The Number One Thing You HAVE to Do For Etsy Success…But You Probably Won’t
05. Sep, 2012 
35 Comments
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The Number One Thing You HAVE to Do For Etsy Success…But You Probably Won’t.
I’m not going to lie – most people who read this aren’t really going to like what it says. Because it’s scary. And hard. And there are no list-making, working-longer-hours, hone-your-craft shortcuts around it. But it still stands, and it’s the one thing you have to do that you probably haven’t done yet, but it’s more important than any other thing you’ve done so far.
You ready? Here it is…
Stay with me! Ask for what you say?
Ask for whatever it is you want.
If you want a client to make a purchase, ASK FOR THE SALE.
If you want to sponsor a giveaway, ASK TO SPONSOR A GIVEAWAY.
If you want someone to sponsor a giveaway for you, ASK FOR A SPONSOR.
If you need help with something, ASK FOR HELP.
If you want to do a guest post on your favorite blog, ASK TO DO A GUEST POST.
^^ I can testify that this one works, all it took was a smile and a blog comment. XD
I love this principle because it’s so simple and direct. But I also, eh, don’t love it because of its simplicity and directness, because it means that there’s no way around it except through. And frustratingly, in this case simple does not = easy. If anything, it means that the task ahead is really, really hard. Why?
Because it requires putting yourself into a vulnerable place, where you’re not hiding your intentions, you’re going directly for what you want and you have to trust that the other person is going to respond favorably. It’s hard because you are vulnerable to direct rejection.
Take heart though – the people who you are going to be reaching out to are, well, [kumbaya-moment alert] just like you. Seriously. If they are successful, I guarantee that they were once where you are right now, so they of all people will appreciate and know exactly what you’re doing, and they’ll want to help you. Plus, if you approach them with a smile and a great attitude, ready to give your best to them and make their lives better, why would they say no? The answer: they won’t! [/kumbaya moment]
So, call-to-action time:
Why have you not asked? Are you ready to ask?
If your answer is “no”, too bad. You should ask any way!
Start by asking people you know, even if it’s as simple as asking what they think of your idea. Ask the shop owners and bloggers you admire; you already know they know lots of stuff, pick those brains and benefit from their experience. Heck, ask me and Tim! Take that step – you’ll be happily surprised at what happens!
Until next time J
Hi, I’m Diana. I’m an actor by trade, a blogger by hobby, and an Etsy seller by necessity. I’m also really bad at writing in the third person. I started my blog, This Disorganized Life, in Aug 2010 to chronicle my forays into learning to be domestic. My Etsy shop [of the same name] is a recent development, and came as a result of my mania for making lists, and trying new things. New items are being added to both 
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Good point! My dad always told us, “Don’t ask, don’t get!” and he did have a point.
And, after all, the worst that can happen, is that someone will say “No”…
Children are far less inhibited about asking for what they want. Pity us adults are so shy…
Too true, Lizzie! I wonder at what point that starts to kick in… weird to think that we grow out of trusting and expecting positive results XD
Etsy does seem to be a bit more difficult than it would appear, but I agree that asking for help is always a pretty good option especially when things are a bit more difficult than they would appear.
Agreed, Debra. I’m still learning how to put this bit of advice into practice more readily, but I’ve quickly learned that asking almost always produces a positive result, especially when I’m doing everything I can to pay it forward, even before receiving anything from anyone.
Good Morning and hello Diana,
I’m asking you to come on over to my shop http://www.ClayLickCreekPottery.etsy.com and purchase a unique hand made piece of pottery for yourself or one of friends in your circle. My pottery is hand thrown, functional, fun and colorful. They’re not for everyone, but my pottery works of art make wonderful gifts sure to please.
If you have any questions to ask about my work, please do, Karen
Clever lady, Karen! Already leaping into action! I’ll for sure check out your shop, so far my favorites in there are the cupcakes and that Majolica bowl, SO beautiful. Looks like your shop is doing well, I’ll be sure to follow you!
I use this theory all the time – and espouse it constantly – but in more of a ‘backward’ way.
I always say “You don’t get, what you don’t ask for”
Because – as you have said – all you have to do is ask. So often the answer is YES!
