> <div id="attachment_905" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_street_decor_pillow_covers_competitive_advantage.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-905" class="size-full wp-image-905 " alt="etsy advice show off your competitive advantage" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_street_decor_pillow_covers_competitive_advantage.jpg" width="500" height="1082" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_street_decor_pillow_covers_competitive_advantage.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_street_decor_pillow_covers_competitive_advantage-138x300.jpg 138w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_street_decor_pillow_covers_competitive_advantage-473x1024.jpg 473w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-905" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159589669/decorative-pillow-throw-throw-pillow?ref=br_feed_12&br_feed_tlp=home-garden">Chevron pillow covers</a> are by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeStreetDecor?ref=l2-shopheader-name">HomeStreetDecor on Etsy</a>.</p></div> <h2>3. How much does it cost?</h2> <p>Etsy makes cost a given, but if you’re blogging or pinning your crafts (and you should be for maximum exposure), it’s easy to overlook the price.</p> <p>Don’t be shy – <strong>if you’ve done your pricing homework, your product’s price shouldn’t be a detriment to shoppers. </strong></p> <div id="attachment_921" style="width: 442px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_price.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-921" class="size-full wp-image-921" alt="etsy_price" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_price.jpg" width="432" height="106" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_price.jpg 432w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_price-300x73.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-921" class="wp-caption-text">Etsy makes displaying a price easy, but if you’re blogging or pinning, either include your price there or direct buyers to your shop.</p></div> <h2>4. How big is it?</h2> <p>It’s tough to judge the size of things shown in isolation. At least one of your photos should <strong>provide a sense of scale</strong> by<strong> </strong>posing your item with a human, pet, or familiar object.</p> <p>If it’s an art print, show it on a wall. If it’s jewelry, put it on or hold it up to your ears! Customers unsure of size may be hesitant to make a purchase – or unhappy once they receive the item. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MARIAELA?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Mariaela’s Etsy shop</a> gets this one right. She includes a beautiful close-up shot and <strong>at least one on-model shot</strong> for every item she sells.</p> <div id="attachment_915" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mariela_copper_earrings.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-915" class="size-full wp-image-915 " alt="Mariaela Etsy shop copper earrings" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mariela_copper_earrings.jpg" width="500" height="733" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mariela_copper_earrings.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mariela_copper_earrings-204x300.jpg 204w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-915" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119963027/gift-for-her-copper-earrings-wonderful?ref=related-0">Copper earrings</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MARIAELA?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Mariaela</a></p></div> <h2>5. How many are included?</h2> <p>For many products, the quantity is obvious (and it’s often “one”). But for others – such as greeting cards and craft supplies – you should make it clear how many your buyer will get.</p> <div id="attachment_922" style="width: 544px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/description_quantity.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-922" class="size-full wp-image-922" alt="etsy include quantity in description" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/description_quantity.jpg" width="534" height="72" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/description_quantity.jpg 534w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/description_quantity-300x40.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-922" class="wp-caption-text">Make sure your description includes a quantity, especially if it’s not immediately obvious.</p></div> <h2>6. How does it fit?</h2> <p><strong></strong>Essential for any kind handmade item that’s intended for wear.<strong> Show your item on a human model or a mannequin</strong> to give prospective buyers a good understanding of the item’s fit, length, and style. <strong>Include measurements in the description</strong>, even for small items like jewelry.</p> <h2><strong>7. How do I use it?</strong></h2> <p><strong>Always include at least one “action shot”</strong>, especially if your product is meant for use with another product. For example, if your product is an iPad stand, show your product holding up an iPad. If your craft is a recipe, show it as part of a complete meal or style it on beautiful dishware.</p> <p>Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dognamedbanjo">Dog Named Banjo</a> does an excellent job of demonstrating the usefulness of their flagship product, the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61020143/podpillow-for-iphoneipod?ref=shop_home_active_41">PodPillow</a>.</p> <div id="attachment_904" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dognamedbanjo_podpillow1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-904" class="size-full wp-image-904 " alt="dog named banjo pillow etsy advice show product in use" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dognamedbanjo_podpillow1.jpg" width="500" height="500" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dognamedbanjo_podpillow1.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dognamedbanjo_podpillow1-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dognamedbanjo_podpillow1-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-904" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/58241975/podpillow-for-iphoneipod?ref=shop_home_active_25">Adorable PodPillows</a> are an original creation from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dognamedbanjo">DogNamedBanjo on Etsy</a>.</p></div> <h2>8. What options are available?</h2> <p><strong>Got lots of color options? Show ’em off!