10 Websites To Help Promote Your Etsy Shop.

After writing the previous entry, I figured it’d be nice to share a list of websites that are helpful in marketing your online business (Etsy) or website (blog). Obviously, Facebook, Twitter, & Linkedin

1. Pinterest – a newly addictive social network, this website allows you to post pics/links of your merchandise onto a “pinboard” for your followers to see. Your “pins” can also be viewed (& repinned) by others who do not follow you. PLUS, Etsy recently added a “pin” button to product posts! So, there’s really no excuse not to use it.

2. Tumblr – one of the most popular social blogging sites, all you have to do is upload pics of your products and make sure you add very specific tags to the posts for people to be able to find your stuff easily by searching. According to the twins, who sell one or more items in their Etsy shop a day, Tumblr has been VERY beneficial. *TIP* The more people you follow, the more followers you will get to view your posts!

3. StumbleUpon – such a hypnotic website! You basically revise your website search to get specific blogs/articles that YOU want to read based upon categories or “channels”. There is also a way to submit your website so that it comes up on StumbleUpon and readers will be able to review you it by giving a thumbs up or down. I’ve literally sat in front of my computer “stumbling” for hours at a time because it’s so entertaining!

4. Google + – although not as popular as I wish it was, I have to give Google kudos for trying to become the next Facebook (as I despise FB most of the time). Google + is basically Facebook in that you can share photos and links with the world. It seems to be picking up too so hopefully, one of these days, it’ll become more widely used. Still, it’s a good resource and shouldn’t be ignored.

5. delicious – a place to help you find cool stuff & share it, including your Etsy shop or website. I’ve seen this as a sharing option on many blogs as well so I know people are definitely using it! I use it to create lists of helpful links.

6. Digg – also a place for people to discover and share content found on the web. I’ve seen this pop up on numerous “share” links on blogs. The more you share your content, the more people will see it! Why not? Can’t hurt to try it out!

7. Livejournal – yes, it still exists & it’s more social than ever! Although this is set up in journal/blog format for users to write entries, that doesn’t mean you have to start a blog. I actually use this for the “communities” option. There are several Etsy communities where you can promote your shop & I’m willing to bet there are blog & website marketing communities as well. I love the people on LJ too. Everyone seems to be super friendly. *HIGHLY RECOMMEND!*

8. Etsy on reddit – seems to have a pretty large community of other Etsy shop owners. The group actually talks about everything from how to sell, what to sell, search inquiries, awesome treasuries, etc. This would definitely be a place to meet & network with other like-minded artists.

9. Etsy Lush – all you have to do on this site is submit items from your shop to pretty much get free exposure to the masses. They also have a “paid” option where if you pay for the space they will feature you on the front page for a month. Haven’t had time to play with this site too much, but it’s definitely on my to-do list!

10. Etsy Stalk – “when online stalking is a good!” is their motto & I LOVE it! Very well-put together blog site where they feature an individual’s work. You do have to apply for this, but I believe it’s well worth it! I’ve only followed their galleries & it seems that the artists the do feature get more views instantly. Can’t wait to try it out actually!