I’ve never thought of it like that, but the longer I let it sit on my brain, the better I like it! I’ll probably start using that phrase, hope you don’t mind me stealing your brilliance
I would agree, but in my experience it doesn’t seem that people actually have a problem with this. Mostly, possibly entirely, because we’re on the internet, and people still feel safer behind user names, even when it is their store’s name.
I also don’t think it is all that simple, because there are ways to ask for something that can come off as spam. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your going to come off as genuine or as spam. Perhaps that is just a way of rationalizing the fear of asking, but I have certainly seen people come off as spam.
I agree that asking on the internet is MUCH easier for us “shy people” than in person. it takes a lot more courage for me to approach a gallery/boutique to see if they are interested in selling some of my items.
Both of your points are solid, I guess it comes down to just making sure that I know I’m sincere in my actions, both online and off-line, and even though the internet is and can be [blissfully] anonymous, most of the shop owners and bloggers that I want to do business with are intelligent, well-intentioned people, who, like me, can usually spot spam and spammers for who and what they are. Huzzah for having brains, right?
So, so, so true! I have so much anxiety when it comes to asking for something….which is weird, because I love when people ask me for stuff (a favor, a gift or my opinion, etc…)
I have an Etsy & have only shared it w/ a few people for the fear of failure.
I am currently exploring starting a small business as a vendor attending girls sporting events. The thought of getting people feedback on my ideas makes me sick (again, it’s the failure thing)….
But I am working on that & this article has helped to push me to do more asking! Thanks!
Just visited your Etsy shop and it’s lovely! I have no idea why you’re not bragging about it to all the people you meet. In all honesty, I do understand, because we’re all afraid of failing, of not being good enough. I have the same fears. But, we have to put ourselves out there, because if we don’t, the failure is guaranteed. You can’t succeed if you don’t try, right?
Good luck!
xo Hanna (by the way, I adore your clutches)
So true, Hanna! I’ve heard a quote that says something to the effect of, your chances of winning go up dramatically when you “throw your hat in the ring.” I try to apply the “throw your hat in the ring” philosophy as much as possible, and it’s sometimes comforting when I’m feeling insecure about what I’m doing… “oh well, at least my hat is in there and I tried, however feebly, which is a big step up from not trying at all.” Huzzah for positivity
For the record, I second the clutch comment.
For sure Colette! I’ve been blogging for a while [still more or less new to Etsy though] and I still struggle with putting myself out there, more often than I care to admit, even to myself. Fear of failure can be really hard to overcome, but based on what I’ve seen from your shop and comment, it seems like your heart is in the right place, and you really care about what you’re doing. What more can you ask from anyone? More power to you, we’re all pulling for your success!
Hi Diana and Tim!
First things first, I just want to say how much I admire Handmadeology and this blog. I’ve gotten tons of great advice and good ideas from you and I’m always looking forward to new content.
I want my new blog and Etsy relaunch to be a wild success. I need it to be. And you are so spot on, I do have to ask, I have to put myself out there and find the people who will resonate with my ideas and therefor become my readers and customers.
So, if you would like to express yourself through style and love to get crafty, then stop by my blog at http://www.pearlsandscissors.com. You’re all very welcome!
xo Hanna
Hey Hanna! Thanks for your kind words. Your blog looks great… good luck with the launch!
OoOoOo spiffy blog, Hanna! I’m loving it already! Subscribe and follow? I think yes!
Don’t we all know this works? But fear keeps me from asking. I will be more assertive and start asking. Great post, thanks for the reminder…..Judy
I totally agree with you and love this post. Thank you so much!!
And don’t forget to ASK….
~ Join the HANDMADE revolution ~
Sounds good to me (although like you say it’s not easy), but how do we ask for the sale in Etsy listings? Should we say “please buy this” or something? Give directions to the “add to cart” button even though it’s obvious where it is? I know it’s not spam if it’s just there in the listing, but how do you word it so it’s a good middle ground between weak and annoying?
