How to Market off Etsy without Being a Spammer
23. Mar, 2012 
11 Comments
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I received a lot of concerned commentators in my previous Handmadeology post regarding marketing your Etsy shop off of Etsy. I suggested joining online groups and forums where your potential customers might be hanging out as a means of reaching them. The concern is, of course, we have all been a part of that one group or forum where the annoying spammer joins and start his or her very first thread with a pitch to get members to buy his or her products. When I suggested you to market to these outside-Etsy groups, this is NOT what I was suggesting you do.
Rather than beginning with a sales pitch, begin as a new member and gradually make yourself part of the conversation and community. Instead of starting new threads right away, be a helpful responder and participant in the already existing discussions. Read what is going on BEFORE commenting, and make it obvious that you have ACTUALLY READ any questions that might have been asked before offering your helpful solutions.
Most forums or online groups allow your to place your shop link in your signature, or your name can link to your shop. This means, every time you make a comment or suggestion, your link will be there for people to click if they are curious. The more interesting and/or helpful your comments are, the more likely people are going to click on those links. Generally, you will never have to openly state that you are a seller, trying to make money by selling your stuff. People will figure it out eventually, but only after you have gained their trust by befriending them first.
Making online friends is a great way to expand your network and gain more customers and followers. The best way to achieve your maximum network is to befriend FIRST, market SECOND. Just like with Pinterest, you don’t want to be only posting your own listings. Take the time to comment on blogs other than you own. Share valuable information on forums (maybe a how-to tip, or a “wear I bought this” suggestion.) If you take the time to care about the other members of these groups, they will generally take the time to care about you (and what you sell) in return.
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Amen to that! Thanks for putting good information like this out there, hopefully the guilty parties will read this and think twice.
Just an FYI, “Megan’s Creative Blog” link to the right is going to a blog that is not active.
Gah! How lame am I? I fixed the link for feature posts, but ALL THIS TIME the link has been wrong. lol here is the correct link: http://megansbeadeddesigns.wordpress.com
Thanks for pointing out my major fail!
You make a great point here, thanks for all your helpful posts!
Very helpful! Thanks!
Very good points. I think it is important to find forums that are communities in which you can become a contributing member of in order to be successful with this strategy.
Another reason to: Be as you wish to seem. – Socrates
Very good point! Noted!
Yes! Please!
I never read spammy posts or click, but I DO click on those who seem interesting & helpful 
Thanks for clarifying.
What a great reminder! I know I’ve felt tempted to spam when my views/ sells are low, but being friendly is so much better than being spammy!
thanks for this! i’ve become a member of several groups (on facebook and etsy) and most seem to be all about “like me and i’ll like you back”. which is nice, but it becomes all about numbers; no relationships are made – or sales!
the most annoying are the ones who blatantly post on your fb page, with no greeting or comments on your work, just (again) “like me/us at…”