</strong> If feasible, include a chart of all the options. One of my favorite Etsy shops, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/6060?ref=l2-shopheader-name">6060</a>, provides an excellent chart that pairs color options with names:</p> <div id="attachment_911" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/6060eyes_helps_customers_choose_options.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-911" class="size-full wp-image-911 " alt="6060eyes etsy advice show options with labels" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/6060eyes_helps_customers_choose_options.jpg" width="500" height="406" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/6060eyes_helps_customers_choose_options.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/6060eyes_helps_customers_choose_options-300x243.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-911" class="wp-caption-text">Hand-painted safety eyes by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/6060">6060</a></p></div> <p> </p> <p>If it’s a bespoke item, tell customers what parts of it can be customized.</p> <h2>9. What is it made of?</h2> <p>Include at least one close-up shot to <strong>show off your item’s materials.</strong> In the description, <strong>list every ingredient or component</strong>, including stains, dyes, fabrics, stuffing material, zippers, and fabrics.</p> <p>Many shoppers buying handmade are looking for natural products. If your item caters to people with a particular preference, show it off!</p> <ul> <li>Organic?</li> <li>Low VOC?</li> <li>Hypoallergenic metal?</li> <li>Gluten-free?<strong> </strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>These are selling points! </strong>This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61288615/gluten-free-playdough-100-natural-mama?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=gluten+free&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all">100% natural modeling clay</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaKs?ref=l2-shopheader-name">MamaKs</a> is made with gluten free flour, essential oils, and no synthetics or artificial dyes. It’s organic play dough!</p> <div id="attachment_916" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mama_ks_play_clay_gluten_free.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-916" class="size-full wp-image-916 " alt="etsy advice include materials" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mama_ks_play_clay_gluten_free.jpg" width="500" height="835" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mama_ks_play_clay_gluten_free.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mama_ks_play_clay_gluten_free-179x300.jpg 179w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-916" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61288615/gluten-free-playdough-100-natural-mama?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=gluten+free&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all">Natural ingredient modeling clay</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaKs?ref=l2-shopheader-name">MamaKs on Etsy</a></p></div> <h2>10. Is it pre-made, custom order, or a pattern?</h2> <p>It’s easy for customers to confuse the three, so make it very clear whether your item is <strong>already made, or made to order, or a pattern. </strong></p> <p>Customers looking at a photo might expect to get that exact item, so make it clear when that’s not the case. If you’re selling a bespoke item or a pattern, that’s a selling point!</p> <div id="attachment_920" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/betta_fish_beezeeart_pattern1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-920" class="size-full wp-image-920 " alt="beezee art betta pattern etsy advice for selling patterns" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/betta_fish_beezeeart_pattern1.jpg" width="500" height="630" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/betta_fish_beezeeart_pattern1.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/betta_fish_beezeeart_pattern1-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-920" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155749375/betta-fish-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_12">Betta sewing pattern</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeeZeeArt?ref=l2-shopheader-name">BeeZeeArt on Etsy</a></p></div> <h1>Putting it All Together</h1> <p>If you answer these 10 questions in your photos and descriptions, your craft business will be well on its way to success! It’s a lot of work – but it’s worth it!</p> <p>Before we go, let’s look at one shop that pulls it all together. This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/armstreet?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Armstreet</a> listing for a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/armstreet?ref=l2-shopheader-name">suede corset</a> nails it – and the shop’s sales count suggests this is a very successful shop.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Beautiful and clear photos</strong></li> <li><strong>Storytelling in the description</strong></li> <li><strong>Size options</strong></li> <li><strong>Material options</strong></li> <li><strong>Shows the item “in use”</strong> (imagine if they laid the corset on a table and took a photo of it by itself)</li> <li><strong>Link to the full set</strong> for shoppers wanting the entire outfit</li> </ul> <div id="attachment_912" style="width: 490px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_listing_done_right.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-912" class=" wp-image-912" alt="etsy advice a perfect listing" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_listing_done_right.jpg" width="480" height="740" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_listing_done_right.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_listing_done_right-194x300.jpg 194w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/etsy_listing_done_right-664x1024.jpg 664w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-912" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109269708/medieval-renaissance-custom-flax-linen?ref=shop_home_active_65">Suede corset</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/armstreet?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Armstreet</a></p></div> <p style="text-align: left;">Remember, you can always go back and edit your Etsy listings without being charged $.20 again.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">If you enjoyed this article, please pin it or share it with friends!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/10-questions-your-etsy-photos-and-descriptions-must-answer/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss> <!-- Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. 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