That’s a great question, Laura! This is one skill that I’m still perfecting, but the rule of thumb that I’ve heard is to approach it as an invitation. If you love the product you’re selling [as you should] then use wording that you’d use to recommend a great product to a friend. You probably wouldn’t say, “Add this to your cart,” you’re more likely say something in the vein of, “This will simplify/match perfectly/happy-fy your life, get one and see!”
People can sense your intentions, even online, so if your intent is to give them something that will improve their life and bring joy to them the way it has to you, they’ll feel that and when they buy [and they will] their lives WILL be enriched. Wow this was a long comment! XD
Agree with everyone……..
I add another layer, which is… Be Careful What You Ask For (because, you’ll probably get it!)
I am pretty forward. Passed the assertive stage, and hovering on aggressive sometimes.
And, I say what I’m thinking, so it’s funny what I do get! Most interesting was while eating at a pizza restaurant locally, I was wanting vinyl checked tablecloths for something I was doing soon…….so I asked the server for theirs. Whoosh. I was gifted with all their red/white checked cloths, as they were bringing out black/white ones the next day!
This example helps me to remember to ASK. Never hurts! Although people who are with me usually cringe!
Haha, that is AWESOME! Man, whenever we go somewhere, I want to be in your group. Cuz we’ll be the ones getting the VIP treatment!
I actually find it harder to “ask” for a sale online because there is no personal contact. That being said, I am going to ask to reach 100 Etsy sales by the end of the month. Thanks for the inspiration!
Good for you, Angela! Be sure to follow up and tell us how you do, I’d love to hear about your success!
I concur, Angela!
I’m going to reach out and ask, “Who will be my 50th sale by the end of the month?”
Visit http://www.SerantoniDesigns.etsy.com
xoxox
Mary Serantoni
OoOoOo I’m TOTALLY loving on your pics, Mary! Holiday spree, here I come!
Well I have been asking myself the question from the beginning if I am doing something wrong. So I am asking for some honest opinion what might be wrong with my shop. I welcome all criticism so that I can better my processes and make the whole expereince worth it.
http://fapapersmithery.etsy.com
Yes, that’s true! You can get a lot by asking. But one thing I’m wondering about is: you say “ask for sales”. Now, I don’t mind asking for a lot of things….but sales? How in the world do you do that? Walk up to someone’s blog and say “Hey, that’s a really cute pillow, but it’d be adorable if you bought some of my handmade buttons to accent it!”?
Heavens! I couldn’t do that…..could I? Can you expound on what you mean by ‘ask’? Where and how do we ask about things like that? I’ve tried to build my business this year, and though I seem to get more traffic than I used to, I have gotten zero sales. Everybody says my photography is good….what am I missing? If anybody has ANY suggestions, I’m more than happy to hear them. I’m trying to do a research project and need the funds, but they’re not coming in whatsoever. I sponsored a giveaway not long ago, but it didn’t get me any customers! *sigh* I’m whining! 
Dolly
DollyMadison.etsy.com
DollyMadisonDesigns.wordpress.com
So true, and something I am generally sooooo bad at doing. My husband is constantly tells me that it never hurts to ask, but I still get nervous asking, especially if I think I am going to inconvenience people. I finally got around to asking two people if I could interview them for my blog (something I have been wanting to do forever, but have put off) and they both eagerly said yes. Glad I finally took the plunge! Thanks for the post.
Thank you for this reminder. You are so right. This is my process:
“I want to ask. What if they say no, I will be rejected. What if they say yes, I may fail. Damn it! So what! Do it anyway!” And so I ask. It may take me a while but I ask.
Helen
http://watchesbyhelen.etsy.com
http://helenslightreadings.etsy.com
GREAT advice, as always Tim! I am asking for Facebook likes…www.Facebook.com/ThankfulRose. I currently have 175 likes…can’t wait to see how many I gain
Thanks again!!
Thank you for sharing this – words to live by, in or outside of Etsy! Being vulnerable is SO hard for most of us! I was not brought up to ask for what I wanted, and am often surprised by children and others who do. I definitely need a shift in attitude in this. So, would it be ok if I print out the two images (on asking) at the top to put up next to my computer? I opened my shop on 9/3/12 (www.capeladyphotography.etsy.com), and need the inspiration (and courage) to move forward with it.
I just found your blog and am looking forward to reading more!